North Korea parades its Hwasong 17 nuclear ICBMs Russia targets several strategic Ukrainian cities in the spring offensive & El Salvador opens the biggest prison in Latin America. Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar.

World at War | Episode 41: Iran shows off its underground fighter jets

According to a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, the balloon that was sighted over Latin America's skies belongs to China and was used for flight experiments. Beijing has never before acknowledged that the balloon seen over two nations in Latin America actually belongs to China.

China: Balloon over Latin America is Chinese

The U.S-China tiff over the alleged 'spy' balloon over the Americas gets uglier. In the latest, Beijing has confirmed that a balloon spotted flying over Latin America is Chinese. They called it a research balloon that had strayed from its designated path. This comes after U.S. shot another balloon, as it claimed it was an unmanned spy craft.

Balloon over Latin America is Chinese

The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend.

The Pentagon on Friday stated that they have spotted a second balloon, suspected to be a Chinese spying object, flying across the sky of Latin America.

The air force of Colombia then reported an object seen with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected and "monitored until it left the national air space".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seriously-impacted-relations-chinas-rebuke-to-us-shooting-down-suspected-spy-balloon-559092">‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon</a>

The air force stated that investigations are being conducted in co-ordination with other institutions and nations "to establish the origins of the object".

The foreign ministry of Beijing on Monday claimed that the balloon was "from China" and that it was of "a civilian nature and used for flight tests".

"Affected by weather forces in addition to its maneuverability being limited, the airship deviated greatly from its expected course, and accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace," said spokesperson Mao Ning, while speaking at a press briefing.

"China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law. We have communicated with the relevant parties and are handling appropriately, and will not cause any threat to any country,” she added.

WATCH | U.S. shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic

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The detection of China's other balloon flying over the United States led to the cancellation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to China, who was due to land in Beijing on Sunday.

After the earlier balloon was shot down, China expressed its anger on Sunday and continued to claim that it was an unmanned weather surveillance aircraft, which had veered off course.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend.

The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend. The Pentagon on Friday stated that they have spotted a second balloon, suspected to be a Chinese spying object, flying across the sky of Latin America. The air force of Colombia then reported an object seen with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected and "monitored until it left the national air space". ALSO READ | ‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon The air force stated that investigations are being conducted in co-ordination with other institutions and nations "to establish the origins of the object". The foreign ministry of Beijing on Monday claimed that the balloon was "from China" and that it was of "a civilian nature and used for flight tests". "Affected by weather forces in addition to its maneuverability being limited, the airship deviated greatly from its expected course, and accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace," said spokesperson Mao Ning, while speaking at a press briefing. "China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law. We have communicated with the relevant parties and are handling appropriately, and will not cause any threat to any country,” she added. WATCH | U.S. shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic The detection of China's other balloon flying over the United States led to the cancellation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to China, who was due to land in Beijing on Sunday. After the earlier balloon was shot down, China expressed its anger on Sunday and continued to claim that it was an unmanned weather surveillance aircraft, which had veered off course. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Beijing confirms balloon flying in Latin America's sky is Chinese

The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">in the United States</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">skies</a>. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." &nbsp;

However, spokesperson Ryder did not specify the balloon's exact location in Latin America, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Pentagon said it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon flying high over the US. A senior defence official told reporters the balloon was for surveillance. The official added that at the request of President Joe Biden, officials considered shooting the balloon down but concluded doing so would endanger too many people on the ground.&nbsp;

Initially, the Chinese government did not identify the balloon's origins but later admitted the civilian craft was blown off course.&nbsp;

"The airship is from China and is civilian in nature, used for meteorological and other scientific research. Due to the influence of westerly winds and its limited control capability, the airship deviated from its intended course," the foreign ministry of China&nbsp;said in a statement late Friday.&nbsp;

"China regrets that the airship strayed into the United States by mistake due to force majeure. China will continue to maintain communication with the US side to properly handle this accident," it added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinkens-trip-to-beijing-postponed-over-alleged-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-558653">Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace</a>

Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken postponed his upcoming trip to China as he did not want the balloon issue to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials.&nbsp;

Addressing a joint press conference with South Korean foreign minister Park Jin on Friday, Blinken said that China's decision to fly a balloon over the US was both unacceptable and irresponsible.&nbsp;

"It's a violation of our sovereignty, it's a violation of international law, and it was very important that we, of course, take the actions we did to protect any sensitive information, to protect our people and to make clear to China that, again, this is an unacceptable as well as an irresponsible action," Blinken said, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"What this has done is created the conditions that undermine the purpose of the trip, including ongoing efforts to build a floor under the relationship and to address a broad range of issues that are of concern to the American people, I believe to the Chinese people, and certainly as well to people around the world. So, we took the step that I announced earlier today in postponing the planned visit for this weekend," he added.&nbsp;

China hits out at American media, politicians over balloon incident

The Chinese government said on Saturday that&nbsp;US media and politicians had taken advantage of US allegations that&nbsp;China flew a spy balloon over American skies. Releasing a statement, the foreign ministry said, "China... never violated the territory and airspace of any sovereign country.&nbsp;Some politicians and media in the United States used the (balloon) incident as a pretext to attack and&nbsp;smear&nbsp;China."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen in the United States skies.

