A British surveillance plane was on the verge of being shot down by a Russian fighter jet last year, &nbsp;as per leaked Pentagon documents which propelled US officials to spy on its allies and adversaries in a bid to find where things went southwards. &nbsp;

According to The Washington Post, one of the leaked documents mention a "near shoot-down of UK RJ," a United Kingdom reconnaissance aircraft. RJ signifies to RC-135 reconnaissance planes. They are also known by the name "Rivet Joints."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-there-a-medicine-to-stop-this-naz-founder-anjali-gopalan-shares-internal-battles-homosexuals-fight-580795">'Is there a medicine to stop this...?' Indian activist Anjali Gopalan shares internal battles homosexuals fight</a>

As per reports, the nearly-missed incident took place on 29 September last year. The British plane was flying off the Crimean coast. The aircraft was a usual spy one which is used to gather electronic messages.&nbsp;

The information in the leaked document suggests that UK RJ was nearly taken down by a missile shot by a Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet.&nbsp;

This is a significant leak. In case Russia had indeed taken out the British plane it would have dragged United States and its NATO partners into the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

It is important to note that UK is already aware of this as was disclosed by country's defence minister last year but there is a difference in what he said and what the leaked documents indicate.&nbsp;

The incident was reported to the British Parliament by UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace in October. At the time he said, two Russian fighter planes had intercepted the RC-135 and were flying "recklessly."

However, the point here is that Wallace did not mention that the conflict almost resulted in a shootdown. He only mentioned that a Russian fighter "launched a missile" at the moment. Wallace cited a "technical fault" as the cause of the missile launch.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-massive-fire-engulfs-faith-lutheran-church-in-cambridge-after-easter-service-580818">Massive fire engulfs Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge after Easter service</a>

The other significant disclosure made in the leaked Pentagon documents from February were depleting Ukraine air defenses, something which may spell trouble for the European country fighting the war for over a&nbsp;year now.&nbsp;

As per reports, Ukraine’s air defenses are at risk of running out of missiles and ammunition within weeks.&nbsp;

A document from 23 February which was marked "secret" describes in detail how Ukraine's S-300 air defense systems from the Soviet period will be exhausted by 2 May if consumption continues at the current rate. However, there is no clarity how Ukraine's air defenses stand as of now or whether the utilisation rate has altered since then.

Many classified documents with "secret" information of US and NATO preparations to boost the Ukrainian army in preparation for an imminent Russian attack were leaked online.&nbsp;

Watch | President Vladimir Putin may visit India for G20 summit ?

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The Biden administration started an investigation into the papers. However, as per reports, they already made their way around on Twitter and Telegram and have raised severe concerns about security breaches.

“We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times.

The other details of the leak, which allegedly took place from Pentagon, nine of the 12 Ukrainian combat brigades were reportedly being trained by US and NATO forces.&nbsp;

According to the leaked papers, 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are required to repel the Russian army.&nbsp;Meanwhile, as the war prolongs, Moscow said it&nbsp;is prepared for a ceasefire in Ukraine at any moment&nbsp;but the possibility is "unrealistic" if Kyiv and the West insist on Russia's military defeat.

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A British surveillance plane was on the verge of being shot down by a Russian fighter jet last year, as per leaked Pentagon documents which propelled US officials to spy on its allies and adversaries in a bid to find where things went southwards.

A British surveillance plane was on the verge of being shot down by a Russian fighter jet last year, as per leaked Pentagon documents which propelled US officials to spy on its allies and adversaries in a bid to find where things went southwards. According to The Washington Post, one of the leaked documents mention a "near shoot-down of UK RJ," a United Kingdom reconnaissance aircraft. RJ signifies to RC-135 reconnaissance planes. They are also known by the name "Rivet Joints." Also Read | 'Is there a medicine to stop this...?' Indian activist Anjali Gopalan shares internal battles homosexuals fight As per reports, the nearly-missed incident took place on 29 September last year. The British plane was flying off the Crimean coast. The aircraft was a usual spy one which is used to gather electronic messages. The information in the leaked document suggests that UK RJ was nearly taken down by a missile shot by a Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet. This is a significant leak. In case Russia had indeed taken out the British plane it would have dragged United States and its NATO partners into the Ukraine war. It is important to note that UK is already aware of this as was disclosed by country's defence minister last year but there is a difference in what he said and what the leaked documents indicate. The incident was reported to the British Parliament by UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace in October. At the time he said, two Russian fighter planes had intercepted the RC-135 and were flying "recklessly." However, the point here is that Wallace did not mention that the conflict almost resulted in a shootdown. He only mentioned that a Russian fighter "launched a missile" at the moment. Wallace cited a "technical fault" as the cause of the missile launch. Also Read | Massive fire engulfs Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge after Easter service The other significant disclosure made in the leaked Pentagon documents from February were depleting Ukraine air defenses, something which may spell trouble for the European country fighting the war for over a year now. As per reports, Ukraine’s air defenses are at risk of running out of missiles and ammunition within weeks. A document from 23 February which was marked "secret" describes in detail how Ukraine's S-300 air defense systems from the Soviet period will be exhausted by 2 May if consumption continues at the current rate. However, there is no clarity how Ukraine's air defenses stand as of now or whether the utilisation rate has altered since then. Many classified documents with "secret" information of US and NATO preparations to boost the Ukrainian army in preparation for an imminent Russian attack were leaked online. Watch | President Vladimir Putin may visit India for G20 summit ? × The Biden administration started an investigation into the papers. However, as per reports, they already made their way around on Twitter and Telegram and have raised severe concerns about security breaches. “We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times. The other details of the leak, which allegedly took place from Pentagon, nine of the 12 Ukrainian combat brigades were reportedly being trained by US and NATO forces. According to the leaked papers, 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are required to repel the Russian army. Meanwhile, as the war prolongs, Moscow said it is prepared for a ceasefire in Ukraine at any moment but the possibility is "unrealistic" if Kyiv and the West insist on Russia's military defeat. 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.

Pentagon leak says Russia almost shot down UK spy plane, Kyiv's air defences on verge of depletion

Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of&nbsp;size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public. The latest leaked document count is just above 100. But it has come at a time when US and the world is facing challeges on multiple fronts.

In recent weeks, these documents surfaced on the internet after reportedly appearing for the first time on 4Chan and Discord.

<h2>What are these leaked documents about?</h2>

These documents, many of which are marked 'secret' or even 'top secret' have details and plans about Ukraine war, Middle East, China, South Korea and more. Unlike WikiLeaks, the document leak this time has come when a former global superpower (Russia) has done what was previously unthinkable in modern times and has invaded its neighbour stoking a full-scale conflict. China is much stronger than it was a decade ago. American influence in the Middle East/ West Asia is seen by many to be waning. And the country is compelled to do a balancing act in order to firefight situations in several countries across the world.

Given all this, when the US gameplan is leaked in such a blatant manner, it is sure to upset its delicate manoeuvring in global politics.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that some of the leaked documents contain details about Ukrainian air defences, something Russia would be eager to learn about. The documents also reportedly mention South Korea's secret plan to provide 330,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. NYT has said that documents reveal how the US is deeply connected with day-to-day conduct of the Ukraine war.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conflicting-accounts-emerge-from-bakhmut-battleground-ukraine-says-russia-using-scorched-earth-tactic-580999">Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic</a>

Reuters said that it had reviewed more than 50 leaked documents with 'secret' and 'top secret' written on it. On of these documents reportedly reveals how Ukrainian S-300 missile systems will be depleted by May 2 at current usage rate.

Watch | US scrambles to find source of leaked Ukraine intel

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Another document reportedly says that Israeli spy agency Mossad is encouraging people to protest against Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu as he attempts to assert control on the country's judiciary.

The leak has also brought to the fore US pressure on South Korea to provide ammunition to Ukraine.

<h2>Why the leak worries the US?</h2>

US currently has fingers in many pies around the world. Besides war in Ukraine, America is entangled militarily or diplomatically in other conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya etc. Iran and Saudi Arabia are increasingly being seen to be exiting US orbit as it was evident from China-brokered peace between the two regional powers. The North Korea and Taiwan issues are&nbsp;ever-present.

Given all this, the leak of American game-plan has a potential to limit its ability to navigate issues aroud the world. This might give America's adversaries opportunity to fine-tune their strategy.

<h2>Who is behind the latest leak?</h2>

There are only speculations at this point. Whenever it comes to hack or leak in America, the two countries that find immediate mention are Russia and China.

However, this time, American agencies and ministries are considering the possibility that the leak may have caused from inside the country.

"The focus now is on this being a U.S. leak, as many of the documents were only in U.S. hands," Michael Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, told Reuters in an interview.

Watch | Pentagon leak says Kyiv's air defence could run out of missiles

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However, Reuters said that US officials aren't yet fully eliminating the possibility of a Russian angle to the saga.

