US firearms retailer OTL is under investigation over a $1 billion arms deal and has been ordered to repay 20 million euros. The case raises questions about arms trade regulations and accountability.


US Firearms Retailer Faces €20M Repayment Over $1B Deal | WION

SEBI Chief Under Anti-Corruption Scrutiny. The SEBI chief Madhabi Buch has skipped the Parliamentary accounts committee the PAC deposition scheduled for October 24th. She cited personal work which cannot be avoided as the reason for not attending the meeting. Watch to know more.

Case ordered against Ex-SEBI chief, officials

South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar&nbsp;4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline.&nbsp;

Approximately 9,000 resident and intern doctors, constituting around 70 per cent of the country's total doctors, have been on strike since February 20 over increase in medical seats which they said would burden the system without addressing the systemic issues.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhis-template-for-big-cat-diplomacy-korean-doctors-take-to-seoul-streets-and-more-696243">The Capitals: Delhi's template for Big Cat diplomacy; Korean doctors take to Seoul streets; and more</a>

Despite warnings from the government about potential administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of medical licenses and fines or imprisonment, the protesting trainee physicians have not returned to work as of the end of last month.

Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a televised briefing on Monday, "From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned and take action according to the law and principle without exception."

Also watch |&nbsp;South Korea Doctors' Protest: Over 30,000 doctors protest against medical reforms in Seoul

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He added, "Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path."

For those doctors who decide to return to their duties, the government stated that it would consider specific circumstances when contemplating any action against them.

Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo further announced that the government would take steps to suspend the medical licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs to protest.

The protesting doctors have shown little indication of returning to work.&nbsp;

The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians globally, issued a statement on Sunday (March 3) in which they condemned the Korean government's attempt to stifle the voices of doctors.

<h2>What are the doctors demanding?</h2>

The striking doctors argue that the government should address pay and working conditions before attempting to increase the number of physicians.&nbsp;

The government, however, contends that the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in the 2025 academic year is essential in a rapidly ageing society, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains one of the lowest among developed economies at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people.

While the plan to boost medical school admissions enjoys public support, with around 76 per cent of respondents in favour, critics accuse President Yoon Suk Yeol's government of insufficient consultation and of picking a fight on this issue ahead of parliamentary elections in April.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar 4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline.

South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar 4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline. Approximately 9,000 resident and intern doctors, constituting around 70 per cent of the country's total doctors, have been on strike since February 20 over increase in medical seats which they said would burden the system without addressing the systemic issues. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi's template for Big Cat diplomacy; Korean doctors take to Seoul streets; and more Despite warnings from the government about potential administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of medical licenses and fines or imprisonment, the protesting trainee physicians have not returned to work as of the end of last month. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a televised briefing on Monday, "From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned and take action according to the law and principle without exception." Also watch | South Korea Doctors' Protest: Over 30,000 doctors protest against medical reforms in Seoul × He added, "Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path." For those doctors who decide to return to their duties, the government stated that it would consider specific circumstances when contemplating any action against them. Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo further announced that the government would take steps to suspend the medical licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs to protest. The protesting doctors have shown little indication of returning to work. The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians globally, issued a statement on Sunday (March 3) in which they condemned the Korean government's attempt to stifle the voices of doctors. What are the doctors demanding? The striking doctors argue that the government should address pay and working conditions before attempting to increase the number of physicians. The government, however, contends that the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in the 2025 academic year is essential in a rapidly ageing society, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains one of the lowest among developed economies at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people. While the plan to boost medical school admissions enjoys public support, with around 76 per cent of respondents in favour, critics accuse President Yoon Suk Yeol's government of insufficient consultation and of picking a fight on this issue ahead of parliamentary elections in April. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea threatens legal action against doctors protesting medical reforms

Spy cameras disguised as hooks for hanging clothes are being sold on Amazon despite the firm manufacturing them facing legal action. According to a report by BBC early Tuesday (Dec 12), a US judge ruled the firm must face a case brought by a woman who alleged she was filmed in the bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on Amazon.

