<p>A married woman in China recruited actors for her weddings with three men to dupe them of US$92,000, media reports said.&nbsp;The 35-year-old was identified as Zhou from eastern China’s Jiangsu province. Zhou entered into extra-marital affairs with other men when she was already legally married to a man and also had a daughter.</p>

<p>The hopeful husbands have surnames Luo, Zhang, and Xu, whom Zhou met at work or on online platforms.&nbsp;As Zhou's husband was rarely home because of his business, she was able to trick him quit easily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-milky-way-and-andromeda-galaxies-look-like-when-they-merge-take-a-look-651911">How Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies look like when they merge. Take a look</a></p>

<p>Zhou provided the three prospective husbands with a fabricated name and dated them for a few months. Later, she asked them to marry her thinking she would be able to swindle them of huge amounts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lied about demolished house&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The woman made up a story of her house being demolished and her legal requirement to stay single in order to receive government compensation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But at the same time, she made an offer to the men saying that a wedding ceremony would be okay. She made the proposal so that she could collect the gifts and money.</p>

<p>With a slew of hired actors by her side as relatives and friends, she could cast a perfect picture of her 'real' life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-cannabis-inside-totally-different-plant-651892">Scientists discover cannabis inside totally different plant in Brazil</a></p>

<p>Not just this, she also carried on by inviting these actors to visit her homes as guests the following year.</p>

<p>She often lied to others about traveling for training with a firm when in reality she hung out with the other men, making a fool out of all of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhang Xueting, an assistant prosecutor at the Nanjing Lishui People’s Procuratorate, reportedly told a TV channel that Zhou was “good-looking and good at pretending”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-jet-flies-within-10-feet-of-us-bomber-pentagon-651918">Chinese Jet flies within 10 feet of US bomber: Pentagon</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-jet-flies-within-10-feet-of-us-bomber-pentagon-651918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Faked pregnancy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Zhou went beyond regular lies by faking a pregnancy. She told one of the men she fooled that she was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl.</p>

<p>But soon the made-up story got busted after a fake doctor met a duped man Zhang and his mother at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suspicious Zhang ran a background check and found out that she was legally married. Now the woman is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison on charges of fraud, given the large amount of money involved in the case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A married woman in China recruited actors for her weddings with three men to dupe them of US$92,000, media reports said. The 35-year-old was identified as Zhou from eastern China’s Jiangsu province.

A married woman in China recruited actors for her weddings with three men to dupe them of US$92,000, media reports said. The 35-year-old was identified as Zhou from eastern China’s Jiangsu province. Zhou entered into extra-marital affairs with other men when she was already legally married to a man and also had a daughter. The hopeful husbands have surnames Luo, Zhang, and Xu, whom Zhou met at work or on online platforms. As Zhou's husband was rarely home because of his business, she was able to trick him quit easily. Also Read | How Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies look like when they merge. Take a look Zhou provided the three prospective husbands with a fabricated name and dated them for a few months. Later, she asked them to marry her thinking she would be able to swindle them of huge amounts. Lied about demolished house The woman made up a story of her house being demolished and her legal requirement to stay single in order to receive government compensation. But at the same time, she made an offer to the men saying that a wedding ceremony would be okay. She made the proposal so that she could collect the gifts and money. With a slew of hired actors by her side as relatives and friends, she could cast a perfect picture of her 'real' life. Also Read | Scientists discover cannabis inside totally different plant in Brazil Not just this, she also carried on by inviting these actors to visit her homes as guests the following year. She often lied to others about traveling for training with a firm when in reality she hung out with the other men, making a fool out of all of them. Zhang Xueting, an assistant prosecutor at the Nanjing Lishui People’s Procuratorate, reportedly told a TV channel that Zhou was “good-looking and good at pretending”. Watch | Chinese Jet flies within 10 feet of US bomber: Pentagon × Faked pregnancy Zhou went beyond regular lies by faking a pregnancy. She told one of the men she fooled that she was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. But soon the made-up story got busted after a fake doctor met a duped man Zhang and his mother at the hospital. Suspicious Zhang ran a background check and found out that she was legally married. Now the woman is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison on charges of fraud, given the large amount of money involved in the case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Married Chinese woman dupes 3 men of US$92,000 by faking marriages with 'actors' as relatives

<p>A large section of Indian society remains conservative. And when it comes to marriage, the age-old traditions still hold sway, no matter how outdated or even cruel they are. A marriage is traditionally taken to be sacrosanct and burden of 'making it work' is largely placed on the woman. It doesn't then matter if she has to put up with a cheating spouse or mental, physical, sexual harassment at the hands of the in-laws. Although younger generation is more vocal and rebellious against unfair age-old customs, the older generation is still taken to be highly conservative.</p>

<p>It hence becomes a happy news when a father decides to bring his daughter home with a celebratory procession, a daughter who wanted to come out of her marriage.</p>

<p>The 'separation baraat' (procession) in Indian state of Jharkhand is being talked about on social media. Sakshi Gupta, daughter of Prem Gupta got married to an engineer in April 2022. She soon learnt that the man was already married. After trying to sort out the situation for months, she confided her predicament to her father, who stood behind his daughter and fully supported her decision to end her marriage.</p>

<p>His steadfast support did not end there. As his daughter left her in-laws' home, Prem Gupta arranged for a celebratory procession with fireworks to mark return of his daughter who told him that she felt as if she was leaving a jail. The baraat was complete with drums being played and firecrackers being burst, just like a marriage procession.</p>

<p>The video of the procession, originally posted by Prem Gupta is being widely shared on social media.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DAUGHTER LEAVES TOXIC MARRIAGE, FATHER BRINGS HER HOME WITH CELEBRATIONS<br />
<br />
Father Prem Gupta says: "when your daughter's marriage is done with great pomp and show and if the spouse or family turn out to be wrong, or do wrong, bring your daughter back to your home with respect and… <a href="https://t.co/sGC8ZPqQgR">pic.twitter.com/sGC8ZPqQgR</a></p>
— Morningstar. (@dr_aculii) <a href="https://twitter.com/dr_aculii/status/1716738647502848467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Gupta expressed his feelings on Facebook.</p>

<p>“When your daughter’s marriage is done with great pomp and show and if the spouse and family turns out to be wrong or do&nbsp;wrong, bring your daughter back to your home with respect and honour because daughters are very precious,” he wrote.</p>

<p>“I am not upset with what happened with my daughter, because you can’t make a relationship that was never formed, work,” he has been quoted as saying in media reports.</p>

<p>Ranchi, the town where the Guptas live, is not the so-called 'tier-1' big city like Mumbai or New Delhi where it is generally believed people are more liberal in their outlook. The incident is being talked about and lauded on social media.</p>

<p>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A large section of Indian society remains conservative. And when it comes to marriage, the age-old traditions still hold sway, no matter how outdated or even cruel they are.

A large section of Indian society remains conservative. And when it comes to marriage, the age-old traditions still hold sway, no matter how outdated or even cruel they are. A marriage is traditionally taken to be sacrosanct and burden of 'making it work' is largely placed on the woman. It doesn't then matter if she has to put up with a cheating spouse or mental, physical, sexual harassment at the hands of the in-laws. Although younger generation is more vocal and rebellious against unfair age-old customs, the older generation is still taken to be highly conservative. It hence becomes a happy news when a father decides to bring his daughter home with a celebratory procession, a daughter who wanted to come out of her marriage. The 'separation baraat' (procession) in Indian state of Jharkhand is being talked about on social media. Sakshi Gupta, daughter of Prem Gupta got married to an engineer in April 2022. She soon learnt that the man was already married. After trying to sort out the situation for months, she confided her predicament to her father, who stood behind his daughter and fully supported her decision to end her marriage. His steadfast support did not end there. As his daughter left her in-laws' home, Prem Gupta arranged for a celebratory procession with fireworks to mark return of his daughter who told him that she felt as if she was leaving a jail. The baraat was complete with drums being played and firecrackers being burst, just like a marriage procession. The video of the procession, originally posted by Prem Gupta is being widely shared on social media. DAUGHTER LEAVES TOXIC MARRIAGE, FATHER BRINGS HER HOME WITH CELEBRATIONS Father Prem Gupta says: "when your daughter's marriage is done with great pomp and show and if the spouse or family turn out to be wrong, or do wrong, bring your daughter back to your home with respect and… pic.twitter.com/sGC8ZPqQgR — Morningstar. (@dr_aculii) October 24, 2023 × Gupta expressed his feelings on Facebook. “When your daughter’s marriage is done with great pomp and show and if the spouse and family turns out to be wrong or do wrong, bring your daughter back to your home with respect and honour because daughters are very precious,” he wrote. “I am not upset with what happened with my daughter, because you can’t make a relationship that was never formed, work,” he has been quoted as saying in media reports. Ranchi, the town where the Guptas live, is not the so-called 'tier-1' big city like Mumbai or New Delhi where it is generally believed people are more liberal in their outlook. The incident is being talked about and lauded on social media. 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 ×

India: Man arranges celebratory procession, fireworks for daughter after her marriage failed

<p>In a landmark 3:2 judgment, the Indian Supreme Court decided not to legalise same-sex marriage and asked the union government to form a committee to examine the rights which can be given to LGBTQ couples. While the judgment may not have been in favour of them, it has paved the way for greater inclusivity for same-sex couples and laid the groundwork for future course of action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amit Bisoi, an LGBTQIA++ rights activist hailing from Puri, Odisha said, "There are a lot of positive remarks from three out of the five judges that emerged from today's session." The judgment, while refraining from legalising same-sex marriages, opened the doors to various rights that had been denied to the queer community for far too long, Bisoi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unmarried queer couples can now adopt children, and transgender persons can marry their chosen partner regardless of sexual orientation."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/same-sex-marriage-verdict-in-32-judgement-indias-top-court-refuses-to-legalise-marriage-equality-647921">Same-sex marriage: India's top court refuses to legalise marriage equality</a></p>

<p>"I, as a queer person, believe that what kind of family I want to form, what values I want to teach my future generations is in my hand. I am no one to force anyone to believe in my existence, or no one has the right to come &amp; harass me, my partner, or my family about my life and my choices," Bisoi said.</p>

<p>"Centre should create policies that will protect LGBTQIA++ couples from getting harassed, discriminated, or hated by public eyes. This isn't about a specific community anymore. This is about future generations who will be born next," Bisoi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Supreme Court's judgment, although not the final step, is a leap toward a more accepting society, where love knows no bounds, and every family is embraced for who they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/same-sex-marriage-verdict-a-look-at-the-history-and-timeline-of-the-case-647760">India same-sex marriage verdict: A look at the history and timeline of the case</a></p>

<p>Optimistic about the future, Jaspreet Singh, a queer activist, told WION, "Maybe not today, but yes, one day."&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are not giving up on their fight for love and equality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another member of the queer community, Adarsh from Cuttack in the east Indian state of Odisha, spoke about the importance of recognising the fundamental right to marriage for all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Marriage is just not an act, but rather a right and dignity for those who wish to tie in it in spite of their sex and sexual orientation. Marriages are not meant to define husband or wife but life partners Hence, marriage is a union of soul, which must be in right for all," Adarsh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varun from the south Indian state of Hyderabad pointed out the power of the Supreme Court's ruling when it directed the centre, states, and Union Territories to end discrimination against the queer community.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/same-sex-marriage-verdict-indias-supreme-court-issues-historic-verdict-647963">Same-Sex Marriage Verdict: India's Supreme Court issues historic verdict</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/same-sex-marriage-verdict-indias-supreme-court-issues-historic-verdict-647963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I can sue anyone who discriminates against me, just like women can sue for the same."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varun is hoping that this judgment will reinforce their rights to equal treatment under the law and further legalise same-sex marriages in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court's ruling, while disappointing to many, has brought the LGBTQ+ community even closer in pursuit of their rights. It is a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for equal rights and acceptance, fueling the hope that love and equality will eventually triumph.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a landmark 3:2 judgment, the Indian Supreme Court decided not to legalise same-sex marriage and asked the union government to form a committee to examine the rights which can be given to LGBTQ couples.