In a statement on Sunday, the Pentagon said it was reviewing the validity of the photographed documents that "appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material."

The Pentagon has referred the issue to the Department of Justice, which has opened a criminal investigation.

<h2>How different is the leak from WikiLeaks in 2013?</h2>

Any leak of secret diplomatic talk or secret documents has ramifications. US and the world hasn't forgotten the shockwaves WikiLeaks created in 2013. Leak of more than 700,000 documents certainly has the potential to completely destroy the strategies of a nation.

After WikiLeaks, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had expressed fears that world will now be scared of talking to US diplomats for the fear of conversation being leaked. Similar opinions were expressed about United States' ability to gather intelligence in the future.

Leaks caused by Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden were borne out of ideological motives. Both of them had said that they wanted to bring to light what they thought were transgressions by the United States.

“This time it doesn’t look ideological,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, the Russia-born chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, best known for pioneering work in cybersecurity. Alperovitch was quoted by The New York Times.

NYT said that the first appearance of some of the leaked documents was on some gaming platforms.

So did a few gamers, wanting to&nbsp;correct each other, stoke the entire thing while fiercely debating the Ukraine war? At this point in time at least, we do not know for sure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public.

Does the US have another WikiLeaks-like situation at hand? Well if not in terms of size, the latest problem is definitely comparable, in security implications, to havoc caused in 2013 when Julian Assange's WikiLeaks made more than 700,000 classified documents public. The latest leaked document count is just above 100. But it has come at a time when US and the world is facing challeges on multiple fronts. In recent weeks, these documents surfaced on the internet after reportedly appearing for the first time on 4Chan and Discord. What are these leaked documents about? These documents, many of which are marked 'secret' or even 'top secret' have details and plans about Ukraine war, Middle East, China, South Korea and more. Unlike WikiLeaks, the document leak this time has come when a former global superpower (Russia) has done what was previously unthinkable in modern times and has invaded its neighbour stoking a full-scale conflict. China is much stronger than it was a decade ago. American influence in the Middle East/ West Asia is seen by many to be waning. And the country is compelled to do a balancing act in order to firefight situations in several countries across the world. Given all this, when the US gameplan is leaked in such a blatant manner, it is sure to upset its delicate manoeuvring in global politics. The New York Times (NYT) reported that some of the leaked documents contain details about Ukrainian air defences, something Russia would be eager to learn about. The documents also reportedly mention South Korea's secret plan to provide 330,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. NYT has said that documents reveal how the US is deeply connected with day-to-day conduct of the Ukraine war. Also Read | Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic Reuters said that it had reviewed more than 50 leaked documents with 'secret' and 'top secret' written on it. On of these documents reportedly reveals how Ukrainian S-300 missile systems will be depleted by May 2 at current usage rate. Watch | US scrambles to find source of leaked Ukraine intel × Another document reportedly says that Israeli spy agency Mossad is encouraging people to protest against Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu as he attempts to assert control on the country's judiciary. The leak has also brought to the fore US pressure on South Korea to provide ammunition to Ukraine. Why the leak worries the US? US currently has fingers in many pies around the world. Besides war in Ukraine, America is entangled militarily or diplomatically in other conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya etc. Iran and Saudi Arabia are increasingly being seen to be exiting US orbit as it was evident from China-brokered peace between the two regional powers. The North Korea and Taiwan issues are ever-present. Given all this, the leak of American game-plan has a potential to limit its ability to navigate issues aroud the world. This might give America's adversaries opportunity to fine-tune their strategy. Who is behind the latest leak? There are only speculations at this point. Whenever it comes to hack or leak in America, the two countries that find immediate mention are Russia and China. However, this time, American agencies and ministries are considering the possibility that the leak may have caused from inside the country. "The focus now is on this being a U.S. leak, as many of the documents were only in U.S. hands," Michael Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, told Reuters in an interview. Watch | Pentagon leak says Kyiv's air defence could run out of missiles × However, Reuters said that US officials aren't yet fully eliminating the possibility of a Russian angle to the saga. In a statement on Sunday, the Pentagon said it was reviewing the validity of the photographed documents that "appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material." The Pentagon has referred the issue to the Department of Justice, which has opened a criminal investigation. How different is the leak from WikiLeaks in 2013? Any leak of secret diplomatic talk or secret documents has ramifications. US and the world hasn't forgotten the shockwaves WikiLeaks created in 2013. Leak of more than 700,000 documents certainly has the potential to completely destroy the strategies of a nation. After WikiLeaks, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had expressed fears that world will now be scared of talking to US diplomats for the fear of conversation being leaked. Similar opinions were expressed about United States' ability to gather intelligence in the future. Leaks caused by Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden were borne out of ideological motives. Both of them had said that they wanted to bring to light what they thought were transgressions by the United States. “This time it doesn’t look ideological,” said Dmitri Alperovitch, the Russia-born chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, best known for pioneering work in cybersecurity. Alperovitch was quoted by The New York Times. NYT said that the first appearance of some of the leaked documents was on some gaming platforms. So did a few gamers, wanting to correct each other, stoke the entire thing while fiercely debating the Ukraine war? At this point in time at least, we do not know for sure. (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 ×

Explained: Why the US is worried about latest leak of secret documents

The US Supreme Court has failed to identify who leaked a draft of its landmark ruling that overturned the 1973 Roe V Wade decision after an eight-month investigation. Watch this report to know more.

US Supreme Court probe fails to find Roe V Wade draft leak culprit

Medibank is Australia's biggest health insurer. Almost 9.7 million of its current and former customers' data was compromised through a cyberattack. Now, hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records.

Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records

According to the Danish government, half a million tonnes of Methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, was released in the Nord Stream pipelines leaks.

Danish Govt: Half a million tonnes of Methane released in Nord Stream leaks

Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital. This was the second such incident in as many days.&nbsp;

A pipe carrying ammonia ruptured in a meat factory of Aligarh in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, spewing toxic gases into the premises and causing the workers to complain of breathing difficulties and many of them passing&nbsp;out, said police.

"At least 55 workers, mostly women, were rushed to the hospital after the leak," a local police official told AFP. "Most of the workers were unconscious."

Emergency personnel arrived at the business quickly and began attempting to contain the deadly gas's spread.

According to police, the factory had been temporarily blocked and the event was being looked into.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-5000-ghost-flights-flew-to-or-from-the-uk-since-2019-report-520875">More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report</a>

The leak in Aligarh occurred less than a day after an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing facility in eastern Odisha state left 28 workers sick, with at least five of them in critical condition.&nbsp;

In 1984, a gas leak at a pesticide facility operated by the US business Union Carbide resulted in thousands of deaths, making it one of the greatest industrial catastrophes in history for India.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital.

Following a chemical leak at an Indian meat processing company on Thursday, authorities said that dozens of employees lost consciousness and were sent to the hospital. This was the second such incident in as many days. A pipe carrying ammonia ruptured in a meat factory of Aligarh in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, spewing toxic gases into the premises and causing the workers to complain of breathing difficulties and many of them passing out, said police. "At least 55 workers, mostly women, were rushed to the hospital after the leak," a local police official told AFP. "Most of the workers were unconscious." Emergency personnel arrived at the business quickly and began attempting to contain the deadly gas's spread. According to police, the factory had been temporarily blocked and the event was being looked into. Also Read: More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report The leak in Aligarh occurred less than a day after an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing facility in eastern Odisha state left 28 workers sick, with at least five of them in critical condition. In 1984, a gas leak at a pesticide facility operated by the US business Union Carbide resulted in thousands of deaths, making it one of the greatest industrial catastrophes in history for India. (with inputs from agencies)

Dozens fall unconscious after ammonia leak at meat factory in India, probe on

Eon Infotech Limited (E.ON) has informed the German government of a leak at the Isar 2 nuclear power plant, which has not compromised security but could complicate the government's winter energy plan.

Germany: Nuclear reactor leak poses no safety threat but complicates energy plans

Leaked TikTok employee audio has caused a row. Did Tiktok U.S. user data leaked to China? According to the report, 'Project Texas' looks to redirect data flow.

Tiktok U.S. user data leaked to China? Leaked TikTok employee audio causes a row

A popular messaging app that calls itself secure with end-to-end encryption has suffered a security lapse resulting into a huge cache of users’ messages being posted online, said a report. TechCrunch says that the messaging app is widely used in Asia and across the world with 20 million global users.

Even JusTalk Kids shows 1 million android downloads on Google Play. JusTalk says that both apps are end-to-end encrypted, which means that only the people in the conversation can read the messages. JusTalk claims on its website that “only you and the person you communicate with can see, read or listen to them: Even the JusTalk team won’t access your data!”

But the lapse has raised questions on the security of these apps.