The woman, a student and an aspiring actress, claimed she was filmed at her West Virginia home when she was a child. The woman said she was surreptitiously recorded in the bathroom using a camera disguised as a clothes hook, which she said was purchased on Amazon.

The man alleged to be behind the filming was on trial for the case. Her complaint to a US district court noted that listing on Amazon, from where the camera was purchased was illustrated with a picture of it being used to hang towels along with the phrase "it won't attract attention".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazons-promotion-dilemma-return-to-office-or-risk-career-growth-660693">Amazon's Promotion Dilemma: Return to office or risk career growth</a>

The woman also said that the use of the camera was foreseeable to the e-commerce giant and sought punitive damages against Amazon Inc, Amazon.com Services LLC and other unnamed defendants, the BBC reported.

In an attempt to stop the case, Amazon argued that it was not responsible for how the camera was used. The BBC searched for similar cameras on Amazon's UK website and found listings including an alarm clock hidden camera, a camera disguised as a USB charger, and a camera hidden inside a smoke alarm.

There was also a camera disguised as a shower radio.

Speaking to the network, Jaya Handa, a privacy partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, said that given the expectation of privacy within the home, "individuals could be committing a crime under a number of other legal frameworks including harassment, child protection, voyeurism, sexual offences or human rights laws."

Meanwhile, activist Gina Martin said that victims of hidden cameras were often women and girls. Martin said that such cameras were being hidden from people who had been filmed "and we should all be able to explicitly consent to being videoed."

(With inputs from agencies)

Spy cameras disguised as hooks for hanging clothes are being sold on Amazon despite the firm manufacturing them facing legal action. According to a report by BBC early Tuesday (Dec 12), a US judge ruled the firm must face a case brought by a woman who alleged she was filmed in the bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on Amazon.

Spy cameras disguised as hooks for hanging clothes are being sold on Amazon despite the firm manufacturing them facing legal action. According to a report by BBC early Tuesday (Dec 12), a US judge ruled the firm must face a case brought by a woman who alleged she was filmed in the bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on Amazon. The woman, a student and an aspiring actress, claimed she was filmed at her West Virginia home when she was a child. The woman said she was surreptitiously recorded in the bathroom using a camera disguised as a clothes hook, which she said was purchased on Amazon. The man alleged to be behind the filming was on trial for the case. Her complaint to a US district court noted that listing on Amazon, from where the camera was purchased was illustrated with a picture of it being used to hang towels along with the phrase "it won't attract attention". Also read | Amazon's Promotion Dilemma: Return to office or risk career growth The woman also said that the use of the camera was foreseeable to the e-commerce giant and sought punitive damages against Amazon Inc, Amazon.com Services LLC and other unnamed defendants, the BBC reported. In an attempt to stop the case, Amazon argued that it was not responsible for how the camera was used. The BBC searched for similar cameras on Amazon's UK website and found listings including an alarm clock hidden camera, a camera disguised as a USB charger, and a camera hidden inside a smoke alarm. There was also a camera disguised as a shower radio. Speaking to the network, Jaya Handa, a privacy partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, said that given the expectation of privacy within the home, "individuals could be committing a crime under a number of other legal frameworks including harassment, child protection, voyeurism, sexual offences or human rights laws." Meanwhile, activist Gina Martin said that victims of hidden cameras were often women and girls. Martin said that such cameras were being hidden from people who had been filmed "and we should all be able to explicitly consent to being videoed." (With inputs from agencies)

Controversial spy cameras being sold on Amazon despite manufacturing firms facing legal action over gadgets

Environmental groups has said it will take legal action against the UK government after ministers granted planning permission for a new coalmine in Cumbria.

WION Climate Tracker: Environmental groups threaten legal action against the UK coalmine in Cumbria

Environmental organisations in Finland have filed a legal challenge accusing the government of breaking its own commitments to protect the climate.