In a landmark 3:2 judgment, the Indian Supreme Court decided not to legalise same-sex marriage and asked the union government to form a committee to examine the rights which can be given to LGBTQ couples. While the judgment may not have been in favour of them, it has paved the way for greater inclusivity for same-sex couples and laid the groundwork for future course of action. Amit Bisoi, an LGBTQIA++ rights activist hailing from Puri, Odisha said, "There are a lot of positive remarks from three out of the five judges that emerged from today's session." The judgment, while refraining from legalising same-sex marriages, opened the doors to various rights that had been denied to the queer community for far too long, Bisoi said. "Unmarried queer couples can now adopt children, and transgender persons can marry their chosen partner regardless of sexual orientation." Also Read | Same-sex marriage: India's top court refuses to legalise marriage equality "I, as a queer person, believe that what kind of family I want to form, what values I want to teach my future generations is in my hand. I am no one to force anyone to believe in my existence, or no one has the right to come & harass me, my partner, or my family about my life and my choices," Bisoi said. "Centre should create policies that will protect LGBTQIA++ couples from getting harassed, discriminated, or hated by public eyes. This isn't about a specific community anymore. This is about future generations who will be born next," Bisoi added. The Indian Supreme Court's judgment, although not the final step, is a leap toward a more accepting society, where love knows no bounds, and every family is embraced for who they are. Also Read | India same-sex marriage verdict: A look at the history and timeline of the case Optimistic about the future, Jaspreet Singh, a queer activist, told WION, "Maybe not today, but yes, one day." They are not giving up on their fight for love and equality. Another member of the queer community, Adarsh from Cuttack in the east Indian state of Odisha, spoke about the importance of recognising the fundamental right to marriage for all. "Marriage is just not an act, but rather a right and dignity for those who wish to tie in it in spite of their sex and sexual orientation. Marriages are not meant to define husband or wife but life partners Hence, marriage is a union of soul, which must be in right for all," Adarsh said. Varun from the south Indian state of Hyderabad pointed out the power of the Supreme Court's ruling when it directed the centre, states, and Union Territories to end discrimination against the queer community. Watch | Same-Sex Marriage Verdict: India's Supreme Court issues historic verdict × "I can sue anyone who discriminates against me, just like women can sue for the same." Varun is hoping that this judgment will reinforce their rights to equal treatment under the law and further legalise same-sex marriages in India. The Supreme Court's ruling, while disappointing to many, has brought the LGBTQ+ community even closer in pursuit of their rights. It is a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for equal rights and acceptance, fueling the hope that love and equality will eventually triumph. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

After Indian SC verdict on same-sex marriage, queer community is hopeful: 'Maybe not today, but yes, one day'

<p>Not only for tourism, but&nbsp;the Kashmir Valley in India is emerging as the most-favoured place for destination weddings as well.</p>

<p>Dozens of destination weddings have taken place in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg tourist resorts, even as the world-famous Dal Lake remains the hot favourite.</p>

<p>With the improvement in security situation and prevailing peaceful environment, Kashmir has been attracting many couples planning to make their destination weddings a memorable one.</p>

<p>''Kashmir Valley has tremendous natural beauty and magnificence. In the last few months, the destination weddings have picked up in a big way. We have had some major destination weddings with the facilitation of the department of tourism,” Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, told WION.</p>

<p>“One of the weddings took place at the famous Dal Lake. I think this will take the tourism potential of Kashmir Valley to the next level. This can happen in all the divisions of Jammu as well as Kashmir, '' he added.</p>

<p>The Department of Tourism has opened properties like the Royal Spring Golf Course in Srinagar for people to host their weddings. The department is also helping the wedding planners with all that is required to make these weddings memorable experiences for the guests.</p>

<p>According to government data, in the past two years, around 150 destination weddings were hosted in Kashmir Valley.</p>

<p>''Post Covid, the destination weddings have increased by a huge margin. Instead of abroad, people are exploring Kashmir Valley. In June, we had a big wedding which was one of the biggest and grandest weddings of the decade. We had around 800-1000 guests at that wedding. J-K tourism helped us a lot. It benefits a lot of people related to the tourism industry like handicraft people, shikaras, and taxi drivers,” said Amit Wanchoo, an event planner.</p>

<p>The weather in the Kashmir Valley also plays an important role, especially during the summer months, making it an ideal destination for outdoor weddings. The mild temperatures and clear skies create a comfortable environment for outdoor ceremonies and festivities.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Not only for tourism, but the Kashmir Valley in India is emerging as the most-favoured place for destination weddings as well. Dozens of destination weddings have taken place in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg tourist resorts, even as the world-famous Dal Lake remains the hot favourite.

Not only for tourism, but the Kashmir Valley in India is emerging as the most-favoured place for destination weddings as well. Dozens of destination weddings have taken place in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg tourist resorts, even as the world-famous Dal Lake remains the hot favourite. With the improvement in security situation and prevailing peaceful environment, Kashmir has been attracting many couples planning to make their destination weddings a memorable one. ''Kashmir Valley has tremendous natural beauty and magnificence. In the last few months, the destination weddings have picked up in a big way. We have had some major destination weddings with the facilitation of the department of tourism,” Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, told WION. “One of the weddings took place at the famous Dal Lake. I think this will take the tourism potential of Kashmir Valley to the next level. This can happen in all the divisions of Jammu as well as Kashmir, '' he added. The Department of Tourism has opened properties like the Royal Spring Golf Course in Srinagar for people to host their weddings. The department is also helping the wedding planners with all that is required to make these weddings memorable experiences for the guests. According to government data, in the past two years, around 150 destination weddings were hosted in Kashmir Valley. ''Post Covid, the destination weddings have increased by a huge margin. Instead of abroad, people are exploring Kashmir Valley. In June, we had a big wedding which was one of the biggest and grandest weddings of the decade. We had around 800-1000 guests at that wedding. J-K tourism helped us a lot. It benefits a lot of people related to the tourism industry like handicraft people, shikaras, and taxi drivers,” said Amit Wanchoo, an event planner. The weather in the Kashmir Valley also plays an important role, especially during the summer months, making it an ideal destination for outdoor weddings. The mild temperatures and clear skies create a comfortable environment for outdoor ceremonies and festivities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kashmir Valley emerging as favourite wedding destination in India

<p>The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on a series of petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages on Tuesday (Oct 17). A panel of five judges from the highest court had reserved its judgement on this matter after extensive hearings in May of the same year.</p>

<p>This case reached the Supreme Court's doorstep last year, with 18 same-sex couples filing petitions seeking the acknowledgement of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act, the Foreign Marriage Act, and the Hindu Marriage Act.</p>

<h2><strong>Key dates&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On <strong>November 25, 2022</strong>, two same-sex couples approached the Supreme Court, urging the recognition of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. They argued for the Act to be made gender-neutral, and the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the Attorney General of India in response.</p>

<p>On <strong>December 14, 2022</strong>, the Supreme Court also issued notices for another plea filed by a same-sex couple. This married couple, composed of an Indian and a US citizen, sought legal recognition of their marriage under the Foreign Marriage Act.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court consolidated all related cases from different high courts and set a hearing date for <strong>March 13, 2023</strong>, instructing the government to respond by February 15. Furthermore, the court appointed a nodal counsel to assist both sides in the legal process.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rights-groups-cheer-as-mauritius-top-court-decriminalises-same-sex-relations-643073">Also read |&nbsp;Rights groups cheer as Mauritius top court decriminalises same-sex relations</a></p>

<p>In March 2023, the Centre filed an affidavit opposing same-sex marriage, arguing that the traditional concept of an Indian family involves a union between a biological man and woman, deeply rooted in religious and societal norms.</p>

<p><strong>On March 13, 2023, </strong>the Supreme Court referred the case to a constitutional bench, emphasising the relationship between statutory regulations and constitutional rights. The petitioners asserted broader constitutional entitlements based on the right to life, personal liberty, and dignity under Articles 14, 19, and 21, reported ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In April 2023</strong>, religious and child rights bodies presented their perspectives. The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind opposed the recognition of same-sex marriages, citing Islam's prohibition of homosexuality, while the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights supported same-sex marriages and the right of same-sex couples to adoption.</p>

<p>A five-judge Constitution bench began hearing the batch of pleas seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India in April 2023. The Supreme Court subsequently requested the Centre to provide a response regarding social benefits for same-sex couples, even without legal recognition of their marital status.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-backtracks-says-catholic-church-can-bless-same-sex-unions-on-case-by-case-basis-641955">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis says Catholic Church can bless same-sex unions on 'case-by-case basis', amid tussle</a></p>

<p>The hearings resumed on <strong>May 9</strong>, with Rajasthan opposing same-sex marriage, and six states requested more time to examine the matter. <strong>On May 11</strong>, the Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reserved its verdict.</p>

<p>As of <strong>October 17</strong>, the verdict is still pending. The key issues before the court included the definition of marriage and the debate over including same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. The petitioners argued that the Act already provided a route for recognising marriages outside personal law definitions, but the government and the court noted that the Act also incorporated elements from various religious personal laws.</p>

<p>Additionally, the court explored how recognising same-sex marriages in India would affect various laws and provisions, such as the minimum marriage age, succession, guardianship, and adoption. The Centre highlighted that more than 160 provisions across different legislations would need to be modified to accommodate the recognition of same-sex marriages.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on a series of petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages on Tuesday (Oct 17). A panel of five judges from the highest court had reserved its judgement on this matter after extensive hearings in May of the same year.

The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on a series of petitions advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages on Tuesday (Oct 17). A panel of five judges from the highest court had reserved its judgement on this matter after extensive hearings in May of the same year. This case reached the Supreme Court's doorstep last year, with 18 same-sex couples filing petitions seeking the acknowledgement of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act, the Foreign Marriage Act, and the Hindu Marriage Act. Key dates On November 25, 2022, two same-sex couples approached the Supreme Court, urging the recognition of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. They argued for the Act to be made gender-neutral, and the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the Attorney General of India in response. On December 14, 2022, the Supreme Court also issued notices for another plea filed by a same-sex couple. This married couple, composed of an Indian and a US citizen, sought legal recognition of their marriage under the Foreign Marriage Act. The Supreme Court consolidated all related cases from different high courts and set a hearing date for March 13, 2023, instructing the government to respond by February 15. Furthermore, the court appointed a nodal counsel to assist both sides in the legal process. Also read | Rights groups cheer as Mauritius top court decriminalises same-sex relations In March 2023, the Centre filed an affidavit opposing same-sex marriage, arguing that the traditional concept of an Indian family involves a union between a biological man and woman, deeply rooted in religious and societal norms. On March 13, 2023, the Supreme Court referred the case to a constitutional bench, emphasising the relationship between statutory regulations and constitutional rights. The petitioners asserted broader constitutional entitlements based on the right to life, personal liberty, and dignity under Articles 14, 19, and 21, reported ANI. In April 2023, religious and child rights bodies presented their perspectives. The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind opposed the recognition of same-sex marriages, citing Islam's prohibition of homosexuality, while the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights supported same-sex marriages and the right of same-sex couples to adoption. A five-judge Constitution bench began hearing the batch of pleas seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India in April 2023. The Supreme Court subsequently requested the Centre to provide a response regarding social benefits for same-sex couples, even without legal recognition of their marital status. Also read | Pope Francis says Catholic Church can bless same-sex unions on 'case-by-case basis', amid tussle The hearings resumed on May 9, with Rajasthan opposing same-sex marriage, and six states requested more time to examine the matter. On May 11, the Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reserved its verdict. As of October 17, the verdict is still pending. The key issues before the court included the definition of marriage and the debate over including same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. The petitioners argued that the Act already provided a route for recognising marriages outside personal law definitions, but the government and the court noted that the Act also incorporated elements from various religious personal laws. Additionally, the court explored how recognising same-sex marriages in India would affect various laws and provisions, such as the minimum marriage age, succession, guardianship, and adoption. The Centre highlighted that more than 160 provisions across different legislations would need to be modified to accommodate the recognition of same-sex marriages. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India same-sex marriage verdict: A look at the history and timeline of the case

<p>Covid wasn’t kind to wedding planners in China, where marriages are traditionally elaborate, expensive affairs, but the industry estimated at almost $500 billion is now facing a bigger threat: a plunge in the number of couples willing to tie the knot.</p>

<p>The trend, which has become more obvious as the economy weakens and consumer confidence wanes, is also worrying officials trying to revive marriage, and birth, rates which dropped to record lows last year, leading to the first decline in population numbers in 60 years.</p>

<p>“The number of marriages is falling and few are willing to spend a lot on weddings,” said Yuan Jialiang, who ran a full-scale wedding planning business for almost a decade in Shanghai before switching to focus on wedding photography before the pandemic.</p>

<p>“The future of this industry doesn’t look promising.”</p>

<p>There were 6.8 million marriages across China last year, 800,000 fewer than in 2021 and the lowest since the government began publishing the data in 1986.</p>