The leaked data includes millions of JusTalk user messages, along with the precise date and time they were sent and the phone numbers of both the sender and the recipient. It also contained records of calls that were placed using the app.

The report says that security researcher Anurag Sen found the data this week and asked TechCrunch for help to report it to the company.

JusTalk was launched by Juphoon, a China-based cloud company in 2016. The app is now owned by Ninbo Jus. As per records on Juphoon’s website, both companies appear to share same office address.

Because each message recorded in the data contained every phone number in the same chat, it was possible to follow entire conversations, including children using the JusTalk Kids app to chat with their parents.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A popular messaging app that calls itself secure with end-to-end encryption has suffered a security lapse resulting into a huge cache of users’ messages being posted online, said a report.

A popular messaging app that calls itself secure with end-to-end encryption has suffered a security lapse resulting into a huge cache of users’ messages being posted online, said a report. TechCrunch says that the messaging app is widely used in Asia and across the world with 20 million global users. Even JusTalk Kids shows 1 million android downloads on Google Play. JusTalk says that both apps are end-to-end encrypted, which means that only the people in the conversation can read the messages. JusTalk claims on its website that “only you and the person you communicate with can see, read or listen to them: Even the JusTalk team won’t access your data!” But the lapse has raised questions on the security of these apps. The leaked data includes millions of JusTalk user messages, along with the precise date and time they were sent and the phone numbers of both the sender and the recipient. It also contained records of calls that were placed using the app. The report says that security researcher Anurag Sen found the data this week and asked TechCrunch for help to report it to the company. JusTalk was launched by Juphoon, a China-based cloud company in 2016. The app is now owned by Ninbo Jus. As per records on Juphoon’s website, both companies appear to share same office address. Because each message recorded in the data contained every phone number in the same chat, it was possible to follow entire conversations, including children using the JusTalk Kids app to chat with their parents. (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 ×

Messaging app suffers security lapse, millions of messages leaked: Report

The biggest leak of methane gas in the world seems to have occurred at a coalmine in Russia, media reports said citing satellite data. This comes as the world is looking to take measures to cut emissions to keep a check on climate change. In January, around 90 tonnes of methane gas were released per hour from the Raspadskaya mine in Kemerovo Oblast. It is the largest coalmine in Russia. The release is enough to run around five coal-fired power stations. If this amount of gas could have been used for the whole year, it would have been enough to power 2.4 million homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The gas leak was first traced to the source in January, as per GHGSat data. It is a Canada-based commercial satellite monitoring company. The firm believes that this is the biggest leak ever traced to a single source. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-it-a-warning-microplastics-breach-another-frontier-now-found-in-freshly-fallen-snow-in-antarctica-486183" hreflang="en">Is it a warning?&nbsp;Microplastics breach another frontier, now found in freshly fallen snow in Antarctica</a>

Around 13 distinct methane plumes were measured from the mine. They had ranged in size from 658 to 17,994 kg per hour, GHGSat said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are seeing an increase in methane from this site generally, which could be the result of increased coal production, linked to global trends in coal use,” said Brody Wight, director of energy, landfill and mines at GHGSat. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level?

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Now, the mine seems to be leaking gas at a low rate. The leak also seems to have been happening for around six months before the survey in January. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The biggest leak of methane gas in the world seems to have occurred at a coalmine in Russia, media reports said citing satellite data. This comes as the world is looking to take measures to cut emissions to keep a check on climate change.

The biggest leak of methane gas in the world seems to have occurred at a coalmine in Russia, media reports said citing satellite data. This comes as the world is looking to take measures to cut emissions to keep a check on climate change. In January, around 90 tonnes of methane gas were released per hour from the Raspadskaya mine in Kemerovo Oblast. It is the largest coalmine in Russia. The release is enough to run around five coal-fired power stations. If this amount of gas could have been used for the whole year, it would have been enough to power 2.4 million homes. The gas leak was first traced to the source in January, as per GHGSat data. It is a Canada-based commercial satellite monitoring company. The firm believes that this is the biggest leak ever traced to a single source. Also Read: Is it a warning? Microplastics breach another frontier, now found in freshly fallen snow in Antarctica Around 13 distinct methane plumes were measured from the mine. They had ranged in size from 658 to 17,994 kg per hour, GHGSat said. “We are seeing an increase in methane from this site generally, which could be the result of increased coal production, linked to global trends in coal use,” said Brody Wight, director of energy, landfill and mines at GHGSat. Watch | Climate crisis: How can coastal areas survive rise in sea level? Now, the mine seems to be leaking gas at a low rate. The leak also seems to have been happening for around six months before the survey in January. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (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. ×

Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports

The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UK companies seek relaxation in immigration rules

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In a move described by Whitehall insiders as 'concerning, unnecessary and upsetting', the details of 'Operation London Bridge' including ministerial protocols and funeral arrangements were published. &nbsp;

A royal source told The Mirror, "It is deeply disturbing that such private information, which is not only deeply personal to the Queen but also has widespread security implications, has been revealed." &nbsp;

Whitehall bosses seem to be on a warpath to track down the source. They could narrow down the possible culprits by examining which version of the documents were released. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-brother-conned-over-gold-mine-in-gobi-desert-411047" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson's brother conned over 'gold mine in Gobi desert'</a>

A cabinet office source said, "We will look into which version has emerged and be able to determine whether this dereliction of duty requires a formal government investigation.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment. A royal insider said officials are 'not happy', adding "We are not talking about this. It is a matter for the Government."

The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is.

The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is. Watch: UK companies seek relaxation in immigration rules × In a move described by Whitehall insiders as 'concerning, unnecessary and upsetting', the details of 'Operation London Bridge' including ministerial protocols and funeral arrangements were published. A royal source told The Mirror, "It is deeply disturbing that such private information, which is not only deeply personal to the Queen but also has widespread security implications, has been revealed." Whitehall bosses seem to be on a warpath to track down the source. They could narrow down the possible culprits by examining which version of the documents were released. Also Read: UK PM Boris Johnson's brother conned over 'gold mine in Gobi desert' A cabinet office source said, "We will look into which version has emerged and be able to determine whether this dereliction of duty requires a formal government investigation.” Buckingham Palace has declined to comment. A royal insider said officials are 'not happy', adding "We are not talking about this. It is a matter for the Government."

'Deeply disturbing' leak of Queen's funeral plans irks Buckingham Palace

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program.

Daniel Hale told a federal judge he felt compelled to leak information to a journalist out of guilt over his own participation in a program that he believed was 'indiscriminately' killing civilians in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Hale said, "It is wrong to kill. It is especially wrong to kill the defenceless".

However, the US District Judge Liam O’Grady told Hale that he had options to seek other measures than speaking with the journalist.&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/technology/biden-if-us-has-real-shooting-war-it-could-be-result-of-cyber-attacks-401055">Also read |&nbsp;Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks</a>

Also, he imposed a punishment that was harsher than the 12 to 18-month term sought by Hale’s attorneys.

Prosecutors argued that Hale, who deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2012 and was honourably discharged the following year, abused the government’s trust and knew the documents he was sharing “risked causing serious, and in some cases exceptionally grave, damage to the national security” but leaked them anyway.&nbsp;

They further say that the documents leaked by Hale were found in an internet compilation of the material designed to help Islamic State fighters avoid detection.

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program.

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program. Daniel Hale told a federal judge he felt compelled to leak information to a journalist out of guilt over his own participation in a program that he believed was 'indiscriminately' killing civilians in Afghanistan. In a statement, Hale said, "It is wrong to kill. It is especially wrong to kill the defenceless". However, the US District Judge Liam O’Grady told Hale that he had options to seek other measures than speaking with the journalist. Also read | Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks Also, he imposed a punishment that was harsher than the 12 to 18-month term sought by Hale’s attorneys. Prosecutors argued that Hale, who deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2012 and was honourably discharged the following year, abused the government’s trust and knew the documents he was sharing “risked causing serious, and in some cases exceptionally grave, damage to the national security” but leaked them anyway. They further say that the documents leaked by Hale were found in an internet compilation of the material designed to help Islamic State fighters avoid detection.

Former intelligence analyst who leaked information sentenced to prison for 45 months

A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues, authorities said.

Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals following the incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring on Saturday, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office tweeted.

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HCFMO HAZMAT has been requested to assist <a href="https://twitter.com/Springfdtx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Springfdtx</a> with a chemical incident at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. 29 people are going through decon. HCFMO hazmat is on scene working to identify the cause of the incident. More info as soon as availabl. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hounews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hounews</a> <a href="https://t.co/a7v8T3DXwc">pic.twitter.com/a7v8T3DXwc</a>
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Thirty-nine others declined to be taken to a hospital after undergoing decontamination procedures.&nbsp;KPRC-TV reports that some of those who became sick were children, including a three-year-old, who was hospitalised in stable condition.

