Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.&nbsp;PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023.

Watch |&nbsp;TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK

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Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uks-economy-shrinks-more-than-previously-thought-in-third-quarter-data-545630">UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data</a>

Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-high-inflation-casts-shadow-on-fastest-rise-in-wages-in-20-years-534384">UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years</a>

However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing &nbsp;£19 billion ($23 billion)&nbsp;"even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC. 
 
Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.

Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago. PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023. Watch | TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright. Also read | UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023." Also read | UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing £19 billion ($23 billion) "even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC. Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years. (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.

UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC

China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country.&nbsp;The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information. 
 
"Relevant COVID information will be published by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research," said the NHC in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency 
 
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This comes as China faces a sudden surge in Covid numbers following the easing of its stringent zero-Covid restrictions, and dropping of mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-horror-six-pictures-show-reality-of-coronavirus-outbreak-haunting-china-546043">COVID Horror: Six pictures show reality of coronavirus outbreak haunting China</a>

Bloomberg reported on Friday that up to 37 million individuals may have contracted the deadly illness on a single day this past week, citing statistics from China's top health regulator.

As per a Reuters report, on Saturday, the country's national health authority reported 4,128 symptomatic cases. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive day, no new deaths were reported.

However, this is after authorities narrowed the criteria for Covid deaths, a decision that has invited criticism from many disease experts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-covid-19-cases-spike-caccine-hesistancy-plagues-china-544348">Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter</a>

On Thursday, Zhang Wenhong, director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases as per a report in state-backed news outlet The Paper said that China "is expected to reach the peak of infections within a week."

He cautioned that this will also "increase the rate of severe disease, which will have a certain impact on our entire medical resources."&nbsp;

Wenhong added that the wave will last another one or two months after that and that "We must be mentally prepared that infection is inevitable."

Other experts too have warned that China will be hit with "waves" of infection. As per the estimates of one Chinese expert, this winter will see three consecutive waves of infections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data.

China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information. "Relevant COVID information will be published by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research," said the NHC in a statement. Watch | China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency This comes as China faces a sudden surge in Covid numbers following the easing of its stringent zero-Covid restrictions, and dropping of mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions. Also read | COVID Horror: Six pictures show reality of coronavirus outbreak haunting China Bloomberg reported on Friday that up to 37 million individuals may have contracted the deadly illness on a single day this past week, citing statistics from China's top health regulator. As per a Reuters report, on Saturday, the country's national health authority reported 4,128 symptomatic cases. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive day, no new deaths were reported. However, this is after authorities narrowed the criteria for Covid deaths, a decision that has invited criticism from many disease experts. Also read | Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter On Thursday, Zhang Wenhong, director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases as per a report in state-backed news outlet The Paper said that China "is expected to reach the peak of infections within a week." He cautioned that this will also "increase the rate of severe disease, which will have a certain impact on our entire medical resources." Wenhong added that the wave will last another one or two months after that and that "We must be mentally prepared that infection is inevitable." Other experts too have warned that China will be hit with "waves" of infection. As per the estimates of one Chinese expert, this winter will see three consecutive waves of infections. (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 top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers

Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own&nbsp; Christmas&nbsp;magic.

On the day that marked 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for."

Watch |&nbsp;World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks

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He added that while freedom comes at a high price, slavery would cost more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-your-game-putin-tells-russian-defence-industry-546291">Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry</a>

Addressing Ukrainians amid war&nbsp;and&nbsp;looking forward to celebrating Christmas, he said, "Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another."

Recent months saw devastating Russian missile and drone attacks that targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and effectively left major cities and thousand living in them without heat and water.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-approve-ukraine-aid-of-45bn-including-arms-after-volodymyr-zelensky-visit-546158">US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit</a>

"We will smile and be happy, as always. There is one difference - we will not wait for a miracle, since we are creating it ourselves," said Zelensky.

Referring to the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea, the Ukrainian President also noted that the country's troops have been fighting the war for "300 days and eight years".

"We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?" he asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic.

Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic. On the day that marked 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for." Watch | World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks He added that while freedom comes at a high price, slavery would cost more. Also read | Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry Addressing Ukrainians amid war and looking forward to celebrating Christmas, he said, "Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another." Recent months saw devastating Russian missile and drone attacks that targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and effectively left major cities and thousand living in them without heat and water. Also read | US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit "We will smile and be happy, as always. There is one difference - we will not wait for a miracle, since we are creating it ourselves," said Zelensky. Referring to the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea, the Ukrainian President also noted that the country's troops have been fighting the war for "300 days and eight years". "We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?" he asked. (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.

Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’

The Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is set to roll out a mandate that will significantly speed up the check-in process at airports. Under it, passengers may soon be able to zip through airport security checks without having to take out their laptops, phones and chargers.

Currently, passengers are required to place their electronic devices in separate trays as they check in. The process takes time and hence can cause&nbsp;congestion.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Overcrowding at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport

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As per the Hindu, the new mandate which will be rolled out within a month will speed the process through the adoption of modern equipment that screens bags without removing electronic equipment.

These machines will be installed in major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. They are already in use at several major airports across the United States and Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-travel-visa-update-good-news-as-application-process-time-is-now-reduced-543642">UK travel visa update: 'Good news' as application process time is now reduced</a>

Last week, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the Indian capital New Delhi was left scrambling to deal with congestion. Passengers were left standing in line for hours at the domestic and international terminals.

The congestion prompted India's biggest airline IndiGo to advise passengers to arrive at the Delhi airport at least three and a half hours early.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-memes-know-no-holds-barred-chaos-amid-congestion-makes-twitter-users-draw-weird-parallels-542952">No holds barred: Twitter users’ memes draw weird parallels on Delhi Airport chaos, congestion</a>

Following the congestion which went viral across social media Indian Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia visited the Delhi airport and said that Terminal 3 has been equipped with additional x-ray machines and staff. He also said that additional measures were being taken at other airports like Mumbai and Bengaluru.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is set to roll out a mandate that will significantly speed up the check-in process at airports. Under it, passengers may soon be able to zip through airport security checks without having to take out their laptops, phones and chargers.

The Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is set to roll out a mandate that will significantly speed up the check-in process at airports. Under it, passengers may soon be able to zip through airport security checks without having to take out their laptops, phones and chargers. Currently, passengers are required to place their electronic devices in separate trays as they check in. The process takes time and hence can cause congestion. Watch | WION Dispatch: Overcrowding at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport As per the Hindu, the new mandate which will be rolled out within a month will speed the process through the adoption of modern equipment that screens bags without removing electronic equipment. These machines will be installed in major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. They are already in use at several major airports across the United States and Europe. Also read | UK travel visa update: 'Good news' as application process time is now reduced Last week, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the Indian capital New Delhi was left scrambling to deal with congestion. Passengers were left standing in line for hours at the domestic and international terminals. The congestion prompted India's biggest airline IndiGo to advise passengers to arrive at the Delhi airport at least three and a half hours early. Also read | No holds barred: Twitter users’ memes draw weird parallels on Delhi Airport chaos, congestion Following the congestion which went viral across social media Indian Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia visited the Delhi airport and said that Terminal 3 has been equipped with additional x-ray machines and staff. He also said that additional measures were being taken at other airports like Mumbai and Bengaluru. (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.

India to install new scanners at airports; passengers won't have to remove electronic devices from bag

In Spain, lawmakers today (December 22) will vote on a groundbreaking transgender rights bill that will allow anyone over 16 years of age to change the gender on their ID card. The legislation as per AFP has sparked divisions within Spain's left-wing government and the country's feminist movement.

The bill which has been touted as the "triumph of reason over hatred" has as per AFP sparked a bitter debate in the country's powerful feminist lobby and LGBTQ equality campaigners.

Watch |&nbsp;Spain passes sexual, reproductive health law; abortion now free in public health clinics

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<h2>What does the bill do?</h2>

It effectively simplifies the procedure for changing a person's gender on their national identity card. People over the age of 16 can request a change based on a simple statement, additionally, children as young as 12 can apply, however, this is only available under certain conditions.

Following the submission of this request, the applicant would then have to confirm once after three months, following which the change becomes valid.

