Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari might have become the latest victim of a ransomware attack. As per a Reuters report, internal documents belonging to the brand had been posted online.

The carmaker refuted that this was a ransomware attack, adding that there was no evidence of it or of a breach of the company's system.&nbsp;

However, Ferrari said that it was working to identify how the documents were made public and that appropriate actions would be taken as needed, adding that there has been no disruption to its business and operations.

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Ferrari says no evidence of system breach

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Earlier on Monday, Corriere della Sera newspaper, citing the Italian website&nbsp;the Red Hot Cyber, reported that the luxury carmaker had been a &nbsp;victim of a cyber attack.&nbsp;

As per Red Hot Cyber, ransomware gang,&nbsp;RansomEXX, on its Tor leak site claimed that it has breached Ferrari stealing 6.99 GB of data, which not only included internal documents but also datasheets and repair manuals etc.&nbsp;As of yet the source of these documents remains unclear.&nbsp;

In the recent past, ransomware attacks have grown exponentially. From big brands like Ferrari to public service organisations like UK's National Health Service, many have fallen prey to these attacks. Ransomware attacks use malware to block access to data or threaten to publish sensitive data unless the victim pays a substantial ransom.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ransomware-attack-hits-uk-nhss-software-experts-fear-theft-of-sensitive-patient-data-506036">Ransomware attack hits UK NHS's software, experts fear theft of sensitive patient data</a>

As per Security Affairs and Hack Notice, in December of last year, another ransomware attack indirectly targeted Ferrari. The attack by Everest ransomware allegedly hacked Speroni Spa's systems. The company is part of the supply chain of multiple car makers including Ferrari. Reportedly, 850 GB of the company's data, including customer and employee data, technical data, financial documents, bank statements, and "other very important documents" were put up for sale after the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari might have become the latest victim of a ransomware attack. As per a Reuters report, internal documents belonging to the brand had been posted online.

Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari might have become the latest victim of a ransomware attack. As per a Reuters report, internal documents belonging to the brand had been posted online. The carmaker refuted that this was a ransomware attack, adding that there was no evidence of it or of a breach of the company's system. However, Ferrari said that it was working to identify how the documents were made public and that appropriate actions would be taken as needed, adding that there has been no disruption to its business and operations. Watch | World Business Watch: Ferrari says no evidence of system breach Earlier on Monday, Corriere della Sera newspaper, citing the Italian website the Red Hot Cyber, reported that the luxury carmaker had been a victim of a cyber attack. As per Red Hot Cyber, ransomware gang, RansomEXX, on its Tor leak site claimed that it has breached Ferrari stealing 6.99 GB of data, which not only included internal documents but also datasheets and repair manuals etc. As of yet the source of these documents remains unclear. In the recent past, ransomware attacks have grown exponentially. From big brands like Ferrari to public service organisations like UK's National Health Service, many have fallen prey to these attacks. Ransomware attacks use malware to block access to data or threaten to publish sensitive data unless the victim pays a substantial ransom. Also read | Ransomware attack hits UK NHS's software, experts fear theft of sensitive patient data As per Security Affairs and Hack Notice, in December of last year, another ransomware attack indirectly targeted Ferrari. The attack by Everest ransomware allegedly hacked Speroni Spa's systems. The company is part of the supply chain of multiple car makers including Ferrari. Reportedly, 850 GB of the company's data, including customer and employee data, technical data, financial documents, bank statements, and "other very important documents" were put up for sale after the attack. (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.

Ferrari falls victim to ransomware attack; 7GB of its internal documents made public

In the latest riots to strike Ecuador's troubled prison system at least 15 prisoners died on Monday.

As per an AFP report quoting officials from SNAI, the agency that manages Ecuador's prisons, the riots left "15 people dead and 20 injured".

The incident took place at Regional Sierra Centro Norte Cotopaxi prison in Latacunga in south Ecuador and as per a TRT World report, inmates armed with guns and knives clashed in the riot.&nbsp;

Officials have attributed the clash to national and international drug trafficking groups.

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🔴 Al menos 15 muertos y 20 heridos se registran tras los enfrentamientos ocurridos en la cárcel de Latacunga, según reporta el SNAI en un informe preliminar. <a href="https://t.co/Lvb0Q4BDKE">https://t.co/Lvb0Q4BDKE</a>
— Ana María Cañizares S. (@anniecanizares) <a href="https://twitter.com/anniecanizares/status/1577120407533932544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Videos of the incident are now going viral on social media.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cotopaxi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cotopaxi</a> Instante en el que los internos de la cárcel de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Latacunga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Latacunga</a> escapan durante una balacera. 
 
Hasta el momento hay seis heridos. <a href="https://twitter.com/SNAI_Ec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SNAI_Ec</a> continúa con la evaluación del saldo de personas heridas.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrisisCarcelaria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrisisCarcelaria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ecuador?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ecuador</a> 
 
🎥 Cortesía <a href="https://t.co/Y8B2UpOlKH">pic.twitter.com/Y8B2UpOlKH</a>
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The South American country's prisons have over the years been the scene of repeated massacres as trafficking groups compete for power and drug distribution rights. 
&nbsp; 
Since 2021, at least 400 inmates have lost their lives in drug trafficking-related eight massacres.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the latest riots to strike Ecuador's troubled prison system at least 15 prisoners died on Monday. As per an AFP report quoting officials from SNAI, the agency that manages Ecuador's prisons, the riots left "15 people dead and 20 injured".

In the latest riots to strike Ecuador's troubled prison system at least 15 prisoners died on Monday. As per an AFP report quoting officials from SNAI, the agency that manages Ecuador's prisons, the riots left "15 people dead and 20 injured". The incident took place at Regional Sierra Centro Norte Cotopaxi prison in Latacunga in south Ecuador and as per a TRT World report, inmates armed with guns and knives clashed in the riot. Officials have attributed the clash to national and international drug trafficking groups. 🔴 Al menos 15 muertos y 20 heridos se registran tras los enfrentamientos ocurridos en la cárcel de Latacunga, según reporta el SNAI en un informe preliminar. https://t.co/Lvb0Q4BDKE — Ana María Cañizares S. (@anniecanizares) October 4, 2022 × Videos of the incident are now going viral on social media. #Cotopaxi Instante en el que los internos de la cárcel de #Latacunga escapan durante una balacera. Hasta el momento hay seis heridos. @SNAI_Ec continúa con la evaluación del saldo de personas heridas.#CrisisCarcelaria #Ecuador 🎥 Cortesía pic.twitter.com/Y8B2UpOlKH — Gabriela Castillo Albuja (@magacastal) October 3, 2022 × The South American country's prisons have over the years been the scene of repeated massacres as trafficking groups compete for power and drug distribution rights. Since 2021, at least 400 inmates have lost their lives in drug trafficking-related eight massacres. (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.

15 dead in latest bloodbath in an Ecuador prison

As wildfire groups warn that human activities are leading to a depletion of the nation's habitats and that many of Australia's species are just clinging to existence, Australia has now listed 15 new species as threatened. They include a small wallaby and grey snake.

On Tuesday, the country launched an ambitious 'zero-extinction' plan, that over the next 10 years would try and halt slide of 110 "priority species" into extinction. It would create a "halo effect" on interdependent species in the same habitat, said Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.&nbsp;

Protection of 20 "priority places" from further degradation is also included. Plibersek remarked that it could create "little Noah's Arks of places returning to healthy populations of plants and animals".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Report: Half of world’s bird species face decline

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"The Black Summer bushfires in particular have seen devastating results for many species. We are determined to give wildlife a better chance," said the minister, adding that listing species as threatened under national environment law "is a critical step in protecting the species and habitats in need &nbsp;of urgent help."

As per reports the Black Summer fire&nbsp;burned through 5.8 million hectares in eastern Australia and killed, and displaced an estimated 1-3 billion animals.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government announced that the scheme plans to try and prevent any new extinction of Australia's flora and fauna while conserving at least 30 per cent of the nation's land mass.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toppled-off-of-knife-edge-australias-famous-koala-is-now-an-endangered-animal-452372">Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal</a>

The small Parma wallaby, which is at risk from predators and bushfires, the endangered Queenslandian grey snake, which is mildly venomous, and the endangered small wingless matchstick grasshopper are among the 15 plants and animals that are classified as threatened.

Wildlife groups have welcomed the plan and called the objective "ambitious" adding that it is essential if future generations of Australians are to see animals like koalas, mountain pygmy possums, greater gliders and gang cockatoos."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As wildfire groups warn that human activities are leading to a depletion of the nation's habitats and that many of Australia's species are just clinging to existence, Australia has now listed 15 new species as threatened.

As wildfire groups warn that human activities are leading to a depletion of the nation's habitats and that many of Australia's species are just clinging to existence, Australia has now listed 15 new species as threatened. They include a small wallaby and grey snake. On Tuesday, the country launched an ambitious 'zero-extinction' plan, that over the next 10 years would try and halt slide of 110 "priority species" into extinction. It would create a "halo effect" on interdependent species in the same habitat, said Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Protection of 20 "priority places" from further degradation is also included. Plibersek remarked that it could create "little Noah's Arks of places returning to healthy populations of plants and animals". Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Report: Half of world’s bird species face decline "The Black Summer bushfires in particular have seen devastating results for many species. We are determined to give wildlife a better chance," said the minister, adding that listing species as threatened under national environment law "is a critical step in protecting the species and habitats in need of urgent help." As per reports the Black Summer fire burned through 5.8 million hectares in eastern Australia and killed, and displaced an estimated 1-3 billion animals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government announced that the scheme plans to try and prevent any new extinction of Australia's flora and fauna while conserving at least 30 per cent of the nation's land mass. Also read | Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal The small Parma wallaby, which is at risk from predators and bushfires, the endangered Queenslandian grey snake, which is mildly venomous, and the endangered small wingless matchstick grasshopper are among the 15 plants and animals that are classified as threatened. Wildlife groups have welcomed the plan and called the objective "ambitious" adding that it is essential if future generations of Australians are to see animals like koalas, mountain pygmy possums, greater gliders and gang cockatoos." (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.

Australia launches zero-extinction plan; wallaby, snake among threatened species

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has warned its members that Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed Poseidon, a nuclear weapon that is also known as the "weapon of the Apocalypse".

Apparently, over the weekend, NATO issued a warning note that was leaked to Italian Media. As per the note, the doomsday weapon is on its way from its base in the Arctic circle to the Kara Sea.

What did the warning note say?

As per the note, the Belgorod, a huge nuclear submarine, has gone missing from its home base in the Arctic circle and it may be on its way to test out a destructive, dangerous nuclear weapon called Poseidon.

Watch |&nbsp;'Poseidon': Russia's weapon of apocalypse, NATO concerned over submarine

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What is Poseidon?

It is an 'Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo' that is believed to be capable of travelling huge distances underwater.&nbsp;

Poseidon is capable of a detonation that can trigger a 1,600 ft nuclear tsunami&nbsp; that is "designed to drown and irradiate coastal cities" reports Daily Mail.

The next-generation weapon was announced by the Russian president back in 2018. As per Russian media, the doomsday weapon can travel up to 6,000 miles under water. It packs an explosion of two megatonnes. For context, this is more than 130 times the nuclear explosion of "Little Boy", the atomic bomb that wrecked Hiroshima in Japan back in August 1945 during World War II.

As&nbsp;per Naval News, "It is a giant torpedo which can hit coastal cities with devastating results. Compared to an intercontinental ballistic missile it is very slow, but possibly unstoppable."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-ukraine-why-russia-is-raising-second-regiment-of-avangard-hypersonic-missile-system-452390">Eye on Ukraine: Why Russia is raising second regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile system</a>

Italian publication La Reppubblica quoted an expert HI Sutton as saying that Poseidon "is a completely new category of weapon - which will oblige a change in the planning of the western navies, leading to the definition of new requirements and new means to counter it".

As per Daily Mail, the weapon has never been tested thanks to the international prohibition on testing of nuclear weapons, and if Russia does test it now, this would mark a highly "provocative" move by the nation.

How did Ukraine react to the warning?

Pravda reports that Ukraine, which has for the past few months been facing aggression and destruction at the hands of Russia, has urged the media not to spread disinformation and called the information manipulative.&nbsp;

As per a Facebook post by Ukraine's National Security and Defence of Ukraine [NSDC], "information about the submarine 'Belgorod' can play on the hand of Russian propaganda".