The chemicals involved included hypochlorite solution and 35 per cent sulfuric acid, officials said. "The safety of our guests and team member is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause," Hurricane Harbor Splashtown spokesperson Rosie Shepard said in a statement, according to news outlets. "Out of an abundance of caution, the park has been closed for the day."

Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which they said was contained to one attraction at the park. 
"Grateful for the swift action from first responders today at Splashtown," Houston's chief elected official, Lina Hidalgo, tweeted.

"We've issued a closure order to investigate and ensure the park meets all requirements before reopening again."&nbsp;

A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues, authorities said. Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals following the incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring on Saturday, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office tweeted.

A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues, authorities said. Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals following the incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring on Saturday, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office tweeted. HCFMO HAZMAT has been requested to assist @Springfdtx with a chemical incident at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. 29 people are going through decon. HCFMO hazmat is on scene working to identify the cause of the incident. More info as soon as availabl. #hounews pic.twitter.com/a7v8T3DXwc — @hcfmo (@hcfmo) July 17, 2021 × Thirty-nine others declined to be taken to a hospital after undergoing decontamination procedures. KPRC-TV reports that some of those who became sick were children, including a three-year-old, who was hospitalised in stable condition. The chemicals involved included hypochlorite solution and 35 per cent sulfuric acid, officials said. "The safety of our guests and team member is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause," Hurricane Harbor Splashtown spokesperson Rosie Shepard said in a statement, according to news outlets. "Out of an abundance of caution, the park has been closed for the day." Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which they said was contained to one attraction at the park. "Grateful for the swift action from first responders today at Splashtown," Houston's chief elected official, Lina Hidalgo, tweeted. "We've issued a closure order to investigate and ensure the park meets all requirements before reopening again."

US: Dozens treated after chemical leak at Texas water park

Britain's health ministry will investigate how a recording of former minister Matt Hancock kissing and embracing his aide was released to the media and forced his resignation, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said on Sunday. 
 
"It is a matter I know the department of health will be looking into to understand exactly how that recording ... got out of the system," he told Sky News, adding that the ministry would be launching an internal investigation. 
 
"What Matt did was wrong, he acknowledged that, it's why he apologised immediately for his behaviour and acknowledged what he did was wrong and it's ultimately why he's taken the decision that his position was untenable and distracting from the wider work we all have to do ... to move out of the pandemic."

Meanwhile, British former finance minister Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the country's health minister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after revelation that he himself violated coronavirus restrictions during an affair with his aide. Photos apparently showing him hugging and kissing the woman were published in a section of the media.

Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera photo. The image was reportedly obtained from a whistleblower showing him with the aide in his office on May 6.

Javid had resigned as finance minister last year after he refused to fire his political advisers as demanded by Johnson.

Hancock, the frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology.

"We owe it to people, who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote.

Prime Minister Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service.

Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers.

Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines.

The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team.&nbsp;

Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university.

Britain's health ministry will investigate how a recording of former minister Matt Hancock kissing and embracing his aide was released to the media and forced his resignation, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said on Sunday.

Britain's health ministry will investigate how a recording of former minister Matt Hancock kissing and embracing his aide was released to the media and forced his resignation, Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis said on Sunday. "It is a matter I know the department of health will be looking into to understand exactly how that recording ... got out of the system," he told Sky News, adding that the ministry would be launching an internal investigation. "What Matt did was wrong, he acknowledged that, it's why he apologised immediately for his behaviour and acknowledged what he did was wrong and it's ultimately why he's taken the decision that his position was untenable and distracting from the wider work we all have to do ... to move out of the pandemic." Meanwhile, British former finance minister Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the country's health minister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Saturday. Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after revelation that he himself violated coronavirus restrictions during an affair with his aide. Photos apparently showing him hugging and kissing the woman were published in a section of the media. Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera photo. The image was reportedly obtained from a whistleblower showing him with the aide in his office on May 6. Javid had resigned as finance minister last year after he refused to fire his political advisers as demanded by Johnson. Hancock, the frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology. "We owe it to people, who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote. Prime Minister Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service. Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers. Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines. The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team. Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university.

UK health department to investigate leak of Hancock footage, says minister

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. 
 
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant. 
 
Earlier, a US media report had revealed the possibility of a potential leak in a Chinese nuclear plant near Hong Kong after its French operator said that the plant is dealing with a 'performance issue' linked to a gas build-up.

The Taishan Nuclear Power Plant is jointly owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and French multinational electric utility Électricité de France, the main owner of Framotome, which helps operate the plant.

CNN reported that Framotome had written to the US Department of Energy warning of an 'imminent radiological threat'&nbsp;and accusing Chinese authorities of raising acceptable limits for radiation outside the plant to avoid having to shut it down.

EDF, the majority owner of Framatome, said in a statement that it had requested an extraordinary meeting of the power plant's board 'for management to present all the data and the necessary decisions'.

Framatome said in a statement that it is 'supporting a resolution of a performance issue' at the plant.

"According to the data available, the plant is operating within the safety parameters," the company said.

EDF later said that there was an "increase in the concentration of certain noble gases in the primary circuit of reactor no. 1" at Taishan, referring to a part of the reactor's cooling system.

Noble gases are elements like argon, helium and neon which have low chemical reactivity.

Their presence in the system "is a known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures," EDF said.

David Fishman, manager at energy-focused consulting group The Lantau Group, said that the presence of noble gases could suggest the problem was caused by a cracked fuel rod.

"When you have a cracked fuel rod... you get a small release potentially of fission materials from inside that cracked fuel rod into the cooling loop, where it wouldn't normally be," he said.&nbsp;

"Failed fuel or cracked fuel is a fairly normal and common, undesirably certainly but not uncommon phenomenon in the nuclear fuel industry."

Citing a letter from Framatome to the US energy department, CNN said the warning included an accusation that the Chinese safety authority was raising the acceptable limits for radiation outside the facility in order to avoid having to shut it down.

But a US official told the broadcaster that the administration of President Joe Biden believes the facility is not yet at "crisis level".

The operator of the power station, state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), said in a statement on Sunday evening that "the environmental indicators of Taishan Nuclear Power Plant and its surroundings are normal".

It did not reference any leak or incident at the power station, which it said meets "the requirements of nuclear safety regulations and power plant technical specifications."

The International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN body, said it had contacted its counterpart in China regarding the issue.

"At this stage, the Agency has no indication that a radiological incident occurred," the IAEA said in a statement, adding that it would share more information "as it becomes available".

If the problem is a cracked fuel rod, said Fishman, it would have to be logged by the Chinese nuclear safety administration with a mitigation report to fix the problem.

What's more, "if (Framatome) were going to transfer over any information that they have gotten from working in the US, they would have to apply for an exemption... because CGN is on the US entity list," he added.

"It is a no-fly zone for any US information, any information or data or technology or IP to go to China."

(With inputs from agencies)

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant.

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant. Earlier, a US media report had revealed the possibility of a potential leak in a Chinese nuclear plant near Hong Kong after its French operator said that the plant is dealing with a 'performance issue' linked to a gas build-up. The Taishan Nuclear Power Plant is jointly owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and French multinational electric utility Électricité de France, the main owner of Framotome, which helps operate the plant. CNN reported that Framotome had written to the US Department of Energy warning of an 'imminent radiological threat' and accusing Chinese authorities of raising acceptable limits for radiation outside the plant to avoid having to shut it down. EDF, the majority owner of Framatome, said in a statement that it had requested an extraordinary meeting of the power plant's board 'for management to present all the data and the necessary decisions'. Framatome said in a statement that it is 'supporting a resolution of a performance issue' at the plant. "According to the data available, the plant is operating within the safety parameters," the company said. EDF later said that there was an "increase in the concentration of certain noble gases in the primary circuit of reactor no. 1" at Taishan, referring to a part of the reactor's cooling system. Noble gases are elements like argon, helium and neon which have low chemical reactivity. Their presence in the system "is a known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures," EDF said. David Fishman, manager at energy-focused consulting group The Lantau Group, said that the presence of noble gases could suggest the problem was caused by a cracked fuel rod. "When you have a cracked fuel rod... you get a small release potentially of fission materials from inside that cracked fuel rod into the cooling loop, where it wouldn't normally be," he said. "Failed fuel or cracked fuel is a fairly normal and common, undesirably certainly but not uncommon phenomenon in the nuclear fuel industry." Citing a letter from Framatome to the US energy department, CNN said the warning included an accusation that the Chinese safety authority was raising the acceptable limits for radiation outside the facility in order to avoid having to shut it down. But a US official told the broadcaster that the administration of President Joe Biden believes the facility is not yet at "crisis level". The operator of the power station, state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), said in a statement on Sunday evening that "the environmental indicators of Taishan Nuclear Power Plant and its surroundings are normal". It did not reference any leak or incident at the power station, which it said meets "the requirements of nuclear safety regulations and power plant technical specifications." The International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN body, said it had contacted its counterpart in China regarding the issue. "At this stage, the Agency has no indication that a radiological incident occurred," the IAEA said in a statement, adding that it would share more information "as it becomes available". If the problem is a cracked fuel rod, said Fishman, it would have to be logged by the Chinese nuclear safety administration with a mitigation report to fix the problem. What's more, "if (Framatome) were going to transfer over any information that they have gotten from working in the US, they would have to apply for an exemption... because CGN is on the US entity list," he added. "It is a no-fly zone for any US information, any information or data or technology or IP to go to China." (With inputs from agencies)