WION Climate Tracker: Activists file legal action against Finnish government over climate inaction

After receiving significant public input and undergoing a third rewrite, China's highest legislature approved a bill on Sunday that will give women stronger protection against sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

The measure was passed at a time when campaigners were alarmed by the government's increased emphasis on the importance of traditional women's roles, as well as what some saw as setbacks for women's rights and more restricted views on abortion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-protecting-hong-kong-protesters-will-spell-disaster-for-britain-529398">China warns protecting Hong Kong protesters will spell 'disaster' for Britain</a>

The new law may or may not take some of those more conservative viewpoints into account. Beyond its adoption, there were no immediate details about the law.

The law pertaining to women's safety hasn't been altered in nearly 30 years. On Thursday, a measure with the working title "Women's Rights and Interests Protection Law" was delivered to the NPC's Standing Committee. On its website, the NPC declared the legislation to have passed.

According to the NPC's website, tens of thousands of people submitted ideas for changes they wished to see made to the legislation.

The act "strengthens the protection of the rights and interests of disadvantaged groups such as poor women, old women, and disabled women," according to official news agency Xinhua on Thursday.

Employers will be held accountable, claims Xinhua, for any violations of women's labour and social security rights and interests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-disneyland-reduces-operations-to-curb-covid-after-china-reports-1000-cases-for-the-fifth-day-529355">Shanghai's Disneyland reduces operations to curb Covid after China reports over 1,000 cases for the fifth day</a>

According to Xinhua, local officials would also be given guidelines for rescuing trafficking and kidnapped women.

Images of a woman in shackles that were uploaded online at the beginning of this year outraged people and sparked a discussion on how to deal with human trafficking, especially in rural areas where the problem has long been recognised.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After receiving significant public input and undergoing a third rewrite, China's highest legislature approved a bill on Sunday that will give women stronger protection against sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

After receiving significant public input and undergoing a third rewrite, China's highest legislature approved a bill on Sunday that will give women stronger protection against sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The measure was passed at a time when campaigners were alarmed by the government's increased emphasis on the importance of traditional women's roles, as well as what some saw as setbacks for women's rights and more restricted views on abortion. Also read | China warns protecting Hong Kong protesters will spell 'disaster' for Britain The new law may or may not take some of those more conservative viewpoints into account. Beyond its adoption, there were no immediate details about the law. The law pertaining to women's safety hasn't been altered in nearly 30 years. On Thursday, a measure with the working title "Women's Rights and Interests Protection Law" was delivered to the NPC's Standing Committee. On its website, the NPC declared the legislation to have passed. According to the NPC's website, tens of thousands of people submitted ideas for changes they wished to see made to the legislation. The act "strengthens the protection of the rights and interests of disadvantaged groups such as poor women, old women, and disabled women," according to official news agency Xinhua on Thursday. Employers will be held accountable, claims Xinhua, for any violations of women's labour and social security rights and interests. Also read | Shanghai's Disneyland reduces operations to curb Covid after China reports over 1,000 cases for the fifth day According to Xinhua, local officials would also be given guidelines for rescuing trafficking and kidnapped women. Images of a woman in shackles that were uploaded online at the beginning of this year outraged people and sparked a discussion on how to deal with human trafficking, especially in rural areas where the problem has long been recognised. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China adopts new law for women's protection in first revision of statute in decades

Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet has formally given the go-ahead to start legal action against former Prime Minister Imran Khan over the recent audio leaks that purportedly featured him and his aides discussing a US cypher.

Pakistan cabinet approves legal action against Imran Khan over audio leaks about US cypher

Israeli spyware NSO group has said that its CEO Shalev Hulio is stepping down and the company will lay off 100 employees. NSO's Pegasus cyberweapon has come under increasing scrutiny.

NSO co-founder and CEO Shalev Hulio steps down; group facing legal action

The European Commission launched new legal action against Britain on Wednesday, accusing London of threatening peace in Northern Ireland by trying to overhaul the post-Brexit trade deal.

"The UK government tabled legislation confirming its intention to unilaterally break international law," EU commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said.

"More precisely to break an agreement that protects peace and stability in Northern Ireland," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-warns-google-facebook-twitter-to-tackle-deepfakes-or-risk-adverse-consequences-report-487961">European Union warns Google, Facebook, Twitter to tackle deepfakes or risk adverse consequences: Report</a>

"Let there be no doubt. There is no legal nor political justification whatsoever for unilaterally changing an international agreement.