<h2>What are the current rules in this regard?</h2>

Before this only adults were allowed to request the change and that too had to be supported by a medical report attesting to gender dysphoria and proof of at least two years of hormonal treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-proposed-law-of-feminist-conquests-to-give-paid-menstrual-leave-543951">Spain's proposed law of 'feminist conquests' to give paid menstrual leave</a>

"Today the feminist majority in this House responds to transphobia," said Equality Minister Irene Montero adding that "At last this law depathologises trans lives and guarantees trans people's rights."

<h2>The division over the bill</h2>

The bill which was first adopted by the Spanish cabinet in June 2021 has sparked tensions between the Podemos party and the Socialists who have unsuccessfully reportedly been trying to modify it.

Additionally, it has split the feminist movement between those who favour Montero and the feminist lobby associated with the Socialists, who vehemently reject the document.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/over-50-per-cent-of-trans-and-non-binary-youth-in-us-considered-suicide-says-survey-543991">Over 50% of trans and non-binary youth in US considered suicide in 2022, reveals survey</a>

"The state has to provide answers for transgender people," however gender is neither "voluntary nor optional", said Carmen Calvo, who served as Sanchez's former deputy and headed the equality ministry under the Socialists.

She remarked that to her it seems like a step backwards in terms of advancement when gender is asserted above biological sex, she said in a September interview with newspaper El Mundo.

There are also fears that the law will lead to abuse and erosion of women's rights by allowing men who self-identify as women to compete in women's sports and even request transfers to women's prisons.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Spain, lawmakers today (December 22) will vote on a groundbreaking transgender rights bill that will allow anyone over 16 years of age to change the gender on their ID card.

In Spain, lawmakers today (December 22) will vote on a groundbreaking transgender rights bill that will allow anyone over 16 years of age to change the gender on their ID card. The legislation as per AFP has sparked divisions within Spain's left-wing government and the country's feminist movement. The bill which has been touted as the "triumph of reason over hatred" has as per AFP sparked a bitter debate in the country's powerful feminist lobby and LGBTQ equality campaigners. Watch | Spain passes sexual, reproductive health law; abortion now free in public health clinics What does the bill do? It effectively simplifies the procedure for changing a person's gender on their national identity card. People over the age of 16 can request a change based on a simple statement, additionally, children as young as 12 can apply, however, this is only available under certain conditions. Following the submission of this request, the applicant would then have to confirm once after three months, following which the change becomes valid. What are the current rules in this regard? Before this only adults were allowed to request the change and that too had to be supported by a medical report attesting to gender dysphoria and proof of at least two years of hormonal treatment. Also read | Spain's proposed law of 'feminist conquests' to give paid menstrual leave "Today the feminist majority in this House responds to transphobia," said Equality Minister Irene Montero adding that "At last this law depathologises trans lives and guarantees trans people's rights." The division over the bill The bill which was first adopted by the Spanish cabinet in June 2021 has sparked tensions between the Podemos party and the Socialists who have unsuccessfully reportedly been trying to modify it. Additionally, it has split the feminist movement between those who favour Montero and the feminist lobby associated with the Socialists, who vehemently reject the document. Also read | Over 50% of trans and non-binary youth in US considered suicide in 2022, reveals survey "The state has to provide answers for transgender people," however gender is neither "voluntary nor optional", said Carmen Calvo, who served as Sanchez's former deputy and headed the equality ministry under the Socialists. She remarked that to her it seems like a step backwards in terms of advancement when gender is asserted above biological sex, she said in a September interview with newspaper El Mundo. There are also fears that the law will lead to abuse and erosion of women's rights by allowing men who self-identify as women to compete in women's sports and even request transfers to women's prisons. (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.

Spain divided over bill that allows transgender people over 16 to change gender in ID

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is once again embroiled in controversy and this time it's over an alleged "sex call".

As per reports an alleged recording of the leader with an unknown woman has come to light in&nbsp;which he can be heard engaging in a sexually explicit, lewd conversation.&nbsp;

Watch | Former Pak PM Imran Khan's sleazy audio latest in series of leaks

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With elections set to be held in the country next year this alleged recording of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder has invited widespread criticism.

FirstPost reports that the call recording was apparently leaked by a local Pakistani Journalist named Syed Ali Haider. First shared on Youtube the audio is now also making the rounds on Twitter.

Reportedly a few Pakistani news portals have also claimed that it is an old recording and that the call was made from Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-disappointed-by-ban-on-university-education-for-afghan-women-urges-kabul-to-revisit-decision-545093">Pakistan 'disappointed' by ban on university education for Afghan women, urges Kabul to revisit decision</a>

However, Imran Khan's party PTI has said the audio is fake.

Dr Arslan Khalid, a PTI leader who served as Focal Person (Digital Media) to Imran Khan during his regime said that "Political opponents of the PTI chairman can’t think beyond creating fake audios and videos."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-copter-rides-cost-rs-430-million-to-exchequer-says-pakistan-govt-543897">Imran Khan’s copter rides cost Rs 430 million to exchequer, says Pakistan govt reeling under debt</a>

Another PTI leader Azhar Mashwani also condemned the character assassination of Khan.

This is not the first time that controversial audio supposedly involving the former PM has been "leaked". Earlier too damning audios allegedly involving Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi Khan were leaked.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is once again embroiled in controversy and this time it's over an alleged "sex call". As per reports an alleged recording of the leader with an unknown woman has come to light in which he can be heard engaging in a sexually explicit, lewd conversation.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is once again embroiled in controversy and this time it's over an alleged "sex call". As per reports an alleged recording of the leader with an unknown woman has come to light in which he can be heard engaging in a sexually explicit, lewd conversation. Watch | Former Pak PM Imran Khan's sleazy audio latest in series of leaks With elections set to be held in the country next year this alleged recording of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder has invited widespread criticism. FirstPost reports that the call recording was apparently leaked by a local Pakistani Journalist named Syed Ali Haider. First shared on Youtube the audio is now also making the rounds on Twitter. Reportedly a few Pakistani news portals have also claimed that it is an old recording and that the call was made from Pakistan Prime Minister's Office. Also read | Pakistan 'disappointed' by ban on university education for Afghan women, urges Kabul to revisit decision However, Imran Khan's party PTI has said the audio is fake. Dr Arslan Khalid, a PTI leader who served as Focal Person (Digital Media) to Imran Khan during his regime said that "Political opponents of the PTI chairman can’t think beyond creating fake audios and videos." Also read | Imran Khan’s copter rides cost Rs 430 million to exchequer, says Pakistan govt reeling under debt Another PTI leader Azhar Mashwani also condemned the character assassination of Khan. This is not the first time that controversial audio supposedly involving the former PM has been "leaked". Earlier too damning audios allegedly involving Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi Khan were leaked. (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.

Imran Khan lands in hot soup once again, leaked audio of a vulgar call invites hate; PTI claims it's fake

The United States has stepped up pressure on Tehran over its crackdown on the ongoing anti-hijab protests. It has imposed sanctions on top Iranian officials including the prosecutor general and key military officials.

Deploring the role these officials are playing in the crackdown and the subsequent executions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said "We again call on Iran's leadership to immediately cease its violent crackdown and to listen to its people. We will continue to promote accountability for those involved as we support the Iranian people."

Watch |&nbsp;Iran protests: Iran arrests actress Taraneh Alidoosti; arrested on charges of 'spreading falsehood

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Talking about Mohsen Shekari who was the first person to be executed earlier this month over the protests the US Treasury department said that Iran's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, was responsible for human rights abuses including torture and death-penalty verdicts awarded in hearings that bore "little resemblance to a meaningful trial".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-second-protester-in-less-than-a-week-rights-group-claim-450-killed-in-protests-542169">Iran executes second protester in less than a week; rights group claims 450 killed in protests</a>

As per Reuters, Washington also imposed sanctions on Imen Sanat Zaman Fara, an Iranian company that allegedly manufactures equipment for Tehran's Law Enforcement Forces, including armoured vehicles used in crowd suppression.

"We denounce the Iranian regime’s intensifying use of violence against its own people who are advocating for their human rights," said the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/400-people-sentenced-to-up-to-10-years-in-jail-in-connection-with-iran-protests-542860">400 people sentenced to up to 10 years in jail in connection with Iran protests</a>

Additionally, Washington imposed sanctions on two senior officials of Iran’s Basij Resistance Forces, and two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials.