China environment ministry says no leak at Taishan nuclear power station

'Anonymous', a group of hacktivists that has remained silent in recent years returned on May 31&nbsp;claiming to be more expressive. The group has raised cyberwar against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after the death&nbsp;of George Floyd.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitters-blue-bird-goes-black-to-show-solidarity-with-protestors-in-the-us-302400" hreflang="en">Twitter’s blue bird goes black to show solidarity with protestors in the US</a>

Protests erupted in at least 30 US cities over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The police officer had allegedly knelt on his neck until he stopped breathing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-supremacists-or-antifa-or-multiple-theories-float-on-who-caused-violence-in-us-302348" hreflang="en">White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US</a>

The video was posted by Anonymous' Facebook account and has been making rounds on the internet.&nbsp;

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— MARIO//JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD (@HennyOnMyLips) <a href="https://twitter.com/HennyOnMyLips/status/1266855370699476994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the video, a figure appears that says: “Police brutality and murder is a widespread problem in the United States, which has undoubtedly infected nearly every jurisdiction in the country. But, the Minneapolis police department is among the worst and has a horrible track record of violence and corruption. This week’s brutal killing of George Floyd, which has sparked protests and national outrage, is just the tip of the iceberg in a long list of high profile cases of wrongful deaths at the hands of officers in your state.”

Through some tweets, Anonymous has also threatened to leak all the 'proofs' against &nbsp;Donald Trump, Jeffery Epstein, Princess Diana's death, the Royal Family, Bill Gates, Naomi Campbell's involvement, and many more.

After these posts, the group has been deleting these accounts and disappearing from social media platforms. &nbsp;

Ever since the threat, the Minneapolis Police Department's website has reportedly been showing signs of a hack.&nbsp;

Another night of unrest in every corner of the United States left the country charred and shattered. The death of George Floyd after his arrest on Monday has triggered a tide of protests in the country, unleashing long-simmering rage over racial bias in the US criminal justice system.

Some rallies have turned violent as demonstrators blocked traffic, set fires and clashed with riot police, some of whom fired tear gas and plastic bullets to restore order.

'Anonymous', a group of hacktivists that has remained silent in recent years returned on May 31 claiming to be more expressive. The group has raised cyberwar against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after the death of George Floyd.

'Anonymous', a group of hacktivists that has remained silent in recent years returned on May 31 claiming to be more expressive. The group has raised cyberwar against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after the death of George Floyd. Also read: Twitter’s blue bird goes black to show solidarity with protestors in the US Protests erupted in at least 30 US cities over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The police officer had allegedly knelt on his neck until he stopped breathing. Also read: White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US The video was posted by Anonymous' Facebook account and has been making rounds on the internet. pic.twitter.com/wy2aUwhaUD — MARIO//JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD (@HennyOnMyLips) May 30, 2020 × In the video, a figure appears that says: “Police brutality and murder is a widespread problem in the United States, which has undoubtedly infected nearly every jurisdiction in the country. But, the Minneapolis police department is among the worst and has a horrible track record of violence and corruption. This week’s brutal killing of George Floyd, which has sparked protests and national outrage, is just the tip of the iceberg in a long list of high profile cases of wrongful deaths at the hands of officers in your state.” Through some tweets, Anonymous has also threatened to leak all the 'proofs' against Donald Trump, Jeffery Epstein, Princess Diana's death, the Royal Family, Bill Gates, Naomi Campbell's involvement, and many more. After these posts, the group has been deleting these accounts and disappearing from social media platforms. Ever since the threat, the Minneapolis Police Department's website has reportedly been showing signs of a hack. Another night of unrest in every corner of the United States left the country charred and shattered. The death of George Floyd after his arrest on Monday has triggered a tide of protests in the country, unleashing long-simmering rage over racial bias in the US criminal justice system. Some rallies have turned violent as demonstrators blocked traffic, set fires and clashed with riot police, some of whom fired tear gas and plastic bullets to restore order.

'Anonymous': Hacktivists launch cyberwar against Minneapolis Police Department over George Floyd's murder

At least 11 people died and 800 have been hospitalized after a chemical gas leakage inside a pharmaceutical company at RR Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday (May 7).

11 dead, 800 hospitalized after styrene gas leak in Vizag | Visakhapatnam

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics.

Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk had offered to quit after the leaked recording revealed him saying the president had a "primitive understanding" of the economy.&nbsp;

"I have decided to give you and your government a second chance," Zelensky said during a meeting with Goncharuk in a video released by the presidency.

It marked the first major political test for Zelensky, a comedian with no previous political experience, who swept to power in a landslide victory at last year's presidential election.

His "Servant of the People" party later won a large majority in parliament.

He has been embroiled in the US impeachment process and faced tough talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but had thus far managed to avoid any significant domestic political problems.

The audio recording was leaked on social media on Wednesday and came from an informal December meeting between ministers and senior officials from the National Bank.

According to local media reports, the participants discussed how to explain recent economic developments to Zelensky.

"Zelensky has a very primitive understanding of economic processes, or rather a simple understanding," Goncharuk said on the recording, adding that he himself was an economic "ignoramus".

After initially denying reports he would step down, Goncharuk announced on his official Facebook page on Friday that he had offered to resign.

"To remove any doubts about our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter," wrote Goncharuk.

<h6><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45f44a09-88c9-4800-ab70-b64c7623acee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_30.jpg" /> 
Image: Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk (C) attends a session of the parliament in Kiev on January 17, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

'Looks like theatre'

In the video released by the presidency, Zelensky did not mention the leaked comments but did refer to "a scandal" and "a very unpleasant situation".&nbsp;

He urged the prime minister to "improve the cooperation with parliament and to optimise the salaries of government officials".

The payment of large bonuses to officials has caused a scandal in recent weeks in the former Soviet republic, one of the poorest countries in Europe.

"Such wages cannot occur in Ukraine with the current state of the economy," Zelensky said in the video, which depicted a round-table meeting with Goncharuk in an ornate, gilded room.

Goncharuk thanked the president for his confidence, admitting a "shortcoming in the work" of the government.

Before Zelensky rejected the resignation offer, several analysts were sceptical he would ever accept.

"It looks like theatre... in which Zelensky plays the role of a good tsar" by refusing the offer, said analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk of Democracy House in Kiev.

He said the crisis likely reflected an internal struggle for influence over the new president.

<h6><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30061a38-c29a-487f-a865-b6994052e5f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_17.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;In this file photo taken on September 02, 2019 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) listens as the Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk speaks during a meeting with the new members of the government and new president of Parliament, in Kiev | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

'Important test'

Goncharuk, 35, became Ukraine's youngest-ever prime minister after Zelensky nominated him in August, part of a team of fresh faces he promised would shake up the stagnant political scene.&nbsp;

The lawyer was tasked with helping to revive an economy hit hard by corruption and Ukraine's five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east.

Considered a supporter of liberal economic reforms, Goncharuk had co-founded a law firm at the age of 24 and managed an EU-funded NGO to improve the business environment in Ukraine.

Timothy Ash, a London-based economist and expert on Ukraine, said accepting the resignation would have sent "a very negative message to reformers".

"This is an important test of Zelensky's reform credentials," he said.

The hiring and firing of prime ministers is the formal remit of the parliament and some criticised Goncharuk for sending his letter directly to the president.

Zelensky came to power promising sweeping change and has since taken several steps to resolve the separatist conflict, including prisoner exchanges and a landmark meeting with Putin in Paris last month.