"Opening the door to unilaterally changing an international agreement is a breach of international law, as well. So let's call a spade a spade. This is illegal."

On Monday, the British government introduced legislation to rip up post-Brexit trading rules for Northern Ireland, in an attempt to override the EU withdrawal treaty that it had signed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government insists it is not breaking international law, citing a "necessity" to act to restore Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions.

Watch |&nbsp;Row over Northern Ireland Protocol

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But Brussels rejects this argument, and Sefcovic said that legal action would be taken, with two new cases joining those the commission had suspended.

"The UK Government's decision has left us with no choice but to act first," Sefcovic said.&nbsp;

"We are proceeding a step further with an infringement process we launched in March 2021 regarding for instance the movement of agri-food. If the UK doesn't reply within two months, we may take them to the Court of Justice," he warned.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-gets-one-last-chance-to-stop-immoral-dangerous-and-appaling-deportations-to-rwanda-487754">&nbsp;UK gets one last chance to stop 'immoral, dangerous and appalling' deportations to Rwanda</a>

"Second, we are launching two new infringements against the UK," he said, announcing cases that could see the British government brought before the European Court of Justice. &nbsp;

"One for failing to carry out the necessary controls at the border control posts in Northern Ireland by ensuring adequate staffing and infrastructure.

"And one for failing to provide the EU with essential trade statistics data to enable the EU to protect its single market."

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The European Commission launched new legal action against Britain on Wednesday, accusing London of threatening peace in Northern Ireland by trying to overhaul the post-Brexit trade deal.

The European Commission launched new legal action against Britain on Wednesday, accusing London of threatening peace in Northern Ireland by trying to overhaul the post-Brexit trade deal. "The UK government tabled legislation confirming its intention to unilaterally break international law," EU commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said. "More precisely to break an agreement that protects peace and stability in Northern Ireland," he said. Also read | European Union warns Google, Facebook, Twitter to tackle deepfakes or risk adverse consequences: Report "Let there be no doubt. There is no legal nor political justification whatsoever for unilaterally changing an international agreement. "Opening the door to unilaterally changing an international agreement is a breach of international law, as well. So let's call a spade a spade. This is illegal." On Monday, the British government introduced legislation to rip up post-Brexit trading rules for Northern Ireland, in an attempt to override the EU withdrawal treaty that it had signed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government insists it is not breaking international law, citing a "necessity" to act to restore Northern Ireland's power-sharing institutions. Watch | Row over Northern Ireland Protocol But Brussels rejects this argument, and Sefcovic said that legal action would be taken, with two new cases joining those the commission had suspended. "The UK Government's decision has left us with no choice but to act first," Sefcovic said. "We are proceeding a step further with an infringement process we launched in March 2021 regarding for instance the movement of agri-food. If the UK doesn't reply within two months, we may take them to the Court of Justice," he warned. Also read | UK gets one last chance to stop 'immoral, dangerous and appalling' deportations to Rwanda "Second, we are launching two new infringements against the UK," he said, announcing cases that could see the British government brought before the European Court of Justice. "One for failing to carry out the necessary controls at the border control posts in Northern Ireland by ensuring adequate staffing and infrastructure. "And one for failing to provide the EU with essential trade statistics data to enable the EU to protect its single market." 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.

EU takes legal action against UK for breaching N.Ireland agreement

Greece on Friday approved a law tightening asylum procedures that has been widely criticised by rights groups as harmful to the interests of migrants.

The government says the new rules will allow it to focus on swiftly identifying refugees that need protection, instead of being bogged down by thousands of applications by economic migrants which it says are not entitled to asylum.

"These adjustments establish a compact law on international protection," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers before the bill was approved by his conservative party majority, with support from the socialists.

Mitsotakis said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-and-united-states-update-mutual-defence-cooperation-pact-253940">Greece's</a> asylum system till now "was in a state of prolonged paralysis" with nearly 70,000 pending requests.