The sanctions as per AFP blocks the US assets of those targeted and also criminalise transactions with these officials. Anyone engaging in transactions with them also faces the risk of being hit with sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has stepped up pressure on Tehran over its crackdown on the ongoing anti-hijab protests. It has imposed sanctions on top Iranian officials including the prosecutor general and key military officials.

The United States has stepped up pressure on Tehran over its crackdown on the ongoing anti-hijab protests. It has imposed sanctions on top Iranian officials including the prosecutor general and key military officials. Deploring the role these officials are playing in the crackdown and the subsequent executions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said "We again call on Iran's leadership to immediately cease its violent crackdown and to listen to its people. We will continue to promote accountability for those involved as we support the Iranian people." Watch | Iran protests: Iran arrests actress Taraneh Alidoosti; arrested on charges of 'spreading falsehood Talking about Mohsen Shekari who was the first person to be executed earlier this month over the protests the US Treasury department said that Iran's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, was responsible for human rights abuses including torture and death-penalty verdicts awarded in hearings that bore "little resemblance to a meaningful trial". Also read | Iran executes second protester in less than a week; rights group claims 450 killed in protests As per Reuters, Washington also imposed sanctions on Imen Sanat Zaman Fara, an Iranian company that allegedly manufactures equipment for Tehran's Law Enforcement Forces, including armoured vehicles used in crowd suppression. "We denounce the Iranian regime’s intensifying use of violence against its own people who are advocating for their human rights," said the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson. Also read | 400 people sentenced to up to 10 years in jail in connection with Iran protests Additionally, Washington imposed sanctions on two senior officials of Iran’s Basij Resistance Forces, and two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials. The sanctions as per AFP blocks the US assets of those targeted and also criminalise transactions with these officials. Anyone engaging in transactions with them also faces the risk of being hit with sanctions. (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.

US sanctions top Iranian officials over crackdown on anti-hijab protests

The eight-vehicle crash last month on San Francisco's Bay Bridge which involved a Tesla Model S car reportedly happened due to the malfunctioning of the vehicle's Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode.

As per a police report made public on Wednesday, the car's driver said that the 2021 model car was in Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode which had malfunctioned. However, the police were unable to determine if the software was in operation or if his statement was accurate.

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch | Tesla to freeze hiring, lay off employees in next quarter: Report

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However, the police in its report said that the vehicle had made an unsafe lane change and was slowing to a stop when another vehicle crashed into it from behind. This then led to a chain reaction of six more vehicles crashing and causing the pile-up.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-to-implement-hiring-freeze-and-layoff-people-in-2023-report-545417">Tesla to implement a hiring freeze and layoff people in 2023: Report</a>

It also said that if the self-driving function did malfunction the driver should have taken manual control of the vehicle and prevented the crash.

The Thanksgiving Day crash had caused lengthy delays on San Francisco's Interstate-80 near Island and had also sent two juveniles to the hospital with minor injuries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-reports-two-new-crash-fatalities-in-model-3-cars-linked-to-advanced-driver-assistance-systems-534811">Tesla reports two more crash fatalities in Model 3 cars linked to advanced driver assistance system</a>

As per Tesla the so-called "Full Self Driving" function only provides driver advanced assistance features but the vehicles still require human supervision and "are not autonomous". This has even led Jennifer Homendy, the National Transportation Safety Board chair to question Tesla's marketing of the feature. In her opinion, the company must make sure to "do more" to ensure that the feature isn't misused.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The eight-vehicle crash last month on San Francisco's Bay Bridge which involved a Tesla Model S car reportedly happened due to the malfunctioning of the vehicle's Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode.

The eight-vehicle crash last month on San Francisco's Bay Bridge which involved a Tesla Model S car reportedly happened due to the malfunctioning of the vehicle's Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode. As per a police report made public on Wednesday, the car's driver said that the 2021 model car was in Full-Self Driving (FSD) mode which had malfunctioned. However, the police were unable to determine if the software was in operation or if his statement was accurate. Watch | World Business Watch | Tesla to freeze hiring, lay off employees in next quarter: Report However, the police in its report said that the vehicle had made an unsafe lane change and was slowing to a stop when another vehicle crashed into it from behind. This then led to a chain reaction of six more vehicles crashing and causing the pile-up. Also read | Tesla to implement a hiring freeze and layoff people in 2023: Report It also said that if the self-driving function did malfunction the driver should have taken manual control of the vehicle and prevented the crash. The Thanksgiving Day crash had caused lengthy delays on San Francisco's Interstate-80 near Island and had also sent two juveniles to the hospital with minor injuries. Also read | Tesla reports two more crash fatalities in Model 3 cars linked to advanced driver assistance system As per Tesla the so-called "Full Self Driving" function only provides driver advanced assistance features but the vehicles still require human supervision and "are not autonomous". This has even led Jennifer Homendy, the National Transportation Safety Board chair to question Tesla's marketing of the feature. In her opinion, the company must make sure to "do more" to ensure that the feature isn't misused. (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.

Driver of Tesla car that caused eight-car pile-up in San Francisco blames 'Full-Self Driving' feature

Tesla is set to lay off more employees. As per reports, the electric car maker has notified its employees that it will be implementing a hiring freeze and that another wave of layoffs is also in the cards.&nbsp;Quoting an anonymous source familiar with the matter, Electrek reported that the layoffs will happen in the first quarter of next year.

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch | Tesla to freeze hiring, lay off employees in next quarter: Report

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Tesla has communicated to some employees that it will be stopping hiring.&nbsp;

However, with Tesla planning to expand in some manufacturing locations, it is not known how extensive the hiring freeze will be as no further details were made available.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-breaks-silence-after-damning-poll-called-for-his-resignation-as-twitter-ceo-544678">Elon Musk breaks silence after damning poll called for his resignation as Twitter CEO</a>

The current spate of layoffs comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk implemented a 10 per cent staff cut in June. At the time, Musk reportedly gave different reasons to different people for the layoffs. He even chalked it up to a "very bad feeling" about the economy.

In the last year, since September and especially after Musk's acquisition of Twitter, Tesla stock has experienced a steady fall which might be contributing to the hiring freeze. This year, the company's shares have lost nearly 60 per cent of their value so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-reports-two-new-crash-fatalities-in-model-3-cars-linked-to-advanced-driver-assistance-systems-534811">Tesla reports two more crash fatalities in Model 3 cars linked to advanced driver assistance system</a>

On Wednesday, Tesla's shares tumbled to around $137 per share, it's lowest ever as Elon Musk blamed global macroeconomic conditions. Shares of Tesla as per Reuters rose 1 per cent to $139.25 in Thursday's trading before the bell.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tesla is set to lay off more employees. As per reports, the electric car maker has notified its employees that it will be implementing a hiring freeze and that another wave of layoffs is also in the cards.

Tesla is set to lay off more employees. As per reports, the electric car maker has notified its employees that it will be implementing a hiring freeze and that another wave of layoffs is also in the cards. Quoting an anonymous source familiar with the matter, Electrek reported that the layoffs will happen in the first quarter of next year. Watch | World Business Watch | Tesla to freeze hiring, lay off employees in next quarter: Report Tesla has communicated to some employees that it will be stopping hiring. However, with Tesla planning to expand in some manufacturing locations, it is not known how extensive the hiring freeze will be as no further details were made available. Also read | Elon Musk breaks silence after damning poll called for his resignation as Twitter CEO The current spate of layoffs comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk implemented a 10 per cent staff cut in June. At the time, Musk reportedly gave different reasons to different people for the layoffs. He even chalked it up to a "very bad feeling" about the economy. In the last year, since September and especially after Musk's acquisition of Twitter, Tesla stock has experienced a steady fall which might be contributing to the hiring freeze. This year, the company's shares have lost nearly 60 per cent of their value so far. Also read | Tesla reports two more crash fatalities in Model 3 cars linked to advanced driver assistance system On Wednesday, Tesla's shares tumbled to around $137 per share, it's lowest ever as Elon Musk blamed global macroeconomic conditions. Shares of Tesla as per Reuters rose 1 per cent to $139.25 in Thursday's trading before the bell. (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.

Tesla plans to implement hiring freeze, lay off more employees in 2023: Report

A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead. However, he refused to formally announce that.

The video that surfaced on Tuesday has been shared far and wide. It is believed to have been shot on November 3 during the US President's visit to California.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Iran inching closer to enriching nukes? IAEA's shocking report amidst nuke deal talks

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In it, Biden can be seen responding to a woman, who can be seen wearing a hair ribbon in Iranian flag colours. The woman asks him to announce that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer in effect. Biden, however, says no.