But critics have accused him of doing little so far to boost the economy or tackle endemic corruption.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics. Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk had offered to quit after the leaked recording revealed him saying the president had a "primitive understanding" of the economy. "I have decided to give you and your government a second chance," Zelensky said during a meeting with Goncharuk in a video released by the presidency. It marked the first major political test for Zelensky, a comedian with no previous political experience, who swept to power in a landslide victory at last year's presidential election. His "Servant of the People" party later won a large majority in parliament. He has been embroiled in the US impeachment process and faced tough talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but had thus far managed to avoid any significant domestic political problems. The audio recording was leaked on social media on Wednesday and came from an informal December meeting between ministers and senior officials from the National Bank. According to local media reports, the participants discussed how to explain recent economic developments to Zelensky. "Zelensky has a very primitive understanding of economic processes, or rather a simple understanding," Goncharuk said on the recording, adding that he himself was an economic "ignoramus". After initially denying reports he would step down, Goncharuk announced on his official Facebook page on Friday that he had offered to resign. "To remove any doubts about our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter," wrote Goncharuk. Image: Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk (C) attends a session of the parliament in Kiev on January 17, 2020 | AFP 'Looks like theatre' In the video released by the presidency, Zelensky did not mention the leaked comments but did refer to "a scandal" and "a very unpleasant situation". He urged the prime minister to "improve the cooperation with parliament and to optimise the salaries of government officials". The payment of large bonuses to officials has caused a scandal in recent weeks in the former Soviet republic, one of the poorest countries in Europe. "Such wages cannot occur in Ukraine with the current state of the economy," Zelensky said in the video, which depicted a round-table meeting with Goncharuk in an ornate, gilded room. Goncharuk thanked the president for his confidence, admitting a "shortcoming in the work" of the government. Before Zelensky rejected the resignation offer, several analysts were sceptical he would ever accept. "It looks like theatre... in which Zelensky plays the role of a good tsar" by refusing the offer, said analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk of Democracy House in Kiev. He said the crisis likely reflected an internal struggle for influence over the new president. Image: In this file photo taken on September 02, 2019 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) listens as the Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk speaks during a meeting with the new members of the government and new president of Parliament, in Kiev | AFP 'Important test' Goncharuk, 35, became Ukraine's youngest-ever prime minister after Zelensky nominated him in August, part of a team of fresh faces he promised would shake up the stagnant political scene. The lawyer was tasked with helping to revive an economy hit hard by corruption and Ukraine's five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east. Considered a supporter of liberal economic reforms, Goncharuk had co-founded a law firm at the age of 24 and managed an EU-funded NGO to improve the business environment in Ukraine. Timothy Ash, a London-based economist and expert on Ukraine, said accepting the resignation would have sent "a very negative message to reformers". "This is an important test of Zelensky's reform credentials," he said. The hiring and firing of prime ministers is the formal remit of the parliament and some criticised Goncharuk for sending his letter directly to the president. Zelensky came to power promising sweeping change and has since taken several steps to resolve the separatist conflict, including prisoner exchanges and a landmark meeting with Putin in Paris last month. But critics have accused him of doing little so far to boost the economy or tackle endemic corruption.

Ukraine President Zelensky rejects PM's resignation after leaked recording

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-raised-to-79-in-mexico-pipeline-blast-new-focus-on-fuel-theft-191662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjUl5HpgP7fAhXXfH0KHRLhDcEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2jsTSJCsn0q0s5OFNcj89X">gasoline pipeline</a> when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday.

The pipeline in central Mexico exploded on Friday, leaving 85 people dead who were collecting gasoline at the leak, officials said.&nbsp;

Security Minister Alfonso Durazo told a news conference that Mexico's military detected the leak about four hours before Pemex closed the valve.

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking gasoline pipeline when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday.

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking gasoline pipeline when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday. The pipeline in central Mexico exploded on Friday, leaving 85 people dead who were collecting gasoline at the leak, officials said. Security Minister Alfonso Durazo told a news conference that Mexico's military detected the leak about four hours before Pemex closed the valve.

Mexico gasoline pipeline leak detected hours before fatal blast

A suspected Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent in Maharashtra's Nagpur has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror squad on Monday for allegedly spying and leaking technical information from BrahMos Aerospace missile unit.

The man has been identified as Nishant Agarwal who had been working with BrahMos unit since&nbsp;the last four years, reports said.

As per reports, he has been booked under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly leaking technical secrets to Pakistan.

Nishant is currently under investigation. The agencies are also trying to ascertain the details that he might have shared with the neighbouring country.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) facility from where he was arrested makes propellents, or fuel, for the BrahMos missile.&nbsp;

BrahMos Aerospace, which has its base near Nagpur, is a joint venture between India and Russia.

A suspected Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent in Maharashtra's Nagpur has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror squad on Monday for allegedly spying and leaking technical information from BrahMos Aerospace missile unit.

A suspected Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent in Maharashtra's Nagpur has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror squad on Monday for allegedly spying and leaking technical information from BrahMos Aerospace missile unit. The man has been identified as Nishant Agarwal who had been working with BrahMos unit since the last four years, reports said. As per reports, he has been booked under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly leaking technical secrets to Pakistan. Nishant is currently under investigation. The agencies are also trying to ascertain the details that he might have shared with the neighbouring country. The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) facility from where he was arrested makes propellents, or fuel, for the BrahMos missile. BrahMos Aerospace, which has its base near Nagpur, is a joint venture between India and Russia.

Watch: Anti-terror squad nabs DRDO official working in BrahMos Aerospace unit on spying charge

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during his congressional hearing today said he wants to ensure protection of integrity of elections, mentioning that he knows the importance of the upcoming polls in countries, including India, Hungary and Brazil.

Zuckerberg faced a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees.

He noted that there are several important elections in 2018 in countries like India, Hungary and Brazil and his company wants to ensure protection of integrity in these elections.

Zuckerberg, 33, testified before the senators and a House panel amid a firestorm over the alleged hijacking of data of millions of Facebook users by British firm Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has disclosed his company is "working with" special counsel Robert Mueller in the federal probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and working hard to change its own operations after the harvesting of users' private information by a Trump campaign-affiliated data-mining company.

The founder of the social media giant publicly apologized for his company's errors in failing to better protect the personal information of its millions of users, a controversy that has brought a flood of bad publicity and sent the company's stock value plunging. He seemed to achieve a measure of success: Facebook shares surged 4.5 per cent for the day, the biggest gain in two years.

Zuckerberg told the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees that he has not been personally interviewed by Mueller's team, but "I know we're working with them." He offered no details, citing a concern about confidentiality rules of the investigation.

Earlier this year Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian companies in a plot to interfere in the 2016 presidential election through a social media propaganda effort that included online ad purchases using US aliases and politicking on U.S. soil. A number of the Russian ads were on Facebook.

During yesterday's at-times-contentious hearing, Zuckerberg said it had been "clearly a mistake" to believe the data-mining company Cambridge Analytica had deleted user data that it had harvested in an attempt to sway elections. He said Facebook had considered the data collection "a closed case" because it thought the information had been discarded.

Facebook also didn't alert the Federal Trade Commission, Zuckerberg said, and he assured senators the company would handle the situation differently today.

He began a two-day congressional inquisition with a public apology for the way Facebook handled the data-mining of its users' data. He took responsibility for failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica, which was affiliated with Donald Trump's presidential campaign, from gathering personal information from 87 million users.

Separately, the company began alerting some of its users that their data was gathered by Cambridge Analytica. A notification that appeared on Facebook for some users Tuesday told them that "one of your friends" used Facebook to log into a now-banned personality quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life." The notice says the app misused the information, including public profiles, page likes, birthdays and current cities, by sharing it with Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg had apologized many times already, to users and the public, but this was the first time before Congress. He also is to testify Wednesday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Commerce Committee chairman, told Zuckerberg his company had a 14-year history of apologizing for "ill-advised decisions" related to user privacy. "How is today's apology different?" Thune asked.

"We have made a lot of mistakes in running the company," Zuckerberg responded. "I think it's pretty much impossible, I believe, to start a company in your dorm room and then grow it to be at the scale that we're at now without making some mistakes." Zuckerberg said Facebook is going through "a broader philosophical shift in how we approach our responsibility as a company." He said the company needs to take a "more proactive role" that includes ensuring the tools it creates are used in "good and healthy" ways.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Zuckerberg's appearance marked the most intense hearing for a tech company since entrepreneur and businessman Bill Gates testified before Congress in March 1998.

Many of the senators' questions seemed to focus on Facebook's basic functions, such as its privacy settings and what it does and doesn't do with user data. Because each of the 44 senators had just 5 minutes to ask questions, there was little time for tough follow-ups. On some subjects, that allowed Zuckerberg to tell the lawmakers that his people would get back to them with more information.

In the hearings, Zuckerberg is trying to both restore public trust in his company and stave off federal regulations that some lawmakers have floated. In his opening statement, he also apologized for his company's involvement in facilitating fake news and Russian interference in the elections.