"It gave the signal that people could come to Greece and stay for unspecified periods of time, without any scrutiny," said the conservative PM who was elected in July on promises to bolster border patrols at land and sea.

"This law... sends a clear message: enough with those who attempt to enter and remain in our country whilst knowing that they are not entitled to asylum," he said.

Human rights groups have strongly criticised the bill, saying it introduces stricter rules for receiving asylum seekers, delays access to the right to work, narrows the definition of family, and imposes more burdens on torture victims in being recognised as such.

The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic also noted Thursday that the draft she had seen, during a five-day visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-be-pillar-for-regional-stability-pompeo-253933">Greece</a> and talks with officials, "raises concerns from a human rights perspective".

Greece on Friday approved a law tightening asylum procedures that has been widely criticised by rights groups as harmful to the interests of migrants. The government says the new rules will allow it to focus on swiftly identifying refugees that need protection, instead of being bogged down by thousands of applications by economic migrants which it says are not entitled to asylum.

Greece on Friday approved a law tightening asylum procedures that has been widely criticised by rights groups as harmful to the interests of migrants. The government says the new rules will allow it to focus on swiftly identifying refugees that need protection, instead of being bogged down by thousands of applications by economic migrants which it says are not entitled to asylum. "These adjustments establish a compact law on international protection," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers before the bill was approved by his conservative party majority, with support from the socialists. Mitsotakis said Greece's asylum system till now "was in a state of prolonged paralysis" with nearly 70,000 pending requests. "It gave the signal that people could come to Greece and stay for unspecified periods of time, without any scrutiny," said the conservative PM who was elected in July on promises to bolster border patrols at land and sea. "This law... sends a clear message: enough with those who attempt to enter and remain in our country whilst knowing that they are not entitled to asylum," he said. Human rights groups have strongly criticised the bill, saying it introduces stricter rules for receiving asylum seekers, delays access to the right to work, narrows the definition of family, and imposes more burdens on torture victims in being recognised as such. The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic also noted Thursday that the draft she had seen, during a five-day visit to Greece and talks with officials, "raises concerns from a human rights perspective".

Greece approves controversial migration law

Chinese telecoms giant&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;said Friday it had&nbsp;no&nbsp;immediate plans to mount a&nbsp;legal&nbsp;challenge over&nbsp;Australia's decision to bar the company's equipment from the 5G network Down Under.&nbsp;

A day after taking Donald Trump's administration to court for banning US federal agencies from buying&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;products, the firm said&nbsp;no&nbsp;such move was envisaged in&nbsp;Australia.

"Whilst we have our differences with the federal government, we would still rather work cooperatively," a company spokesman told AFP.&nbsp;

"A&nbsp;legal&nbsp;challenge is not a priority at this moment."&nbsp;

Australia&nbsp;in August announced guidelines on contracts to build fifth generation mobile networks in the country which effectively barred&nbsp;Huawei and another Chinese giant, ZTE, from the project.

Canberra cited intelligence agency warnings&nbsp;against&nbsp;the "involvement of vendors who are likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government".

As&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has grown, fears have emerged that the company could effectively provide the Chinese state with a switch to cut critical infrastructure during a crisis.&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;insists it is a private company, its founder Ren Zhengfei is a 74-year-old former People's Liberation Army engineer.&nbsp;

And while there are&nbsp;no&nbsp;formal ties with the state, in practice large Chinese firms and the ruling Communist Party are intricately interlinked.&nbsp;

In 2015, Beijing passed a law obliging its corporations to aid the government on matters of national security.&nbsp;

That, coupled with Beijing's more muscular foreign and security policy overseas, has raised concerns among members of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing collective.&nbsp;

All five members -&nbsp;Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States -&nbsp;have taken at least some steps toward limiting&nbsp;Huawei's role in sensitive infrastructure.

But at the same time,&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has become enmeshed in local economies.