The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen in the United States skies. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." However, spokesperson Ryder did not specify the balloon's exact location in Latin America, news agency AFP reported. On Thursday, the Pentagon said it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon flying high over the US. A senior defence official told reporters the balloon was for surveillance. The official added that at the request of President Joe Biden, officials considered shooting the balloon down but concluded doing so would endanger too many people on the ground. Initially, the Chinese government did not identify the balloon's origins but later admitted the civilian craft was blown off course. "The airship is from China and is civilian in nature, used for meteorological and other scientific research. Due to the influence of westerly winds and its limited control capability, the airship deviated from its intended course," the foreign ministry of China said in a statement late Friday. "China regrets that the airship strayed into the United States by mistake due to force majeure. China will continue to maintain communication with the US side to properly handle this accident," it added. ALSO READ | Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing ‘postponed’ over alleged Chinese spy balloon in US airspace Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken postponed his upcoming trip to China as he did not want the balloon issue to dominate his meetings with Chinese officials. Addressing a joint press conference with South Korean foreign minister Park Jin on Friday, Blinken said that China's decision to fly a balloon over the US was both unacceptable and irresponsible. "It's a violation of our sovereignty, it's a violation of international law, and it was very important that we, of course, take the actions we did to protect any sensitive information, to protect our people and to make clear to China that, again, this is an unacceptable as well as an irresponsible action," Blinken said, news agency Reuters reported. "What this has done is created the conditions that undermine the purpose of the trip, including ongoing efforts to build a floor under the relationship and to address a broad range of issues that are of concern to the American people, I believe to the Chinese people, and certainly as well to people around the world. So, we took the step that I announced earlier today in postponing the planned visit for this weekend," he added. China hits out at American media, politicians over balloon incident The Chinese government said on Saturday that US media and politicians had taken advantage of US allegations that China flew a spy balloon over American skies. Releasing a statement, the foreign ministry said, "China... never violated the territory and airspace of any sovereign country. Some politicians and media in the United States used the (balloon) incident as a pretext to attack and smear China." (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 US, another Chinese balloon seen flying over Latin America: Pentagon

Peru has been witnessing massive protests since December last year from supporters of far-left former president Pedro Castillo. Castillo's supporters are outraged over his arrest following impeachment and failed attempt to dissolve Congress. So can we say that Pedro's attempted coup exposed the crumbling state of Peru's democratic institutions?&nbsp;

Well, according to experts this is not the case. Latin America analyst Hari Seshasayee told WION that "Peru's democracy is not as fragile as we think. Despite all the impeachments and now the protests, there has been no military coup d'etat and no authoritarian leader has governed Peru in recent years."&nbsp;

The main issue, Seshasayee pointed out, is that the "political party system has all but crumbled since the early 2000s and it remains in dire straits."&nbsp;

Given Peru's history, WION asked the expert whether the current president Dina Boluarte is also staring down the same downfall. Is her downfall predictable too?&nbsp;

The analyst explained that the current Boluarte government has already made some missteps, particularly by allowing so much violence and resulting deaths to continue under their watch. It is pertinent to note that over 50 people have died in the unrest which has gripped the Latin American nation.&nbsp;

There is definitely a possibility that Dina Boluarte either resigns or is impeached, Seshasayee highlighted however he continued by saying that even if Boluarte resigns or is impeached, the protests may reach a pause but they will not stop completely.&nbsp;

"The demands now are for a constituent assembly to rewrite the 1993 constitution enacted by Alberto Fujimori. At the minimum, even if Boluarte does not resign, she will be forced to call for earlier elections, perhaps sometime in the second half of 2023," he added.&nbsp;

The unicameral Congress of Peru has the legislative power vested in it. This is the same institution which has been surrounded by allegations of corruption and is deemed the most crooked one of all.&nbsp;

How can congress be made corruption free? WION asked Seshasayee in a conversation. According to him, Peru's Congress is highly corrupt but there is little chance of remedying this in the short term. "It requires political reforms that no Peruvian president would be willing to take because it would be political suicide for them."&nbsp;

Just a day ago, Boluarte called for a "truce" in a bid to calm down protesters who were on an all-out clash with police who fired tear gas on them.&nbsp;

Now, as the Boluarte government is facing accusations of killing the protesting Peruvians to shun the uprising, the president alleged that a lot of those who had died were not shot by police but by their fellow demonstrators only.

In the latest development, Peru lawmakers have reportedly submitted a motion that seeks the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte.&nbsp;

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Peru has been witnessing massive protests since December last year from supporters of far-left former president Pedro Castillo. Castillo's supporters are outraged over his arrest following impeachment and failed attempt to dissolve Congress.