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Accusing La Repubblica of "information manipulation", it goes on to say that no such warning has been published on the NATO website, adding, "such unfounded statements by the media only intensify the information terrorism of the Russian Federation".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has warned its members that Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed Poseidon, a nuclear weapon that is also known as the "weapon of the Apocalypse".

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has warned its members that Russian President Vladimir Putin has deployed Poseidon, a nuclear weapon that is also known as the "weapon of the Apocalypse". Apparently, over the weekend, NATO issued a warning note that was leaked to Italian Media. As per the note, the doomsday weapon is on its way from its base in the Arctic circle to the Kara Sea. What did the warning note say? As per the note, the Belgorod, a huge nuclear submarine, has gone missing from its home base in the Arctic circle and it may be on its way to test out a destructive, dangerous nuclear weapon called Poseidon. Watch | 'Poseidon': Russia's weapon of apocalypse, NATO concerned over submarine What is Poseidon? It is an 'Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo' that is believed to be capable of travelling huge distances underwater. Poseidon is capable of a detonation that can trigger a 1,600 ft nuclear tsunami that is "designed to drown and irradiate coastal cities" reports Daily Mail. The next-generation weapon was announced by the Russian president back in 2018. As per Russian media, the doomsday weapon can travel up to 6,000 miles under water. It packs an explosion of two megatonnes. For context, this is more than 130 times the nuclear explosion of "Little Boy", the atomic bomb that wrecked Hiroshima in Japan back in August 1945 during World War II. As per Naval News, "It is a giant torpedo which can hit coastal cities with devastating results. Compared to an intercontinental ballistic missile it is very slow, but possibly unstoppable." Also read | Eye on Ukraine: Why Russia is raising second regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile system Italian publication La Reppubblica quoted an expert HI Sutton as saying that Poseidon "is a completely new category of weapon - which will oblige a change in the planning of the western navies, leading to the definition of new requirements and new means to counter it". As per Daily Mail, the weapon has never been tested thanks to the international prohibition on testing of nuclear weapons, and if Russia does test it now, this would mark a highly "provocative" move by the nation. How did Ukraine react to the warning? Pravda reports that Ukraine, which has for the past few months been facing aggression and destruction at the hands of Russia, has urged the media not to spread disinformation and called the information manipulative. As per a Facebook post by Ukraine's National Security and Defence of Ukraine [NSDC], "information about the submarine 'Belgorod' can play on the hand of Russian propaganda". × Accusing La Repubblica of "information manipulation", it goes on to say that no such warning has been published on the NATO website, adding, "such unfounded statements by the media only intensify the information terrorism of the Russian Federation". (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.

NATO warns Russia may have deployed its 'weapon of the Apocalypse' Poseidon. Here's all you need to know

Competition is good, it pushes you to do better, and aim higher. When it comes to an auction competition or rather a competitive bidding can be the one thing that makes it a success. That's what happened in France, a bidding war over a vase worth a little less than $2,000 led to it being sold for a whopping $7.59 million. The total came to $8.99 million after factoring in the seller's fee.

The vase in question is an "ordinary" Chinese vase, but it was mistakenly presumed by bidders to be a rare 18th-century artefact, which resulted in the object being sold at around 4,000 times its estimated value.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-75-of-dating-app-users-experienced-sexual-violence-in-past-5-years-says-report-522284" hreflang="en">Over 75% of dating app users experienced sexual violence in past 5 years, says report</a>

As per Guardian, the vase which is a tianqiuping style porcelain was put up for auction by a French woman living in the nation's overseas territory. It was left to her by her late mother. She had not even seen the 54-centimetre tall vase and had arranged for it to be directly picked from her mother's estate in Brittany.&nbsp;

The auction house was informed that it belonged to the seller's grandmother who was a Parisian collector "in the last century."

One of the Osenat Auction House, auctioneers Jean-Pierre called the incident "a crazy story". The auction house described the vase as "quite ordinary" and said that it dated from the 20th century. An expert at the auction house said that it would have been extremely rare if it had been 200 years older.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Competition is good, it pushes you to do better, and aim higher. When it comes to an auction competition or rather a competitive bidding can be the one thing that makes it a success.

Competition is good, it pushes you to do better, and aim higher. When it comes to an auction competition or rather a competitive bidding can be the one thing that makes it a success. That's what happened in France, a bidding war over a vase worth a little less than $2,000 led to it being sold for a whopping $7.59 million. The total came to $8.99 million after factoring in the seller's fee. The vase in question is an "ordinary" Chinese vase, but it was mistakenly presumed by bidders to be a rare 18th-century artefact, which resulted in the object being sold at around 4,000 times its estimated value. Also read | Over 75% of dating app users experienced sexual violence in past 5 years, says report As per Guardian, the vase which is a tianqiuping style porcelain was put up for auction by a French woman living in the nation's overseas territory. It was left to her by her late mother. She had not even seen the 54-centimetre tall vase and had arranged for it to be directly picked from her mother's estate in Brittany. The auction house was informed that it belonged to the seller's grandmother who was a Parisian collector "in the last century." One of the Osenat Auction House, auctioneers Jean-Pierre called the incident "a crazy story". The auction house described the vase as "quite ordinary" and said that it dated from the 20th century. An expert at the auction house said that it would have been extremely rare if it had been 200 years older. (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.

Ordinary vase mistaken for a 'rare artefact', sold at 4000 times its value

A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.82. &nbsp;

The survey was conducted by the Foundation for the People and comes as tensions between China and US over Taiwan are consistently getting worse.

Acknowledging the tensions, 39.5 per cent of the respondents believe Taiwan should move closer to the US, while 7.5 per cent want the country to decrease its distance from China. Yet another 39.5 per cent of respondents want Taiwan to maintain distance from both countries.

Watch |&nbsp;'China trying to set new normal with increased military,' US vows to help Taiwan defend itself

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21.6 per cent of the people believe that the US will definitely send troops if China were to invade their country. However, the number of people who think that America would definitely not send troops stands at 27.4 per cent.&nbsp;

18.2 believe that the US might not send troops while and 26.5 per cent said that it might.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-us-to-announce-fresh-chip-export-restrictions-to-china-522325" hreflang="en">The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China</a>

About 62.7 per cent of the people also reported that they feel a rise in pressure from Xi Jinping for the unification of China and Taiwan, while some 28 per cent feel the pressure is consistently the same.

As per Taipei Times, the survey was conducted on Facebook over four days and had 1,078 respondents aged over 20 years.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang the founder of the Foundation for the People said that the public had a "practical view" of US-China relations.&nbsp;

An adjunct research fellow at the National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations, Yen Chen-shen believes that the Taiwanese value their nation's diplomatic relations with the US, while whether America thinks the same is not "worth thinking about".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.

A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.82. The survey was conducted by the Foundation for the People and comes as tensions between China and US over Taiwan are consistently getting worse. Acknowledging the tensions, 39.5 per cent of the respondents believe Taiwan should move closer to the US, while 7.5 per cent want the country to decrease its distance from China. Yet another 39.5 per cent of respondents want Taiwan to maintain distance from both countries. Watch | 'China trying to set new normal with increased military,' US vows to help Taiwan defend itself 21.6 per cent of the people believe that the US will definitely send troops if China were to invade their country. However, the number of people who think that America would definitely not send troops stands at 27.4 per cent. 18.2 believe that the US might not send troops while and 26.5 per cent said that it might. Also read | The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China About 62.7 per cent of the people also reported that they feel a rise in pressure from Xi Jinping for the unification of China and Taiwan, while some 28 per cent feel the pressure is consistently the same. As per Taipei Times, the survey was conducted on Facebook over four days and had 1,078 respondents aged over 20 years. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang the founder of the Foundation for the People said that the public had a "practical view" of US-China relations. An adjunct research fellow at the National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations, Yen Chen-shen believes that the Taiwanese value their nation's diplomatic relations with the US, while whether America thinks the same is not "worth thinking about". (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.

Taiwan likes US more than China: Survey

As the United Kingdom government steps up efforts to scrap EU laws after Brexit, wildlife groups and activists have criticised its plans to do away with legislation governing pesticide use.

The government has recently announced plans to repeal 570 environmental laws being carried over from Britain's time in the European Union.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-treasury-justifies-latest-economic-measures-after-sharp-criticism-from-imf-520494" hreflang="en">UK Treasury justifies latest economic measures after sharp criticism from IMF</a>

Vowing that it would not stand by and let this happen, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) called PM Liz Truss's government's&nbsp;plans an "unprecedented attack on nature".

The society also introduced an application on its website that automatically emails MPs to demand that the protections be retained. It has already attracted more than 68,000 users.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pound-slips-bank-of-england-steps-into-buy-bonds-and-restore-parity-520510" hreflang="en">As pound slips, Bank of England steps in to buy bonds and restore parity</a>

Ranil Jayawardena, the minister of the environment, responded to the criticism by claiming&nbsp;on Twitter that the assertions are "simply untrue."

"We're introducing new schemes that will support our farmers to produce high quality food and support them in enhancing our natural environment."

"Last year we passed our world-leading Environment Act. We are committed to halting the decline of nature by 2030 and will not undermine our obligations to the environment in pursuit of growth," he added.

Watch |&nbsp;Bank of England steps in to calm markets with emergency bond

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bank-of-england-steps-in-to-calm-markets-with-emergency-bond-520543/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The government wants de-regulation that will lead to yet more poo in rivers, less wildlife and land that's unable to adapt to climate change," said Craig Bennett, the chief executive officer of the Wildlife Trusts of 46 independent conservation charities, adding that people were "furious at the new threats".

Steve Backshall, a well-known wildlife television host,&nbsp;on Wednesday, cautioned that repealing pesticide regulations might have a fatal impact on bee populations and cause river pollution.

The 5.7 million-member National Trust heritage organisation also reacted angrily. Its director-general Hilary McGrady remarked that rather than stepping up efforts to assist the environment the government appears to be "heading in the opposite direction".

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the United Kingdom government steps up efforts to scrap EU laws after Brexit, wildlife groups and activists have criticised its plans to do away with legislation governing pesticide use.

As the United Kingdom government steps up efforts to scrap EU laws after Brexit, wildlife groups and activists have criticised its plans to do away with legislation governing pesticide use. The government has recently announced plans to repeal 570 environmental laws being carried over from Britain's time in the European Union. Also read | UK Treasury justifies latest economic measures after sharp criticism from IMF Vowing that it would not stand by and let this happen, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) called PM Liz Truss's government's plans an "unprecedented attack on nature". The society also introduced an application on its website that automatically emails MPs to demand that the protections be retained. It has already attracted more than 68,000 users. Also read | As pound slips, Bank of England steps in to buy bonds and restore parity Ranil Jayawardena, the minister of the environment, responded to the criticism by claiming on Twitter that the assertions are "simply untrue." "We're introducing new schemes that will support our farmers to produce high quality food and support them in enhancing our natural environment." "Last year we passed our world-leading Environment Act. We are committed to halting the decline of nature by 2030 and will not undermine our obligations to the environment in pursuit of growth," he added. Watch | Bank of England steps in to calm markets with emergency bond "The government wants de-regulation that will lead to yet more poo in rivers, less wildlife and land that's unable to adapt to climate change," said Craig Bennett, the chief executive officer of the Wildlife Trusts of 46 independent conservation charities, adding that people were "furious at the new threats". Steve Backshall, a well-known wildlife television host, on Wednesday, cautioned that repealing pesticide regulations might have a fatal impact on bee populations and cause river pollution. The 5.7 million-member National Trust heritage organisation also reacted angrily. Its director-general Hilary McGrady remarked that rather than stepping up efforts to assist the environment the government appears to be "heading in the opposite direction". (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.

Liz Truss' government slammed for plans to scrap pesticide law after Brexit

Users of Samsung, Huawei, and Google phones have been advised to remove a number of popular apps that may contain spyware which steals money.

Tech experts have cautioned owners of Android smartphones and tablets that a variety of apps could be infected with harmful malware called 'Harly'.

What is Harly?

Harly, named after Harley Quinn the popular Batman villain, who is also the Joker's girlfriend, is a type of trojan known as a "trojan subscriber" signs users up for paid services without their knowledge.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Tech Talk: Popular apps capable of collecting private information on iPhones

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Since 2020, more than 190 Harly-infected apps have been discovered on Google Play, according to Kaspersky. The well-known antivirus supplier estimates that 4.8 million people have downloaded these apps, however, the actual number may be far higher.