The company&nbsp;says&nbsp;its business in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;alone is worth Aus$650 million and has 700 employees, and its equipment is used directly or indirectly by half the population.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei said Friday it had no immediate plans to mount a legal challenge over Australia's decision to bar the company's equipment from the 5G network Down Under.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei said Friday it had no immediate plans to mount a legal challenge over Australia's decision to bar the company's equipment from the 5G network Down Under. A day after taking Donald Trump's administration to court for banning US federal agencies from buying Huawei products, the firm said no such move was envisaged in Australia. "Whilst we have our differences with the federal government, we would still rather work cooperatively," a company spokesman told AFP. "A legal challenge is not a priority at this moment." Australia in August announced guidelines on contracts to build fifth generation mobile networks in the country which effectively barred Huawei and another Chinese giant, ZTE, from the project. Canberra cited intelligence agency warnings against the "involvement of vendors who are likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government". As Huawei has grown, fears have emerged that the company could effectively provide the Chinese state with a switch to cut critical infrastructure during a crisis. While Huawei insists it is a private company, its founder Ren Zhengfei is a 74-year-old former People's Liberation Army engineer. And while there are no formal ties with the state, in practice large Chinese firms and the ruling Communist Party are intricately interlinked. In 2015, Beijing passed a law obliging its corporations to aid the government on matters of national security. That, coupled with Beijing's more muscular foreign and security policy overseas, has raised concerns among members of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing collective. All five members - Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States - have taken at least some steps toward limiting Huawei's role in sensitive infrastructure. But at the same time, Huawei has become enmeshed in local economies. The company says its business in Australia alone is worth Aus$650 million and has 700 employees, and its equipment is used directly or indirectly by half the population.

Have differences with Australia on 5G but will work cooperate: Huawei

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India.

"It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event.

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MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections <a href="https://t.co/MEEugGryXA">pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA</a>
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The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions.

It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter. The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members. In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India. "It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event. MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions. It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

EVM hacking claim: Election Commission asserts 'foolproof nature' of its machines; mulls legal action

Western Digital has sought international arbitration to stop partner Toshiba from selling its chips arm without its consent, potentially derailing a much-needed capital injection for the Japanese conglomerate.

Although the two companies jointly operate Toshiba&#39;s main semiconductor plant, Western Digital is not seen as a favoured bidder for the world&#39;s second biggest NAND chip producer, having put in a much lower offer than other suitors, a source with knowledge of the matter has said.

A legal battle could delay or put an end to the auction that could fetch some $18 billion and has attracted suitors such as private equity firm KKR &amp; Co LP, Taiwan&#39;s Foxconn and US&nbsp;chipmaker Broadcom.

The Japanese conglomerate is depending on the sale to cover billions in dollars in cost overruns at its now bankrupt US&nbsp;nuclear unit Westinghouse. The dispute is also set to further jeopardise its Tokyo Stock Exchange listing as fresh funds are urgently needed to shore up its balance sheet.

Toshiba said on Monday in an unaudited earnings release that it ended the year with a 950 billion yen ($8.4 billion) net loss and negative shareholder equity worth 540 billion.

After months of souring relations, Western Digital said on Monday it had initiated arbitration procedures with the International Chamber of Commerce. It is demanding Toshiba reverse a move to put its joint venture assets into a hived out entity - Toshiba Memory - and that it stop an all-out sale without consent from Western Digital unit SanDisk.

Toshiba said while it is yet to be notified of any arbitration, there had been no breach of contract and Western Digital had no grounds to interfere with the sale process.

Despite the fresh setback, Toshiba shares climbed 4.2 per cent, buoyed by news that progress is being made towards capping some of its nuclear liabilities in the United States - another major headache.

The owners of the unfinished Vogtle power plant in Georgia led by Southern Co have to come to a preliminary agreement to cap Toshiba&#39;s responsibility for its guarantees on the much-delayed nuclear project at about $3.6 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Deal or no deal

The dispute with Western Digital could also derail Toshiba&#39;s broader financing plans, as it hopes to offer the stake in its memory chip unit as collateral for new loans from major lenders, a measure that the lenders say also requires Western Digital&#39;s approval.