Zuckerberg said at a congressional hearing that he knows the importance of upcoming polls in India, Hungary and Brazil

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during his congressional hearing today said he wants to ensure protection of integrity of elections, mentioning that he knows the importance of the upcoming polls in countries, including India, Hungary and Brazil. Zuckerberg faced a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees. He noted that there are several important elections in 2018 in countries like India, Hungary and Brazil and his company wants to ensure protection of integrity in these elections. Zuckerberg, 33, testified before the senators and a House panel amid a firestorm over the alleged hijacking of data of millions of Facebook users by British firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has disclosed his company is "working with" special counsel Robert Mueller in the federal probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and working hard to change its own operations after the harvesting of users' private information by a Trump campaign-affiliated data-mining company. The founder of the social media giant publicly apologized for his company's errors in failing to better protect the personal information of its millions of users, a controversy that has brought a flood of bad publicity and sent the company's stock value plunging. He seemed to achieve a measure of success: Facebook shares surged 4.5 per cent for the day, the biggest gain in two years. Zuckerberg told the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees that he has not been personally interviewed by Mueller's team, but "I know we're working with them." He offered no details, citing a concern about confidentiality rules of the investigation. Earlier this year Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian companies in a plot to interfere in the 2016 presidential election through a social media propaganda effort that included online ad purchases using US aliases and politicking on U.S. soil. A number of the Russian ads were on Facebook. During yesterday's at-times-contentious hearing, Zuckerberg said it had been "clearly a mistake" to believe the data-mining company Cambridge Analytica had deleted user data that it had harvested in an attempt to sway elections. He said Facebook had considered the data collection "a closed case" because it thought the information had been discarded. Facebook also didn't alert the Federal Trade Commission, Zuckerberg said, and he assured senators the company would handle the situation differently today. He began a two-day congressional inquisition with a public apology for the way Facebook handled the data-mining of its users' data. He took responsibility for failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica, which was affiliated with Donald Trump's presidential campaign, from gathering personal information from 87 million users. Separately, the company began alerting some of its users that their data was gathered by Cambridge Analytica. A notification that appeared on Facebook for some users Tuesday told them that "one of your friends" used Facebook to log into a now-banned personality quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life." The notice says the app misused the information, including public profiles, page likes, birthdays and current cities, by sharing it with Cambridge Analytica. Zuckerberg had apologized many times already, to users and the public, but this was the first time before Congress. He also is to testify Wednesday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Commerce Committee chairman, told Zuckerberg his company had a 14-year history of apologizing for "ill-advised decisions" related to user privacy. "How is today's apology different?" Thune asked. "We have made a lot of mistakes in running the company," Zuckerberg responded. "I think it's pretty much impossible, I believe, to start a company in your dorm room and then grow it to be at the scale that we're at now without making some mistakes." Zuckerberg said Facebook is going through "a broader philosophical shift in how we approach our responsibility as a company." He said the company needs to take a "more proactive role" that includes ensuring the tools it creates are used in "good and healthy" ways. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Zuckerberg's appearance marked the most intense hearing for a tech company since entrepreneur and businessman Bill Gates testified before Congress in March 1998. Many of the senators' questions seemed to focus on Facebook's basic functions, such as its privacy settings and what it does and doesn't do with user data. Because each of the 44 senators had just 5 minutes to ask questions, there was little time for tough follow-ups. On some subjects, that allowed Zuckerberg to tell the lawmakers that his people would get back to them with more information. In the hearings, Zuckerberg is trying to both restore public trust in his company and stave off federal regulations that some lawmakers have floated. In his opening statement, he also apologized for his company's involvement in facilitating fake news and Russian interference in the elections.

Want to ensure integrity of elections in India: Facebook's Zuckerberg

The head of the Democratic Party, Deborah Wasserman Schultz, on Sunday announced her intention to resign after this week&#39;s Democratic convention amid a furor over embarrassing leaked emails, as the Clinton team hopes to head off a growing rebellion by Bernie Sanders supporters on the eve of the convention to nominate Hillary Clinton for the White House. 
 
Lingering bitterness from their heated primary campaign erupted after more than 19,000 Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails, leaked on Friday, seemed to confirm Sanders&#39; frequent charge that the party played favourites in the race. 
 
The cache of emails leaked by the WikiLeaks website revealed DNC officials explored ways to undermine Sanders&#39; insurgent presidential campaign. This included raising questions about whether Sanders, who is Jewish, was really an atheist, so as to undermine him and his campaign in highly religious states. 
 
Wasserman Schultz will be replaced by interim chair Donna Brazile, a Democratic stategist and television commentator who has openly criticised the Sanders campaign. 
 
In a statement, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said the best way for the party to accomplish its goal of putting Clinton in the White House was for her to step down. Sanders had demanded earlier in the day that Wasserman Schultz resign.&nbsp;Shortly after Wasserman Schultz did indeed make this announcement, Clinton named her honorary chair of the Clinton campaign team. 
 
The furor was a blow to a party keen on projecting stability in contrast to the volatility of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who was formally nominated at a raucous convention last week, and overshadowed preparations in Philadelphia for Clinton&#39;s coronation as the nominee to face Trump in the November 8, US presidential election. 
 
Sanders said Wasserman Schultz, a member of Congress from Florida, had made the right decision for the future of the Democratic Party. &quot;The party leadership must also always remain impartial in the presidential nominating process, something which did not occur in the 2016 race,&quot; he said. 
 
The emails angered many Sanders supporters who were already dismayed by Clinton&#39;s choice on Friday of low-key US Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia as her vice presidential running mate. Kaine, who could appeal to independents and moderates, has never been aligned with party liberals. Kaine is a vocal proponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an enormous free trade deal involving 12 countries, including those from South America, Asia and North America. 
 
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of downtown Philadelphia, livid over the treatment Bernie Sanders received from the DNC and were happy to hear Wasserman Schultz had resigned from her post. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m exited that Debbie Wasserman Shultz has resigned, I think there&#39;s hope for Bernie, it&#39;s not over yet,&quot; Bruce Eichbauer told Reuters. 
 
A Sanders campaign worker said Wasserman Shultz needs to apologise. 
 
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton&#39;s campaign manager Robby Mook blamed Moscow for hacking into the party&#39;s email, then sending the stolen messages to Wikileaks so as to advance the Trump campaign. As he said live on CNN: 
 
&quot;What is disturbing to us is that experts are telling us that Russians broke into the DNC, stole these emails and other experts are now saying that the Russians are now releasing these emails for the purpose of actually helping Donald Trump. I don&#39;t think it&#39;s coincidental that these emails were released on the eve of our convention here and that&#39;s disturbing.&quot; 
 
Sanders, who has endorsed Clinton and will speak on her behalf to the convention on Monday, waged a heated months-long battle for the nomination. Branding himself a democratic socialist, Sanders galvanised young and liberal voters with his calls to rein in Wall Street and eradicate income inequality. 
 
Earlier Sunday the hashtag #BernieMustDisavow was trending, as Sanders supporters were urging him to pull away from the Democratic party altogether, believing the Democratic party is too rigged against Sanders and that it&#39;s best for him to join Dr Jill Stein, the leader of the Green Party.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There&#39;s still time for <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders">@BernieSanders</a> to do the right thing - not for the DNC, but for America. <a href="https://t.co/P7MHWurKQJ">https://t.co/P7MHWurKQJ</a>
&mdash; Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJillStein/status/757315692907655169">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
 
For good measure, Donald Trump posted a tweet about Wasserman Schultz, who is Jewish, which was seen by many as anti-Semitic: 
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The highly neurotic Debbie Wasserman Schultz is angry that, after stealing and cheating her way to a Crooked Hillary victory, she&#39;s out!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/757343025983057922">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
 
The four-day Democratic convention will open on Monday. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Shortly after resignation speech, Clinton appointed her honorary chair of her campaign