How does it work?

The Harly family of Trojans imitates trustworthy applications. Scammers download common apps from Google Play, add malicious code to them, and then submit the altered versions to Google Play. Users might not even be aware that the apps are dangerous because they still have the functions that are provided in the description.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-deletes-50-apps-after-joker-malware-attack-users-should-delete-them-if-they-are-installed-501251">Google deletes 50 apps infected with Joker malware. Recommends users to delete the apps if installed</a>

But don't you need a verification code for paid subscriptions?

Yes, you do. However, according to The Daily Express, Harly can sign up Android users for pricey subscription services without their knowledge by stealthily taking security codes from text messages.

It can also check subscriptions over the phone without the device owner's knowledge, and once this is done, it could empty someone's bank account without being noticed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-discovers-malware-capable-of-gaining-access-to-industrial-control-systems-issues-alert-471072">US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert</a>

How do we protect ourselves?

The company advises reading user reviews and viewing an app's rating on Google Play before installing it. But bear in mind that ratings and reviews could be inflated. Another solution it recommends is of course "a reliable security solution."&nbsp;

Which apps have been affected?

Kaspersky, which first flagged the malware has made mention of a number of apps, some of which already have thousands of downloads. Here are a few apps that you need to skirt clear of:

-Pony Camera&nbsp; 
-Live Wallpaper&amp;Themes Launcher 
-Action Launcher &amp; Wallpapers&nbsp; 
-Color Call 
-Good Launcher&nbsp; 
-Mondy Widgets 
-Funcalls-Voice Changer 
-Eva Launcher 
-Newlook Launcher 
-Pixel Screen Wallpaper

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Users of Samsung, Huawei, and Google phones have been advised to remove a number of popular apps that may contain spyware which steals money. Tech experts have cautioned owners of Android smartphones and tablets that a variety of apps could be infected with harmful malware called 'Harly'.

Users of Samsung, Huawei, and Google phones have been advised to remove a number of popular apps that may contain spyware which steals money. Tech experts have cautioned owners of Android smartphones and tablets that a variety of apps could be infected with harmful malware called 'Harly'. What is Harly? Harly, named after Harley Quinn the popular Batman villain, who is also the Joker's girlfriend, is a type of trojan known as a "trojan subscriber" signs users up for paid services without their knowledge. Watch | Tech Talk: Popular apps capable of collecting private information on iPhones Since 2020, more than 190 Harly-infected apps have been discovered on Google Play, according to Kaspersky. The well-known antivirus supplier estimates that 4.8 million people have downloaded these apps, however, the actual number may be far higher. How does it work? The Harly family of Trojans imitates trustworthy applications. Scammers download common apps from Google Play, add malicious code to them, and then submit the altered versions to Google Play. Users might not even be aware that the apps are dangerous because they still have the functions that are provided in the description. Also read | Google deletes 50 apps infected with Joker malware. Recommends users to delete the apps if installed But don't you need a verification code for paid subscriptions? Yes, you do. However, according to The Daily Express, Harly can sign up Android users for pricey subscription services without their knowledge by stealthily taking security codes from text messages. It can also check subscriptions over the phone without the device owner's knowledge, and once this is done, it could empty someone's bank account without being noticed. Also read | US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert How do we protect ourselves? The company advises reading user reviews and viewing an app's rating on Google Play before installing it. But bear in mind that ratings and reviews could be inflated. Another solution it recommends is of course "a reliable security solution." Which apps have been affected? Kaspersky, which first flagged the malware has made mention of a number of apps, some of which already have thousands of downloads. Here are a few apps that you need to skirt clear of: -Pony Camera -Live Wallpaper&Themes Launcher -Action Launcher & Wallpapers -Color Call -Good Launcher -Mondy Widgets -Funcalls-Voice Changer -Eva Launcher -Newlook Launcher -Pixel Screen Wallpaper (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.

Explained: 'Harly' the latest malware in market, that can drain your bank accounts

Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter.

According to a Reuters review of accounts identified by cybersecurity group Ghost Data in new research about child sex abuse online Ads of some 30 brands, including Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola, and even a children's hospital, have been seen on the profile pages of Twitter accounts that promote links to the exploitative material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-childrens-evil-abuse-us-judge-sends-28-year-old-man-to-jail-for-life-473443">For 'evil' child sex abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life &nbsp;</a>

One example is of the shoes and accessories brand Cole Haan whose ad appeared next to a tweet in which the user posted about "trading teen/child" content.

Several tweets contained phrases like "rape" and "teens," among others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

In another instance, a user posted their search for "Yung girls ONLY, NO Boys," material on Twitter which was followed immediately by a promotional tweet for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Texas.&nbsp;

Ghost Data found that over 500 accounts&nbsp;shared or requested explicit child sex abuse content over the course of 20 days this month. The organisation, as per Reuters, claims that Twitter failed to delete more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the accounts during the study period.&nbsp;

Like all social media platforms, Twitter forbids images that portray child sexual exploitation. However, it normally allows for sexual content and hosts a booming exchange of pornographic images, which, as per the Reuters report&nbsp;account for around 13 per cent of all content on Twitter.

Watch |&nbsp;<a>Tech Talk: Google's AI bans father over medical photos of his child</a>

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Celeste Carswell, a spokesperson for Twitter, said in a statement that the business "has zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation" and is allocating additional resources to improving child safety, including hiring for new positions to develop policies and put them into practice.

Twitter is closely collaborating with its advertising partners and clients to look into the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that it doesn't occur again, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter.

Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter. According to a Reuters review of accounts identified by cybersecurity group Ghost Data in new research about child sex abuse online Ads of some 30 brands, including Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola, and even a children's hospital, have been seen on the profile pages of Twitter accounts that promote links to the exploitative material. Also read | For 'evil' child sex abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life One example is of the shoes and accessories brand Cole Haan whose ad appeared next to a tweet in which the user posted about "trading teen/child" content. Several tweets contained phrases like "rape" and "teens," among others. Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips In another instance, a user posted their search for "Yung girls ONLY, NO Boys," material on Twitter which was followed immediately by a promotional tweet for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Texas. Ghost Data found that over 500 accounts shared or requested explicit child sex abuse content over the course of 20 days this month. The organisation, as per Reuters, claims that Twitter failed to delete more than 70 per cent of the accounts during the study period. Like all social media platforms, Twitter forbids images that portray child sexual exploitation. However, it normally allows for sexual content and hosts a booming exchange of pornographic images, which, as per the Reuters report account for around 13 per cent of all content on Twitter. Watch | Tech Talk: Google's AI bans father over medical photos of his child Celeste Carswell, a spokesperson for Twitter, said in a statement that the business "has zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation" and is allocating additional resources to improving child safety, including hiring for new positions to develop policies and put them into practice. Twitter is closely collaborating with its advertising partners and clients to look into the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that it doesn't occur again, she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brands remove ads from Twitter after their campaigns feature next to tweets on child porn: Report

While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade.

However, the planet is practically burning up. It is hot enough to melt lead, is home to clouds of sulphuric acid, a chemical capable of causing severe skin burns, and has a crushing atmospheric pressure.&nbsp;

Why then, do these experts want to forego Mars and visit Venus?

As per a report by the Guardian quoting research presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week, there are actually plus points to this.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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Firstly, Venus is nearer. While a roundtrip to Mars is estimated to take around three years, to and fro Venus would only take one year.

Second, while walking on the planet's surface is a distant dream, and an unlivable experience, a flyby might offer the essential experience of a lengthy deep-space mission as a prelude to reaching Mars.

One of the supporters of the Venus flyby, Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, claimed that Venus "gets a bad rap because it's got such a difficult surface environment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541" hreflang="en">Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a>

"Moon to Mars is the current NASA paradigm," he said adding that they're attempting to justify Venus as an additional objective along that route.&nbsp;He says that a Venus flyby makes sense as performing a slingshot or gravity assist around Earth's sister planet, could shorten the journey time and fuel needed to reach the red planet despite the fact that Venus is in the "wrong" direction.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea.&nbsp;

“It’s really not a nice place to go. It’s a hellish environment and the thermal challenges for a human mission would be quite considerable,” says Prof. Andrew Coates of UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

He claimed that although Venus was rightfully the focus of scientific inquiry, "a human flyby really wouldn't add very much."

Since the discovery of hundreds of exoplanets, scientific curiosity about Venus has grown as the finding raises the question of how many of these planets may be habitable. Now, scientists want to know how and why Venus, a planet so similar to our own in size, mass, and distance from the sun, ended up with hellish surface conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade.

While Mars is the intended target for humanity's first crewed mission to another planet, a group of experts is now advocating for Earth's sister planet Venus to get that accolade. However, the planet is practically burning up. It is hot enough to melt lead, is home to clouds of sulphuric acid, a chemical capable of causing severe skin burns, and has a crushing atmospheric pressure. Why then, do these experts want to forego Mars and visit Venus? As per a report by the Guardian quoting research presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week, there are actually plus points to this. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? Firstly, Venus is nearer. While a roundtrip to Mars is estimated to take around three years, to and fro Venus would only take one year. Second, while walking on the planet's surface is a distant dream, and an unlivable experience, a flyby might offer the essential experience of a lengthy deep-space mission as a prelude to reaching Mars. One of the supporters of the Venus flyby, Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, claimed that Venus "gets a bad rap because it's got such a difficult surface environment." Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash "Moon to Mars is the current NASA paradigm," he said adding that they're attempting to justify Venus as an additional objective along that route. He says that a Venus flyby makes sense as performing a slingshot or gravity assist around Earth's sister planet, could shorten the journey time and fuel needed to reach the red planet despite the fact that Venus is in the "wrong" direction. However, not everyone is sold on the idea. “It’s really not a nice place to go. It’s a hellish environment and the thermal challenges for a human mission would be quite considerable,” says Prof. Andrew Coates of UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! He claimed that although Venus was rightfully the focus of scientific inquiry, "a human flyby really wouldn't add very much." Since the discovery of hundreds of exoplanets, scientific curiosity about Venus has grown as the finding raises the question of how many of these planets may be habitable. Now, scientists want to know how and why Venus, a planet so similar to our own in size, mass, and distance from the sun, ended up with hellish surface conditions. (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.

'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?

As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia.

It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-doesnt-need-a-constitution-can-address-problems-by-applying-islamic-laws-officials-512983">Afghanistan doesn’t need a constitution, can address problems by applying Islamic Laws, says official</a>

This deal is the first significant foreign economic agreement known to have been reached by the Taliban and it may help lessen the Islamist movement's exclusion from the world banking system.

According to Azizi, the agreement calls for Russia to annually supply two million tonnes of wheat, 500,000 tonnes of LPG, and one million tonne&nbsp;each of gasoline and diesel. 
 
The minister also disclosed that the agreement is set to run for an unspecified length of time, after which both sides if content with the arrangement will sign a longer-term deal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-world-is-running-out-of-patience-with-taliban-520345">UN: World is 'running out of patience' with Taliban</a>

He claimed that while Afghanistan had significant trading links with Pakistan and also received some gas and oil from Turkmenistan and Iran, it wished to diversify.

It is expected that the United States, which is currently experiencing shaky relations with Russia will be keeping an eye on the trade deal.

More than one year has elapsed since Afghanistan's erstwhile rulers once again took over the country. However, at this time, no nation has formally recognised the Taliban.&nbsp;Even though Russia doesn't formally recognise the group, its embassy is one of the few that is still operational in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia. It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices.

As per a Reuters report, Afghanistan rulers the Taliban have signed a provisional deal for gas and wheat with Russia. It quotes Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi as saying that ministry was trying to diversify the nation's trading partners, and that Moscow had offered Afghanistan a discount on the average global commodity prices. Also read | Afghanistan doesn’t need a constitution, can address problems by applying Islamic Laws, says official This deal is the first significant foreign economic agreement known to have been reached by the Taliban and it may help lessen the Islamist movement's exclusion from the world banking system. According to Azizi, the agreement calls for Russia to annually supply two million tonnes of wheat, 500,000 tonnes of LPG, and one million tonne each of gasoline and diesel. The minister also disclosed that the agreement is set to run for an unspecified length of time, after which both sides if content with the arrangement will sign a longer-term deal. Also read | UN: World is 'running out of patience' with Taliban He claimed that while Afghanistan had significant trading links with Pakistan and also received some gas and oil from Turkmenistan and Iran, it wished to diversify. It is expected that the United States, which is currently experiencing shaky relations with Russia will be keeping an eye on the trade deal. More than one year has elapsed since Afghanistan's erstwhile rulers once again took over the country. However, at this time, no nation has formally recognised the Taliban. Even though Russia doesn't formally recognise the group, its embassy is one of the few that is still operational in the Afghan capital. (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.