Peru has been witnessing massive protests since December last year from supporters of far-left former president Pedro Castillo. Castillo's supporters are outraged over his arrest following impeachment and failed attempt to dissolve Congress. So can we say that Pedro's attempted coup exposed the crumbling state of Peru's democratic institutions? Well, according to experts this is not the case. Latin America analyst Hari Seshasayee told WION that "Peru's democracy is not as fragile as we think. Despite all the impeachments and now the protests, there has been no military coup d'etat and no authoritarian leader has governed Peru in recent years." The main issue, Seshasayee pointed out, is that the "political party system has all but crumbled since the early 2000s and it remains in dire straits." Given Peru's history, WION asked the expert whether the current president Dina Boluarte is also staring down the same downfall. Is her downfall predictable too? The analyst explained that the current Boluarte government has already made some missteps, particularly by allowing so much violence and resulting deaths to continue under their watch. It is pertinent to note that over 50 people have died in the unrest which has gripped the Latin American nation. There is definitely a possibility that Dina Boluarte either resigns or is impeached, Seshasayee highlighted however he continued by saying that even if Boluarte resigns or is impeached, the protests may reach a pause but they will not stop completely. "The demands now are for a constituent assembly to rewrite the 1993 constitution enacted by Alberto Fujimori. At the minimum, even if Boluarte does not resign, she will be forced to call for earlier elections, perhaps sometime in the second half of 2023," he added. The unicameral Congress of Peru has the legislative power vested in it. This is the same institution which has been surrounded by allegations of corruption and is deemed the most crooked one of all. How can congress be made corruption free? WION asked Seshasayee in a conversation. According to him, Peru's Congress is highly corrupt but there is little chance of remedying this in the short term. "It requires political reforms that no Peruvian president would be willing to take because it would be political suicide for them." Just a day ago, Boluarte called for a "truce" in a bid to calm down protesters who were on an all-out clash with police who fired tear gas on them. Now, as the Boluarte government is facing accusations of killing the protesting Peruvians to shun the uprising, the president alleged that a lot of those who had died were not shot by police but by their fellow demonstrators only. In the latest development, Peru lawmakers have reportedly submitted a motion that seeks the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte. 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.

Is Peru democracy in danger?

Latin America's first renewable-powered, trash-trapping wheel whisks away garbage floating down one of Panama's most important but heavily polluted rivers before it spills into the Pacific Ocean.

WION Climate Tracker: Panama river cleaned up by trash-trapping wheel in a green first

The election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil in the run-off on October 30 was a foregone conclusion. Equally certain, after Lula failed to defeat incumbent Jair Bolsanaro in the first round on October 2, was that it would be a cliffhanger although Lula was the odds-on favourite. In the past, too, it is in the run-off that Lula had won two terms. Therefore, it is no surprise that Lula’s margin was less than two per cent.&nbsp;

More surprising, and significant, than the election outcome is that in such a closely fought, high-stakes presidential battle, the voter turnout was 79 per cent. In Brazil, where voting is mandatory and non-compliance punishable with a fine, nearly 5.7 million (roughly 5 per cent) cast votes that were either blank or null; which precludes their being fined. Obviously, the prospect of a fine was not a deterrent for the 32 million (20.60 per cent) who abstained from voting.&nbsp;

Watch | Brazil Presidential Polls: Lula da Silva wins elections again at the age of 77 with 50.90% of votes

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The second significant aspect is that Lula’s victory seems to have been welcomed in most world capitals, including by leaders known to be averse, if not hostile, to the left, especially in South America. Perhaps, the red tide sweeping the continent is far too powerful for any modern-day Canute to want it rolled back; and, reality requires even the world’s anti-left leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron to accept the inevitable when the forces of regressive nationalism are on the rise in large parts of the world.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-prez-polls-no-signs-of-bolsonaro-conceding-defeat-as-lula-celebrates-spectacular-win-529929">Brazil prez polls: No signs of Bolsonaro conceding defeat as Lula celebrates spectacular win</a>

The leftward shift in South America began in 2020 in Bolivia; gained momentum in 2021 with right-wing politicians being worsted in presidential elections in Peru, Chile, Honduras and Nicaragua; and, continues on its winning trajectory. The first to score in 2022 was Colombia and now it is Brazil rooting for Lula and his pro-poor policies which are opposed to the ecological degradation that was rampant under Bolsanaro.&nbsp;

Lula’s victory is far more important than that of the left in that region. Brazil’s population, the size of its economy and its place in international bodies and multilateral forums invest the political outcome with a significance that should resonate far beyond South America. &nbsp;

Conventional, and dominant narratives, have presented that course of democracy as moving from the West to the rest of the world. (This “West” excludes South America). Less known and taught are that South American countries experienced their first democratic impulses in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The revival of truly inclusive and representative democracies in South America striving for equity, justice and accountability and founded on a new political language may now shape new accounts of the history of democracy. &nbsp;

Anachronistic accounts of history that flog the theme of the best of democracy flowing only from the West to the rest may be in for revision. At a time when the US, Europe and Asia are witnesses to the rise of backward nationalism, violent majoritarianism and neo-fascist forces, election outcomes in South America are cause for hope. &nbsp;

There is a message in these mandates that the 'advanced' West would do well to heed.

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&nbsp;

The election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil in the run-off on October 30 was a foregone conclusion. Equally certain, after Lula failed to defeat incumbent Jair Bolsanaro in the first round on October 2, was that it would be a cliffhanger although Lula was the odds-on favourite.