<p>This drop in marriage registrations will exacerbate the decline in births in China, now one of the world’s fastest-ageing societies. Many cities deny unmarried mothers child-raising or healthcare subsidies and having children out of wedlock is often frowned upon.</p>

<p>“You have a lot of consumers that are just saying ‘well, you know, marriage isn’t the right thing for me’ and a lot of younger adults in China feel that raising kids is just too expensive,” said Ben Cavender, managing director and head of strategy at China Market Research Group.</p>

<p>“The traditional Chinese wedding industry is probably in for tough times.”</p>

<h2><strong>Budget, backlog</strong></h2>

<p>Before the pandemic hit, weddings were big business in China, with Daxue Consulting estimating the industry to be worth 3.6 trillion yuan ($487 billion) in 2020.</p>

<p>Couples traditionally splash out on gold jewellery, elaborate decor and luxury venues but Frank Chen, from Chen Feng Wedding Planning in Shanghai, says few weddings this year had a budget of over 100,000 yuan ($13,736).</p>

<p>“People are more inclined to go for a simple and niche wedding,” said Chen, adding that a decade ago, it was common for couples to spend millions of yuan.</p>

<p>Many weddings planned for 2022 were postponed by COVID-19 lockdowns, resulting in a busier 2023 for some firms.</p>

<p>Jewellery companies Chow Tai Fook and TSL said they expect demand for wedding jewellery this year to return to pre-pandemic levels.</p>

<p>TSL, however, said the long-term future of the industry would depend on the strength of the economy.</p>

<p>“It’s just the COVID backlog,” said wedding planner Xueyi, whose business in Xi’an and Shanghai has also seen a spike this year. “Some of my clients who had bookings rescheduled have actually separated.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘Niche, Niche, Niche’</strong></h2>

<p>The economic downturn has hit the middle class, and the youth, the hardest, resulting in high jobless rates and low household spending.</p>

<p>Wealthier consumers appear to be better insulated against the macroeconomic headwinds and Jewel Wang, owner of a network of stores selling wedding dresses by U.S. designer Vera Wang, expects companies specialising in high-end or bespoke services to fare better than those in the low-to-mid-ranges.</p>

<p>Wang, who is also founder of Nora’s bridal boutique in Shanghai which stocks luxury gowns from designers including Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, said June was the best month in a decade due to pent-up demand.</p>

<p>“For us it makes more sense to find the next bride who can afford our products versus capturing a greater part of the market,” she added.</p>

<p>Still, she was cautious about the future.</p>

<p>“As a market we see an absolute downturn in spending. Our strategy has been to stay niche, niche, niche,” said Wang.</p>

<p>“We don’t want to flow with the broader market because we don’t think that it’s a good place to go.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Covid wasn’t kind to wedding planners in China, where marriages are traditionally elaborate, expensive affairs, but the industry estimated at almost $500 billion is now facing a bigger threat: a plunge in the number of couples willing to tie the knot.

Covid wasn’t kind to wedding planners in China, where marriages are traditionally elaborate, expensive affairs, but the industry estimated at almost $500 billion is now facing a bigger threat: a plunge in the number of couples willing to tie the knot. The trend, which has become more obvious as the economy weakens and consumer confidence wanes, is also worrying officials trying to revive marriage, and birth, rates which dropped to record lows last year, leading to the first decline in population numbers in 60 years. “The number of marriages is falling and few are willing to spend a lot on weddings,” said Yuan Jialiang, who ran a full-scale wedding planning business for almost a decade in Shanghai before switching to focus on wedding photography before the pandemic. “The future of this industry doesn’t look promising.” There were 6.8 million marriages across China last year, 800,000 fewer than in 2021 and the lowest since the government began publishing the data in 1986. This drop in marriage registrations will exacerbate the decline in births in China, now one of the world’s fastest-ageing societies. Many cities deny unmarried mothers child-raising or healthcare subsidies and having children out of wedlock is often frowned upon. “You have a lot of consumers that are just saying ‘well, you know, marriage isn’t the right thing for me’ and a lot of younger adults in China feel that raising kids is just too expensive,” said Ben Cavender, managing director and head of strategy at China Market Research Group. “The traditional Chinese wedding industry is probably in for tough times.” Budget, backlog Before the pandemic hit, weddings were big business in China, with Daxue Consulting estimating the industry to be worth 3.6 trillion yuan ($487 billion) in 2020. Couples traditionally splash out on gold jewellery, elaborate decor and luxury venues but Frank Chen, from Chen Feng Wedding Planning in Shanghai, says few weddings this year had a budget of over 100,000 yuan ($13,736). “People are more inclined to go for a simple and niche wedding,” said Chen, adding that a decade ago, it was common for couples to spend millions of yuan. Many weddings planned for 2022 were postponed by COVID-19 lockdowns, resulting in a busier 2023 for some firms. Jewellery companies Chow Tai Fook and TSL said they expect demand for wedding jewellery this year to return to pre-pandemic levels. TSL, however, said the long-term future of the industry would depend on the strength of the economy. “It’s just the COVID backlog,” said wedding planner Xueyi, whose business in Xi’an and Shanghai has also seen a spike this year. “Some of my clients who had bookings rescheduled have actually separated.” ‘Niche, Niche, Niche’ The economic downturn has hit the middle class, and the youth, the hardest, resulting in high jobless rates and low household spending. Wealthier consumers appear to be better insulated against the macroeconomic headwinds and Jewel Wang, owner of a network of stores selling wedding dresses by U.S. designer Vera Wang, expects companies specialising in high-end or bespoke services to fare better than those in the low-to-mid-ranges. Wang, who is also founder of Nora’s bridal boutique in Shanghai which stocks luxury gowns from designers including Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, said June was the best month in a decade due to pent-up demand. “For us it makes more sense to find the next bride who can afford our products versus capturing a greater part of the market,” she added. Still, she was cautious about the future. “As a market we see an absolute downturn in spending. Our strategy has been to stay niche, niche, niche,” said Wang. “We don’t want to flow with the broader market because we don’t think that it’s a good place to go.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Fewer ‘I dos’ ruin the party for China’s $500 billion wedding industry

Actor Chris Evans has reportedly married his girlfriend Alba Baptista in an intimate wedding. The duo seem to have tied the knot in an at-home ceremony over the weekend. The small yet star-studded guest list included Evans's fellow Marvel actors Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner.

Actor Chris Evans marries partner Alba Baptista in intimate ceremony

<p>South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage. The trend, which has drastically accelerated over the past decade, spells demographic trouble for the already ageing nation.</p>

<h2><strong>Marriage, a thing of past?</strong></h2>

<p>The report by Statistics Korea found that only 36.4 per cent of South Koreans, between the ages of 19 and 34, wanted to get married. This is down from 56.5 per cent in 2012.</p>

<p>As per the report, the reason behind these plummeting numbers&nbsp;includes economic concerns over the rising costs of living and unaffordable housing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate</strong></p>

<p>Respondents who were polled last year also said that one reason they are not getting married is because they do not have enough money for marriage. Some reported feeling that marriage is simply not necessary.</p>

<h2><strong>How the genders responded?</strong></h2>

<p>Surprisingly, among those who had a positive perception towards marriage, a majority were men, and only 28 per cent of women responded positively.</p>

<p>In South Korea, there is even a word for women who chose to forego marriage, and remain single: "bihon".</p>

<p>According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the reason more women are deciding to stay single could be because of their advancement in education and the workplace. This means that compared to earlier generations, the "opportunity cost of marriage" is higher for today's women.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Doctors in South Korea are giving up on paediatrics, sparking major health concern. Know why</strong></p>

<p>Given the persistent gender stereotypes, getting married or having children might require women to make concessions concerning their careers or education, reports the OECD. This is especially true because of the challenges women face in returning to work after giving birth.</p>

<h2><strong>Child-free life</strong></h2>

<p>It's not just marriage, more and more people, as per the Statistics Korea report, are now dismissive towards childbirth. Since 2018, the number of those who choose to remain child-free is rising. More than half the people surveyed last year reportedly said they don't see the need to have a child.</p>

<p>The trend is a cause of concern for South Korea, where last year the fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.78. As per the OECD, 2.1 is the rate needed for a stable population, South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong>here.</strong></p>


South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report. As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage.

South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report. As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage. The trend, which has drastically accelerated over the past decade, spells demographic trouble for the already ageing nation. Marriage, a thing of past? The report by Statistics Korea found that only 36.4 per cent of South Koreans, between the ages of 19 and 34, wanted to get married. This is down from 56.5 per cent in 2012. As per the report, the reason behind these plummeting numbers includes economic concerns over the rising costs of living and unaffordable housing. Also read | South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate Respondents who were polled last year also said that one reason they are not getting married is because they do not have enough money for marriage. Some reported feeling that marriage is simply not necessary. How the genders responded? Surprisingly, among those who had a positive perception towards marriage, a majority were men, and only 28 per cent of women responded positively. In South Korea, there is even a word for women who chose to forego marriage, and remain single: "bihon". According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the reason more women are deciding to stay single could be because of their advancement in education and the workplace. This means that compared to earlier generations, the "opportunity cost of marriage" is higher for today's women. Also read | Doctors in South Korea are giving up on paediatrics, sparking major health concern. Know why Given the persistent gender stereotypes, getting married or having children might require women to make concessions concerning their careers or education, reports the OECD. This is especially true because of the challenges women face in returning to work after giving birth. Child-free life It's not just marriage, more and more people, as per the Statistics Korea report, are now dismissive towards childbirth. Since 2018, the number of those who choose to remain child-free is rising. More than half the people surveyed last year reportedly said they don't see the need to have a child. The trend is a cause of concern for South Korea, where last year the fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.78. As per the OECD, 2.1 is the rate needed for a stable population, South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Koreans losing interest in marriage, spell trouble for ageing nation: Report

<p>A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.09, last year. This comes as officials in Beijing were already stressed about marriages in China dropping to a historic low in 2022, amid its declining birth rate and population.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report say?</strong></h2>

<p>The state media report cited data from China’s Population and Development Research Center which shows that Beijing has the lowest fertility level among countries with a population of more than 100 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes amid Chinese officials’ attempts to boost the country’s declining number of new births after it witnessed the first population drop in six decades while its current population continues to rapidly age.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-second-most-costly-country-to-raise-a-child-report-587805">China second-costliest country to raise a child: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>China’s fertility rate was already among the lowest alongside South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. However, Beijing has introduced urgent measures as well as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-comes-up-with-20-recommendations-to-encourage-families-to-have-more-children-572313">incentives</a> to lift the birth rate, this also includes financial incentives and improved childcare facilities.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as per Reuters, high childcare costs and having to press pause or a complete stop on their careers have put many women off having more children or any at all. However, Chinese authorities have also begun the rhetoric of sharing the duty of child-rearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Back in June, China reported a historic low in marriages with just 6.83 million couples completing their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-marriages-drop-to-historic-low-as-nation-deals-with-declining-birth-rate-603304">marriage registrations</a> in 2022. The drop followed Covid restrictions keeping tens of millions locked in their homes or compounds for weeks last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-stops-releasing-youth-unemployment-data-amid-disappointing-economic-figures-625733">China stops releasing youth unemployment data amid disappointing economic figures</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Hong Kong facing similar issues</strong></h2>

<p>In a separate report released by Hong Kong’s Family Planning Association, on Tuesday (August 15), the number of childless women in the city has more than doubled from five years ago to 43.2 per cent last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the survey conducted in the special Chinese administrative region also showed that the percentage of women with one child and two children both fell by approximately 10 percentage points, to 27.4 per cent and 25.2 per cent respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-chinas-conundrum-falling-marriage-birth-rates-taking-its-economy-for-a-spin-604563">Data Lab | Chinese neither marrying nor having kids and it's Xi Jinping's new headache. Here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the average number of children per woman dropped from 1.3 in 2017 to a record low of 0.9 last year&nbsp;in Hong Kong despite a desire among women to have more children, the report noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.