Toshiba argues that under their joint venture contract, neither party can block a change of control by the other partner. It argues Western Digital itself acquired the joint venture interest when it bought SanDisk, and never sought or received Toshiba&#39;s approval.

Western Digital, however, claims that Toshiba cannot transfer the joint venture&#39;s interests into an affiliate and then sell the affiliate without its consent.

&quot;Seeking relief through mandatory arbitration was not our first choice in trying to resolve this matter. However, all of our other efforts to achieve a resolution to date have been unsuccessful, and so we believe legal action is now a necessary next step,&quot; Western Digital CEO Steve Milligan said in a statement.

Toshiba values its chip unit at at least 2 trillion yen ($18 billion). It believes that a consortium made up of KKR and Japanese government-backed investors would be the most feasible buyer for the business, sources with direct knowledge said last week.

The Japanese government has proposed that Western Digital join their consortium as a minority investor, but the US&nbsp;company has said it needs to take control of the unit in order to be fully in charge of operations, separate sources have said.

(Reuters)

A legal battle could delay or put an end to the auction that could fetch some $18 billion

Western Digital has sought international arbitration to stop partner Toshiba from selling its chips arm without its consent, potentially derailing a much-needed capital injection for the Japanese conglomerate. Although the two companies jointly operate Toshiba's main semiconductor plant, Western Digital is not seen as a favoured bidder for the world's second biggest NAND chip producer, having put in a much lower offer than other suitors, a source with knowledge of the matter has said. A legal battle could delay or put an end to the auction that could fetch some $18 billion and has attracted suitors such as private equity firm KKR & Co LP, Taiwan's Foxconn and US chipmaker Broadcom. The Japanese conglomerate is depending on the sale to cover billions in dollars in cost overruns at its now bankrupt US nuclear unit Westinghouse. The dispute is also set to further jeopardise its Tokyo Stock Exchange listing as fresh funds are urgently needed to shore up its balance sheet. Toshiba said on Monday in an unaudited earnings release that it ended the year with a 950 billion yen ($8.4 billion) net loss and negative shareholder equity worth 540 billion. After months of souring relations, Western Digital said on Monday it had initiated arbitration procedures with the International Chamber of Commerce. It is demanding Toshiba reverse a move to put its joint venture assets into a hived out entity - Toshiba Memory - and that it stop an all-out sale without consent from Western Digital unit SanDisk. Toshiba said while it is yet to be notified of any arbitration, there had been no breach of contract and Western Digital had no grounds to interfere with the sale process. Despite the fresh setback, Toshiba shares climbed 4.2 per cent, buoyed by news that progress is being made towards capping some of its nuclear liabilities in the United States - another major headache. The owners of the unfinished Vogtle power plant in Georgia led by Southern Co have to come to a preliminary agreement to cap Toshiba's responsibility for its guarantees on the much-delayed nuclear project at about $3.6 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. Deal or no deal The dispute with Western Digital could also derail Toshiba's broader financing plans, as it hopes to offer the stake in its memory chip unit as collateral for new loans from major lenders, a measure that the lenders say also requires Western Digital's approval. Toshiba argues that under their joint venture contract, neither party can block a change of control by the other partner. It argues Western Digital itself acquired the joint venture interest when it bought SanDisk, and never sought or received Toshiba's approval. Western Digital, however, claims that Toshiba cannot transfer the joint venture's interests into an affiliate and then sell the affiliate without its consent. "Seeking relief through mandatory arbitration was not our first choice in trying to resolve this matter. However, all of our other efforts to achieve a resolution to date have been unsuccessful, and so we believe legal action is now a necessary next step," Western Digital CEO Steve Milligan said in a statement. Toshiba values its chip unit at at least 2 trillion yen ($18 billion). It believes that a consortium made up of KKR and Japanese government-backed investors would be the most feasible buyer for the business, sources with direct knowledge said last week. The Japanese government has proposed that Western Digital join their consortium as a minority investor, but the US company has said it needs to take control of the unit in order to be fully in charge of operations, separate sources have said. (Reuters)

Western Digital takes legal action to block sale of Toshiba's chip unit

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