The head of the Democratic Party, Deborah Wasserman Schultz, on Sunday announced her intention to resign after this week's Democratic convention amid a furor over embarrassing leaked emails, as the Clinton team hopes to head off a growing rebellion by Bernie Sanders supporters on the eve of the convention to nominate Hillary Clinton for the White House. Lingering bitterness from their heated primary campaign erupted after more than 19,000 Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails, leaked on Friday, seemed to confirm Sanders' frequent charge that the party played favourites in the race. The cache of emails leaked by the WikiLeaks website revealed DNC officials explored ways to undermine Sanders' insurgent presidential campaign. This included raising questions about whether Sanders, who is Jewish, was really an atheist, so as to undermine him and his campaign in highly religious states. Wasserman Schultz will be replaced by interim chair Donna Brazile, a Democratic stategist and television commentator who has openly criticised the Sanders campaign. In a statement, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said the best way for the party to accomplish its goal of putting Clinton in the White House was for her to step down. Sanders had demanded earlier in the day that Wasserman Schultz resign. Shortly after Wasserman Schultz did indeed make this announcement, Clinton named her honorary chair of the Clinton campaign team. The furor was a blow to a party keen on projecting stability in contrast to the volatility of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who was formally nominated at a raucous convention last week, and overshadowed preparations in Philadelphia for Clinton's coronation as the nominee to face Trump in the November 8, US presidential election. Sanders said Wasserman Schultz, a member of Congress from Florida, had made the right decision for the future of the Democratic Party. "The party leadership must also always remain impartial in the presidential nominating process, something which did not occur in the 2016 race," he said. The emails angered many Sanders supporters who were already dismayed by Clinton's choice on Friday of low-key US Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia as her vice presidential running mate. Kaine, who could appeal to independents and moderates, has never been aligned with party liberals. Kaine is a vocal proponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an enormous free trade deal involving 12 countries, including those from South America, Asia and North America. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of downtown Philadelphia, livid over the treatment Bernie Sanders received from the DNC and were happy to hear Wasserman Schultz had resigned from her post. "I'm exited that Debbie Wasserman Shultz has resigned, I think there's hope for Bernie, it's not over yet," Bruce Eichbauer told Reuters. A Sanders campaign worker said Wasserman Shultz needs to apologise. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook blamed Moscow for hacking into the party's email, then sending the stolen messages to Wikileaks so as to advance the Trump campaign. As he said live on CNN: "What is disturbing to us is that experts are telling us that Russians broke into the DNC, stole these emails and other experts are now saying that the Russians are now releasing these emails for the purpose of actually helping Donald Trump. I don't think it's coincidental that these emails were released on the eve of our convention here and that's disturbing." Sanders, who has endorsed Clinton and will speak on her behalf to the convention on Monday, waged a heated months-long battle for the nomination. Branding himself a democratic socialist, Sanders galvanised young and liberal voters with his calls to rein in Wall Street and eradicate income inequality. Earlier Sunday the hashtag #BernieMustDisavow was trending, as Sanders supporters were urging him to pull away from the Democratic party altogether, believing the Democratic party is too rigged against Sanders and that it's best for him to join Dr Jill Stein, the leader of the Green Party. There's still time for @BernieSanders to do the right thing - not for the DNC, but for America. https://t.co/P7MHWurKQJ — Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) July 24, 2016 For good measure, Donald Trump posted a tweet about Wasserman Schultz, who is Jewish, which was seen by many as anti-Semitic: The highly neurotic Debbie Wasserman Schultz is angry that, after stealing and cheating her way to a Crooked Hillary victory, she's out! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 24, 2016 The four-day Democratic convention will open on Monday. (WION with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Head of Democratic Party to resign amid email leak indicating anti-Sanders bias

Regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore have asked banks doing business there to disclose if they have dealings with entities and individuals named in the leaked &#39;Panama&nbsp;Papers&#39;&nbsp;which contained details on thousands of shell firms, people familiar with the requests said.

The leaked documents from&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;law firm Mossack Fonseca, which contained information on 214,000 offshore companies, revealed that Hong Kong was the most active centre in the world for the creation of shell firms, which have many legitimate purposes, but can also be used to hide assets&nbsp;and avoid taxes.

According to two sources familiar with the situation, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sent letters to the banks in April. The two central banks did not set a firm deadline for a reply, the sources said.

One source, who had seen the letter sent to Hong Kong banks, said the request asked about their dealings with a list of between 16 and 18 names.

The sources did not disclose which banks were written to nor the names on the lists.

Bankers operating in Hong Kong have told Reuters that the&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;Papers&nbsp;have triggered a massive compliance exercise there, with banks carefully combing through their accounts to ensure there are no problems.

HKMA said in a statement that it regularly collects information from banks on various issues or risks relating to anti-money laundering or counter-financing of terrorism, but it could not discuss details of its dealings.

MAS did not offer fresh comment but referred to its statement on May 10 that said it was reviewing the latest batch of information released on the&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;Papers.

&quot;If there is evidence of wrongdoing by any individual or entity in Singapore, we will not hesitate to take firm supervisory and enforcement action,&quot; they said then.

Reuters contacted several large banks operating under MAS and HKMA jurisdiction, but they declined to comment when asked if they had received letters.

According to the two sources, HKMA and MAS were trying to ascertain whether banks operating in their jurisdictions carried out due diligence and checked the source of funding when dealing with clients named in the&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;Papers, they said.

One source said some banks in Singapore had already responded to the MAS request.

The leak has put tax avoidance at the top of the global agenda by showing the extent to which tax havens have been used by politicians and businesspeople around the world.

Besides Hong Kong, Singapore and China were among the busiest office for Mossack Fonseca, which worked with more than 2,200 banks, law firms, corporate secretaries and other middlemen in the territory.

A portion of the leaked data released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists showed 51,295 offshore entities and 25,982 individuals linked to Hong Kong, and 4,188 entities and 33,290 individuals linked to China.

Some of the individuals in China routed their money through Hong Kong.

Mossack Fonseca&#39;s list of clients includes senior political figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s brother-in-law. Appearing on the list is not evidence of any wrongdoing. None has made any comment.

The requests by HKMA and MAS follow a series of measures taken by regulators in different parts of the world to crack down on irregularities by financial firms and undisclosed offshore wealth.

New York state&#39;s financial regulator last month told 13 foreign banks doing business there to hand over details about their dealings with a law firm in&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;that helped set up thousands of shell companies.

Many global private banks have put Asia at the centre of their growth strategy, hiring thousands of people and tapping new customer segments in a region expected soon to boast more billionaires than the United States.

Hong Kong and Singapore are two of the biggest centres for offshore wealth management in the region, which with 4.7 million individuals owning U.S.$1 million or more in liquid assets is the largest and fastest growing wealth region.

In a sign of regulatory crackdown against breaches of anti-money laundering rules, Singapore last week moved to shut Swiss bank BSI&#39;s operations there over its dealings with scandal-hit Malaysian fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Hong Kong and Singapore regulators have asked banks to reveal if they have any links with those involved in the Panama Papers leak.

Regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore have asked banks doing business there to disclose if they have dealings with entities and individuals named in the leaked 'Panama Papers' which contained details on thousands of shell firms, people familiar with the requests said. The leaked documents from Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca, which contained information on 214,000 offshore companies, revealed that Hong Kong was the most active centre in the world for the creation of shell firms, which have many legitimate purposes, but can also be used to hide assets and avoid taxes. According to two sources familiar with the situation, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sent letters to the banks in April. The two central banks did not set a firm deadline for a reply, the sources said. One source, who had seen the letter sent to Hong Kong banks, said the request asked about their dealings with a list of between 16 and 18 names. The sources did not disclose which banks were written to nor the names on the lists. Bankers operating in Hong Kong have told Reuters that the Panama Papers have triggered a massive compliance exercise there, with banks carefully combing through their accounts to ensure there are no problems. HKMA said in a statement that it regularly collects information from banks on various issues or risks relating to anti-money laundering or counter-financing of terrorism, but it could not discuss details of its dealings. MAS did not offer fresh comment but referred to its statement on May 10 that said it was reviewing the latest batch of information released on the Panama Papers. "If there is evidence of wrongdoing by any individual or entity in Singapore, we will not hesitate to take firm supervisory and enforcement action," they said then. Reuters contacted several large banks operating under MAS and HKMA jurisdiction, but they declined to comment when asked if they had received letters. According to the two sources, HKMA and MAS were trying to ascertain whether banks operating in their jurisdictions carried out due diligence and checked the source of funding when dealing with clients named in the Panama Papers, they said. One source said some banks in Singapore had already responded to the MAS request. The leak has put tax avoidance at the top of the global agenda by showing the extent to which tax havens have been used by politicians and businesspeople around the world. Besides Hong Kong, Singapore and China were among the busiest office for Mossack Fonseca, which worked with more than 2,200 banks, law firms, corporate secretaries and other middlemen in the territory. A portion of the leaked data released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists showed 51,295 offshore entities and 25,982 individuals linked to Hong Kong, and 4,188 entities and 33,290 individuals linked to China. Some of the individuals in China routed their money through Hong Kong. Mossack Fonseca's list of clients includes senior political figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping's brother-in-law. Appearing on the list is not evidence of any wrongdoing. None has made any comment. The requests by HKMA and MAS follow a series of measures taken by regulators in different parts of the world to crack down on irregularities by financial firms and undisclosed offshore wealth. New York state's financial regulator last month told 13 foreign banks doing business there to hand over details about their dealings with a law firm in Panama that helped set up thousands of shell companies. Many global private banks have put Asia at the centre of their growth strategy, hiring thousands of people and tapping new customer segments in a region expected soon to boast more billionaires than the United States. Hong Kong and Singapore are two of the biggest centres for offshore wealth management in the region, which with 4.7 million individuals owning U.S.$1 million or more in liquid assets is the largest and fastest growing wealth region. In a sign of regulatory crackdown against breaches of anti-money laundering rules, Singapore last week moved to shut Swiss bank BSI's operations there over its dealings with scandal-hit Malaysian fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Asian regulators ask banks to reveal Panama Papers links - Sources

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