The election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil in the run-off on October 30 was a foregone conclusion. Equally certain, after Lula failed to defeat incumbent Jair Bolsanaro in the first round on October 2, was that it would be a cliffhanger although Lula was the odds-on favourite. In the past, too, it is in the run-off that Lula had won two terms. Therefore, it is no surprise that Lula’s margin was less than two per cent. More surprising, and significant, than the election outcome is that in such a closely fought, high-stakes presidential battle, the voter turnout was 79 per cent. In Brazil, where voting is mandatory and non-compliance punishable with a fine, nearly 5.7 million (roughly 5 per cent) cast votes that were either blank or null; which precludes their being fined. Obviously, the prospect of a fine was not a deterrent for the 32 million (20.60 per cent) who abstained from voting. Watch | Brazil Presidential Polls: Lula da Silva wins elections again at the age of 77 with 50.90% of votes × The second significant aspect is that Lula’s victory seems to have been welcomed in most world capitals, including by leaders known to be averse, if not hostile, to the left, especially in South America. Perhaps, the red tide sweeping the continent is far too powerful for any modern-day Canute to want it rolled back; and, reality requires even the world’s anti-left leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron to accept the inevitable when the forces of regressive nationalism are on the rise in large parts of the world. Also Read | Brazil prez polls: No signs of Bolsonaro conceding defeat as Lula celebrates spectacular win The leftward shift in South America began in 2020 in Bolivia; gained momentum in 2021 with right-wing politicians being worsted in presidential elections in Peru, Chile, Honduras and Nicaragua; and, continues on its winning trajectory. The first to score in 2022 was Colombia and now it is Brazil rooting for Lula and his pro-poor policies which are opposed to the ecological degradation that was rampant under Bolsanaro. Lula’s victory is far more important than that of the left in that region. Brazil’s population, the size of its economy and its place in international bodies and multilateral forums invest the political outcome with a significance that should resonate far beyond South America. Conventional, and dominant narratives, have presented that course of democracy as moving from the West to the rest of the world. (This “West” excludes South America). Less known and taught are that South American countries experienced their first democratic impulses in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The revival of truly inclusive and representative democracies in South America striving for equity, justice and accountability and founded on a new political language may now shape new accounts of the history of democracy. Anachronistic accounts of history that flog the theme of the best of democracy flowing only from the West to the rest may be in for revision. At a time when the US, Europe and Asia are witnesses to the rise of backward nationalism, violent majoritarianism and neo-fascist forces, election outcomes in South America are cause for hope. There is a message in these mandates that the 'advanced' West would do well to heed. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

WION Spotlight | Lula takes red tide in LatAm to a new high

From Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to Jair Bolsonaro: Recent attacks on prominent figures in Latin America

Javier Carvajal, who is an Ecuadoran bioengineer, has managed to resurrect a 400-year-old beer from its yeast. Carvajal found the yeast specimen inside an old oak barrel. It is believed to be Latin America's oldest beer.&nbsp;

a single-cell microorganism was taken from just a splinter of wood. It eventually was the key to recovering the formula of the beer that was first brewed in Quito in 1566 by friar Jodoco Ricke, who is a Franciscan of Flemish origin. Some historians believe that he apparently introduced wheat and barley to what is now the Ecuadoran capital.&nbsp;

Carvajal told AFP: "Not only have we recovered a biological treasure but also the 400-year-old work of silent domestication of a yeast that probably came from a chicha and that had been collected from the local environment."&nbsp;

Chicha is a fermented or non-fermented beverage of Latin America, emerging from the Andes and Amazonia regions. It is a drink brewed by the Indigenous people of the Americas before Spanish colonisation.&nbsp;

Historians said that in both the pre-and post-Spanish conquest periods, corn beer made from a variety of maize landraces has been the most common form of Chicha.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency AFP, Carvajal said he found out about the ancient Franciscan brewery in Quito while reading specialist beer magazines. Notably, he already had experience recovering other yeasts.&nbsp;

It took him a year to do so, but he finally managed to find a barrel from the old brewery in 2008.&nbsp;

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Javier Carvajal, who is an Ecuadoran bioengineer, has managed to resurrect a 400-year-old beer from its yeast. Carvajal found the yeast specimen inside an old oak barrel.

Javier Carvajal, who is an Ecuadoran bioengineer, has managed to resurrect a 400-year-old beer from its yeast. Carvajal found the yeast specimen inside an old oak barrel. It is believed to be Latin America's oldest beer. a single-cell microorganism was taken from just a splinter of wood. It eventually was the key to recovering the formula of the beer that was first brewed in Quito in 1566 by friar Jodoco Ricke, who is a Franciscan of Flemish origin. Some historians believe that he apparently introduced wheat and barley to what is now the Ecuadoran capital. Carvajal told AFP: "Not only have we recovered a biological treasure but also the 400-year-old work of silent domestication of a yeast that probably came from a chicha and that had been collected from the local environment." Chicha is a fermented or non-fermented beverage of Latin America, emerging from the Andes and Amazonia regions. It is a drink brewed by the Indigenous people of the Americas before Spanish colonisation. Historians said that in both the pre-and post-Spanish conquest periods, corn beer made from a variety of maize landraces has been the most common form of Chicha. As reported by the news agency AFP, Carvajal said he found out about the ancient Franciscan brewery in Quito while reading specialist beer magazines. Notably, he already had experience recovering other yeasts. It took him a year to do so, but he finally managed to find a barrel from the old brewery in 2008. 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.

A 400-year-old Ecuadoran beer resurrected from yeast specimen

What's in Chile's proposed new constitution?

Netflix is experimenting with a new method of payment from freeloaders who steal passwords. According to Variety, the company is introducing a feature that allows customers to legitimately enable access from a second home for an additional monthly fee in five Latin American nations.&nbsp;

The "add a home" feature will be available on Netflix in Argentina, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras starting the following month. Anyone in each additional home will then be able to stream Netflix on any device at a price that is less expensive than full standalone membership.

This comes after the streaming service in March launched a feature called "add extra member" in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru that allows users to pay a monthly fee to grant access to Netflix to people outside of their households.

According to Netflix, users share their login information with more than 100 million non-paying households worldwide, including more than 30 million in the United States and Canada, in violation of the company's terms of service.

As per Chengyi Long, Netflix's director of product innovation, "widespread account sharing between households undermines our long-term ability to invest in and improve our service".

It will cost Netflix subscribers in the five new markets 219 pesos per home per month in Argentina and USD2.99 per home per month in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to purchase an additional "home" for streaming access.