A report by China’s state-backed National Business Daily, on Tuesday (August 15), said that the country’s fertility rate has plunged to a record low of an estimated 1.09, last year. This comes as officials in Beijing were already stressed about marriages in China dropping to a historic low in 2022, amid its declining birth rate and population. What did the report say? The state media report cited data from China’s Population and Development Research Center which shows that Beijing has the lowest fertility level among countries with a population of more than 100 million. This also comes amid Chinese officials’ attempts to boost the country’s declining number of new births after it witnessed the first population drop in six decades while its current population continues to rapidly age. ALSO READ | China second-costliest country to raise a child: Report China’s fertility rate was already among the lowest alongside South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. However, Beijing has introduced urgent measures as well as incentives to lift the birth rate, this also includes financial incentives and improved childcare facilities. Meanwhile, as per Reuters, high childcare costs and having to press pause or a complete stop on their careers have put many women off having more children or any at all. However, Chinese authorities have also begun the rhetoric of sharing the duty of child-rearing. Back in June, China reported a historic low in marriages with just 6.83 million couples completing their marriage registrations in 2022. The drop followed Covid restrictions keeping tens of millions locked in their homes or compounds for weeks last year. ALSO READ | China stops releasing youth unemployment data amid disappointing economic figures Hong Kong facing similar issues In a separate report released by Hong Kong’s Family Planning Association, on Tuesday (August 15), the number of childless women in the city has more than doubled from five years ago to 43.2 per cent last year. Additionally, the survey conducted in the special Chinese administrative region also showed that the percentage of women with one child and two children both fell by approximately 10 percentage points, to 27.4 per cent and 25.2 per cent respectively. ALSO READ | Data Lab | Chinese neither marrying nor having kids and it's Xi Jinping's new headache. Here's how Meanwhile, the average number of children per woman dropped from 1.3 in 2017 to a record low of 0.9 last year in Hong Kong despite a desire among women to have more children, the report noted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's fertility rate drops to ‘record’ low of 1.09 in 2022: Report

<p>America is in the grip&nbsp;of a new trend of sorts, where a rising number of people are now living alone. Census data shows that in the nation, there are nearly 38 million adults who are living by themselves, and nearly half of these are older Americans.</p>

<p>Experts predict that the numbers are set to rise in coming years. Here's all you need to know about this trend and a phenomenon called grey divorces that is fuelling it.</p>

<h2><strong>Old and alone?</strong></h2>

<p>As per census data, nearly 16 million people aged 65 and older were living solo in 2022. This is three times the number of older Americans living alone in the 1960s.</p>

<p>CBS News reports that there are many reasons behind this shift in the society — including the economic gains made by women after entering the workforce and the changing attitudes towards marriage.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explainer--why-is-toxic-fan-behaviour-becoming-the-new-norm-at-concerts-622525">Explainer | Why is toxic fan behaviour becoming the new norm at concerts?</a></strong></p>

<p>While researching on&nbsp;single households, researchers stumbled upon something called 'grey divorces'.</p>

<h2><strong>What are grey divorces?</strong></h2>

<p>The term 'grey divorce' was popularised about a decade ago by Susan L. Brown, co-director of the National Center for Family &amp; Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University. It refers to the divorce of people over the age of 50,&nbsp;sometimes after decades of marriage.</p>

<p>"Well over a third of people who are getting divorced now are over the age of 50," says Brown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We just can't ignore that group anymore."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacecraft-mission-operations-the-science-thats-steering-chandrayaan-3-to-the-moon-622124">Explained | Spacecraft Mission Operations, the science that's steering Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon</a></strong></p>

<p>Researchers found that between 1990 and 2010, in the US, divorce rates for people over the ages of 50 have doubled. The rise has continued over the years and is still going strong.</p>

<p>Some recent example of grey divorces that made the headlines are Bill and Melinda Gates, and more recently Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who just this week announced separation after 27 years of marriage.</p>

<h2><strong>Divorce trends</strong></h2>

<p>Grey divorces are on a rise, both among celebrities and the general public, reports CBS. As per Brown, while divorce rates overall are declining, "older adults are really bucking the trend," this is especially true for those over 65 years of age.</p>

<p>"This means more and more people are going to be ageing, probably, alone, and outside of marriage, certainly," she says.</p>

<p>Susan Myres, a family law specialist based in Houston, says that while it may sound illogical to end a marriage this late in life, there are actually plenty of reasons behind this.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-haunts-us-kills-georgia-resident-621100">Explained | Rare 'brain-eating amoeba' haunts US, kills Georgia resident&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"I had one client tell me, 'I do not want to die next to that man – I'm out'," she recalls.</p>

<p>This as per her happens when couples sometimes drift too far apart. In other cases, this is due to abuse or even shocking transgressions. Many older adults, especially those in their 80s, feel whatever time they have left is too precious to spend with the wrong person.</p>

<h2><strong>How pandemic helped rock the boat</strong></h2>

<p>Myers says that the pandemic has also contributed to this awakening.</p>

<p>As the world battled the Covid pandemic, more and more people realised the difference in opinions, perspective them and their partners may have when in comes to a number of things, like masks, vaccine, etc.</p>

<p>A CNN report from January 2022 showed that this difference of opinion also stretched to the vaccination of children.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Life as a single, older adult</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, grey divorces also come with some financial troubles for the couple. Traditionally, couples tend to create a "nest egg" together. This means they save money for their old age, together.</p>

<p>Divorce cuts this in half, and some have reported a significant drop in their standard of living after a divorce later in life.</p>

<p>That being said, the rising trend of people living together isn't merely fuelled by 'grey divorce'. Many older people living on their own as per the researchers were widowed and a growing share reported never being married.</p>

<p>"There are many more of us than people realise who don't see living single or living alone as some sort of burden, but instead embrace it as something that we really just love," says researcher and psychologist Bella DePaulo.</p>

<h2><strong>Trend set to intensify</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, around 28 per cent of people over the ages of 65 are living alone in the US. This number has, for the most part, stayed consistent in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as per CBS News, this number is climbing, as the Baby Boomer generation — most of them aged 59 to 77 — gets older.</p>

<p>Sociologist Markus Schafer of Baylor University says this trend is a "two-sided phenomenon." On one hand, people are enjoying a greater autonomy, on the other, they are 'lonely'.</p>

<p>Many studies have pointed to the fact that loneliness and social isolation come&nbsp;with significant health consequences. Most recently, in April, a study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH/FHI) revealed that the end of a marriage could bring an individual serious cognitive health problems.&nbsp;Researches analysed the marital status of people aged 44 to 68 years over a 24-year period and found that a person's marital status affects their chances of clinical diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment after the age of 70.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


America is in the grip of a new trend of sorts, where a rising number of people are now living alone. Census data shows that in the nation, there are nearly 38 million adults who are living by themselves, and nearly half of these are older Americans.

America is in the grip of a new trend of sorts, where a rising number of people are now living alone. Census data shows that in the nation, there are nearly 38 million adults who are living by themselves, and nearly half of these are older Americans. Experts predict that the numbers are set to rise in coming years. Here's all you need to know about this trend and a phenomenon called grey divorces that is fuelling it. Old and alone? As per census data, nearly 16 million people aged 65 and older were living solo in 2022. This is three times the number of older Americans living alone in the 1960s. CBS News reports that there are many reasons behind this shift in the society — including the economic gains made by women after entering the workforce and the changing attitudes towards marriage. Also read | Explainer | Why is toxic fan behaviour becoming the new norm at concerts? While researching on single households, researchers stumbled upon something called 'grey divorces'. What are grey divorces? The term 'grey divorce' was popularised about a decade ago by Susan L. Brown, co-director of the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University. It refers to the divorce of people over the age of 50, sometimes after decades of marriage. "Well over a third of people who are getting divorced now are over the age of 50," says Brown. "We just can't ignore that group anymore." Also read | Explained | Spacecraft Mission Operations, the science that's steering Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon Researchers found that between 1990 and 2010, in the US, divorce rates for people over the ages of 50 have doubled. The rise has continued over the years and is still going strong. Some recent example of grey divorces that made the headlines are Bill and Melinda Gates, and more recently Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who just this week announced separation after 27 years of marriage. Divorce trends Grey divorces are on a rise, both among celebrities and the general public, reports CBS. As per Brown, while divorce rates overall are declining, "older adults are really bucking the trend," this is especially true for those over 65 years of age. "This means more and more people are going to be ageing, probably, alone, and outside of marriage, certainly," she says. Susan Myres, a family law specialist based in Houston, says that while it may sound illogical to end a marriage this late in life, there are actually plenty of reasons behind this. Also read | Explained | Rare 'brain-eating amoeba' haunts US, kills Georgia resident "I had one client tell me, 'I do not want to die next to that man – I'm out'," she recalls. This as per her happens when couples sometimes drift too far apart. In other cases, this is due to abuse or even shocking transgressions. Many older adults, especially those in their 80s, feel whatever time they have left is too precious to spend with the wrong person. How pandemic helped rock the boat Myers says that the pandemic has also contributed to this awakening. As the world battled the Covid pandemic, more and more people realised the difference in opinions, perspective them and their partners may have when in comes to a number of things, like masks, vaccine, etc. A CNN report from January 2022 showed that this difference of opinion also stretched to the vaccination of children. Life as a single, older adult As per the report, grey divorces also come with some financial troubles for the couple. Traditionally, couples tend to create a "nest egg" together. This means they save money for their old age, together. Divorce cuts this in half, and some have reported a significant drop in their standard of living after a divorce later in life. That being said, the rising trend of people living together isn't merely fuelled by 'grey divorce'. Many older people living on their own as per the researchers were widowed and a growing share reported never being married. "There are many more of us than people realise who don't see living single or living alone as some sort of burden, but instead embrace it as something that we really just love," says researcher and psychologist Bella DePaulo. Trend set to intensify Currently, around 28 per cent of people over the ages of 65 are living alone in the US. This number has, for the most part, stayed consistent in recent years. However, as per CBS News, this number is climbing, as the Baby Boomer generation — most of them aged 59 to 77 — gets older. Sociologist Markus Schafer of Baylor University says this trend is a "two-sided phenomenon." On one hand, people are enjoying a greater autonomy, on the other, they are 'lonely'. Many studies have pointed to the fact that loneliness and social isolation come with significant health consequences. Most recently, in April, a study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH/FHI) revealed that the end of a marriage could bring an individual serious cognitive health problems. Researches analysed the marital status of people aged 44 to 68 years over a 24-year period and found that a person's marital status affects their chances of clinical diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment after the age of 70. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Pandemic pushed number of 'grey divorces' in US, here's what it means

<p>South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years.</p>

<p>In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to&nbsp;an exclusive report by&nbsp;the New York Times.</p>

<h2><strong>Cities take the initiative</strong></h2>

<p>Local governments assert that the core issue lies in the declining desire for marriage among the younger generation.</p>

<p>The mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul, believes that fostering conditions for potential life partners is the responsibility of city administrations.</p>

<p>Despite the popularity of blind-dating events, many young South Koreans contend that the real hindrances to raising the birthrate are the exorbitant costs of childcare, unaffordable housing, limited job prospects, and overwhelming work hours. Female participants express concerns about discrimination against working mothers, adding to the reluctance to start families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-this-chinese-city-local-govt-turns-matchmaker-to-boost-marriage-rate-574322">In this Chinese city, local govt turns matchmaker to boost marriage rate</a></p>

<h2><strong>Mixed reactions to matchmaking initiatives</strong></h2>

<p>While blind-dating events draw considerable interest, some criticise the government's intervention in personal reproductive choices.</p>

<p>Critics argue that addressing systemic issues, such as work-life balance, affordable housing, and gender equality, should take precedence over matchmaking efforts.</p>

<h2><strong>Alarming fertility rate decline</strong></h2>

<p>The decline in marriage rates is a global trend, but South Korea has experienced a more dramatic decrease.</p>

<p>The United States saw six marriages per 1,000 people in 2021, compared to 3.8 per 1,000 people in South Korea. Consequently, the country's fertility rate dropped to a concerning 0.78 in 2022, marking the seventh consecutive year of decline.</p>

<p>As South Korea faces the challenge of a shrinking population, officials are keen on maintaining interest in government-sponsored matchmaking. The city of Seongnam, with a population of approximately one million people, has allocated $192,000 from its budget for these events and plans to host more throughout the year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;North Korean hackers attacked systems of Russian missile maker: Report</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korean-hackers-attacked-systems-of-russian-missile-maker-report-wion-world-dna-623306/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>International parallels</strong></h2>

<p>Other countries with low birth rates, such as China and Japan, have also experimented with similar programmes. South Korea's smaller cities have been conducting such events for years, targeting individuals between 27 and 39 years old residing or working in their communities.</p>

<p>Results from previous matchmaking events in different cities have been mixed. While some cities have successfully facilitated marriages through these events, others have seen limited success or require more time to produce meaningful matches.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-marriages-fell-to-a-new-record-low-last-year-572779">South Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year</a></p>

<p>Experts studying South Korea's population decline emphasise that reduced working hours, a family-friendly work culture, and gender equality within families would be more effective in addressing the root causes of the low fertility rate than solely relying on matchmaking events.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years. In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to an exclusive report by the New York Times.