Taliban and Russia sign a trading agreement for wheat, gas and oil: Report

Have you been through a tough breakup, the kind which left you feeling physically drained, so much so that you didn't have the energy to go to work? Did you wish you could take a leave of absence for the heartbreak similar to the one offered for sick days? If your answer is yes, you are not alone.

Recently, a heartbroken woman sparked a heated debate online by asking the internet if it's acceptable to take time off work to deal with a breakup.

The question was posted on a UK-based website called 'Mumsnet' which describes itself as "a website where parents could swap advice about not just holidays but all the other stuff parents talk about."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Study: Older women are more likely to get their heart broken

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Posted anonymously the user wrote "I'm going through a horrible relationship break down. We were together a long time and we have a young child (under two). I am heartbroken and I wake up every day and burst into tears straight away when the reality of my life hits."

<img alt="Heart" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b22ee32f-a5d7-4e75-bb4e-b5143b3bffcc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2811%29.png" />

Image courtesy: Daily Mail UK

She further talks of her previous less-than-perfect attendance due to physical ailments she suffers from and asks "Help, please? Can I be off work for this? Do people take time off for relationship breakdowns when they are feeling like I am?."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541" hreflang="en">Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a>

Her question has had many replies, while some users were sympathetic, others were not and told her she needed to 'adult up' instead of wallowing in self-pity.&nbsp;

The question seems to have been taken down, but the dilemma it poses stays.&nbsp;

A 2010 study published in the National Library of Medicine says "Romantic rejection causes a profound sense of loss and negative affect. It can induce clinical depression and in extreme cases lead to suicide and/or homicide."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/experts-issue-warning-after-tiktoks-latest-one-chip-challenge-lands-schoolkid-in-hospital-with-seizures-519828" hreflang="en">Experts issue warning after TikTok's latest 'one chip challenge' lands schoolkid in hospital with seizures</a>

Multiple studies claim that the emotional anguish of loss is registered by the brain in the same manner as physical pain. This might explain why you could get the sensation that your heartbreak is physically hurting you.

The phrases "it is gut wrenching," or "like a slap in the face" might actually hold some weight.&nbsp;So what do you think? Should there be a "heartbreak leave" and would it help in the long run?

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Have you been through a tough breakup, the kind which left you feeling physically drained, so much so that you didn't have the energy to go to work? Did you wish you could take a leave of absence for the heartbreak similar to the one offered for sick days?

Have you been through a tough breakup, the kind which left you feeling physically drained, so much so that you didn't have the energy to go to work? Did you wish you could take a leave of absence for the heartbreak similar to the one offered for sick days? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Recently, a heartbroken woman sparked a heated debate online by asking the internet if it's acceptable to take time off work to deal with a breakup. The question was posted on a UK-based website called 'Mumsnet' which describes itself as "a website where parents could swap advice about not just holidays but all the other stuff parents talk about." Watch | Gravitas | Study: Older women are more likely to get their heart broken Posted anonymously the user wrote "I'm going through a horrible relationship break down. We were together a long time and we have a young child (under two). I am heartbroken and I wake up every day and burst into tears straight away when the reality of my life hits." Image courtesy: Daily Mail UK She further talks of her previous less-than-perfect attendance due to physical ailments she suffers from and asks "Help, please? Can I be off work for this? Do people take time off for relationship breakdowns when they are feeling like I am?." Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash Her question has had many replies, while some users were sympathetic, others were not and told her she needed to 'adult up' instead of wallowing in self-pity. The question seems to have been taken down, but the dilemma it poses stays. A 2010 study published in the National Library of Medicine says "Romantic rejection causes a profound sense of loss and negative affect. It can induce clinical depression and in extreme cases lead to suicide and/or homicide." Also read | Experts issue warning after TikTok's latest 'one chip challenge' lands schoolkid in hospital with seizures Multiple studies claim that the emotional anguish of loss is registered by the brain in the same manner as physical pain. This might explain why you could get the sensation that your heartbreak is physically hurting you. The phrases "it is gut wrenching," or "like a slap in the face" might actually hold some weight. So what do you think? Should there be a "heartbreak leave" and would it help in the long run? (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.

Woman asks if she can take time off work after breakup. Do you think there should be a 'heartbreak leave'?

'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal

How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs".&nbsp;That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat.&nbsp;

Tired of waiting for promised government aid, charitable organisations that operate cattle shelters in Gujarat, have released thousands of cows onto government offices. Videos of the incident have now gone viral.

Watch them here:

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10,000 Cows Released on the Roads of Gujarat's Banaskanth in Protest Against BJP.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> <a href="https://t.co/sfmZ8BI41G">pic.twitter.com/sfmZ8BI41G</a>
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BJP govt in Gujarat promised 500cr budget for cow shelter homes but allegedly, did not release even a pie.. 
 
In massive protest, cow shelter homes trustees released cows against the government’s failure to give funds 
 
Now compare this with funds released for minority benefits <a href="https://t.co/4BovBh1ua0">pic.twitter.com/4BovBh1ua0</a>
— Ritu #सत्यसाधक (@RituRathaur) <a href="https://twitter.com/RituRathaur/status/1574048489511981057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, cattle have recently taken over roadways, local courts, and government structures in several districts of Gujarat.

BBC reports that the Gujarat state government's budget for this year included $61 million (INR 5 billion) for the upkeep of cow shelters and ageing animals. However, shelter managers claim that they are yet to receive any aid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-netizens-are-in-awe-of-this-200-year-old-jackfruit-tree-in-tamil-nadu-520122" hreflang="en">Watch: Netizens are in awe of this 200-year-old jackfruit tree in Tamil Nadu</a>

They said that they feel "cheated" and that in spite of making numerous official petitions, no solutions had been provided.

According to The Indian Express, about 1,750 charitable trust-run cowsheds that house more than 450,000 cattle, participated in the protest.

"BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand are providing support. Even Congress-ruled Rajasthan is offering 50 rupees for one cow. So why has Gujarat failed to support cows?" the publication quoted Vipul Mali, general secretary of the Gujarat Gau Seva Sangh, which operates cow shelters for sick livestock, as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/week-after-3-million-lottery-win-keralite-says-hes-surrounded-by-people-asking-for-money-519832" hreflang="en">Week after $3 million lottery win, Indian man says he's surrounded by people asking for money</a>

The minister for animal husbandry in Gujarat acknowledged that "administrative tangles" were to blame for the delay in aid and pledged to find a "positive solution" in a day or two.

Protesters have now of warned a larger agitation if their demands are not met by the end of the month.

The protest comes as India reels under the effects of lumpy skin disease. According to government figures, the disease has killed more than 5,800 cattle in Gujarat, and it is anticipated that another 170,000 have been infected.

(With inputs from agencies)

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How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs". That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat.

How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs". That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat. Tired of waiting for promised government aid, charitable organisations that operate cattle shelters in Gujarat, have released thousands of cows onto government offices. Videos of the incident have now gone viral. Watch them here: 10,000 Cows Released on the Roads of Gujarat's Banaskanth in Protest Against BJP.#GujaratElection2022 #cow #BJP pic.twitter.com/sfmZ8BI41G — Knowledge Flow (@knowledgeflow1) September 27, 2022 × BJP govt in Gujarat promised 500cr budget for cow shelter homes but allegedly, did not release even a pie.. In massive protest, cow shelter homes trustees released cows against the government’s failure to give funds Now compare this with funds released for minority benefits pic.twitter.com/4BovBh1ua0 — Ritu #सत्यसाधक (@RituRathaur) September 25, 2022 × According to reports, cattle have recently taken over roadways, local courts, and government structures in several districts of Gujarat. BBC reports that the Gujarat state government's budget for this year included $61 million (INR 5 billion) for the upkeep of cow shelters and ageing animals. However, shelter managers claim that they are yet to receive any aid. Also read | Watch: Netizens are in awe of this 200-year-old jackfruit tree in Tamil Nadu They said that they feel "cheated" and that in spite of making numerous official petitions, no solutions had been provided. According to The Indian Express, about 1,750 charitable trust-run cowsheds that house more than 450,000 cattle, participated in the protest. "BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand are providing support. Even Congress-ruled Rajasthan is offering 50 rupees for one cow. So why has Gujarat failed to support cows?" the publication quoted Vipul Mali, general secretary of the Gujarat Gau Seva Sangh, which operates cow shelters for sick livestock, as saying. Also read | Week after $3 million lottery win, Indian man says he's surrounded by people asking for money The minister for animal husbandry in Gujarat acknowledged that "administrative tangles" were to blame for the delay in aid and pledged to find a "positive solution" in a day or two. Protesters have now of warned a larger agitation if their demands are not met by the end of the month. The protest comes as India reels under the effects of lumpy skin disease. According to government figures, the disease has killed more than 5,800 cattle in Gujarat, and it is anticipated that another 170,000 have been infected. (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.

Watch | In a bizarre protest, shelters in India's Gujarat let loose thousands of cows on government offices

On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology.

As per AFP, talking to the press, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno claimed that the "official was blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way."

Watch |&nbsp;Putin's mobilisation call: Russian men flee country to avoid fighting in the ongoing Ukraine war

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Denying the espionage charges Matsuno said that his country "strongly protests these unbelievable acts".

Reuters reports that as per Matsuno Moscow's detention of the consul was clearly in "violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."

He further stated that the detained consul "was not engaging in any illegal activity," and that Japan summoned the Russian ambassador and "demanded a formal apology" for how the diplomat had been treated. Tokyo has also threatened that it "needs to take equivalent steps".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

As per FSB intelligence actions of the Japanese diplomat located in Vladivostok, a port city in eastern Russia, led to him being deemed as "persona non grata."

The agency claims that the envoy was "red-handedly" caught acquiring classified information about how Western sanctions were affecting the economic climate in Russia's far east.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology.

On Tuesday (September 27), a day after the Russian security service FSB announced that it had detained a Japanese consul in Vladivostok for possible espionage and ordered him to leave the country, Tokyo accused Moscow of mistreating the diplomat and demanded a formal apology. As per AFP, talking to the press, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno claimed that the "official was blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way." Watch | Putin's mobilisation call: Russian men flee country to avoid fighting in the ongoing Ukraine war Denying the espionage charges Matsuno said that his country "strongly protests these unbelievable acts". Reuters reports that as per Matsuno Moscow's detention of the consul was clearly in "violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations." He further stated that the detained consul "was not engaging in any illegal activity," and that Japan summoned the Russian ambassador and "demanded a formal apology" for how the diplomat had been treated. Tokyo has also threatened that it "needs to take equivalent steps". Also read | Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying As per FSB intelligence actions of the Japanese diplomat located in Vladivostok, a port city in eastern Russia, led to him being deemed as "persona non grata." The agency claims that the envoy was "red-handedly" caught acquiring classified information about how Western sanctions were affecting the economic climate in Russia's far east. (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 demands apology from Russia over 'unbelievable' treatment of diplomat

An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies.

Xylazine which is a muscle relaxant is known as tranq on the streets. It can reportedly prolong the high felt from heroin. However, according to a Vice report citing field epidemiologist Jen Shinefeld, it can also lead to an increase in soft-tissue infections, bone disease, and amputations by causing an outbreak of ulcers and sores on the user's body, as well as substance abuse.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The British Parliament is 'rotting with drug abuse'

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Shinefeld explains that&nbsp;xylazine inhibits blood flow, which lengthens the healing process for wounds and raises the risk of additional medical issues like sepsis and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining).

According to UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman, who has extensively researched Xylazine, it can cause "tissue death."

"This is black, necrotic tissue destruction."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trying-to-escape-mobilisation-russians-pay-27000-for-seats-on-private-planes-out-of-country-520192" hreflang="en">Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country</a>

He added that the area where the drug was injected doesn't always see the development of necrotic tissue, &nbsp;it can present itself everywhere on the body.