Customers on the Basic plan may add one additional home; those on the Standard plan may add up to two additional homes, and Premium plan subscribers may add up to three additional homes. Customers can add up to two Extra Member accounts for an additional USD 2–USD3 per month each in Netflix's tests in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru. Notably, rather than the actual walls of a home, Netflix’s password-sharing policies apply to everyone in a customer's household.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-better-call-saul-season-6-episode-9-jimmy-mcgill-becomes-saul-goodman-in-a-tragic-episode-498800">'Better Call Saul' Season 6 Episode 9: Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman in a tragic episode</a>

As an illustration, the company said paying customers can access Netflix while travelling. On its customer-support website, Netflix states that it may occasionally ask you to verify your device "if you are away from the Netflix household for an extended period of time."

The second quarter of 2022 results for Netflix is expected to be announced on Tuesday, July 19, following the market close. The streamer had previously predicted a net loss of 2 million subscribers worldwide, but some Wall Street analysts think the number will be lower in the second quarter thanks to the success of 'Stranger Things 4', as reported by Variety.

According to projections made by Wall Street firm Cowen, Netflix could increase its annual global revenue by USD1.6 billion if it implemented password-sharing payment upgrade plans everywhere.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-justice-league-snyder-cut-movement-was-driven-by-bots-says-warner-bros-report-498766">'Justice League Snyder Cut' movement was driven by bots, says Warner Bros report</a>

Netflix is experimenting with a new method of payment from freeloaders who steal passwords. According to Variety, the company is introducing a feature that allows customers to legitimately enable access from a second home for an additional monthly fee in five Latin American nations.

Netflix is experimenting with a new method of payment from freeloaders who steal passwords. According to Variety, the company is introducing a feature that allows customers to legitimately enable access from a second home for an additional monthly fee in five Latin American nations. The "add a home" feature will be available on Netflix in Argentina, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras starting the following month. Anyone in each additional home will then be able to stream Netflix on any device at a price that is less expensive than full standalone membership. This comes after the streaming service in March launched a feature called "add extra member" in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru that allows users to pay a monthly fee to grant access to Netflix to people outside of their households. According to Netflix, users share their login information with more than 100 million non-paying households worldwide, including more than 30 million in the United States and Canada, in violation of the company's terms of service. As per Chengyi Long, Netflix's director of product innovation, "widespread account sharing between households undermines our long-term ability to invest in and improve our service". It will cost Netflix subscribers in the five new markets 219 pesos per home per month in Argentina and USD2.99 per home per month in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to purchase an additional "home" for streaming access. Customers on the Basic plan may add one additional home; those on the Standard plan may add up to two additional homes, and Premium plan subscribers may add up to three additional homes. Customers can add up to two Extra Member accounts for an additional USD 2–USD3 per month each in Netflix's tests in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru. Notably, rather than the actual walls of a home, Netflix’s password-sharing policies apply to everyone in a customer's household. Also Read: 'Better Call Saul' Season 6 Episode 9: Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman in a tragic episode As an illustration, the company said paying customers can access Netflix while travelling. On its customer-support website, Netflix states that it may occasionally ask you to verify your device "if you are away from the Netflix household for an extended period of time." The second quarter of 2022 results for Netflix is expected to be announced on Tuesday, July 19, following the market close. The streamer had previously predicted a net loss of 2 million subscribers worldwide, but some Wall Street analysts think the number will be lower in the second quarter thanks to the success of 'Stranger Things 4', as reported by Variety. According to projections made by Wall Street firm Cowen, Netflix could increase its annual global revenue by USD1.6 billion if it implemented password-sharing payment upgrade plans everywhere. Also Read: 'Justice League Snyder Cut' movement was driven by bots, says Warner Bros report

Netflix to introduce new password-sharing payment plan in 5 countries

Latin America celebrates gay pride parade to reassert LGBTQ+ rights

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, thousands of people took part in a colourful Pride Parade on Saturday (June 25) in Santiago de Chile and Lima, Peru to demand equal rights and an end to violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Thousands participate in Pride parade in Peru & Chile

Latin America's new 'pink tide' gains pace as Colombia shifts left; Brazil up next

President Joe Biden revealed a planned new US economic relationship with Latin America aimed at fighting China's growing dominance.

Joe Biden unveils Latin American economic plan at Summit of Americas

US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers.

The long-awaited Summit of the Americas was marred by a boycott from Mexico's president, who was upset that Biden did not invite the leftist leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela on the grounds that they did not meet democratic standards.

The Biden administration insisted there were no hard feelings and moved forward on initiatives aimed at cementing ties across Latin America, where a rising China has increasingly made inroads despite the historic US influence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vows-forceful-response-if-north-korea-tests-nuke-486152">US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke</a>

Hours before Biden was to arrive, his administration announced a new Americas Health Corps that will aim to improve the skills of 500,000 health workers across the region, building on the lessons from Covid-19, which hit the Western Hemisphere especially hard.

The health training will cost $100 million, although the United States will not contribute all of it and will seek to raise funds, including through the Pan American Health Organization.

The pandemic "showed us the many cracks in our global health systems and underscored the importance of strong and resilient health systems for the entire population," a White House statement said.

China has stepped up its role in Latin America since the pandemic started, moving early to supply vaccines.&nbsp;

Cuba has also long exported its state-employed doctors, a practice that so infuriated the previous administration of Donald Trump that he suspended funding for the Pan American Health Organization over alleged ties.