The White House hasn't denied the video, and national security spokesperson John Kirby said that nobody was questioning its authenticity. He added that Washington still wants to restore the JCPOA but that right now due to the Ukraine war, it's not a priority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-using-advanced-machines-to-further-expand-its-nuclear-enrichment-capabilities-iaea-report-524365">Iran using 'advanced machines' to further expand its nuclear enrichment capabilities: IAEA report</a>

"The president's comments are very much in line with everything we've been saying about the JCPOA, which is just not our focus right now," said Kirby.

"There is no progress happening with respect to the Iran deal now. We don't anticipate any progress anytime in the near future."&nbsp;

"We simply don't see a deal coming together anytime soon, while Iran continues to kill its own citizens and is selling UAVs to Russia," he said, referring to the so-called anti-Hijab protests in Tehran and the government's campaign to repress months-long demonstrations over its treatment of women.

Watch the video here:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Biden asked if he will announced the Iran deal is dead by Iranian Americans: 
 
“It is dead but we’re not gonna announce it” 
 
🤦🏼‍♀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranRevoIution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranRevoIution</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/Qakgj6Lz06">pic.twitter.com/Qakgj6Lz06</a>
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilykschrader/status/1605127937774190592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here's a transcript of the conversation as reported by AFP:

"President Biden, could you please announce that the JCPOA is dead," asks the woman, as Biden passes by shaking hands.

"No," he replies.&nbsp;

"Why not?" the woman retorts.

"It is dead, but we are not going to announce it," says Biden adding, "Long story."

The woman, and others next to her, then urge him to not make deals with the Iran government and say "they don't represent us."&nbsp;

"They are not our government," adds another.

"I know they don't represent you. But they will have a nuclear weapon," Biden responds. The video ends here.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-what-are-major-issues-bedevilling-talks-on-its-revival-507317">Iran nuclear deal: What are major issues bedevilling talks on its revival?</a>

This comes as even after months of pressure Iran refuses to bow to pressure and accept the final stipulations of the agreement that would revive the JCPOA deal.

The United States pulled out of the agreement under the leadership of former President Donald Trump in 2018.&nbsp;Talks towards the revival of the 2015 deal have been on since April 2021 and as per AFP at one point early this year, Iran and US came really close to a deal.

However, recent months haven't seen any progress and in September, European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the parties were actually "diverging."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead.

A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead. However, he refused to formally announce that. The video that surfaced on Tuesday has been shared far and wide. It is believed to have been shot on November 3 during the US President's visit to California. Watch | WION Dispatch: Iran inching closer to enriching nukes? IAEA's shocking report amidst nuke deal talks In it, Biden can be seen responding to a woman, who can be seen wearing a hair ribbon in Iranian flag colours. The woman asks him to announce that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer in effect. Biden, however, says no. The White House hasn't denied the video, and national security spokesperson John Kirby said that nobody was questioning its authenticity. He added that Washington still wants to restore the JCPOA but that right now due to the Ukraine war, it's not a priority. Also read | Iran using 'advanced machines' to further expand its nuclear enrichment capabilities: IAEA report "The president's comments are very much in line with everything we've been saying about the JCPOA, which is just not our focus right now," said Kirby. "There is no progress happening with respect to the Iran deal now. We don't anticipate any progress anytime in the near future." "We simply don't see a deal coming together anytime soon, while Iran continues to kill its own citizens and is selling UAVs to Russia," he said, referring to the so-called anti-Hijab protests in Tehran and the government's campaign to repress months-long demonstrations over its treatment of women. Watch the video here: President Biden asked if he will announced the Iran deal is dead by Iranian Americans: “It is dead but we’re not gonna announce it” 🤦🏼‍♀️ #IranRevoIution pic.twitter.com/Qakgj6Lz06 — Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) December 20, 2022 × Here's a transcript of the conversation as reported by AFP: "President Biden, could you please announce that the JCPOA is dead," asks the woman, as Biden passes by shaking hands. "No," he replies. "Why not?" the woman retorts. "It is dead, but we are not going to announce it," says Biden adding, "Long story." The woman, and others next to her, then urge him to not make deals with the Iran government and say "they don't represent us." "They are not our government," adds another. "I know they don't represent you. But they will have a nuclear weapon," Biden responds. The video ends here. Also read | Iran nuclear deal: What are major issues bedevilling talks on its revival? This comes as even after months of pressure Iran refuses to bow to pressure and accept the final stipulations of the agreement that would revive the JCPOA deal. The United States pulled out of the agreement under the leadership of former President Donald Trump in 2018. Talks towards the revival of the 2015 deal have been on since April 2021 and as per AFP at one point early this year, Iran and US came really close to a deal. However, recent months haven't seen any progress and in September, European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the parties were actually "diverging." (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.

'It is dead, but we are not going to announce it,' says Biden about Iran nuclear deal. Watch!

Just a week back,&nbsp;WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had expressed hope that the COVID-19 emergency might be ending, turns out "the end is (not) in sight". Global health experts have warned the sudden surge China is experiencing represents a "wild card" and that we may be in a different phase of the pandemic.

This comes as around the globe, a potential end of the COVID-19 pandemic phase had raised hopes. In September, Tedros had said the "end is in sight" for the pandemic, but talking to the press last week, WHO Emergencies chief Mike Ryan said: "I think the world still has… work to do. The job is not done."

Talking to Reuters, Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans, who is part of the WHO committee tasked with advising on the status of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID</a> emergency said, "The question is whether you can call it post-pandemic when such a significant part of the world is actually just entering its second wave."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Is a new wave coming

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"It's clear that we are in a very different phase [of the pandemic], but in my mind, that pending wave in China is a wild card," she added.

Koopmans and her fellow advisory committee members are scheduled to submit their recommendation regarding the emergency status of the pandemic to the WHO chief in January.

This emergency designation is the global health agency's highest level of alert associated with disease outbreaks and is put in place to help international organisations prioritise funding and assistance for research, treatments and vaccine.

Experts have also warned that a domestic spread of the virus in China or elsewhere carries with it the risk of mutation. While currently, Chinese data accessed by WHO and the virus database GISAID shows the variants circulating in the nation are Omicron and its subvariants, in the absence of full data, the picture isn't clear.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-in-china-demand-for-a-particular-fruit-rises-as-people-seek-natural-remedies-to-fight-the-virus-544905">COVID-19 in China: Demand for a particular fruit rises as people seek natural remedies to fight the virus</a>

Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College, London said, "The bottom line is, it's not clear [if] the wave in China is variant-driven, or whether it just represents a breakdown of containment."&nbsp;

Another expert, an infectious disease specialist and WHO adviser, David Heymann warned, "I don't think anybody can predict for sure whether we could see new variants that might be a concern to the rest of the world, but clearly the world should be concerned if people are becoming sick and dying [in China]."&nbsp;

Speaking to BBC, epidemiologist Wu Zunyou has warned that China might experience three waves of Covid infection this winter. As per his estimates, the current spike might continue till mid-January, a second spike can happen around the Lunar New Year celebrations that begin on January 21, and the third wave could happen between late February and mid-March when people return to the office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-population-in-china-may-be-infected-by-covid-in-the-next-three-months-top-epidemiologist-544810">Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist</a>

Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert at China's Peking University First Hospital has also warned that the nation may face a surge in severe COVID-19 cases cases in the next two weeks.

"We must act quickly and prepare fever clinics, emergency and severe treatment resources," said Wang.

Last week, China began dismantling its stringent zero-Covid regulations that have been in place for close to three years and since then the nation has reported a significant rise in its number of cases and deaths, which given its 1.4 billion population are low, but remain alarming.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just a week back, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had expressed hope that the COVID-19 emergency might be ending, turns out "the end is (not) in sight". Global health experts have warned the sudden surge China is experiencing represents a "wild card" and that we may be in a different phase of the pandemic.