South Korea is grappling with the challenge of increasing its fertility rate, which has been the lowest in the world for three consecutive years. In response to this crisis, a growing number of cities are organising blind-dating events, hoping to encourage young adults to pursue marriage and family life, according to an exclusive report by the New York Times. Cities take the initiative Local governments assert that the core issue lies in the declining desire for marriage among the younger generation. The mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul, believes that fostering conditions for potential life partners is the responsibility of city administrations. Despite the popularity of blind-dating events, many young South Koreans contend that the real hindrances to raising the birthrate are the exorbitant costs of childcare, unaffordable housing, limited job prospects, and overwhelming work hours. Female participants express concerns about discrimination against working mothers, adding to the reluctance to start families. Also read | In this Chinese city, local govt turns matchmaker to boost marriage rate Mixed reactions to matchmaking initiatives While blind-dating events draw considerable interest, some criticise the government's intervention in personal reproductive choices. Critics argue that addressing systemic issues, such as work-life balance, affordable housing, and gender equality, should take precedence over matchmaking efforts. Alarming fertility rate decline The decline in marriage rates is a global trend, but South Korea has experienced a more dramatic decrease. The United States saw six marriages per 1,000 people in 2021, compared to 3.8 per 1,000 people in South Korea. Consequently, the country's fertility rate dropped to a concerning 0.78 in 2022, marking the seventh consecutive year of decline. As South Korea faces the challenge of a shrinking population, officials are keen on maintaining interest in government-sponsored matchmaking. The city of Seongnam, with a population of approximately one million people, has allocated $192,000 from its budget for these events and plans to host more throughout the year. Also watch | North Korean hackers attacked systems of Russian missile maker: Report International parallels Other countries with low birth rates, such as China and Japan, have also experimented with similar programmes. South Korea's smaller cities have been conducting such events for years, targeting individuals between 27 and 39 years old residing or working in their communities. Results from previous matchmaking events in different cities have been mixed. While some cities have successfully facilitated marriages through these events, others have seen limited success or require more time to produce meaningful matches. Also read | South Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year Experts studying South Korea's population decline emphasise that reduced working hours, a family-friendly work culture, and gender equality within families would be more effective in addressing the root causes of the low fertility rate than solely relying on matchmaking events. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate

<p>Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sosa seemed truly in love as he obliged more than once during the wedding festivities to bend down and seal a kiss on the alligator's snout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the wedding may seem bizarre to many, it is an age-old tradition in the town which dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among Oaxaca state's Chontal and Huave indigenous communities, the ritual is like a prayer to the gods, pleading for nature's bounty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media reports, Sosa said during the ritual: "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love... I yield to marriage with the princess girl."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being situated in Mexico's poor south region, Oaxaca has maintained its rich indigenous culture, through the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos share on social media.</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Para cumplir con una de las costumbres más arraigadas en el pueblo de San Pedro Huamelula <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oaxaca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oaxaca</a>, el alcalde de la localidad, Víctor Hugo Sosa, aceptó casarse con una lagarta viva y la ceremonia fue este viernes.<br />
<br />
📹Rusvel Rasgado <a href="https://t.co/A8VnhIFt5q">pic.twitter.com/A8VnhIFt5q</a></p>
— Quadratín Oaxaca (@Quadratinoaxaca) <a href="https://twitter.com/Quadratinoaxaca/status/1674984587766669313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The ritual, which previously had indigenous flavour only, has taken a modern spin by mixing Catholic spirituality as well.</p>

<p>The wedding involved dressing the alligator in a white wedding dress and embellishing it with colourful garments and accessories.</p>

<p>Locals carried the reptile, whose mouth had been shut seal, through the streets of&nbsp;San Pedro Huamelula, while men waved their hats and trumpets played before the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seven-year-old alligator is referred to as little princess - a deity representing Mother Earth and her marriage to the local leader symbolises joining the union of humans with the divine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-police-employees-kidnapped-in-mexico-are-freed-610869">Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees freed after three days of captivity</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mayor even danced with his bride to the sounds of traditional music after the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are happy because we celebrate the union of two cultures. People are content," Sosa told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It gives me so much happiness and makes me proud of my roots," said Elia Edith Aguilar, known as the godmother who organised the wedding. "It's a very beautiful tradition," she added with a smile.</p>

<p>The residents who attended the colourful ceremony danced to traditional music and devoured the delicious food.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies.

Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies. Sosa seemed truly in love as he obliged more than once during the wedding festivities to bend down and seal a kiss on the alligator's snout. While the wedding may seem bizarre to many, it is an age-old tradition in the town which dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic times. Among Oaxaca state's Chontal and Huave indigenous communities, the ritual is like a prayer to the gods, pleading for nature's bounty. As quoted by media reports, Sosa said during the ritual: "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love... I yield to marriage with the princess girl." Despite being situated in Mexico's poor south region, Oaxaca has maintained its rich indigenous culture, through the years. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos share on social media. Para cumplir con una de las costumbres más arraigadas en el pueblo de San Pedro Huamelula #Oaxaca, el alcalde de la localidad, Víctor Hugo Sosa, aceptó casarse con una lagarta viva y la ceremonia fue este viernes. 📹Rusvel Rasgado pic.twitter.com/A8VnhIFt5q — Quadratín Oaxaca (@Quadratinoaxaca) July 1, 2023 × The ritual, which previously had indigenous flavour only, has taken a modern spin by mixing Catholic spirituality as well. The wedding involved dressing the alligator in a white wedding dress and embellishing it with colourful garments and accessories. Locals carried the reptile, whose mouth had been shut seal, through the streets of San Pedro Huamelula, while men waved their hats and trumpets played before the ceremony. The seven-year-old alligator is referred to as little princess - a deity representing Mother Earth and her marriage to the local leader symbolises joining the union of humans with the divine. ALSO READ | Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees freed after three days of captivity The mayor even danced with his bride to the sounds of traditional music after the event. "We are happy because we celebrate the union of two cultures. People are content," Sosa told the news agency AFP. "It gives me so much happiness and makes me proud of my roots," said Elia Edith Aguilar, known as the godmother who organised the wedding. "It's a very beautiful tradition," she added with a smile. The residents who attended the colourful ceremony danced to traditional music and devoured the delicious food. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Happily married: Mexico mayor weds alligator in a colourful ceremony

<p>China has implemented new rules to tackle its looming demographic crisis. It has allowed migrant workers to register their marriages in the cities where they reside, instead of having to travel back to their hometowns. The State Council, China's cabinet, has approved a regulation that permits residents from 21 provinces and municipalities, predominantly in eastern and central China, to register their marriages based on their residence permits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This change is significant as it eases the burden of travel for the hundreds of millions of migrant workers in the country, reports state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday.</p>

<p>Previously, prospective couples were required to return to the city or country of their household registration, known as hukou, to register their marriages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hukou system determines individuals' access to public services such as education and healthcare. However, in recent years, some regions have introduced residence permits that provide limited access to social services for individuals whose hukou are tied to a different area. For instance, in Beijing, individuals without a Beijing hukou can obtain a permit to access certain social services like healthcare.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-western-hype-of-its-population-decline-584476">China slams Western hype of its population decline</a></strong></p>

<p>The primary objective of the new regulation is to alleviate the travel burden faced by migrant workers. According to state broadcaster CCTV, China had 376 million migrants in 2020, with over 120 million of them moving across provinces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some individuals praised the convenience brought about by the new regulation, others expressed scepticism about its ability to increase the marriage rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A comment on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform, questioned, "Do you think people don’t get married because it’s not convenient to register?".</p>

<p>China has experienced a decline in population for the first time in six decades, with the national birth rate reaching a record low of 6.77 births per 1,000 people in 2022. In comparison, the birth rate in the United States during the same period was 12 births per 1,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-launch-projects-in-20-more-cities-to-build-new-era-marriage-culture-report-592501">China to launch projects in 20 more cities to build new-era marriage culture: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>In recent months, the Chinese government has implemented several measures to encourage marriage and childbirth, including relaxing its one-child policy, enhancing maternal healthcare and pay, and providing financial support to families with more than two children.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the government has taken steps to address the issue of huge dowries in rural areas, which can reach up to 1 million yuan (US$142,000).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the city of Harbin, authorities have established a "green channel" for students at the Harbin Institute of Technology to register their marriages over the weekend. This initiative, as per online news outlet Jimu allows eligible university students to obtain their marriage certificates without having to wait in long queues.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


China has implemented new rules to tackle its looming demographic crisis. It has allowed migrant workers to register their marriages in the cities where they reside, instead of having to travel back to their hometowns.

China has implemented new rules to tackle its looming demographic crisis. It has allowed migrant workers to register their marriages in the cities where they reside, instead of having to travel back to their hometowns. The State Council, China's cabinet, has approved a regulation that permits residents from 21 provinces and municipalities, predominantly in eastern and central China, to register their marriages based on their residence permits. This change is significant as it eases the burden of travel for the hundreds of millions of migrant workers in the country, reports state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday. Previously, prospective couples were required to return to the city or country of their household registration, known as hukou, to register their marriages. The hukou system determines individuals' access to public services such as education and healthcare. However, in recent years, some regions have introduced residence permits that provide limited access to social services for individuals whose hukou are tied to a different area. For instance, in Beijing, individuals without a Beijing hukou can obtain a permit to access certain social services like healthcare. Also read | China slams Western hype of its population decline The primary objective of the new regulation is to alleviate the travel burden faced by migrant workers. According to state broadcaster CCTV, China had 376 million migrants in 2020, with over 120 million of them moving across provinces. While some individuals praised the convenience brought about by the new regulation, others expressed scepticism about its ability to increase the marriage rate. A comment on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform, questioned, "Do you think people don’t get married because it’s not convenient to register?". China has experienced a decline in population for the first time in six decades, with the national birth rate reaching a record low of 6.77 births per 1,000 people in 2022. In comparison, the birth rate in the United States during the same period was 12 births per 1,000 people. Also read | China to launch projects in 20 more cities to build new-era marriage culture: Report In recent months, the Chinese government has implemented several measures to encourage marriage and childbirth, including relaxing its one-child policy, enhancing maternal healthcare and pay, and providing financial support to families with more than two children. Furthermore, the government has taken steps to address the issue of huge dowries in rural areas, which can reach up to 1 million yuan (US$142,000). In the city of Harbin, authorities have established a "green channel" for students at the Harbin Institute of Technology to register their marriages over the weekend. This initiative, as per online news outlet Jimu allows eligible university students to obtain their marriage certificates without having to wait in long queues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China eases marriage registration process for migrant workers to tackle population crisis

Romantic film Whats Love Got To Do With It released in India on March 16 and British actress Lily James of Cinderella fame spoke to WION's Zeba Khan on love, marriage and sex.

Lily James on her latest film & working with Shekhar Kapur | Whats Love Got To Do With It

<p><em>Love Is Blind</em> is a reality TV dating show that premiered on Netflix in February 2020. It is currently in its season 4. The show is hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, and it has gained a lot of popularity since its release. The unique premise of the show involves single men and women who are looking for love. The twist is that they are not allowed to see each other before they decide whether or not they want to get engaged. The show's contestants go on "dates" in "pods," which are essentially small rooms where they can talk to one another, but they are not able to see each other. They are given a chance to build a connection and develop an emotional bond with one another before they even see what their potential partner looks like.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GKZZQy_QjKA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>After a few days of talking in the pods, the contestants are given the option to propose to their favourite person. If both parties agree, they get engaged, and then they finally get to see each other in person for the first time. The couples then go on a romantic vacation at a couples' retreat resort to get to know each other better and get physically intimate before returning home to meet each other's families and friends.</p>

<p>The contestants are also given counselling and advice from the show's relationship experts. They help couples deal with any issues that may arise and give them guidance on how to build a healthy and successful relationship.</p>

<p>Also Read:<em>&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-john-wick-4-ending-and-post-credits-explained-how-keanu-reeves-film-teases-the-future-575316">John Wick 4 </a></strong></em><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-john-wick-4-ending-and-post-credits-explained-how-keanu-reeves-film-teases-the-future-575316">ending and post-credits explained: How Keanu Reeves film teases the future</a></strong></p>

<p>The ultimate goal of the show is for the couples to decide if they want to get married. In the finale, the contestants are given the option to either go through with the wedding or break up with their partner.</p>

<p>The show is designed to test the theory that people can fall in love without knowing what someone looks like. The premise of the show is based on the idea that true love is blind and that physical appearance is not the most important factor in a relationship.</p>

<p>Throughout the series, the couples face various challenges and obstacles that test their love for each other. The show has been praised for its unique concept and for exploring the idea of whether love can indeed be blind. It has also been criticised for its manipulation of the contestants and for perpetuating stereotypes about relationships.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Love Is Blind is a reality TV dating show that premiered on Netflix in February 2020. It is currently in its season 4. The show is hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, and it has gained a lot of popularity since its release.