Vice reports that the substance was only found in 2 per cent of fatal opioid overdoses in Philadelphia between 2010 and 2015, but that number increased to 31 per cent in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-addiction-expert-says-predisposition-to-alcohol-abuse-can-be-inherited-from-relatives-512609">Predisposition to alcohol abuse is inherited, needs personalised treatment: Addiction expert</a>

According to the Detroit Free Press, the number of drug-related deaths in Michigan rose by 86.8 per cent between 2019 and 2020 before marginally declining in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies.

An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies. Xylazine which is a muscle relaxant is known as tranq on the streets. It can reportedly prolong the high felt from heroin. However, according to a Vice report citing field epidemiologist Jen Shinefeld, it can also lead to an increase in soft-tissue infections, bone disease, and amputations by causing an outbreak of ulcers and sores on the user's body, as well as substance abuse. Watch | Gravitas: The British Parliament is 'rotting with drug abuse' Shinefeld explains that xylazine inhibits blood flow, which lengthens the healing process for wounds and raises the risk of additional medical issues like sepsis and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining). According to UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman, who has extensively researched Xylazine, it can cause "tissue death." "This is black, necrotic tissue destruction." Also read | Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country He added that the area where the drug was injected doesn't always see the development of necrotic tissue, it can present itself everywhere on the body. Vice reports that the substance was only found in 2 per cent of fatal opioid overdoses in Philadelphia between 2010 and 2015, but that number increased to 31 per cent in 2019. Also read | Predisposition to alcohol abuse is inherited, needs personalised treatment: Addiction expert According to the Detroit Free Press, the number of drug-related deaths in Michigan rose by 86.8 per cent between 2019 and 2020 before marginally declining in 2021. (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.

Animal tranquiliser that causes skin rot behind increasing number of drug overdoses in US

A few days back, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, issued the country's first call for mobilisation since World War 2. Following this announcement, many citizens attempting to avoid the army drafting hastily departed the country. Countless others are still trying to get out.

Men of military age are rushing to flee the nation in response to the Kremlin's announcement of partial mobilisation.&nbsp;According to reports, most travellers are en route to Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, countries that don't require visas for entry for Russians.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

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In Moscow, the demand for seats on private planes has exponentially risen in the last few days.&nbsp;

According to the Guardian, as a result of concerns that government officials intend to bar men of mobilisation age from leaving the country, people are now paying between $21,600 and $27,000 (£20,000 and £25,000)&nbsp;for one seat on a private plane out of Russia. While those looking to book an eight-seater plane must spend between $86,500 and $151,300 (£80,000 and £140,000), which is a significant hike on the standard fare.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-grants-snowden-russian-citizenship-people-ask-will-the-whisteblower-be-drafted-into-army-519919" hreflang="en">Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?</a>

Guardian quoted Yevgeny Bikov the director of a broker jet company, Your Charter as saying that earlier his company used to get around 50 booking requests a day but now they get close to 5,000. "The situation is absolutely crazy at the moment," he added.

Eduard Simonov of FlightWay, a company that offers private jet flights says that the demand for one-way flights to Armenia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Dubai has increased by 50 times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-russians-flew-to-georgia-amid-putins-mobilisation-announcement-519944">Thousands of Russians flee to Georgia amid Putin's mobilisation announcement</a>

While the majority of one-way commercial jet tickets have already sold out for the upcoming days, Russia's border crossings, are also witnessing miles-long traffic bottlenecks.

Many worry&nbsp;that this situation is causing a brain drain in a country that, per a study, is already on track to lose 15 per cent of its millionaires this year as its wealthiest citizens leave the country.&nbsp;

This exodus is anticipated to intensify as a result of the mobilisation, which may worsen the economic harm to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A few days back, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, issued the country's first call for mobilisation since World War 2. Following this announcement, many citizens attempting to avoid the army drafting hastily departed the country.

A few days back, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, issued the country's first call for mobilisation since World War 2. Following this announcement, many citizens attempting to avoid the army drafting hastily departed the country. Countless others are still trying to get out. Men of military age are rushing to flee the nation in response to the Kremlin's announcement of partial mobilisation. According to reports, most travellers are en route to Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, countries that don't require visas for entry for Russians. Watch | WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation In Moscow, the demand for seats on private planes has exponentially risen in the last few days. According to the Guardian, as a result of concerns that government officials intend to bar men of mobilisation age from leaving the country, people are now paying between $21,600 and $27,000 (£20,000 and £25,000) for one seat on a private plane out of Russia. While those looking to book an eight-seater plane must spend between $86,500 and $151,300 (£80,000 and £140,000), which is a significant hike on the standard fare. Also read | Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'? Guardian quoted Yevgeny Bikov the director of a broker jet company, Your Charter as saying that earlier his company used to get around 50 booking requests a day but now they get close to 5,000. "The situation is absolutely crazy at the moment," he added. Eduard Simonov of FlightWay, a company that offers private jet flights says that the demand for one-way flights to Armenia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Dubai has increased by 50 times. Also read | Thousands of Russians flee to Georgia amid Putin's mobilisation announcement While the majority of one-way commercial jet tickets have already sold out for the upcoming days, Russia's border crossings, are also witnessing miles-long traffic bottlenecks. Many worry that this situation is causing a brain drain in a country that, per a study, is already on track to lose 15 per cent of its millionaires this year as its wealthiest citizens leave the country. This exodus is anticipated to intensify as a result of the mobilisation, which may worsen the economic harm to Russia. (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.

Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country

An email sent to faculty members at the University of Idaho in the United States cautions them against giving students any kind of birth control, including condoms. Additionally, they have been warned not to bring up abortion in various contexts. They may lose their jobs if found in violation.

The instructions specify that if faculty members do provide condoms, they must do it to help "prevent the spread of STDs but not for purposes of birth control."

Watch |&nbsp;Kansas votes to protect abortion rights in state of constitution

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Faculty members were instructed to refrain from the lengthy list of actions "at all times that university employees are performing their jobs."&nbsp;

As per Jezebel, among many other things, they're not allowed to "advertise or offer abortion services and birth control," "provide or perform an abortion," "provide facilities for an abortion or for training to provide or perform an abortion," "dispense drugs classified as emergency contraception by the FDA" (except in "the case of rape," per state law), or "refer for abortion."

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University of Idaho employees were warned Friday that they could be charged with a felony for talking about abortion, because of the state’s new abortion law. 
 
They were also told *they could no longer provide birth control.* 
 
Not just Plan B, but regular birth control. <a href="https://t.co/qHJoDRzMc2">pic.twitter.com/qHJoDRzMc2</a>
— Caroline Kitchener (@CAKitchener) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAKitchener/status/1574468952687874080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-pm-vows-to-be-attentive-to-ensuring-abortion-human-rights-are-respected-in-italy-after-melonis-win-519780">French PM vows to 'be attentive' to ensuring abortion, human rights are respected in Italy after Meloni's win</a>

In Idaho, Abortion is now a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in jail. Abortion is expressly prohibited in the state and described as "intentionally [killing] an unborn human being."

Faculty members have been granted the leeway to "direct students to sources of information outside the university" and "have classroom discussions on topics related to abortion or contraception limited to discussions and topics relevant to the class subject and instructor neutrality," according to the email.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arizona-can-enforce-near-total-abortion-ban-lifting-a-decades-old-injunction-519279">Arizona can enforce near-total abortion ban as court lifts decades-old injunction</a>

This comes as Republicans in South Carolina's senate are attempting to enact a bill that would make it illegal to even share information about self-managed abortion with medicine.
</div>

Speaking freely about abortion and contraception has become more difficult, only one of the many ripple effects that the Roe v. Wade decision's downfall has had on the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An email sent to faculty members at the University of Idaho in the United States cautions them against giving students any kind of birth control, including condoms.

An email sent to faculty members at the University of Idaho in the United States cautions them against giving students any kind of birth control, including condoms. Additionally, they have been warned not to bring up abortion in various contexts. They may lose their jobs if found in violation. The instructions specify that if faculty members do provide condoms, they must do it to help "prevent the spread of STDs but not for purposes of birth control." Watch | Kansas votes to protect abortion rights in state of constitution Faculty members were instructed to refrain from the lengthy list of actions "at all times that university employees are performing their jobs." As per Jezebel, among many other things, they're not allowed to "advertise or offer abortion services and birth control," "provide or perform an abortion," "provide facilities for an abortion or for training to provide or perform an abortion," "dispense drugs classified as emergency contraception by the FDA" (except in "the case of rape," per state law), or "refer for abortion." University of Idaho employees were warned Friday that they could be charged with a felony for talking about abortion, because of the state’s new abortion law. They were also told *they could no longer provide birth control.* Not just Plan B, but regular birth control. pic.twitter.com/qHJoDRzMc2 — Caroline Kitchener (@CAKitchener) September 26, 2022 × Also read | French PM vows to 'be attentive' to ensuring abortion, human rights are respected in Italy after Meloni's win In Idaho, Abortion is now a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in jail. Abortion is expressly prohibited in the state and described as "intentionally [killing] an unborn human being." Faculty members have been granted the leeway to "direct students to sources of information outside the university" and "have classroom discussions on topics related to abortion or contraception limited to discussions and topics relevant to the class subject and instructor neutrality," according to the email. Also read | Arizona can enforce near-total abortion ban as court lifts decades-old injunction This comes as Republicans in South Carolina's senate are attempting to enact a bill that would make it illegal to even share information about self-managed abortion with medicine. Speaking freely about abortion and contraception has become more difficult, only one of the many ripple effects that the Roe v. Wade decision's downfall has had on the United States. (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.

Roe V. Wade reversal: Faculty at US college threatened with dismissal if found talking about abortion

TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well.

Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital. The challenge is called "One Chip Challenge" and in it, participants endure a specific, "incredibly spicy" chip.&nbsp;

After the challenge sent many people, including children, to the hospital in severe pain, health officials and medical experts have warned that the trend may be dangerous.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Why is the one chip challenge being banned?

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States and school districts all around the nation United States have&nbsp;cautioned about the harmful "One Chip Challenge".&nbsp;School districts including Georgia and Colorado have issued warnings to parents about the alarming trend after numerous pupils missed class as a result of the viral challenge.

Hospitalisations resulting from the chip challenge have already been reported in California, Alabama, and Texas. One Texas student even experienced a seizure and lost consciousness in class, reported KBTX.

Here's a video showing the extreme discomfort people go through after consuming the chip:

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Ishowspeed tried the one chip challenge and this is how he reacted <a href="https://t.co/C9kI5lVzc7">pic.twitter.com/C9kI5lVzc7</a>
— weirdfusky 1k before bday? (@weirdwario5) <a href="https://twitter.com/weirdwario5/status/1571582287556345856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-warns-against-viral-tiktok-challenge-where-people-cook-food-with-cold-medicine-518410">US FDA warns against viral TikTok challenge where people cook food with flu medicine &nbsp;</a>

As per the Shade Room, the chip packs quite a punch and it has caused many challenge takers to land up in the hospital. The chip in question is the Carolina Reaper Chip by Paqui, a flavoured tortilla chip company, which has also put out the challenge.

"This year’s high voltage chip contains the super-charged Carolina Reaper Pepper and stinging Scorpion Pepper with a shocking twist, it’ll turn your tongue BLUE," reads the Paqui website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-challenge-sparks-massive-number-of-car-thefts-in-the-united-states-514831">TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States</a>

The notorious chip is "hot as hell".&nbsp;Carolina Reaper, which flavours the chip is long considered to be the hottest pepper in the world at 1,641,183 Scoville units.

Each chip must be consumed in its entirety, and participants are instructed to wait as long as they can before eating or drinking anything that might mellow the intense flavour.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well. Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital.

TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well. Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital. The challenge is called "One Chip Challenge" and in it, participants endure a specific, "incredibly spicy" chip. After the challenge sent many people, including children, to the hospital in severe pain, health officials and medical experts have warned that the trend may be dangerous. Watch | WION Fineprint | Why is the one chip challenge being banned? States and school districts all around the nation United States have cautioned about the harmful "One Chip Challenge". School districts including Georgia and Colorado have issued warnings to parents about the alarming trend after numerous pupils missed class as a result of the viral challenge. Hospitalisations resulting from the chip challenge have already been reported in California, Alabama, and Texas. One Texas student even experienced a seizure and lost consciousness in class, reported KBTX. Here's a video showing the extreme discomfort people go through after consuming the chip: Ishowspeed tried the one chip challenge and this is how he reacted pic.twitter.com/C9kI5lVzc7 — weirdfusky 1k before bday? (@weirdwario5) September 18, 2022 × Also read | US FDA warns against viral TikTok challenge where people cook food with flu medicine As per the Shade Room, the chip packs quite a punch and it has caused many challenge takers to land up in the hospital. The chip in question is the Carolina Reaper Chip by Paqui, a flavoured tortilla chip company, which has also put out the challenge. "This year’s high voltage chip contains the super-charged Carolina Reaper Pepper and stinging Scorpion Pepper with a shocking twist, it’ll turn your tongue BLUE," reads the Paqui website. Also read | TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States The notorious chip is "hot as hell". Carolina Reaper, which flavours the chip is long considered to be the hottest pepper in the world at 1,641,183 Scoville units. Each chip must be consumed in its entirety, and participants are instructed to wait as long as they can before eating or drinking anything that might mellow the intense flavour. (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.

Experts issue warning after TikTok's latest 'one chip challenge' lands schoolkid in hospital with seizures

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

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Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military.

"Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888" hreflang="en">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty.

As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday.&nbsp;

Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-says-it-wont-recognise-referendums-in-eastern-ukraine-519862" hreflang="en">Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine</a>

Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country.

In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP,&nbsp;Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden. The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military. "Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel. Also read| Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty. As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday. Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia. Also read | Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country. In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP, Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities. (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.

Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?

In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars. Not anymore.

According to a Daily Mail report, the cost of utilising public rapid charge points for electric car owners in the United Kingdom has increased by 42 per cent in just four months, making it almost as expensive as using petrol.

Watch |&nbsp;United Kingdom's cost of living crisis worsens with an energy price increase

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The RAC reported that since May, the average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for using the chargers on a pay-as-you-go basis had grown from 18.75 pence in may to the current 63.29 pence.

As a result of the skyrocketing prices of gas and energy, the cost to quickly charge a typical family-sized electric car to 80 per cent capacity has increased by around £10 ($10.6).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-say-cant-pay-wont-pay-as-energy-prices-to-surge-further-in-2023-505266">Britons say 'can't pay, won't pay' as energy prices to surge further in 2023</a>

This means someone who uses a rapid or ultra-rapid public charger pays 18 pence per mile for electricity. Petrol users pay 19 pence and diesel users 21 pence for the same distance.&nbsp;

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Public rapid EV charging costs have risen 42% in just four months 🔺 
 
Charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car but the gap is closing ⛽ 
 
The Government needs to cut the 20% vat on public charge points to match the 5% domestic rate ⚡ <a href="https://t.co/JZ7rACJas3">pic.twitter.com/JZ7rACJas3</a>
— The RAC (@TheRAC_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRAC_UK/status/1574292731622481921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC spokesperson &nbsp;said that while charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, "these figures show that the gap is narrowing as a result of the enormous increases in the cost of electricity."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oecd-cuts-2023-global-growth-forecast-to-22-per-cent-due-to-ukraine-crisis-519771" hreflang="en">OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis</a>

"These figures very clearly show that its drivers who use public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers the most who are being hit the hardest."

The growing domestic energy costs are preventing many people from switching to an electric cars, according to a 12,500-person AA poll.&nbsp;The rise in home energy bills, according to 63 per cent of respondents, is one factor keeping them with petrol or diesel vehicles, and 10 per cent indicated it was the "major reason."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars.

In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars. Not anymore. According to a Daily Mail report, the cost of utilising public rapid charge points for electric car owners in the United Kingdom has increased by 42 per cent in just four months, making it almost as expensive as using petrol. Watch | United Kingdom's cost of living crisis worsens with an energy price increase The RAC reported that since May, the average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for using the chargers on a pay-as-you-go basis had grown from 18.75 pence in may to the current 63.29 pence. As a result of the skyrocketing prices of gas and energy, the cost to quickly charge a typical family-sized electric car to 80 per cent capacity has increased by around £10 ($10.6). Also read | Britons say 'can't pay, won't pay' as energy prices to surge further in 2023 This means someone who uses a rapid or ultra-rapid public charger pays 18 pence per mile for electricity. Petrol users pay 19 pence and diesel users 21 pence for the same distance. Public rapid EV charging costs have risen 42% in just four months 🔺 Charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car but the gap is closing ⛽ The Government needs to cut the 20% vat on public charge points to match the 5% domestic rate ⚡ pic.twitter.com/JZ7rACJas3 — The RAC (@TheRAC_UK) September 26, 2022 × Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC spokesperson said that while charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, "these figures show that the gap is narrowing as a result of the enormous increases in the cost of electricity." Also read | OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis "These figures very clearly show that its drivers who use public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers the most who are being hit the hardest." The growing domestic energy costs are preventing many people from switching to an electric cars, according to a 12,500-person AA poll. The rise in home energy bills, according to 63 per cent of respondents, is one factor keeping them with petrol or diesel vehicles, and 10 per cent indicated it was the "major reason." (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.

United Kingdom: As energy crisis worsens, 'refuelling' an EV gets as expensive as petrol car

A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans.&nbsp;The team's research has been published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.

Here's everything we know about the dangerous virus:

What is Khosta-2?

The pathogen is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family. However, nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-sound-the-alarm-over-virus-that-latches-onto-humans-just-like-covid-19-and-is-vaccine-resistant-519576">Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant</a>

When and where was the virus discovered?

As per Daily Mail, Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken from Sochi National Park between March and October 2020, i.e., around the same time when the world was in a panic over SARS-CoV-2. However, the Russian government acknowledged its presence pretty recently in May.

Is it dangerous to humans?

As per Dr Stephanie Seifert and her colleagues, Khosta-2 is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus."

How does it infect us?

According to tests, Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for Covid-19.

The virus attaches to the ACE-2 entrance enzyme, which is located on the surface of human cells, by hooking onto a spike-like protein on its surface.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-long-covid-linked-to-suicides-514348/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Are any vaccines available to combat it?

Daily Mail reports that the&nbsp;research team&nbsp;from Washington State University tested the virus in order to learn more about it. They discovered that the pathogen was resistant to the coronavirus vaccines we have available on the market today.

It was found to be 'completely resistant' Bebtelovimab, an antibody medication made by Eli Lilly.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing also revealed that it seemed "resistant" to two doses of vaccination by Moderna and Pfizer.

So how do we fight it?

Even though how it infects is similar to SARS-CoV-2, Koshta isn't as efficient.

Scientists believe that it could still be "possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural immunity from Covid-19 or possibly even protection gained by vaccination.

Referring to SARS-CoV-2 which is also classified as sarbecovirus, they said it was behind "the largest global pandemic in modern history" and that&nbsp;a universal coronavirus vaccine is desperately needed at a time when "Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses has led to the emergence of highly pathogenic human viruses."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans.

A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans. The team's research has been published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Here's everything we know about the dangerous virus: What is Khosta-2? The pathogen is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family. However, nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid. Also read | Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant When and where was the virus discovered? As per Daily Mail, Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken from Sochi National Park between March and October 2020, i.e., around the same time when the world was in a panic over SARS-CoV-2. However, the Russian government acknowledged its presence pretty recently in May. Is it dangerous to humans? As per Dr Stephanie Seifert and her colleagues, Khosta-2 is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus." How does it infect us? According to tests, Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for Covid-19. The virus attaches to the ACE-2 entrance enzyme, which is located on the surface of human cells, by hooking onto a spike-like protein on its surface. Watch | Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides? Are any vaccines available to combat it? Daily Mail reports that the research team from Washington State University tested the virus in order to learn more about it. They discovered that the pathogen was resistant to the coronavirus vaccines we have available on the market today. It was found to be 'completely resistant' Bebtelovimab, an antibody medication made by Eli Lilly. Laboratory testing also revealed that it seemed "resistant" to two doses of vaccination by Moderna and Pfizer. So how do we fight it? Even though how it infects is similar to SARS-CoV-2, Koshta isn't as efficient. Scientists believe that it could still be "possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural immunity from Covid-19 or possibly even protection gained by vaccination. Referring to SARS-CoV-2 which is also classified as sarbecovirus, they said it was behind "the largest global pandemic in modern history" and that a universal coronavirus vaccine is desperately needed at a time when "Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses has led to the emergence of highly pathogenic human viruses." (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.

What is Khosta-2, the 'vaccine-resistant' severe Covid-like virus scientific community is panicking about?

A team of American virologists has&nbsp;identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market.&nbsp;

The pathogen is called Khosta-2 and it was found that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus."

It is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family, and nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-long-covid-linked-to-suicides-514348/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per Daily Mail, in an effort to discover more about the virus, researchers from Washington State University chose to test it.

They found that&nbsp;Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2. However, experts concluded that it wasn't as efficient at doing so.&nbsp;Laboratory research also showed that it appeared "resistant" to two doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer injections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-zero-covid-policy-crippling-european-businesses-in-country-report-518404">China's 'Zero-Covid' policy crippling European businesses in the country: Report</a>

However, according to Dr Stephanie Seifert and colleagues, it is "still possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural Covid immunity or possibly even protection gained by vaccination.

The experiment's findings were reported in PLoS Pathogens, and the scientists acknowledged that the bulk of the "hundreds" of sarbecoviruses found are "not capable" of infecting people. They remarked that their research shows that these viruses&nbsp;represent a threat to world health and also "highlight the urgent need" for the creation of universal coronavirus vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-says-covid-19-pandemic-in-us-is-over-517520">President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over'</a>

Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken between March and October 2020, according to the Daily Mail, but the Kremlin only acknowledged its presence in May.

Researchers from the Moscow Ministry of Health's Gamaleya National Research Centre claim that they were conducting "ongoing surveillance" of the bats living in Sochi National Park, a 480,000-acre&nbsp;park which contains hundreds of caves teeming with bats.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team of American virologists has identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market.

A team of American virologists has identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market. The pathogen is called Khosta-2 and it was found that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus." It is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family, and nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid. Watch | Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides? As per Daily Mail, in an effort to discover more about the virus, researchers from Washington State University chose to test it. They found that Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2. However, experts concluded that it wasn't as efficient at doing so. Laboratory research also showed that it appeared "resistant" to two doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer injections. Also read | China's 'Zero-Covid' policy crippling European businesses in the country: Report However, according to Dr Stephanie Seifert and colleagues, it is "still possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural Covid immunity or possibly even protection gained by vaccination. The experiment's findings were reported in PLoS Pathogens, and the scientists acknowledged that the bulk of the "hundreds" of sarbecoviruses found are "not capable" of infecting people. They remarked that their research shows that these viruses represent a threat to world health and also "highlight the urgent need" for the creation of universal coronavirus vaccines. Also read | President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over' Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken between March and October 2020, according to the Daily Mail, but the Kremlin only acknowledged its presence in May. Researchers from the Moscow Ministry of Health's Gamaleya National Research Centre claim that they were conducting "ongoing surveillance" of the bats living in Sochi National Park, a 480,000-acre park which contains hundreds of caves teeming with bats. (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.

Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant

Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion.

During her election campaign, Meloni reiterated her opposition to adoptions and surrogacy for LGBT couples, however, the far-right politician&nbsp;consistently refuted allegations that she may roll back legislation on abortion or gay rights.

Watch |&nbsp;Exit poll shows right-wing candidate Giorgia Meloni to become Italy's first woman prime minister

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Last week European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the EU has "tools" at its disposal to deal with nations that did not uphold EU ideals.&nbsp;

Echoing her remarks Borne in her interview&nbsp;with RMC Radio and BFM TV said:&nbsp;"We will be attentive, with the president of the European Commission, that these values of human rights, the respect of one another, notably the respect of abortion rights, are respected by all," reported AFP.

Borne, however, chose not to directly address the Brothers of Italy performance on Sunday, which would give the eurosceptic populist party a majority in both houses of parliament.

"I am not going to comment on the democratic choice of the Italian people,"&nbsp;she declared.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/far-right-leader-girogina-meloni-set-to-win-italys-election-exit-polls-519614" hreflang="en">Italy's right-wing leader Girogia Meloni set to win election</a>

At the helm of the country's "most right-wing government" since World War Two, Giorgia Meloni appears destined to become Italy's first female prime minister, reports Reuters.

Meloni has declared that she will uphold the nation's abortion law, which permits terminations, while also giving&nbsp;doctors the option to refuse to perform them.