Just a week back, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had expressed hope that the COVID-19 emergency might be ending, turns out "the end is (not) in sight". Global health experts have warned the sudden surge China is experiencing represents a "wild card" and that we may be in a different phase of the pandemic. This comes as around the globe, a potential end of the COVID-19 pandemic phase had raised hopes. In September, Tedros had said the "end is in sight" for the pandemic, but talking to the press last week, WHO Emergencies chief Mike Ryan said: "I think the world still has… work to do. The job is not done." Talking to Reuters, Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans, who is part of the WHO committee tasked with advising on the status of the COVID emergency said, "The question is whether you can call it post-pandemic when such a significant part of the world is actually just entering its second wave." Watch | Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Is a new wave coming "It's clear that we are in a very different phase [of the pandemic], but in my mind, that pending wave in China is a wild card," she added. Koopmans and her fellow advisory committee members are scheduled to submit their recommendation regarding the emergency status of the pandemic to the WHO chief in January. This emergency designation is the global health agency's highest level of alert associated with disease outbreaks and is put in place to help international organisations prioritise funding and assistance for research, treatments and vaccine. Experts have also warned that a domestic spread of the virus in China or elsewhere carries with it the risk of mutation. While currently, Chinese data accessed by WHO and the virus database GISAID shows the variants circulating in the nation are Omicron and its subvariants, in the absence of full data, the picture isn't clear. Also read | COVID-19 in China: Demand for a particular fruit rises as people seek natural remedies to fight the virus Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College, London said, "The bottom line is, it's not clear [if] the wave in China is variant-driven, or whether it just represents a breakdown of containment." Another expert, an infectious disease specialist and WHO adviser, David Heymann warned, "I don't think anybody can predict for sure whether we could see new variants that might be a concern to the rest of the world, but clearly the world should be concerned if people are becoming sick and dying [in China]." Speaking to BBC, epidemiologist Wu Zunyou has warned that China might experience three waves of Covid infection this winter. As per his estimates, the current spike might continue till mid-January, a second spike can happen around the Lunar New Year celebrations that begin on January 21, and the third wave could happen between late February and mid-March when people return to the office. Also read | Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert at China's Peking University First Hospital has also warned that the nation may face a surge in severe COVID-19 cases cases in the next two weeks. "We must act quickly and prepare fever clinics, emergency and severe treatment resources," said Wang. Last week, China began dismantling its stringent zero-Covid regulations that have been in place for close to three years and since then the nation has reported a significant rise in its number of cases and deaths, which given its 1.4 billion population are low, but remain alarming. (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: Is China a threat to the world? Beijing's new Covid wave a 'wild card', warn experts

Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures.

In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Snowstorm strikes Canada's Vancouver, halting traffic and flights

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With a burst of Arctic air settling over some states the situation is expected to worsen, and it might even turn deadly. NWS Prediction Center in a forecast on Twitter said that "Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, the wind chill will make it feel even colder than this!".

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We've got chills just looking at this forecast 🥶 
 
⬇️ This shows high temps Tue-Sun, the color represents the departure from average. Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, wind chill will make it feel even colder than this! <a href="https://t.co/4fGd3lXdoP">pic.twitter.com/4fGd3lXdoP</a>
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1605244824478576640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The agency has warned that a temperature this cold can cause frostbite in less than five minutes.

On the other hand in Canada, heavy snowfall due to a strong weather winter storm forced the nation's second busiest airport, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to halt or delay flights. As per a Reuters report citing data from airline tracking website Flightware, nearly 200 flights were cancelled and 67 were delayed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chicago-weather-snow-storm-expected-ahead-of-christmas-avoid-travel-on-these-days-544819">Chicago weather: Snow storm expected ahead of Christmas, avoid travel on these days</a>

"Travel continues to be significantly impacted this morning and we anticipate cancellations and delays to continue through the day and the week ahead," said the airport in a statement.

With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a majority of people had travel plans which now stand to suffer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures. In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert.

Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures. In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert. Watch | Snowstorm strikes Canada's Vancouver, halting traffic and flights With a burst of Arctic air settling over some states the situation is expected to worsen, and it might even turn deadly. NWS Prediction Center in a forecast on Twitter said that "Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, the wind chill will make it feel even colder than this!". We've got chills just looking at this forecast 🥶 ⬇️ This shows high temps Tue-Sun, the color represents the departure from average. Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, wind chill will make it feel even colder than this! pic.twitter.com/4fGd3lXdoP — NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 20, 2022 × The agency has warned that a temperature this cold can cause frostbite in less than five minutes. On the other hand in Canada, heavy snowfall due to a strong weather winter storm forced the nation's second busiest airport, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to halt or delay flights. As per a Reuters report citing data from airline tracking website Flightware, nearly 200 flights were cancelled and 67 were delayed. Also read | Chicago weather: Snow storm expected ahead of Christmas, avoid travel on these days "Travel continues to be significantly impacted this morning and we anticipate cancellations and delays to continue through the day and the week ahead," said the airport in a statement. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a majority of people had travel plans which now stand to suffer. (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.

US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins

After a damning poll in which 57 per cent of the respondents voted for the removal of Elon musk from his post as the "Chief twit", the Twitter CEO has finally broken his silence.&nbsp;

However, his latest tweet isn't exactly about the poll. Instead, he has acknowledged a user who suggested that "Blue subscribers should be the only ones that can vote in policy-related polls."

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter users vote for Elon Musk to step down as CEO

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In reply to the suggestion, Musk said that Twitter will make the change.&nbsp;

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Good point. Twitter will make that change.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1604985324505030658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This comes as Musk supporters allege that bots could make up for a huge part of the poll responders.

As one user put it "Hey @elonmusk, it’s unwise to run a poll like this when you are now deep state enemy #1. They have the biggest bot army on Twitter. They have 100k ‘analysts’ with 30-40 accounts all voting against you. Let’s clean up and then run this poll again. The majority has faith in you.".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-users-vote-in-favour-of-removing-elon-musk-as-ceo-544536" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-users-vote-in-favour-of-removing-elon-musk-as-ceo-544536&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQiIP2tIf8AhXbzzgGHc44CU44ChAWegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw31QTFg_EgdljYi_m6ONw9j" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-users-vote-in-favour-of-removing-elon-musk-as-ceo-544536" target="_blank">Twitter users vote in favour of removing&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;as CEO</a>

In another tweet, the Tesla CEO seems to be talking about the poll results as he says, "As the saying goes, be careful what you wish, as you might get it."&nbsp;

While he doesn't explicitly mention the poll he could be referring&nbsp;to his November 16 statement before a Delaware judge, where he said that he plans to reduce time at Twitter and "find somebody else to run Twitter over time".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/my-pronouns-are-prosecutefauci-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-us-top-infectious-disease-expert-542152">'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert</a>

It remains to be seen whether Musk will abide by the poll results as he had promised or if he would take his follower's suggestions to heart and run another poll. In the recent past, he has used similar polls to "rubber stamp" his decisions. One such poll led to him restoring former US President Donald Trump's account on the social media platform, another similarly reinstated other suspended accounts, and yet another one from last year led to him dumping a tenth of his Tesla holdings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After a damning poll in which 57 per cent of the respondents voted for the removal of Elon musk from his post as the "Chief twit", the Twitter CEO has finally broken his silence.

After a damning poll in which 57 per cent of the respondents voted for the removal of Elon musk from his post as the "Chief twit", the Twitter CEO has finally broken his silence. However, his latest tweet isn't exactly about the poll. Instead, he has acknowledged a user who suggested that "Blue subscribers should be the only ones that can vote in policy-related polls." Watch | Twitter users vote for Elon Musk to step down as CEO In reply to the suggestion, Musk said that Twitter will make the change. Good point. Twitter will make that change. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 19, 2022 × This comes as Musk supporters allege that bots could make up for a huge part of the poll responders. As one user put it "Hey @elonmusk, it’s unwise to run a poll like this when you are now deep state enemy #1. They have the biggest bot army on Twitter. They have 100k ‘analysts’ with 30-40 accounts all voting against you. Let’s clean up and then run this poll again. The majority has faith in you.". Also read | Twitter users vote in favour of removing Elon Musk as CEO In another tweet, the Tesla CEO seems to be talking about the poll results as he says, "As the saying goes, be careful what you wish, as you might get it." While he doesn't explicitly mention the poll he could be referring to his November 16 statement before a Delaware judge, where he said that he plans to reduce time at Twitter and "find somebody else to run Twitter over time". Also read | 'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert It remains to be seen whether Musk will abide by the poll results as he had promised or if he would take his follower's suggestions to heart and run another poll. In the recent past, he has used similar polls to "rubber stamp" his decisions. One such poll led to him restoring former US President Donald Trump's account on the social media platform, another similarly reinstated other suspended accounts, and yet another one from last year led to him dumping a tenth of his Tesla holdings. (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.