Love Is Blind is a reality TV dating show that premiered on Netflix in February 2020. It is currently in its season 4. The show is hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, and it has gained a lot of popularity since its release. The unique premise of the show involves single men and women who are looking for love. The twist is that they are not allowed to see each other before they decide whether or not they want to get engaged. The show's contestants go on "dates" in "pods," which are essentially small rooms where they can talk to one another, but they are not able to see each other. They are given a chance to build a connection and develop an emotional bond with one another before they even see what their potential partner looks like. After a few days of talking in the pods, the contestants are given the option to propose to their favourite person. If both parties agree, they get engaged, and then they finally get to see each other in person for the first time. The couples then go on a romantic vacation at a couples' retreat resort to get to know each other better and get physically intimate before returning home to meet each other's families and friends. The contestants are also given counselling and advice from the show's relationship experts. They help couples deal with any issues that may arise and give them guidance on how to build a healthy and successful relationship. Also Read: John Wick 4 ending and post-credits explained: How Keanu Reeves film teases the future The ultimate goal of the show is for the couples to decide if they want to get married. In the finale, the contestants are given the option to either go through with the wedding or break up with their partner. The show is designed to test the theory that people can fall in love without knowing what someone looks like. The premise of the show is based on the idea that true love is blind and that physical appearance is not the most important factor in a relationship. Throughout the series, the couples face various challenges and obstacles that test their love for each other. The show has been praised for its unique concept and for exploring the idea of whether love can indeed be blind. It has also been criticised for its manipulation of the contestants and for perpetuating stereotypes about relationships. 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.

Love Is Blind enters season 4: Everything to know about the reality show

<p>The severity of the population crisis in China can be gauged from the fact that the local government in Guixi city has launched a state-sponsored dating app in the hopes of boosting the marriage rate and, implicitly, the birth rate.</p>

<p>Guixi, a city of about 640,000 people, has taken upon itself to be the matchmaker in a region where singles shrug off marriage due to the high cost of living.</p>

<p>The app, called “Palm Guixi”, includes a platform for organising blind dates, China Youth Daily, a state-run newspaper, reported.</p>

<p>Local authorities have been trying hard to boost China's marriage rate, which has been falling simultaneously with the birth rate nationwide for the past decade. In 2021 there were 5.4 marriages per 1,000 people, compared with six in the US.</p>

<p>Apparently, Guixi isn’t the only province that is playing the cupid card. In Jiangxi, the local government has been organising in-person events to get people mingling.</p>

<p>In Gao’an city, around 100 people attended an event in Ruizhou Fuya park where they were reportedly dressed up in traditional clothes, playing games and “got closer” to each other as they felt “the profoundness of Chinese culture”, reports Guardian.</p>

<p>Netizens’ reactions to the state-sponsored matchmaking service have been lukewarm. Many on Weibo praised the government’s efforts in boosting China’s rapidly falling birth rate. While a few remained sceptical of the idea, with one user writing that Chinese people are expected to “breed like pigs”.</p>

<p>One of the primary reasons blamed for the low marriage rate is the tradition where a prospective husband pays a sum to his bride-to-be's family. In recent years, the prices have shot up.</p>

<p>A local official told Bloomberg that families charge suitors as much as $43,000 as a betrothal gift.</p>

<p>In recent years, the government came down hard against such practices and imposed fines. The country’s civil code prohibits “the exaction of money or gifts in connection with marriage”.</p>

<p>But in practice, the tradition remains rampant, especially in rural areas. In 2022 Jiangxi topped an unofficial nationwide ranking of bride prices, with an average of 380,000 yuan ($55,000).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The severity of the population crisis in China can be gauged from the fact that the local government in Guixi city has launched a state-sponsored dating app in the hopes of boosting the marriage rate and, implicitly, the birth rate.

The severity of the population crisis in China can be gauged from the fact that the local government in Guixi city has launched a state-sponsored dating app in the hopes of boosting the marriage rate and, implicitly, the birth rate. Guixi, a city of about 640,000 people, has taken upon itself to be the matchmaker in a region where singles shrug off marriage due to the high cost of living. The app, called “Palm Guixi”, includes a platform for organising blind dates, China Youth Daily, a state-run newspaper, reported. Local authorities have been trying hard to boost China's marriage rate, which has been falling simultaneously with the birth rate nationwide for the past decade. In 2021 there were 5.4 marriages per 1,000 people, compared with six in the US. Apparently, Guixi isn’t the only province that is playing the cupid card. In Jiangxi, the local government has been organising in-person events to get people mingling. In Gao’an city, around 100 people attended an event in Ruizhou Fuya park where they were reportedly dressed up in traditional clothes, playing games and “got closer” to each other as they felt “the profoundness of Chinese culture”, reports Guardian. Netizens’ reactions to the state-sponsored matchmaking service have been lukewarm. Many on Weibo praised the government’s efforts in boosting China’s rapidly falling birth rate. While a few remained sceptical of the idea, with one user writing that Chinese people are expected to “breed like pigs”. One of the primary reasons blamed for the low marriage rate is the tradition where a prospective husband pays a sum to his bride-to-be's family. In recent years, the prices have shot up. A local official told Bloomberg that families charge suitors as much as $43,000 as a betrothal gift. In recent years, the government came down hard against such practices and imposed fines. The country’s civil code prohibits “the exaction of money or gifts in connection with marriage”. But in practice, the tradition remains rampant, especially in rural areas. In 2022 Jiangxi topped an unofficial nationwide ranking of bride prices, with an average of 380,000 yuan ($55,000). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In this Chinese city, local govt turns matchmaker to boost marriage rate

The concept of a weekend marriage is a growing trend among couples in Japan, where the couple waits until the weekend to spend time together. Watch this video to know more.

Trending in Japan: Weekend marriages

<p>Chinese provinces are overhauling its marriage leave culture as the country scrambles to find ways to tackle its shrinking birth rate which is hurting its economy too. The country is stepping away from its usual minimum paid marriage leave of three days and is now giving young newlyweds a paid marriage leave of 30 days, repored Reuters, quoting a statement by Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily Health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This massive shift is made with an aim to encourage young couples to get married and have kids. These entitlement and perks of about a month's leave to newlyweds is China's hope that it might take out the country of its declining birth rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-aya-born-under-turkey-quake-rubble-adopted-by-her-aunt-uncle-564352">Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle</a></p>

<p>While some of the provinces are giving away 30 days of marriage leaves, some others have mellowed it down to about 10 days. Gansu and Shanxi provinces are giving give 30 days, while Shanghai 10 and Sichuan still only three, the media portal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yang Haiyang, dean of the Social Development Research Institute of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, said, "Extending marriage leave is one of the effective ways of increasing the fertility rate," reported Reuters.&nbsp;"The extension of marriage leave is mainly in some provinces and cities with relatively slow economic development," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-poet-javed-akhtar-at-lahore-event-says-2611-terrorists-roaming-free-in-pakistan-564306">Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan</a></p>

<p>China's population has taken a hit after the country enforced the infamous one-child policy between 1980 and 2015. In 2022, China recorded its lowest ever birth rate of 6.77 births per 1,000 people.&nbsp;Prior to this, China’s population was decreased in 1961. It was during a famine where tens of millions of people were killed across the nation. The demographic transitions are closing linked to the financial repercussions for any country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/air-india-begins-massive-hiring-pilots-salary-crosses-rs-2-crore-564293">Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore</a></p>

<p>With the declining birth rate, the country is also staring at an unprecedented rapid population ageing. As the workforce in China continues to decline, the impact will be felt on its economy too.&nbsp;The one-child policy has since been abondaned however there are other factors at play too such as changing attitudes toward marriage and family among Chinese youth, gender inequality and economic challenges of raising children.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Chinese provinces are overhauling its marriage leave culture as the country scrambles to find ways to tackle its shrinking birth rate which is hurting its economy too.

Chinese provinces are overhauling its marriage leave culture as the country scrambles to find ways to tackle its shrinking birth rate which is hurting its economy too. The country is stepping away from its usual minimum paid marriage leave of three days and is now giving young newlyweds a paid marriage leave of 30 days, repored Reuters, quoting a statement by Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily Health. This massive shift is made with an aim to encourage young couples to get married and have kids. These entitlement and perks of about a month's leave to newlyweds is China's hope that it might take out the country of its declining birth rate. Also Read | Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle While some of the provinces are giving away 30 days of marriage leaves, some others have mellowed it down to about 10 days. Gansu and Shanxi provinces are giving give 30 days, while Shanghai 10 and Sichuan still only three, the media portal said. Yang Haiyang, dean of the Social Development Research Institute of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, said, "Extending marriage leave is one of the effective ways of increasing the fertility rate," reported Reuters. "The extension of marriage leave is mainly in some provinces and cities with relatively slow economic development," he added. Also Read | Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan China's population has taken a hit after the country enforced the infamous one-child policy between 1980 and 2015. In 2022, China recorded its lowest ever birth rate of 6.77 births per 1,000 people. Prior to this, China’s population was decreased in 1961. It was during a famine where tens of millions of people were killed across the nation. The demographic transitions are closing linked to the financial repercussions for any country. Watch | Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore With the declining birth rate, the country is also staring at an unprecedented rapid population ageing. As the workforce in China continues to decline, the impact will be felt on its economy too. The one-child policy has since been abondaned however there are other factors at play too such as changing attitudes toward marriage and family among Chinese youth, gender inequality and economic challenges of raising children. 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.

Chinese provinces give 30 days paid marriage leave to newly weds to control tumbling birth rate

<p><strong>South Korean actor and singer Lee Seung Gi and actress Lee Da In </strong>will get married in April, according to an Instagram post by Lee Seung Gi. The couple has been dating for more than two years. Lee Seung Gi shared the news with his fans through a handwritten letter on Instagram on Tuesday, February 7.</p>

<p>Lee Seung Gi posted the handwritten letter in the Korean language. In the letter, he mentioned that he decided to spend the rest of his life with Lee Da In. He said they'll become more than a loving couple, but a loving married couple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lee Seung Gi informed his audience that Lee Da In accepted his proposal and agreed to marry him.<strong> The couple has set their wedding&nbsp;date as April 7.</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWaehqLMpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWaehqLMpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWaehqLMpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoWaehqLMpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 이승기 Leeseunggi (@leeseunggi.official)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lee Seung Gi began his career as a singer in 2004. Later, he starred in several series and reality shows, such as Brilliant Legacy (2009), My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010), The King 2 Hearts (2012), Gu Family Book (2013), You're All Surrounded (2014), A Korean Odyssey (2017–2018), Vagabond (2019) and Mouse (2021). Lee Seung Gi's last project was The Law Cafe.</p>

<p>Lee Seung Gi's future wife and current girlfriend, Lee Da In, is the daughter of the veteran actress Kyun Mi Ri. She is also the youngest sister of Lee Yu Bi. Kee Da In made her debut in 2014. The actress' last project was Alice. Lee Da In has a lot of K-dramas aligned, starting with Lovers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2021, Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In confirmed their relationship. Rumours say the two started dating each other in 2020. Fans loved and supported their relationship.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-reese-witherspoon-ashton-kutchers-awkward-photos-together-leave-fans-amused-even-mila-kunis-calls-them-out-559464">Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher's awkward photos together leave fans amused, even Mila Kunis calls them out</a></p>


South Korean actor and singer Lee Seung Gi and actress Lee Da In will get married in April, according to an Instagram post by Lee Seung Gi. The couple has been dating for more than two years.