However, as per AFP, her declaration that she wants to "give to women who think abortion is their only choice the right to make a different choice" has alarmed proponents of women's rights.

Additionally, minority groups are alarmed by her party's pledge to take additional actions to safeguard and promote Europe's "Judeo-Christian" foundations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion.

Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion. During her election campaign, Meloni reiterated her opposition to adoptions and surrogacy for LGBT couples, however, the far-right politician consistently refuted allegations that she may roll back legislation on abortion or gay rights. Watch | Exit poll shows right-wing candidate Giorgia Meloni to become Italy's first woman prime minister Last week European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the EU has "tools" at its disposal to deal with nations that did not uphold EU ideals. Echoing her remarks Borne in her interview with RMC Radio and BFM TV said: "We will be attentive, with the president of the European Commission, that these values of human rights, the respect of one another, notably the respect of abortion rights, are respected by all," reported AFP. Borne, however, chose not to directly address the Brothers of Italy performance on Sunday, which would give the eurosceptic populist party a majority in both houses of parliament. "I am not going to comment on the democratic choice of the Italian people," she declared. Also read | Italy's right-wing leader Girogia Meloni set to win election At the helm of the country's "most right-wing government" since World War Two, Giorgia Meloni appears destined to become Italy's first female prime minister, reports Reuters. Meloni has declared that she will uphold the nation's abortion law, which permits terminations, while also giving doctors the option to refuse to perform them. However, as per AFP, her declaration that she wants to "give to women who think abortion is their only choice the right to make a different choice" has alarmed proponents of women's rights. Additionally, minority groups are alarmed by her party's pledge to take additional actions to safeguard and promote Europe's "Judeo-Christian" foundations. (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.

French PM vows to 'be attentive' to ensuring abortion, human rights are respected in Italy after Meloni's win

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes&nbsp;of trash.

There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He&nbsp;analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars&nbsp;to search for signs of life on mars.

However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-an-asteroid-wipe-out-dinosaurs-new-study-claims-otherwise-heres-what-it-says-happened-518465" hreflang="en">Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out'</a>

Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars.

Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface.

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes of trash. There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars to search for signs of life on mars. However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash. Also read | Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out' Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars. Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal. (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.

Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash

Switzerland wants to enact stricter animal welfare regulations and ban factory farming, but a referendum on the issue has been rejected by Swiss citizens.

The proposal to make safeguarding the dignity of farm animals like cattle, poultry, and pigs a constitutional obligation was submitted to a referendum under the Swiss form of direct democracy, reports Reuters.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth?

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However, VoteInfo app which uses the Federal Statistics Office collected data on election outcomes, showed a provisional result of 62.86 per cent of votes against the proposal.

The government had also advised against the idea, claiming that such modifications would violate trade agreements, raise investment and operating expenses, and increase food prices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organisation-wants-meat-eating-men-banned-from-having-sex-heres-why-519557">Organisation wants meat-eating men 'banned from having sex'. Here's why</a>

According to the farming proposal, the government would have had to establish more stringent guidelines for both caring for and slaughtering animals. This would have included granting them access to the outdoors. The rules would have applied to imported animals and animal products as well.

Fabrice Drouin, a resident of Geneva, told Reuters that he voted no, because in his opinion while "There are farmers who are doing intensive farming with their animals" they respect animal welfare.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-meat-increases-risk-of-heart-diseases-by-18-study-399496">Red meat increases risk of heart diseases by 18%: Study</a>

He added that the nation must practise factory farming, at least in part, in order to feed the population, "otherwise, we won't be able to eat meat anymore."

Another Geneva resident Florian Barbon who also voted against the initiative said that he believes that "in general, people are regulating themselves on their own," and that "I don't think we need a legal framework for this."

Switzerland wants to enact stricter animal welfare regulations and ban factory farming, but a referendum on the issue has been rejected by Swiss citizens. The proposal to make safeguarding the dignity of farm animals like cattle, poultry, and pigs a constitutional obligation was submitted to a referendum under the Swiss form of direct democracy, reports Reuters.

Switzerland wants to enact stricter animal welfare regulations and ban factory farming, but a referendum on the issue has been rejected by Swiss citizens. The proposal to make safeguarding the dignity of farm animals like cattle, poultry, and pigs a constitutional obligation was submitted to a referendum under the Swiss form of direct democracy, reports Reuters. Watch | Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth? However, VoteInfo app which uses the Federal Statistics Office collected data on election outcomes, showed a provisional result of 62.86 per cent of votes against the proposal. The government had also advised against the idea, claiming that such modifications would violate trade agreements, raise investment and operating expenses, and increase food prices. Also read | Organisation wants meat-eating men 'banned from having sex'. Here's why According to the farming proposal, the government would have had to establish more stringent guidelines for both caring for and slaughtering animals. This would have included granting them access to the outdoors. The rules would have applied to imported animals and animal products as well. Fabrice Drouin, a resident of Geneva, told Reuters that he voted no, because in his opinion while "There are farmers who are doing intensive farming with their animals" they respect animal welfare. Also read | Red meat increases risk of heart diseases by 18%: Study He added that the nation must practise factory farming, at least in part, in order to feed the population, "otherwise, we won't be able to eat meat anymore." Another Geneva resident Florian Barbon who also voted against the initiative said that he believes that "in general, people are regulating themselves on their own," and that "I don't think we need a legal framework for this."

Switzerland: 62% people reject proposal to toughen animal protection laws, ban factory farming

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care.&nbsp;

CDC reports that with competent maternal care, which America lacks, in comparison to many of its peer developed nations,&nbsp;84.2 per cent of pregnancy-related deaths might have been avoided.

As per Daily Mail, deaths by suicide or drug overdose account for 22.7 per cent of these deaths, with a significant fraction of these incidents being linked to mental health issues.&nbsp;Haemorrhages, heart conditions, infections, and excessive blood pressure were some of the other major causes.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety

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Health professionals have long cautioned about the often-overlooked problem of maternal mortality in the United States.

According to research by The Commonwealth Fund, with 17.4 deaths for every 100,000 births, the United States had the highest rate of any developed country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-maternal-mortality-rate-rises-black-women-3-times-more-likely-to-die-than-white-counterparts-study-455773">US maternal mortality rate rises, Black women 3 times more likely to die than White counterparts: Study</a>

Maternal mortality in the US was compared to ten peer countries, and America had twice as many deaths per 100,000 people as France, which had the second highest figures in the survey, and ten times more than New Zealand.

Among wealthy nations, maternal mortality is a problem that is specific to the United States since there are fewer doctors available there and more hurdles to availing care.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-pregnancy-complications-amid-abortion-row-in-the-us-509316">Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US</a>

The head of the CDC's Division of Reproductive Health, Dr Wanda Barfield, said in a statement that the research "paints a much clearer picture of pregnancy-related deaths in this country."

The CDC analysis examined data on maternal deaths between 2017 and 2019. The information dates from before the COVID-19 epidemic, which many experts believe made the country's problems with maternal mortality worse.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care. CDC reports that with competent maternal care, which America lacks, in comparison to many of its peer developed nations, 84.2 per cent of pregnancy-related deaths might have been avoided. As per Daily Mail, deaths by suicide or drug overdose account for 22.7 per cent of these deaths, with a significant fraction of these incidents being linked to mental health issues. Haemorrhages, heart conditions, infections, and excessive blood pressure were some of the other major causes. Watch | Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety Health professionals have long cautioned about the often-overlooked problem of maternal mortality in the United States. According to research by The Commonwealth Fund, with 17.4 deaths for every 100,000 births, the United States had the highest rate of any developed country. Also read | US maternal mortality rate rises, Black women 3 times more likely to die than White counterparts: Study Maternal mortality in the US was compared to ten peer countries, and America had twice as many deaths per 100,000 people as France, which had the second highest figures in the survey, and ten times more than New Zealand. Among wealthy nations, maternal mortality is a problem that is specific to the United States since there are fewer doctors available there and more hurdles to availing care. Also read | Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US The head of the CDC's Division of Reproductive Health, Dr Wanda Barfield, said in a statement that the research "paints a much clearer picture of pregnancy-related deaths in this country." The CDC analysis examined data on maternal deaths between 2017 and 2019. The information dates from before the COVID-19 epidemic, which many experts believe made the country's problems with maternal mortality worse. (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.

84.2% of pregnancy-related deaths in US could have been avoided with better care: CDC

Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender.

The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses. There are more than 360 million notes in all that will be taken out of circulation.

Watch |&nbsp;UK PM Liz Truss plans to cut down stamp duty in mini-budget, focus on reviving British economy

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People have only a small window to make use of their cash. The paper notes will be replaced by polymer £20 and £50 notes which have&nbsp;been in circulation for more than two years (since February 2020).

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There's 1 week left to use your paper £20 and £50 banknotes. All polymer notes carrying a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can continue to be used as normal after 30 September. <a href="https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ">https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/4srSheSdUa">pic.twitter.com/4srSheSdUa</a>
— Bank of England (@bankofengland) <a href="https://twitter.com/bankofengland/status/1573250823030771712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Additionally, as per Mirror UK, as of the next week, old bills featuring the face of Adam Smith, Matthew Boulton, and James Watt will no longer be accepted as legal tender.

Their replacements will have pictures of J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing on £20 and £50 notes&nbsp;respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/banknotes-featuring-queen-elizabeths-picture-remain-legal-tender-bank-of-england-514312">Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth's picture remain legal tender: Bank of England</a>

Bloomberg reports that the paper currency can be exchanged for new money made of a polymer by showing up in person at the BOE's Threadneedle Street offices in London, mailing them through the post, or exchanging them at specific Post Offices. They can also be deposited into accounts at several commercial banks.

The decision to transition to polymer notes was made to increase the notes' resistance to damage and fight illegal counterfeiting.

In future, the synthetic notes will also be replaced to enable the distribution of notes carrying the image of King Charles III and to gradually phase out notes bearing the image of the late Queen.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender. The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses.

Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender. The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses. There are more than 360 million notes in all that will be taken out of circulation. Watch | UK PM Liz Truss plans to cut down stamp duty in mini-budget, focus on reviving British economy People have only a small window to make use of their cash. The paper notes will be replaced by polymer £20 and £50 notes which have been in circulation for more than two years (since February 2020). There's 1 week left to use your paper £20 and £50 banknotes. All polymer notes carrying a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can continue to be used as normal after 30 September. https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ pic.twitter.com/4srSheSdUa — Bank of England (@bankofengland) September 23, 2022 × Additionally, as per Mirror UK, as of the next week, old bills featuring the face of Adam Smith, Matthew Boulton, and James Watt will no longer be accepted as legal tender. Their replacements will have pictures of J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing on £20 and £50 notes respectively. Also read | Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth's picture remain legal tender: Bank of England Bloomberg reports that the paper currency can be exchanged for new money made of a polymer by showing up in person at the BOE's Threadneedle Street offices in London, mailing them through the post, or exchanging them at specific Post Offices. They can also be deposited into accounts at several commercial banks. The decision to transition to polymer notes was made to increase the notes' resistance to damage and fight illegal counterfeiting. In future, the synthetic notes will also be replaced to enable the distribution of notes carrying the image of King Charles III and to gradually phase out notes bearing the image of the late Queen. (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.

Britons have less than a week to spend old paper banknotes worth £11 billion

A new lawsuit filed against former US president Donald Trump and his three children, alleges that the family had for years lied to insurers and lenders for tax purposes.&nbsp;The suit, which has been filed by New York state's attorney general&nbsp;Letitia James on Wednesday (September 21) claims that the Trump family both inflated and deflated their worth by billions.

Hitting back at James, Donald Trump referred to the legal action against his family and real estate company as "another witch hunt" and dubbed the Black attorney general&nbsp;a "racist."

Watch |&nbsp;US Judge asks Trump's lawyer if he declassified records in FBI search

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As per AFP, Trump wrote on&nbsp;Truth Social, "Another Witch Hunt by a racist Attorney General, Letitia James, who failed in her run for Governor, getting almost zero support from the public."

James, New York's top state prosecutor, alleges that the former president lied about his net worth "to obtain and satisfy loans, get insurance benefits, and pay lower taxes". He is said to have done this with the assistance of his children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and others from the Trump organisation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vowed-he-wont-leave-white-house-let-joe-biden-move-in-reveals-new-book-515802">Donald Trump vowed he won't leave White House or let Joe Biden move in, reveals new book</a>

"In short, he lied to gain massive financial benefits for himself," she said.