Elon Musk breaks silence after damning poll called for his resignation as Twitter CEO

The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border.

Chief Justice John Roberts placed an emergency stay on Title 42 amid concerns that its removal will cause an influx of undocumented migrants.

Watch |&nbsp;Scuffle between police and migrants near US-Mexico border, camps inhabited over by 600 Venezuelans

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The decision comes after a Washington appeals court last week ruled that there was no longer any justification for Title 42.

However, a last-minute petition by 20 mostly Republican states including Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia argued that ending the policy would create a gush of migrants mostly from Mexico and Latin Americas.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-mexico-reach-an-agreement-on-easing-venezuelan-migration-525219">US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration</a>

Citing a prediction by the Department of Homeland Security they said that the number of those seeking asylum could triple to 18,000 every day. The states have asked the court to take on the full case over the law.

The stay will remain in place as a Republican challenge moves forward, and "individuals who attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to be expelled to Mexico."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-border-official-resigns-amid-rise-in-migrant-crossing-across-the-us-mexico-border-533690">US: Top border official resigns amid rise in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border</a>

Conservative lawmakers commended the stay and some even urged that Title 42 be turned into a codified law. The parties have been given 24 hours to respond. This means that Title 42 may end this week as planned or it may remain in place as the Supreme Court reviews the case more broadly.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border.

The United States on Monday halted the scrapping of a key policy that has been in place since the last days of the Donald Trump administration and blocked the entry of migrants at the country's southwest border. Chief Justice John Roberts placed an emergency stay on Title 42 amid concerns that its removal will cause an influx of undocumented migrants. Watch | Scuffle between police and migrants near US-Mexico border, camps inhabited over by 600 Venezuelans The decision comes after a Washington appeals court last week ruled that there was no longer any justification for Title 42. However, a last-minute petition by 20 mostly Republican states including Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia argued that ending the policy would create a gush of migrants mostly from Mexico and Latin Americas. Also read | US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration Citing a prediction by the Department of Homeland Security they said that the number of those seeking asylum could triple to 18,000 every day. The states have asked the court to take on the full case over the law. The stay will remain in place as a Republican challenge moves forward, and "individuals who attempt to enter the United States unlawfully will continue to be expelled to Mexico." Also read | US: Top border official resigns amid rise in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border Conservative lawmakers commended the stay and some even urged that Title 42 be turned into a codified law. The parties have been given 24 hours to respond. This means that Title 42 may end this week as planned or it may remain in place as the Supreme Court reviews the case more broadly. (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.

US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country

North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts.

Days after Tokyo unveiled its ambitious military buildup that as per Reuters stands to be its biggest since World War two, Pyongyang said that Japan's strategy effectively formalised a "new aggression policy" and stands to fundamentally change the regional security environment.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-south-korea-military-says-north-korea-fired-unidentified-ballistic-missile-544137">South Korea military says North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missile</a>

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"Japan is bringing a serious security crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in the East Asia region by adopting a new security strategy that effectively acknowledges its pre-emptive strike capabilities against other countries," said a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

"Japan will soon learn with a shudder it has made a clearly wrong and very dangerous choice," warned the North as it denounced the Japanese military buildup as a "serious challenge" to international peace adding that it is in violation of the UN charter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tests-fires-first-spy-satellite-a-day-after-launching-ballistic-missiles-544351">North Korea completes 'important' test for a spy satellite, confirms state media</a>

"We make it clear once again that we have the right to take bold and decisive military measures to protect our fundamental rights ... in response to the complicated regional security environment."

In a separate statement Kim Yo Jong, sister of the &nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un addressed the reports of North developing a spy satellite and said that her country's attempts to develop the equipment were a "pressing priority" with a direct link to Pyongyang's security.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fired-unidentified-ballistic-missile-towards-japan-sea-south-korea-544132" target="_blank">North Korea fired two ballistic missile into the East sea: Japan and South Korea</a>

As per a KCNA report, she also said that neighbour South Korea would "cry out for some kind of international cooperation and try hard to impose additional sanctions on us," adding that with her nation's right to survival and development being threatened, "why are we afraid of sanctions ... and why would we stop?"

Pyongyang also slammed the United States for "exalting and instigating" pacifist Japan's "rearmament and re-invasion plan" saying that given this Washington has no right to question North Korea's efforts to bolster its defences.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts.

North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts. Days after Tokyo unveiled its ambitious military buildup that as per Reuters stands to be its biggest since World War two, Pyongyang said that Japan's strategy effectively formalised a "new aggression policy" and stands to fundamentally change the regional security environment. Watch | South Korea military says North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missile "Japan is bringing a serious security crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in the East Asia region by adopting a new security strategy that effectively acknowledges its pre-emptive strike capabilities against other countries," said a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson. "Japan will soon learn with a shudder it has made a clearly wrong and very dangerous choice," warned the North as it denounced the Japanese military buildup as a "serious challenge" to international peace adding that it is in violation of the UN charter. Also read | North Korea completes 'important' test for a spy satellite, confirms state media "We make it clear once again that we have the right to take bold and decisive military measures to protect our fundamental rights ... in response to the complicated regional security environment." In a separate statement Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un addressed the reports of North developing a spy satellite and said that her country's attempts to develop the equipment were a "pressing priority" with a direct link to Pyongyang's security. Also read | North Korea fired two ballistic missile into the East sea: Japan and South Korea As per a KCNA report, she also said that neighbour South Korea would "cry out for some kind of international cooperation and try hard to impose additional sanctions on us," adding that with her nation's right to survival and development being threatened, "why are we afraid of sanctions ... and why would we stop?" Pyongyang also slammed the United States for "exalting and instigating" pacifist Japan's "rearmament and re-invasion plan" saying that given this Washington has no right to question North Korea's efforts to bolster its defences. (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.

North Korea denounces Japan's military buildup, warns it will 'shudder' over wrong choice

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong who will soon embark on a trip to China, on Tuesday said that she will push China to lift trade sanctions and seek consular access to two Australians detained by Beijing.

Cheng Lei an Australian journalist was detained by Chinese authorities in August 2020 over allegations of "supplying state secrets overseas". &nbsp;while Chinese-born Australian Yang Jun who was detained in January 2019 has been accused of espionage reports AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Penny Wong to meet China's foreign minister amid soaring tensions in Indo-Pacific

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Urging their release Wong said that it would remove an obstacle that stands before good relations between her nation and China.

"I think that it would be beneficial not just for the individuals, which is I think important in its own right, but it would be beneficial to the relationship for those consular matters to be dealt with," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-australia-ink-landmark-security-pact-to-counter-chinas-military-build-up-in-indo-pacific-527555">Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific</a>

Wong is the first Australian Foreign minister to visit China in four years. The upcoming visit marks the first formal talks since 2018 between top diplomats of the two nations.

The last such visit was in 2019. Since then the once excellent relations between China and Australia have nosedived, with them sparring over an array of political and moral issues.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calmly-and-directly-australia-engages-with-china-in-national-interest-534768">'Calmly and directly': Australia engages with China in 'national interest'</a>

As per AFP, these include Chinese influence operations overseas; widespread rights abuses in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet; and America's role in the Asia-Pacific region etc.

Before departing for her visit, Wong said "Many of the hard issues in the relationship will take time to resolve in our interests," adding that it "will take time, but I do see this visit as another step in the road."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong who will soon embark on a trip to China, on Tuesday said that she will push China to lift trade sanctions and seek consular access to two Australians detained by Beijing.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong who will soon embark on a trip to China, on Tuesday said that she will push China to lift trade sanctions and seek consular access to two Australians detained by Beijing. Cheng Lei an Australian journalist was detained by Chinese authorities in August 2020 over allegations of "supplying state secrets overseas". while Chinese-born Australian Yang Jun who was detained in January 2019 has been accused of espionage reports AFP. Watch | Penny Wong to meet China's foreign minister amid soaring tensions in Indo-Pacific Urging their release Wong said that it would remove an obstacle that stands before good relations between her nation and China. "I think that it would be beneficial not just for the individuals, which is I think important in its own right, but it would be beneficial to the relationship for those consular matters to be dealt with," she said. Also read | Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific Wong is the first Australian Foreign minister to visit China in four years. The upcoming visit marks the first formal talks since 2018 between top diplomats of the two nations. The last such visit was in 2019. Since then the once excellent relations between China and Australia have nosedived, with them sparring over an array of political and moral issues. Also read | 'Calmly and directly': Australia engages with China in 'national interest' As per AFP, these include Chinese influence operations overseas; widespread rights abuses in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet; and America's role in the Asia-Pacific region etc. Before departing for her visit, Wong said "Many of the hard issues in the relationship will take time to resolve in our interests," adding that it "will take time, but I do see this visit as another step in the road." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australia urges Beijing to release its citizens as Foreign Minister Wong heads to China

India's apex child rights body the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned BYJU's CEO Byju Raveendran over allegations of malpractice of "hard selling and mis-selling" its courses to students.