South Korean actor and singer Lee Seung Gi and actress Lee Da In will get married in April, according to an Instagram post by Lee Seung Gi. The couple has been dating for more than two years. Lee Seung Gi shared the news with his fans through a handwritten letter on Instagram on Tuesday, February 7. Lee Seung Gi posted the handwritten letter in the Korean language. In the letter, he mentioned that he decided to spend the rest of his life with Lee Da In. He said they'll become more than a loving couple, but a loving married couple. Lee Seung Gi informed his audience that Lee Da In accepted his proposal and agreed to marry him. The couple has set their wedding date as April 7. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 이승기 Leeseunggi (@leeseunggi.official) × Lee Seung Gi began his career as a singer in 2004. Later, he starred in several series and reality shows, such as Brilliant Legacy (2009), My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010), The King 2 Hearts (2012), Gu Family Book (2013), You're All Surrounded (2014), A Korean Odyssey (2017–2018), Vagabond (2019) and Mouse (2021). Lee Seung Gi's last project was The Law Cafe. Lee Seung Gi's future wife and current girlfriend, Lee Da In, is the daughter of the veteran actress Kyun Mi Ri. She is also the youngest sister of Lee Yu Bi. Kee Da In made her debut in 2014. The actress' last project was Alice. Lee Da In has a lot of K-dramas aligned, starting with Lovers. In 2021, Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In confirmed their relationship. Rumours say the two started dating each other in 2020. Fans loved and supported their relationship. ALSO READ | Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher's awkward photos together leave fans amused, even Mila Kunis calls them out

South Korean actor Lee Seung Gi to marry girlfriend Lee Da In: Check date, time, venue & handwritten post

<p>A landmark legislation came into effect in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February&nbsp;1 which will fasten up the process of marriage for non-Muslim expatriates or non-Muslims living in the Middle East country. This legislation overhaul in the UAE's judicial system holds extreme significance as the old laws required non-Muslim couples to marry and divorce by following the country's Sharia law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, under the new Personal Status Law for non-Muslims, family matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, will, child custody and paternity will be covered without following the Sharia law.&nbsp;Expatriates earlier had to go through the UAE's Sharia law to get married or divorce, even if it differed from the laws in their own home country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-ilhan-omar-ousted-from-house-foreign-affairs-committee-for-her-anti-semitic-comments-558401">Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments</a></p>

<p>The reforms were first approved by the late UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 27 November 2021. Out of the seven emirates, only Abu Dhabi adopted the new reforms in November last year but now the law will be extended to all the seven emirates including Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-parliament-lifts-waives-immunity-from-prosecution-of-two-lawmakers-in-graft-probe-558350">EU Parliament waives immunity from prosecution of two lawmakers in bribery scam probe</a></p>

<p>Under the new law, which Abu Dhabi has already implemented, more than 6,000 couples from 127 nations tied the knot. According to Khaleej Times, the majority of those who tied the knot were Filipinos. As many as 2,300 Filipino couples, 830 Indian couples and many Americans, Russians, Lebanese, Nigerians, and Europeans have tied the knot under the new civil law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing the experience under the new legislation, Immaculate Twebaze, a&nbsp;Ugandan,&nbsp;told Khaleej Times, “The process was quick, easy and affordable. For real, we had remarkable and beautiful moments which will never fade away from our minds.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-operation-miracle-save-the-oceans-rarest-marine-mammal-wion-climate-tracker-558397">Will 'Operation Miracle' save the ocean's rarest marine mammal?&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>“The hospitality shown right from the main entrance, the blissfulness, smiles from all court staff, make you feel that marriage is a blessing from God and it's a right path to be taken.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A landmark legislation came into effect in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 1 which will fasten up the process of marriage for non-Muslim expatriates or non-Muslims living in the Middle East country.

A landmark legislation came into effect in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 1 which will fasten up the process of marriage for non-Muslim expatriates or non-Muslims living in the Middle East country. This legislation overhaul in the UAE's judicial system holds extreme significance as the old laws required non-Muslim couples to marry and divorce by following the country's Sharia law. However, under the new Personal Status Law for non-Muslims, family matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, will, child custody and paternity will be covered without following the Sharia law. Expatriates earlier had to go through the UAE's Sharia law to get married or divorce, even if it differed from the laws in their own home country. Also Read | Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments The reforms were first approved by the late UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 27 November 2021. Out of the seven emirates, only Abu Dhabi adopted the new reforms in November last year but now the law will be extended to all the seven emirates including Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. Also Read | EU Parliament waives immunity from prosecution of two lawmakers in bribery scam probe Under the new law, which Abu Dhabi has already implemented, more than 6,000 couples from 127 nations tied the knot. According to Khaleej Times, the majority of those who tied the knot were Filipinos. As many as 2,300 Filipino couples, 830 Indian couples and many Americans, Russians, Lebanese, Nigerians, and Europeans have tied the knot under the new civil law. Sharing the experience under the new legislation, Immaculate Twebaze, a Ugandan, told Khaleej Times, “The process was quick, easy and affordable. For real, we had remarkable and beautiful moments which will never fade away from our minds.” Watch | Will 'Operation Miracle' save the ocean's rarest marine mammal? “The hospitality shown right from the main entrance, the blissfulness, smiles from all court staff, make you feel that marriage is a blessing from God and it's a right path to be taken.” 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.

More non-Muslim expats tie knot in UAE since adoption of new law on civil marriage

<p>The list of guests who will attend Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood star Athiya Shetty's wedding is now out. The wedding celebrations have already started, and the lovebirds are expected to wed on 21 January. According to several media reports, the wedding ceremony for KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty is now confirmed and the venue is gorgeously adorned. When questioned about the wedding date at a salon where Athiya Shetty came for a last-minute bridal ritual, she could not help but blush over the question. Due to his strong friendship with Suniel Shetty, actor Salman Khan is the first guest who would undoubtedly attend the wedding.</p>

<p>The wedding will also be attended by Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. The couple is very dear to the lovebirds KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty. The couple has extended an invitation to them for the celebrations on their big day. Due to the long-lasting friendship between the celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan will also attend the wedding. The wedding of Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul will be a lavish event, but not all of their friends and family have been invited.</p>

<p>During the wedding ceremony, many other close friends of KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty are expected to be seen. KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty allegedly met through a mutual acquaintance in 2019. The chemistry immediately took off.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Venue for KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's wedding&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty have been dating for about three years, and now they're finally getting married. However, everyone is curious as to where their wedding will take place. According to media reports, the wedding vows would be exchanged in Suniel Shetty's opulent Khandala house. Suniel Shetty's home amid the hills is no less than a resort, according to those who have caught glimpses of it in social media coverage. It's the ideal location for an extravagant wedding like KL Rahul and Athiya's.</p>

<p>When asked about the information about KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's wedding, Suniel Shetty had said, "I believe that jaise hi bachhe decide karenge" which in English means "As and when the children will decide." As the new year rang in, KL Rahul on his Instagram post shared a cozy picture of him and Athiya Shetty as the caption of the beautiful pic read '2023.'<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The list of guests who will attend Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood star Athiya Shetty's wedding is now out. The wedding celebrations have already started, and the lovebirds are expected to wed on 21 January.

The list of guests who will attend Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood star Athiya Shetty's wedding is now out. The wedding celebrations have already started, and the lovebirds are expected to wed on 21 January. According to several media reports, the wedding ceremony for KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty is now confirmed and the venue is gorgeously adorned. When questioned about the wedding date at a salon where Athiya Shetty came for a last-minute bridal ritual, she could not help but blush over the question. Due to his strong friendship with Suniel Shetty, actor Salman Khan is the first guest who would undoubtedly attend the wedding. The wedding will also be attended by Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. The couple is very dear to the lovebirds KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty. The couple has extended an invitation to them for the celebrations on their big day. Due to the long-lasting friendship between the celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan will also attend the wedding. The wedding of Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul will be a lavish event, but not all of their friends and family have been invited. During the wedding ceremony, many other close friends of KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty are expected to be seen. KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty allegedly met through a mutual acquaintance in 2019. The chemistry immediately took off. Venue for KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's wedding KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty have been dating for about three years, and now they're finally getting married. However, everyone is curious as to where their wedding will take place. According to media reports, the wedding vows would be exchanged in Suniel Shetty's opulent Khandala house. Suniel Shetty's home amid the hills is no less than a resort, according to those who have caught glimpses of it in social media coverage. It's the ideal location for an extravagant wedding like KL Rahul and Athiya's. When asked about the information about KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's wedding, Suniel Shetty had said, "I believe that jaise hi bachhe decide karenge" which in English means "As and when the children will decide." As the new year rang in, KL Rahul on his Instagram post shared a cozy picture of him and Athiya Shetty as the caption of the beautiful pic read '2023.'

KL Rahul-Athiya Shetty's full wedding guest list OUT ! Salman Khan & more to attend ceremony, check details

90-year-old Johana Butuk married 40-year-old Alice Jemelil in the country of Uasin Gishu in Nigeria. The two dated for 20 years. WION’s Louisa Olaniyi tells you more.

90-year-old man marries 40-year old woman

According to the Indonesian government, visitors to Bali will not be at risk of criminalisation under new Indonesian laws that outlaw sex outside marriage. Indonesia's parliament last week passed the controversial bill that also prohibits cohabitation between unmarried couples.

Ban on sex outside marriage will not affect tourists, says Indonesian government

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday debated a major case pitting LGBT rights. The dispute involves an evangelical Christian web designer who refuses to provide her services for same-sex marriages.

US Supreme Court debates web designer's anti-gay marriage stance

Indonesia's proposed criminal code bans sex outside marriage, cohabitation before marriage. The code applies to Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors. Where does it leave the Right to privacy and Indonesia's tourism industry? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Indonesia set to ban sex outside marriage and live-in relationships

Indonesia's parliament is expected to pass a new criminal law this month that will punish sex outside marriage with imprisonment of up to a year. The law, if passed, would apply to Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike.

WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage

In a landmark decision, the US Senate passed a bill on Tuesday to protect same-sex marriage as the house senate voted 61-36 for the Respect for Marriage Act.

US Senate passes landmark vote to protect same-sex marriage

<p>All's well that ends well. This phrase encapsulates what occurred to Andrew and Kristy Mackenzie following that tragic day when a motorcycle struck the bike they were riding, throwing them around 60 feet away. The couple, their youngest daughter, and her family were up to celebrate Father's Day in Grottoes, Virginia, on their four-wheeler trip, and they were all there to spend some quality time together. Around 3:30 p.m., after the fun was over, the pair hopped on Andrew's motocycle and rode home. Turning to face her granddaughter and daughter, Kristy waved.</p>

<p><img alt="Bike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0f3eafb-7bc5-4579-b263-513d2d9f45e7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bike.png" /></p>

<p>This was the start of the most horrific event they had to endure while in a marriage. The 58-year-old Virginia man felt it was 1993 when he awakened from the horrible occurrence in a hospital bed, and his 37-year-old wife soon realised she was suffering yet another nightmare. However, fate o fate! It has a special surprise for the pair. She contacted one of her closest friends who was there at the couple's 1985 wedding when she was in the hospital one day. She wrote, when "this mess is finished, I'm marrying this man again."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Hospital" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="795bc53a-ee52-4257-a646-86adba8a5c97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hospital%20.png" /></p>

<p>This is precisely how the tale unfolds. In addition to making a full recovery, Andrew would fall in love with Kristy all over again. The first time both of them could walk again without wheelchairs or walkers was during their annual family beach trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks in August. And Andrew had chosen the ideal moment to get down on one knee and propose to Kristy while they were strolling along the beach. On August 29, two days later, the couple renewed their vows in front of their children and grandchildren on North Carolina's Outer Banks. enhancing the uniqueness of the experience.</p>

<p><img alt="Marriage " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb7a12af-bf12-4eb8-a767-7fec2d7e3d0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Goa.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>Childhood love &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>During a camping trip in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in June 1984, Kristy, then 16 years old, met Andrew, then 19 years old. Over time, love grew. A romance between them was once unthinkable. While Andrew was in the Army and based at neighbouring Fort Bragg, Kristy had a boyfriend. But on weekends, he travelled to Harrisonburg, which is around 10 miles from her house. By August, Kristy had broken up with her boyfriend, and she was seeing Andrew.</p>

<p>No less than some cinderella and price charming story, their love bond just grew stronger and stronger with each passing day until one the day of the tragic&nbsp;crash. Even physicians were unsure if Andrew's memories were lost forever following the incident. For Kristy, it was the scariest day since she was unsure of her husband's recovery."He knew me, but I could see him looking through me," Kristy, 54, tells People, "I tell you, that's the scariest day of my life. Seeing him look through me like that, I didn't know how I was going to get him back."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


All's well that ends well. This phrase encapsulates what occurred to Andrew and Kristy Mackenzie following that tragic day when a motorcycle struck the bike they were riding, throwing them around 60 feet away.