The civil lawsuit was criticised by Liz Harrington, a spokesperson for Trump, as a political move by Democrats against the Republican businessman.

"A tale of two justice systems — yes where criminals go free, and the Democrats only go after their political opponents!," she said taking to Trump's Twitter-like platform Truth Social.

The case submitted to the New York State Supreme Court claims that&nbsp;Trump's annual financial statements for at least a decade "grossly inflated" the worth of all of his properties, from Mar-a-Lago in Florida to Trump Tower in Manhattan, to a "staggering" extent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/location-is-everything-donald-trump-mocks-joe-biden-after-queen-elizabeth-iis-funeral-517943">'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral</a>

James alleges that Trump did this to get loans that were more favourable and had lower interest rates and premiums.&nbsp;Her office is seeking a five-year ban on Trump, and his children from owning property in the state, as well as fines of at least $250 million and a prohibition against them holding businesses.

The investigation is just one of numerous congressional, criminal, and civil inquiries into Trump, who plans to run for president again in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new lawsuit filed against former US president Donald Trump and his three children, alleges that the family had for years lied to insurers and lenders for tax purposes.

A new lawsuit filed against former US president Donald Trump and his three children, alleges that the family had for years lied to insurers and lenders for tax purposes. The suit, which has been filed by New York state's attorney general Letitia James on Wednesday (September 21) claims that the Trump family both inflated and deflated their worth by billions. Hitting back at James, Donald Trump referred to the legal action against his family and real estate company as "another witch hunt" and dubbed the Black attorney general a "racist." Watch | US Judge asks Trump's lawyer if he declassified records in FBI search As per AFP, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Another Witch Hunt by a racist Attorney General, Letitia James, who failed in her run for Governor, getting almost zero support from the public." James, New York's top state prosecutor, alleges that the former president lied about his net worth "to obtain and satisfy loans, get insurance benefits, and pay lower taxes". He is said to have done this with the assistance of his children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and others from the Trump organisation. Also read | Donald Trump vowed he won't leave White House or let Joe Biden move in, reveals new book "In short, he lied to gain massive financial benefits for himself," she said. The civil lawsuit was criticised by Liz Harrington, a spokesperson for Trump, as a political move by Democrats against the Republican businessman. "A tale of two justice systems — yes where criminals go free, and the Democrats only go after their political opponents!," she said taking to Trump's Twitter-like platform Truth Social. The case submitted to the New York State Supreme Court claims that Trump's annual financial statements for at least a decade "grossly inflated" the worth of all of his properties, from Mar-a-Lago in Florida to Trump Tower in Manhattan, to a "staggering" extent. Also read | 'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral James alleges that Trump did this to get loans that were more favourable and had lower interest rates and premiums. Her office is seeking a five-year ban on Trump, and his children from owning property in the state, as well as fines of at least $250 million and a prohibition against them holding businesses. The investigation is just one of numerous congressional, criminal, and civil inquiries into Trump, who plans to run for president again in 2024. (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.

Donald Trump and children sued for financial fraud; Ex-Prez dubs it 'another witch hunt'

Pakistan now faces a new challenge in addition to the ongoing floods that have severely damaged its infrastructure and claimed well over a thousand&nbsp;lives.

Flood-ravaged regions of the nation are reeling under the threat of flood-borne diseases like malaria.&nbsp;As per a tweet by a senior Pakistani journalist, the nation is now considering the import of 71 lakh mosquito nets from its neighbouring nation, India.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan floods death toll nears 1,500

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Senior journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah claims that Pakistan's health ministry is seeking permission for the import.

"After the spread of malaria in #Pakistan, the ministry of health asked the government of Pakistan for permission to buy mosquito nets from #India. There is an urgent need for 71 lakh mosquito nets in 26 districts of Pakistan," tweeted Shah.

He further claimed that in the past two months, two lakh people have contracted malaria in the flood-affected Sindh and Balochistan, with 22 per cent of those cases being of the plasmodium falciparum kind.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-floods-un-expresses-concern-over-34-million-children-in-need-of-lifesaving-support-517484" hreflang="en">Pakistan floods: UN expresses concern over 3.4 million children in need of lifesaving support</a>

This comes amid reports that Pakistani officials had&nbsp;refused relief supplies from India, a neighbour with whom it has a tense relationship, despite the country's ongoing request for international assistance. As per the Indian Narrative, the nation also refused aid from Bangladesh, claiming that the move can negatively impact Pakistan's "global image".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-to-work-with-international-community-to-support-flood-ravaged-pakistan-517482" hreflang="en">IMF to work with international community to support flood-ravaged Pakistan</a>

As per a Reuters report, authorities said on Wednesday that 324 people had died from skin diseases, diarrhoea, and malaria in several of Pakistan's flood-ravaged districts. They also warned that if necessary relief doesn't arrive, the situation might spiral out of control.

The temporary medical facilities and mobile clinics in the flooded areas have treated more than 78,000 patients in the past 24 hours and more than 2 million since July 1, said the southern Sindh provincial government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan now faces a new challenge in addition to the ongoing floods that have severely damaged its infrastructure and claimed well over a thousand lives. Flood-ravaged regions of the nation are reeling under the threat of flood-borne diseases like malaria.

Pakistan now faces a new challenge in addition to the ongoing floods that have severely damaged its infrastructure and claimed well over a thousand lives. Flood-ravaged regions of the nation are reeling under the threat of flood-borne diseases like malaria. As per a tweet by a senior Pakistani journalist, the nation is now considering the import of 71 lakh mosquito nets from its neighbouring nation, India. Watch | Pakistan floods death toll nears 1,500 Senior journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah claims that Pakistan's health ministry is seeking permission for the import. "After the spread of malaria in #Pakistan, the ministry of health asked the government of Pakistan for permission to buy mosquito nets from #India. There is an urgent need for 71 lakh mosquito nets in 26 districts of Pakistan," tweeted Shah. He further claimed that in the past two months, two lakh people have contracted malaria in the flood-affected Sindh and Balochistan, with 22 per cent of those cases being of the plasmodium falciparum kind. Also read | Pakistan floods: UN expresses concern over 3.4 million children in need of lifesaving support This comes amid reports that Pakistani officials had refused relief supplies from India, a neighbour with whom it has a tense relationship, despite the country's ongoing request for international assistance. As per the Indian Narrative, the nation also refused aid from Bangladesh, claiming that the move can negatively impact Pakistan's "global image". Also read | IMF to work with international community to support flood-ravaged Pakistan As per a Reuters report, authorities said on Wednesday that 324 people had died from skin diseases, diarrhoea, and malaria in several of Pakistan's flood-ravaged districts. They also warned that if necessary relief doesn't arrive, the situation might spiral out of control. The temporary medical facilities and mobile clinics in the flooded areas have treated more than 78,000 patients in the past 24 hours and more than 2 million since July 1, said the southern Sindh provincial 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.

After declining aid, Pakistan considers importing mosquito nets from India amid malaria outbreak

As per a new analysis, the past year saw hundreds of books; 801 to be exact, banned in Texas. These books ranged across multiple genres from the so-called "Queer agenda" to those featuring people of colour.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, Texas is not alone, Florida banned 566 books, Pennsylvania pulled 457 out of classrooms, and Tennessee dealt the blow to 349 books. From June 2021 to July 2022, in total there were 2,532 instances of individual books all over the country;&nbsp;1,648 unique titles were banned across 138 school districts in 32 states.

Watch |&nbsp;The unburnable book to promote book banning in the US

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<h2>Which books were banned?</h2>

As per Pen America's report titled "Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools", 5,049 schools and a whopping four million students were affected by these bans.&nbsp;

The 1,648 banned books include: 
- 674 that had LGBTQ+ themes, 659 had people of colour as protagonists,&nbsp; 
- 338 dealt with the issue of racism,&nbsp; 
- 357 contained sexual content; like stories of teen pregnancy, sexual assault, abortions, sex, relationships and even "informational books about puberty" 
- 161 had themes of rights and activism 
- Also banned were 141 memoirs, biographies, autobiographies 
- And 64 had religious minority characters.

Of these, around 75 per cent were fiction, 24 per cent non-fiction and the remaining 1 per cent poetry.&nbsp;Even picture books catering to the young audience weren't spared.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queens-crush-disrespectful-prince-harry-more-heart-warming-controversial-moments-from-royal-funeral-518155">Queen's crush, 'disrespectful’ Prince Harry &amp; more: Heart-warming, controversial moments from royal funeral</a>

&nbsp;

<h2>Who's behind these bans?</h2>

According to PEN America, at least 40 per cent of the 1,109 restrictions mentioned in the Index "are connected to either proposed or enacted legislation, or to political pressure exerted by state officials or elected lawmakers to restrict the teaching or presence of certain books or concepts."

The report blames 50 groups (300 if you count the local, and regional chapters) across the country for these bans. It also points out that 73 per cent or 262 of these groups have been formed since 2021.

However, parents and community groups also played a role.

"This movement to ban books is deeply undemocratic, in that it often seeks to impose restrictions on all students and families based on the preferences of those calling for the bans and notwithstanding polls that consistently show that Americans of all political persuasions oppose book bans," remarks the report.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/loch-ness-monster-captured-on-a-newly-installed-live-stream-watch-it-here-518029" hreflang="en">Loch Ness monster 'captured' on a newly installed live stream. Watch it here!</a>

It further points out that this movement has a variety of negative impacts: on students who are no longer represented, on teachers whose teachings are now dictated and on authors who have all but lost their right to tell stories their own way.

"We should heed this warning," the report states, noting that attempts to undermine civil liberties and undermine democratic norms continue, and that "the dynamics surrounding school book bans are a canary in the coal mine for the future of American democracy, public education, and free expression".

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a new analysis, the past year saw hundreds of books; 801 to be exact, banned in Texas. These books ranged across multiple genres from the so-called "Queer agenda" to those featuring people of colour.

As per a new analysis, the past year saw hundreds of books; 801 to be exact, banned in Texas. These books ranged across multiple genres from the so-called "Queer agenda" to those featuring people of colour. Unfortunately, Texas is not alone, Florida banned 566 books, Pennsylvania pulled 457 out of classrooms, and Tennessee dealt the blow to 349 books. From June 2021 to July 2022, in total there were 2,532 instances of individual books all over the country; 1,648 unique titles were banned across 138 school districts in 32 states. Watch | The unburnable book to promote book banning in the US Which books were banned? As per Pen America's report titled "Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools", 5,049 schools and a whopping four million students were affected by these bans. The 1,648 banned books include: - 674 that had LGBTQ+ themes, 659 had people of colour as protagonists, - 338 dealt with the issue of racism, - 357 contained sexual content; like stories of teen pregnancy, sexual assault, abortions, sex, relationships and even "informational books about puberty" - 161 had themes of rights and activism - Also banned were 141 memoirs, biographies, autobiographies - And 64 had religious minority characters. Of these, around 75 per cent were fiction, 24 per cent non-fiction and the remaining 1 per cent poetry. Even picture books catering to the young audience weren't spared. Also read | Queen's crush, 'disrespectful’ Prince Harry & more: Heart-warming, controversial moments from royal funeral Who's behind these bans? According to PEN America, at least 40 per cent of the 1,109 restrictions mentioned in the Index "are connected to either proposed or enacted legislation, or to political pressure exerted by state officials or elected lawmakers to restrict the teaching or presence of certain books or concepts." The report blames 50 groups (300 if you count the local, and regional chapters) across the country for these bans. It also points out that 73 per cent or 262 of these groups have been formed since 2021. However, parents and community groups also played a role. "This movement to ban books is deeply undemocratic, in that it often seeks to impose restrictions on all students and families based on the preferences of those calling for the bans and notwithstanding polls that consistently show that Americans of all political persuasions oppose book bans," remarks the report. Also read | Loch Ness monster 'captured' on a newly installed live stream. Watch it here! It further points out that this movement has a variety of negative impacts: on students who are no longer represented, on teachers whose teachings are now dictated and on authors who have all but lost their right to tell stories their own way. "We should heed this warning," the report states, noting that attempts to undermine civil liberties and undermine democratic norms continue, and that "the dynamics surrounding school book bans are a canary in the coal mine for the future of American democracy, public education, and free expression". (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.

Freedom of expression?: Last year saw 1,648 books censored from US schools, Texas tops with 650+ bans