As per PTI, Raveendran has to appear in person before the commission on December 23. The summon is reportedly based on news reports of BYJU's sales team indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy&nbsp;courses for their children.

Watch |&nbsp;Byju's under scanner for ill-treatment of staff, struggling to raise funds

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In a statement, the NCPCR said that it has "come across a news article wherein it has been pointed out that the sales team of BYJU'S is indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy their courses for their children. lt has also been mentioned in the news report that some customers have also claimed that they were exploited and deceived, and had put their savings and futures in jeopardy".

The report also alleged that the company has even been actively tricking its customers to enter loan-based agreements for non-refundable courses.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-byjus-ceo-says-it-is-not-layoff-but-time-off-after-firing-employees-530189">India: BYJU's CEO says it is not 'layoff' but 'time off' after firing employees</a>

Many parents have raised complaints against the practice however BYJU didn't take any action.

"The Commission is in observance that indulging into malpractices to lure the parents or children into entering loan-based agreements and then causing exploitation is against the welfare of children and in pursuance of the functions and powers under Section 13 and 14 of CPCR Act, 2005," said the commission as per ANI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-prolonged-audit-delay-byjus-reports-575-mn-losses-in-2021-516588">After prolonged audit delay, Byju's reports $575 million losses in 2021</a>

BYJU's CEO has to appear before the apex body along with details of all the courses run by his company, their fee structure, the number of enrolled students and the refund policy of the company.

If Raveendran fails to comply with the order without a lawful excuse &nbsp;"will be subjected to the consequences of the non-attendance as provided in Rule 10 and Rule l2 of Order XVI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's apex child rights body the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned BYJU's CEO Byju Raveendran over allegations of malpractice of "hard selling and mis-selling" its courses to students.

India's apex child rights body the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has summoned BYJU's CEO Byju Raveendran over allegations of malpractice of "hard selling and mis-selling" its courses to students. As per PTI, Raveendran has to appear in person before the commission on December 23. The summon is reportedly based on news reports of BYJU's sales team indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy courses for their children. Watch | Byju's under scanner for ill-treatment of staff, struggling to raise funds In a statement, the NCPCR said that it has "come across a news article wherein it has been pointed out that the sales team of BYJU'S is indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy their courses for their children. lt has also been mentioned in the news report that some customers have also claimed that they were exploited and deceived, and had put their savings and futures in jeopardy". The report also alleged that the company has even been actively tricking its customers to enter loan-based agreements for non-refundable courses. Also read | India: BYJU's CEO says it is not 'layoff' but 'time off' after firing employees Many parents have raised complaints against the practice however BYJU didn't take any action. "The Commission is in observance that indulging into malpractices to lure the parents or children into entering loan-based agreements and then causing exploitation is against the welfare of children and in pursuance of the functions and powers under Section 13 and 14 of CPCR Act, 2005," said the commission as per ANI. Also read | After prolonged audit delay, Byju's reports $575 million losses in 2021 BYJU's CEO has to appear before the apex body along with details of all the courses run by his company, their fee structure, the number of enrolled students and the refund policy of the company. If Raveendran fails to comply with the order without a lawful excuse "will be subjected to the consequences of the non-attendance as provided in Rule 10 and Rule l2 of Order XVI of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908". (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.

Ed-tech startup Byju's CEO summoned by India's apex child rights body over allegations of malpractice

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, on Sunday, said that she will replace prime minister Pedro Angulo, as part of a reshuffling of her Cabinet, she said on Sunday.

For a few weeks now, Boluarte has been leading a transitional government after her predecessor former President Pedro Castillo, was removed from office and then detained for illegally trying to dissolve Congress.

Watch |&nbsp;Peru President Dina Boularte refuses to step down, urges Congress to approve early polls

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While appearing as a guest on America Television's news program "Cuarto Poder" Boluarte revealed that the cabinet reshuffle will happen on Monday and Tuesday.

However, as per Reuters Boluarte did not hint at who could replace Pedro Angulo, who had been prime minister for just a week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-parliament-rejects-bill-seeking-to-bring-forward-elections-543854">Peru parliament rejects bill seeking to bring forward elections</a>

This reshuffle comes as two ministers from her cabinet resigned. The education and culture ministers reportedly resigned over the deaths during the current protests.

Boluarte said that the reason behind the reshuffle is the need to "be able to install knowledgeable ministers in each sectors".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-nationwide-protests-543113">Peru declares state of emergency amid nationwide protests</a>

She also said that since it is a transition government "we need to act fast", and that "no one can have a minister who will learn on the job," adding that the new cabinet which will work in tandem with opposition-led congress will be a "little more political".&nbsp;

"We'll be reshaping the Cabinet, maybe it will be a more technical Cabinet, but also one that's a little more political to be able to create these bridges for dialogue," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, on Sunday, said that she will replace prime minister Pedro Angulo, as part of a reshuffling of her Cabinet, she said on Sunday.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, on Sunday, said that she will replace prime minister Pedro Angulo, as part of a reshuffling of her Cabinet, she said on Sunday. For a few weeks now, Boluarte has been leading a transitional government after her predecessor former President Pedro Castillo, was removed from office and then detained for illegally trying to dissolve Congress. Watch | Peru President Dina Boularte refuses to step down, urges Congress to approve early polls While appearing as a guest on America Television's news program "Cuarto Poder" Boluarte revealed that the cabinet reshuffle will happen on Monday and Tuesday. However, as per Reuters Boluarte did not hint at who could replace Pedro Angulo, who had been prime minister for just a week. Also read | Peru parliament rejects bill seeking to bring forward elections This reshuffle comes as two ministers from her cabinet resigned. The education and culture ministers reportedly resigned over the deaths during the current protests. Boluarte said that the reason behind the reshuffle is the need to "be able to install knowledgeable ministers in each sectors". Also read | Peru declares state of emergency amid nationwide protests She also said that since it is a transition government "we need to act fast", and that "no one can have a minister who will learn on the job," adding that the new cabinet which will work in tandem with opposition-led congress will be a "little more political". "We'll be reshaping the Cabinet, maybe it will be a more technical Cabinet, but also one that's a little more political to be able to create these bridges for dialogue," she said. (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.

Peru president announces cabinet reshuffle, PM to also be replaced

The London High Court&nbsp;on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges.&nbsp;

After the court's ruling, Rwanda&nbsp;Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo told AFP, "We welcome this decision and stand ready to offer asylum seekers and migrants safety and the opportunity to build a new life in&nbsp;Rwanda."&nbsp;

Makolo described&nbsp;it as a "positive step" to solving the global migration crisis.&nbsp;

Under a deal struck in April under the then Boris Johnson government, the UK plans to send tens of thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda.&nbsp;

As per Reuters the first flight under the deal was planned for June this year but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at London High Court.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has staked his future on stopping the record number of migrants that arrive on Britain's shores in small boats. In one of his first major policy announcements, Sunak had set out a plan to clamp down on these illegal immigrants.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-rwanda-style-plans-to-deport-lankan-refugees-to-third-country-report-527849">UK's Rwanda-style plans to deport Lankan refugees to 'third country': Report</a>

The PM had expressed his desire to restart the flights in spite of opposition from other lawmakers, the United Nations and even the monarch King Charles.&nbsp;

However, the flights cannot be restarted straight away as further appeals could be filed challenging the verdict. Moreover, the ECHR injunction also bars any immediate&nbsp;deportations until a legal conclusion is reached in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-criticism-at-united-nations-for-its-migration-policies-533031">UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies</a>

As per polls, immigration has become a major issue in the UK, rising up to the position of the third most important issue for voters. This comes as the nation experiences a record 40,000 arrivals this year.&nbsp;

However, opponents of the policy have termed it inhumane as Rwanda the destination country has a shady human rights record, and asylum seekers, and their lawyers contest that the UK government's plans do not comply with human rights conventions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The London High Court on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges.