The health announcement comes a day after Vice President Kamala Harris detailed another $1.9 billion in commitments by businesses to invest in impoverished and violence-ravaged El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

The troubles in the so-called Northern Triangle, as well as Haiti, have generated a soaring number of migrants to the United States, setting off a domestic furor as Trump's Republican Party demands efforts to stop them.

"We know the American people will benefit from stable and prosperous neighbors. And when we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration," Harris said.

'Nearshoring'&nbsp;

Mauricio Claver-Carone, the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), said that Latin America can increasingly be seen as a "sea of peace" for investors amid the global turbulence from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising risks associated with manufacturing juggernaut China.

The head of the IADB, which provides development funding in Latin America, said he saw a rise of "nearshoring," with businesses moving closer to markets rather than in China.

Since the first Summit of the Americas in 1994, "each dollar that went to China was one dollar, one investment, one job less for Latin America and the Caribbean," he told AFP in an interview in Los Angeles.

In Latin America, "whether they are governments of the left or the right, they all want foreign investment, they all want nearshoring, they all want economic growth," he said.

The first summit, held in Miami by Bill Clinton, aimed to create a vast free-trade zone that would span the hemisphere other than communist Cuba.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-kamala-harris-announces-usd-32-billion-migration-fund-for-central-american-countries-486093">US VP Kamala Harris announces USD 3.2 billion migration fund for Central American countries</a>

Biden is holding only the second Summit of the Americas on US soil at a time that the political appetite for free trade has waned in Washington, with Trump rising to power in part by attacking trade liberalization as hurting workers.

But Biden has stood firm on another core principle of the Summit of the Americas -- democracy -- even as he considers going next month to Saudi Arabia, a critical oil supplier.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador insisted that all nations of the hemisphere should be included, a stance backed by several other regional leaders who nonetheless agreed to come.

Biden is separately expected to meet President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation, despite rising fears that the Trump ally will not accept the legitimacy of upcoming elections.

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US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers.

US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers. The long-awaited Summit of the Americas was marred by a boycott from Mexico's president, who was upset that Biden did not invite the leftist leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela on the grounds that they did not meet democratic standards. The Biden administration insisted there were no hard feelings and moved forward on initiatives aimed at cementing ties across Latin America, where a rising China has increasingly made inroads despite the historic US influence. Also read | US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke Hours before Biden was to arrive, his administration announced a new Americas Health Corps that will aim to improve the skills of 500,000 health workers across the region, building on the lessons from Covid-19, which hit the Western Hemisphere especially hard. The health training will cost $100 million, although the United States will not contribute all of it and will seek to raise funds, including through the Pan American Health Organization. The pandemic "showed us the many cracks in our global health systems and underscored the importance of strong and resilient health systems for the entire population," a White House statement said. China has stepped up its role in Latin America since the pandemic started, moving early to supply vaccines. Cuba has also long exported its state-employed doctors, a practice that so infuriated the previous administration of Donald Trump that he suspended funding for the Pan American Health Organization over alleged ties. The health announcement comes a day after Vice President Kamala Harris detailed another $1.9 billion in commitments by businesses to invest in impoverished and violence-ravaged El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The troubles in the so-called Northern Triangle, as well as Haiti, have generated a soaring number of migrants to the United States, setting off a domestic furor as Trump's Republican Party demands efforts to stop them. "We know the American people will benefit from stable and prosperous neighbors. And when we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration," Harris said. 'Nearshoring' Mauricio Claver-Carone, the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), said that Latin America can increasingly be seen as a "sea of peace" for investors amid the global turbulence from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising risks associated with manufacturing juggernaut China. The head of the IADB, which provides development funding in Latin America, said he saw a rise of "nearshoring," with businesses moving closer to markets rather than in China. Since the first Summit of the Americas in 1994, "each dollar that went to China was one dollar, one investment, one job less for Latin America and the Caribbean," he told AFP in an interview in Los Angeles. In Latin America, "whether they are governments of the left or the right, they all want foreign investment, they all want nearshoring, they all want economic growth," he said. The first summit, held in Miami by Bill Clinton, aimed to create a vast free-trade zone that would span the hemisphere other than communist Cuba. Also read | US VP Kamala Harris announces USD 3.2 billion migration fund for Central American countries Biden is holding only the second Summit of the Americas on US soil at a time that the political appetite for free trade has waned in Washington, with Trump rising to power in part by attacking trade liberalization as hurting workers. But Biden has stood firm on another core principle of the Summit of the Americas -- democracy -- even as he considers going next month to Saudi Arabia, a critical oil supplier. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador insisted that all nations of the hemisphere should be included, a stance backed by several other regional leaders who nonetheless agreed to come. Biden is separately expected to meet President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation, despite rising fears that the Trump ally will not accept the legitimacy of upcoming elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US announces $100 million plan to train 500,000 health workers in Latin America

American President Joe Biden is creating US engagement with Latin America by holding a week long summit at Los Angeles. White house is yet to finalize list of invites. Mexico threatens to boycott the summit. Biden administration planned to exclude Cuba and Venezuela etc.

Joe Biden on a week long summit at the Los Angeles

Thousands in Argentina protested against the country's soaring inflation bringing the capital to a standstill. As protesters demand better jobs and wages, Palki Sharma tells you what this means for the future of Latin America's third-largest economy.

Gravitas: Argentines bring capital to standstill

The Coronavirus outbreak has made a huge impact on economic, social and political fronts in many Latin American countries. WION brings you a report.