All's well that ends well. This phrase encapsulates what occurred to Andrew and Kristy Mackenzie following that tragic day when a motorcycle struck the bike they were riding, throwing them around 60 feet away. The couple, their youngest daughter, and her family were up to celebrate Father's Day in Grottoes, Virginia, on their four-wheeler trip, and they were all there to spend some quality time together. Around 3:30 p.m., after the fun was over, the pair hopped on Andrew's motocycle and rode home. Turning to face her granddaughter and daughter, Kristy waved. This was the start of the most horrific event they had to endure while in a marriage. The 58-year-old Virginia man felt it was 1993 when he awakened from the horrible occurrence in a hospital bed, and his 37-year-old wife soon realised she was suffering yet another nightmare. However, fate o fate! It has a special surprise for the pair. She contacted one of her closest friends who was there at the couple's 1985 wedding when she was in the hospital one day. She wrote, when "this mess is finished, I'm marrying this man again." This is precisely how the tale unfolds. In addition to making a full recovery, Andrew would fall in love with Kristy all over again. The first time both of them could walk again without wheelchairs or walkers was during their annual family beach trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks in August. And Andrew had chosen the ideal moment to get down on one knee and propose to Kristy while they were strolling along the beach. On August 29, two days later, the couple renewed their vows in front of their children and grandchildren on North Carolina's Outer Banks. enhancing the uniqueness of the experience. Childhood love During a camping trip in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in June 1984, Kristy, then 16 years old, met Andrew, then 19 years old. Over time, love grew. A romance between them was once unthinkable. While Andrew was in the Army and based at neighbouring Fort Bragg, Kristy had a boyfriend. But on weekends, he travelled to Harrisonburg, which is around 10 miles from her house. By August, Kristy had broken up with her boyfriend, and she was seeing Andrew. No less than some cinderella and price charming story, their love bond just grew stronger and stronger with each passing day until one the day of the tragic crash. Even physicians were unsure if Andrew's memories were lost forever following the incident. For Kristy, it was the scariest day since she was unsure of her husband's recovery."He knew me, but I could see him looking through me," Kristy, 54, tells People, "I tell you, that's the scariest day of my life. Seeing him look through me like that, I didn't know how I was going to get him back."

THE ENDING WILL AMAZE YOU! Husband forgets wife after bike accident, thinks it's 1993

<p>In a remarkable turn of events, the US Senate on Wednesday cleared a 60-vote procedural hurdle in a test of support for a long contentious bill on same-sex relationships.&nbsp;Breaking a filibuster to start off debate on passing of this landmark bill providing federal protection for same sex and interracial marriages, the Senate voted 62-37 in support of the bill. All 50 members of the Democratic caucus along with 12 Republicans voted to start a debate on the bipartisan bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgias-six-week-abortion-ban-unconstitutional-rules-judge-534714">Georgia’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, rules judge</a></p>

<p>However, as per the procedure once the bill is passed through the Senate it will require to be passed again through the House. After this, it will go to the President who will sign it into a legislation.&nbsp;It is interesting to note this comes in the backdrop of US elections vote counting where Republicans are projected to win a majority in the House. In view of this, the Democrats supporters of the bill are hoping to get the legislation passed by the end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After US Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that enshrined the constitutional right to abortion, the advocates of same sex were fearful. However, now there is hope that the rights of those in same-sex marriage would be protected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill would not make mandatory for all states to legalize same-sex marriage but it would require individual US states to recognize another state’s legal marriage.&nbsp;An individual state could still pass a law to ban same-sex marriage in case Supreme Court overturns its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalised same-sex marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="Kevin McCarthy is Republican nominee for House speaker">Kevin McCarthy is Republican nominee for House speaker</a></p>

<p>The Respect for Marriage Act must clear the 100-member Senate before it can become law. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told CNN that he wants his chamber’s bill to pass by Thursday before senators leave for their Thanksgiving recess all next week.</p>

<p>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterm-elections-republicans-hit-majority-target-534910">US Midterm Elections: Republicans hit majority target</a></p>

<p>“We’re hoping that could happen,” he said. After the test vote, Schumer hoped “both sides can work quickly together to move this bill through the Senate and on to the president’s desk.” “It already passed the House earlier this year with significant 47 Republican votes and I’m optimistic we can achieve a significant result in this chamber,” he added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In a remarkable turn of events, the US Senate on Wednesday cleared a 60-vote procedural hurdle in a test of support for a long contentious bill on same-sex relationships.

In a remarkable turn of events, the US Senate on Wednesday cleared a 60-vote procedural hurdle in a test of support for a long contentious bill on same-sex relationships. Breaking a filibuster to start off debate on passing of this landmark bill providing federal protection for same sex and interracial marriages, the Senate voted 62-37 in support of the bill. All 50 members of the Democratic caucus along with 12 Republicans voted to start a debate on the bipartisan bill. ALSO READ | Georgia’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, rules judge However, as per the procedure once the bill is passed through the Senate it will require to be passed again through the House. After this, it will go to the President who will sign it into a legislation. It is interesting to note this comes in the backdrop of US elections vote counting where Republicans are projected to win a majority in the House. In view of this, the Democrats supporters of the bill are hoping to get the legislation passed by the end of the year. After US Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that enshrined the constitutional right to abortion, the advocates of same sex were fearful. However, now there is hope that the rights of those in same-sex marriage would be protected. The bill would not make mandatory for all states to legalize same-sex marriage but it would require individual US states to recognize another state’s legal marriage. An individual state could still pass a law to ban same-sex marriage in case Supreme Court overturns its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalised same-sex marriage. ALSO READ | Kevin McCarthy is Republican nominee for House speaker The Respect for Marriage Act must clear the 100-member Senate before it can become law. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told CNN that he wants his chamber’s bill to pass by Thursday before senators leave for their Thanksgiving recess all next week. WATCH | US Midterm Elections: Republicans hit majority target “We’re hoping that could happen,” he said. After the test vote, Schumer hoped “both sides can work quickly together to move this bill through the Senate and on to the president’s desk.” “It already passed the House earlier this year with significant 47 Republican votes and I’m optimistic we can achieve a significant result in this chamber,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senate crosses initial hurdle in same-sex, interracial marriage protection bill

<p>Former US president Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump married her beau Michael Boulos on Sunday (November 13). The ceremony took place at Mar-a-Lago, a resort in Florida owned by Trump.</p>

<p>Donald Trump escorted Tiffany down the aisle and kissed her on the cheek before she exchanged vows with Michael.</p>

<p>The bride exchanged vows with Michael in front of an altar covered in a halo of blue, pink, and white flowers. She looked stunning in a long-sleeved, beaded wedding gown by Elie Saab.</p>

<p>The wedding ceremony was attended by Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, their kids. Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump, Tiffany's mother Marla Maples and half brother Eric Trump were present as well</p>

<p>Although the wedding festivities went smoothly, the planning process was a bit worrying for Tiffany.</p>

<p>According to Page Six, just a few days ago, Tiffany was said to be "flipping out" and worried that Hurricane Nicole would ruin her big day, which is scheduled to take place at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday.</p>

<p>"Friday is supposed to be a welcome dinner and they aren't sure it's going to happen ... Tiffany is flipping out," a source told Page Six on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Page Six reports that others had to change their RSVPs after the Palm Beach International Airport closed and cancelled all flights, despite the fact that some guests were already in town when the hurricane made landfall.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-position-among-republicans-weakens-ahead-of-likely-2024-announcement-tuesday-533910">Trump's position among Republicans weakens ahead of likely 2024 announcement Tuesday</a></strong></p>

<p>"Tiffany is still there. Some guests came in for the week, and they had all these things planned. It was going to be a whole over-the-top thing," the insider continued.</p>

<p>"They had to cancel events today and cancelled a golf outing for tomorrow. Everyone is stuck inside."</p>

<p>Fortunately, Tiffany and her fiance were able to obtain a marriage licence on Tuesday, just before the Palm Beach County Courthouse was compelled to close.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former US president Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump married her beau Michael Boulos on Sunday (November 13). The ceremony took place at Mar-a-Lago, a resort in Florida owned by Trump.

Former US president Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany Trump married her beau Michael Boulos on Sunday (November 13). The ceremony took place at Mar-a-Lago, a resort in Florida owned by Trump. Donald Trump escorted Tiffany down the aisle and kissed her on the cheek before she exchanged vows with Michael. The bride exchanged vows with Michael in front of an altar covered in a halo of blue, pink, and white flowers. She looked stunning in a long-sleeved, beaded wedding gown by Elie Saab. The wedding ceremony was attended by Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, their kids. Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump, Tiffany's mother Marla Maples and half brother Eric Trump were present as well Although the wedding festivities went smoothly, the planning process was a bit worrying for Tiffany. According to Page Six, just a few days ago, Tiffany was said to be "flipping out" and worried that Hurricane Nicole would ruin her big day, which is scheduled to take place at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday. "Friday is supposed to be a welcome dinner and they aren't sure it's going to happen ... Tiffany is flipping out," a source told Page Six on Wednesday. Page Six reports that others had to change their RSVPs after the Palm Beach International Airport closed and cancelled all flights, despite the fact that some guests were already in town when the hurricane made landfall. Also Read | Trump's position among Republicans weakens ahead of likely 2024 announcement Tuesday "Tiffany is still there. Some guests came in for the week, and they had all these things planned. It was going to be a whole over-the-top thing," the insider continued. "They had to cancel events today and cancelled a golf outing for tomorrow. Everyone is stuck inside." Fortunately, Tiffany and her fiance were able to obtain a marriage licence on Tuesday, just before the Palm Beach County Courthouse was compelled to close. (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 ×

Tiffany, Donald Trump's daughter, marries beau Michael Boulos

<p>The Government-run Institute of Mental Health, a 200-yr-old hospital in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, continues to offer a new life for thousands of patients. However, in what seems to be a first for the institute, two individuals who underwent treatment at the same time and recovered completely, fell in love and tied the knot. This wedding was solemnised on Friday at the Institute in Chennai.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mahendran&amp; Deepa, who underwent treatment &amp; recovered fully at the institute of mental health in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> ,fell in love while at the institute and decided to tied the knot<br />
<br />
Wedding solemnised today in the presence of doctors,staff, respective families <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mentalhealth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mentalhealth</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pw3SL4Hx0B">pic.twitter.com/Pw3SL4Hx0B</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1585932194765504513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>It was around two years ago that Mahendran, 42, hailing from Chennai and Deepa, 36, from Vellore had begun their treatment at the hospital. Circumstances at their respective homes and their personal issues had mentally affected the duo and they were admitted as resident patients at the facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding well to the treatment, the duo began to show improvement and were moved to a Care Centre in the institute and were also allowed to perform small tasks and vocational duties. Mahendran who had an M.Phil degree began to work as an assisting staff at the hospital, whereas Deepa who had completed Teacher's training started working at the in-house bakery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is said that love had blossomed between the two individuals, during the early phase of their stay and recovery at the hospital. Doctors had strictly recommended that they would have to complete the full course of treatment&nbsp;before going ahead and tying the knot. The wish of the couple finally came true on Friday, 28th October, as they tied the knot in the presence of doctors, hospital staff, their respective families and government officials.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


The Government-run Institute of Mental Health, a 200-yr-old hospital in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, continues to offer a new life for thousands of patients.

The Government-run Institute of Mental Health, a 200-yr-old hospital in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, continues to offer a new life for thousands of patients. However, in what seems to be a first for the institute, two individuals who underwent treatment at the same time and recovered completely, fell in love and tied the knot. This wedding was solemnised on Friday at the Institute in Chennai. Mahendran& Deepa, who underwent treatment & recovered fully at the institute of mental health in #chennai #tamilnadu ,fell in love while at the institute and decided to tied the knot Wedding solemnised today in the presence of doctors,staff, respective families #Mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/Pw3SL4Hx0B — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 28, 2022 × It was around two years ago that Mahendran, 42, hailing from Chennai and Deepa, 36, from Vellore had begun their treatment at the hospital. Circumstances at their respective homes and their personal issues had mentally affected the duo and they were admitted as resident patients at the facility. Responding well to the treatment, the duo began to show improvement and were moved to a Care Centre in the institute and were also allowed to perform small tasks and vocational duties. Mahendran who had an M.Phil degree began to work as an assisting staff at the hospital, whereas Deepa who had completed Teacher's training started working at the in-house bakery. It is said that love had blossomed between the two individuals, during the early phase of their stay and recovery at the hospital. Doctors had strictly recommended that they would have to complete the full course of treatment before going ahead and tying the knot. The wish of the couple finally came true on Friday, 28th October, as they tied the knot in the presence of doctors, hospital staff, their respective families and government officials.

India: Duo treated for depression at govt mental health institute fall in love, tie the knot

marriage

Marriage, News on Marriage, stories on Marriage, articles on Marriage, Marriage stories at Wion, Marriage news, Marriage latest news