Latin America emerges as one of world's most vaccinated regions

Latin America surpass Europe and North America to become the most vaccinated region in the world, with 63% of people being inoculated.

Latin America becomes the most vaccinated region worldwide, with 63% of people being inoculated

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations&nbsp;have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America&nbsp;during the first seven months of 2020.&nbsp;

As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons.

Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-scale-deluge-report-reveals-us-is-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-polluter-433451">Also read |&nbsp;'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter</a>

Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year.&nbsp;

Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015.&nbsp;

There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016.

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America during the first seven months of 2020. As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons. Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones." Also read | 'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year. Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015. There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Latin American organisations urge US to curb plastic waste export

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest. It spreads over nine Latin American countries and is often called the lungs of the planet. So, the disappearance of the large swathes of forest is quite concerning. WION tells you what's at stake.

Why is Amazon Rainforest disappearing?

In a positive change, Chile joins Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica and Uruguay in allowing same-sex marriage in the country. Both houses of Chile's parliament has passed the legislation, and President Piñera is expected to sign it before the end of his term.

Chile becomes the latest nation in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage, Congress gives nod

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded.&nbsp;

Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States.&nbsp;After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths.

Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">Also read |&nbsp;WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised.&nbsp;

Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning.

Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus.

That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-had-the-vaccines-and-a-plan-to-reopen-instead-they-got-cold-feet-419189">Also read |&nbsp;They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet.</a>

Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine.

Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus. This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded. Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States. After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths. Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated." Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised. Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning. Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus. That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September. Also read | They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet. Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine. Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets.

Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations.

"I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck.

<img alt="Women's rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efbdc06e-7ea9-4078-bdf6-6db932eacb4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T005723Z_3_LYNXMPEH8S007_RTROPTP_4_EL-SALVADOR-ABORTION-PROTEST.JPG" />

Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released.

Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz.

Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region.

<img alt="Women's rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47faa06a-3f7e-49c4-8864-fc26bab8d40a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T005723Z_3_LYNXMPEH8S006_RTROPTP_4_EL-SALVADOR-ABORTION-PROTEST.JPG" />

In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota.

"Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration.

A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy.

STRICT LAWS

Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws.

Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk.

The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later.

"We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists.

"It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning.

But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries. In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets. Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations. "I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck. Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released. Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz. Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region. In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota. "Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration. A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy. STRICT LAWS Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws. Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk. The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later. "We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists. "It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning. But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Women across Latin America march in favour of abortion rights

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There will be discussions over trade and investment and other areas as well. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Mexico as external affairs minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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While announcing Jaishankar's visit, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence, along with other leaders. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-gulab-makes-landfall-in-eastern-india-416199" hreflang="en">Cyclone Gulab makes landfall in eastern India</a>

"In addition to his meeting with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, he will also call on the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The external affairs minister will also interact with the leading CEOs and the business community in Mexico," it added. &nbsp;

Mexico is India's second-largest trade partner in Latin America at this time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modis-secret-of-keeping-jetlag-away-during-busy-foreign-trips-revealed-416173" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi's 'secret' of keeping jetlag away during busy foreign trips revealed</a>

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with global counterparts. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leaders discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday.

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday. There will be discussions over trade and investment and other areas as well. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Mexico as external affairs minister. Watch: × While announcing Jaishankar's visit, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence, along with other leaders. Also Read: Cyclone Gulab makes landfall in eastern India "In addition to his meeting with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, he will also call on the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The external affairs minister will also interact with the leading CEOs and the business community in Mexico," it added. Mexico is India's second-largest trade partner in Latin America at this time. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's 'secret' of keeping jetlag away during busy foreign trips revealed Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with global counterparts. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session. The leaders discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on three-day visit to Mexico  

A&nbsp;presidential decree has made&nbsp;Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender&nbsp;beyond the binary&nbsp;on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X."

Instead of the cisgender gender identifiers of&nbsp;male or female, this option will help safeguard those who don't identify with the gender binary.

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With this new choice, gender identity will be protected in a way that goes beyond the traditional binary distinction between males and females. This move has been discussed since 2012.

The official gazette of the country stated that the "X" could&nbsp;denote several different statuses, including "non-binary" or "indeterminate," as well as "another meaning" for someone with difficulties relating to the male/female binary.

Celebrating the decree, President Alberto Fernandez during a ceremony at the capital's Bicentennial Museum said that&nbsp;"the state should not care about a citizen's sexual orientation.". Talking about the&nbsp;importance of respecting identities beyond gender,&nbsp;he&nbsp;added that there are "a thousand ways to love, be loved, and be happy".

This "historic advance in the matter of rights" was celebrated by Argentina's LGBT Federation, which says that while this&nbsp;use of 'X' is not totally inclusive of the wide range of identities that exist, it does mark an important step towards achieving true equality in rights.

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In Fernandez's view, the acceptance of same-sex marriage in his country under a law in force since 2010 is what sparked the development of this nation's commitment to diversity.

The Argentine government also recently passed a law that creates a quota for transgender workers in the Public Administration.

Argentina's national identification document (DNI), as well as its passport, will both include the new "X" category.

Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand have also implemented similar measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

A presidential decree has made Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender beyond the binary on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X.

A presidential decree has made Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender beyond the binary on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X." Instead of the cisgender gender identifiers of male or female, this option will help safeguard those who don't identify with the gender binary. Also read | Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection With this new choice, gender identity will be protected in a way that goes beyond the traditional binary distinction between males and females. This move has been discussed since 2012. The official gazette of the country stated that the "X" could denote several different statuses, including "non-binary" or "indeterminate," as well as "another meaning" for someone with difficulties relating to the male/female binary. Celebrating the decree, President Alberto Fernandez during a ceremony at the capital's Bicentennial Museum said that "the state should not care about a citizen's sexual orientation.". Talking about the importance of respecting identities beyond gender, he added that there are "a thousand ways to love, be loved, and be happy". This "historic advance in the matter of rights" was celebrated by Argentina's LGBT Federation, which says that while this use of 'X' is not totally inclusive of the wide range of identities that exist, it does mark an important step towards achieving true equality in rights. Also read | NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples In Fernandez's view, the acceptance of same-sex marriage in his country under a law in force since 2010 is what sparked the development of this nation's commitment to diversity. The Argentine government also recently passed a law that creates a quota for transgender workers in the Public Administration. Argentina's national identification document (DNI), as well as its passport, will both include the new "X" category. Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand have also implemented similar measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Beyond cisgender: Argentina introduces Latin America's first non-binary ID options

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services.&nbsp;

Approximately 2.5 million people have settled in the Americas, where most were self-sufficient before the pandemic struck, resulting in job losses, evictions, and an increase in gender-based violence.&nbsp;

As the response to the crisis remains chronically underfunded, the ongoing migration of millions of Venezuelans has reached a "tipping point."&nbsp;

Venezuela had a population of 30 million people in 2015, and more than 5.6 million people have departed the country since then.&nbsp;

“People are still crossing, they’re very much estimates because the borders are closed and people are using irregular crossing points, but we are looking in the past few weeks at 2,000 Venezuelans a day getting into Colombia”, said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Head of Operations for the Venezuela Situation.

“We’re seeing a lot - and I mean a lot - of women with children on their own coming out at the moment. Then what? Then they arrive and because they have entered irregularly, it can be very difficult if not impossible for them to get regular status.”

According to the UNHCR, approximately two million Venezuelan migrants have landed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, which have some of the world's highest rates of coronavirus infection and death.

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services.

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services. Approximately 2.5 million people have settled in the Americas, where most were self-sufficient before the pandemic struck, resulting in job losses, evictions, and an increase in gender-based violence. As the response to the crisis remains chronically underfunded, the ongoing migration of millions of Venezuelans has reached a "tipping point." Venezuela had a population of 30 million people in 2015, and more than 5.6 million people have departed the country since then. “People are still crossing, they’re very much estimates because the borders are closed and people are using irregular crossing points, but we are looking in the past few weeks at 2,000 Venezuelans a day getting into Colombia”, said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Head of Operations for the Venezuela Situation. “We’re seeing a lot - and I mean a lot - of women with children on their own coming out at the moment. Then what? Then they arrive and because they have entered irregularly, it can be very difficult if not impossible for them to get regular status.” According to the UNHCR, approximately two million Venezuelan migrants have landed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, which have some of the world's highest rates of coronavirus infection and death.

Venezuela refugee crisis: Largest in the modern history of Latin America

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned.

The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director.

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Latin America is home to nearly eight per cent of the global population but has lost more than a third of all Covid deaths, majority of which have been young people.

"Today, more Latin American countries than ever before are reporting more than 1,000 cases a day, and our hospitals are fuller than ever … Look around intensive care units now across our region and you will see that they are filled not only with elderly patients but also with younger people," Etienne said.

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She also highlighted the growth of hospitalisation rates of people under 39 by 70 per cent in Chile in the past few months.

"In&nbsp;Brazil, mortality rates have doubled among those younger than 39. It has quadrupled among those in their 40s and tripled for those in their 50s between December 2020 and March 2021," Etienne said. "This is tragic, and the consequences are dire for our families, our societies and our future."

Vaccination drive has also been immensely slow in these regions which has worsened the situation. PAHO is urging locals to maintain social distance and wear masks, in absence of proper vaccine drives.

"We know what it takes to get there: social distancing, the wearing of masks, avoiding gathering in closed spaces are the key to reduced transmission, especially as the dangerous variants of concern circulate," Etienne requested.

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned. The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director.

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned. The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director. Also read | Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July Latin America is home to nearly eight per cent of the global population but has lost more than a third of all Covid deaths, majority of which have been young people. "Today, more Latin American countries than ever before are reporting more than 1,000 cases a day, and our hospitals are fuller than ever … Look around intensive care units now across our region and you will see that they are filled not only with elderly patients but also with younger people," Etienne said. Also read | 'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19 She also highlighted the growth of hospitalisation rates of people under 39 by 70 per cent in Chile in the past few months. "In Brazil, mortality rates have doubled among those younger than 39. It has quadrupled among those in their 40s and tripled for those in their 50s between December 2020 and March 2021," Etienne said. "This is tragic, and the consequences are dire for our families, our societies and our future." Vaccination drive has also been immensely slow in these regions which has worsened the situation. PAHO is urging locals to maintain social distance and wear masks, in absence of proper vaccine drives. "We know what it takes to get there: social distancing, the wearing of masks, avoiding gathering in closed spaces are the key to reduced transmission, especially as the dangerous variants of concern circulate," Etienne requested.

'Tragic': PAHO warns against increasing covid cases of young people in Latin America

2021's first supermoon dazzled the night skies. But there were no viewing parties or packed roofs as stay-at-home orders kept people indoors. WION's Palki gets you a round-up of supermoon sightings around the world.

Gravitas: No audience for 2021's first supermoon

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