The London High Court on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges. After the court's ruling, Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo told AFP, "We welcome this decision and stand ready to offer asylum seekers and migrants safety and the opportunity to build a new life in Rwanda." Makolo described it as a "positive step" to solving the global migration crisis. Under a deal struck in April under the then Boris Johnson government, the UK plans to send tens of thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda. As per Reuters the first flight under the deal was planned for June this year but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at London High Court. Watch | UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has staked his future on stopping the record number of migrants that arrive on Britain's shores in small boats. In one of his first major policy announcements, Sunak had set out a plan to clamp down on these illegal immigrants. Also read | UK's Rwanda-style plans to deport Lankan refugees to 'third country': Report The PM had expressed his desire to restart the flights in spite of opposition from other lawmakers, the United Nations and even the monarch King Charles. However, the flights cannot be restarted straight away as further appeals could be filed challenging the verdict. Moreover, the ECHR injunction also bars any immediate deportations until a legal conclusion is reached in the country. Also read | UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies As per polls, immigration has become a major issue in the UK, rising up to the position of the third most important issue for voters. This comes as the nation experiences a record 40,000 arrivals this year. However, opponents of the policy have termed it inhumane as Rwanda the destination country has a shady human rights record, and asylum seekers, and their lawyers contest that the UK government's plans do not comply with human rights conventions. (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.

London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. 
 
The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan

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Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. 
 
The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-government-approves-major-defence-overhaul-says-china-poses-greatest-strategic-threat-543682">Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat'</a>

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year.&nbsp;

While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget.

Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threats-from-china-north-korea-japan-set-to-radically-overhaul-defence-policy-542945">Amid threats from China &amp; North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy</a>

However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough.

The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision.

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China. Watch | Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war. Also read | Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year. While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget. Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face". Also read | Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough. The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion

The European Union on Sunday announced an agreement for a major reform to overhaul the bloc's carbon market.&nbsp;The historic deal which aims to lower emissions and invest in climate-friendly technologies was unveiled by member states and MPs on Sunday. 
 
As per an EU statement, the agreement aims to speed up emission&nbsp;cuts, phase out free allowances to industries, and target fuel emissions from building and road transportation sectors.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: EU, Britain warn subsidies to affect global chain supply

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The deal means that emissions in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) sector will be cut by 62 per cent by 2030.

AFP reports that the accord also aims to speed up the process of eliminating free allowances, with a 48.5 per cent reduction by 2030 and a complete elimination by 2034.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-grants-bosnia-candidate-status-for-membership-long-road-ahead-543511">European Union grants Bosnia 'candidate status' for membership, long road ahead</a>

Depending on the commission's favourable assessment, the carbon market will gradually be expanded to include the marine industry, flights inside Europe, and waste incineration facilities.

Under the "polluter pays" premise, the EU ETS enables power producers and sectors with high energy needs, such as steel and cement, to buy "free permits" to cover their carbon emissions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-eu-sanctions-target-russian-military-industrial-complex-543776">New EU sanctions target Russian military-industrial complex</a>

These quotas, as per AFP, will decrease over time to encourage companies to emit less every year and invest in greener technologies as part of the EU's goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Negotiators for member states and the EU parliament undertook the crucial talks for more than 24 hours before reaching the agreement that will significantly broaden the&nbsp;European Union carbon market. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The European Union on Sunday announced an agreement for a major reform to overhaul the bloc's carbon market. The historic deal which aims to lower emissions and invest in climate-friendly technologies was unveiled by member states and MPs on Sunday.

The European Union on Sunday announced an agreement for a major reform to overhaul the bloc's carbon market. The historic deal which aims to lower emissions and invest in climate-friendly technologies was unveiled by member states and MPs on Sunday. As per an EU statement, the agreement aims to speed up emission cuts, phase out free allowances to industries, and target fuel emissions from building and road transportation sectors. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: EU, Britain warn subsidies to affect global chain supply The deal means that emissions in the Emissions Trading System (ETS) sector will be cut by 62 per cent by 2030. AFP reports that the accord also aims to speed up the process of eliminating free allowances, with a 48.5 per cent reduction by 2030 and a complete elimination by 2034. Also read | European Union grants Bosnia 'candidate status' for membership, long road ahead Depending on the commission's favourable assessment, the carbon market will gradually be expanded to include the marine industry, flights inside Europe, and waste incineration facilities. Under the "polluter pays" premise, the EU ETS enables power producers and sectors with high energy needs, such as steel and cement, to buy "free permits" to cover their carbon emissions. Also read | New EU sanctions target Russian military-industrial complex These quotas, as per AFP, will decrease over time to encourage companies to emit less every year and invest in greener technologies as part of the EU's goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Negotiators for member states and the EU parliament undertook the crucial talks for more than 24 hours before reaching the agreement that will significantly broaden the European Union carbon market. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

European Union agrees upon a major reform to overhaul its carbon market

Pope Francis has revealed that back in 2013 when a papal conclave elected him he had also signed a letter of resignation.&nbsp;As per Reuters, the reason behind this was so that the letter could be used if "someday" due to severe and permanent health problems he is unable to carry out his duties.

Watch |&nbsp;Pope: Self defence is an expression of love towards homeland

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Speaking to a Spanish newspaper ABC, he, however, commented that at the age of 86 except for a knee ailment he seems to be in good health.

Pope Francis said that he had shared the letter with the then Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nostradamus-predictions-2023-world-war-iii-new-scandolous-pope-economic-collapse-mars-landing-and-more-542214">Nostradamus predictions 2023: World War III, new scandalous Pope, economic collapse, Mars landing and more</a>

"I have already signed my resignation. Tarcisio Bertone was Secretary of State. I signed it and I told him: 'In case of an impediment for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation'," said Francis.

Francis has long been an advocate of the establishment of an official norm for cases where an accident or health problems impede a Pope's work. He has also often said that he will resign if his health impaired him from running the 1.3 billion-member Roman Catholic Church.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pope-francis-orders-to-return-three-parthenon-fragments-to-greece-543811">Pope Francis orders&nbsp;to return three Parthenon fragments to Greece&nbsp;</a>

"You have it (the letter of resignation). I don't know to whom Cardinal Bertone may have given it, but I gave it to him when he was Secretary of State," said Francis adding that he was revealing the letter's existence for the first time in public.

He also added that he believed Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) and Pope Pius XII (1939-1958) who had both died while in office had signed similar resignation letters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pope Francis has revealed that back in 2013 when a papal conclave elected him he had also signed a letter of resignation. As per Reuters, the reason behind this was so that the letter could be used if "someday" due to severe and permanent health problems he is unable to carry out his duties.

Pope Francis has revealed that back in 2013 when a papal conclave elected him he had also signed a letter of resignation. As per Reuters, the reason behind this was so that the letter could be used if "someday" due to severe and permanent health problems he is unable to carry out his duties. Watch | Pope: Self defence is an expression of love towards homeland Speaking to a Spanish newspaper ABC, he, however, commented that at the age of 86 except for a knee ailment he seems to be in good health. Pope Francis said that he had shared the letter with the then Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Also read | Nostradamus predictions 2023: World War III, new scandalous Pope, economic collapse, Mars landing and more "I have already signed my resignation. Tarcisio Bertone was Secretary of State. I signed it and I told him: 'In case of an impediment for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation'," said Francis. Francis has long been an advocate of the establishment of an official norm for cases where an accident or health problems impede a Pope's work. He has also often said that he will resign if his health impaired him from running the 1.3 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. Also read | Pope Francis orders to return three Parthenon fragments to Greece "You have it (the letter of resignation). I don't know to whom Cardinal Bertone may have given it, but I gave it to him when he was Secretary of State," said Francis adding that he was revealing the letter's existence for the first time in public. He also added that he believed Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) and Pope Pius XII (1939-1958) who had both died while in office had signed similar resignation letters. (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.

Pope Francis reveals he has signed a letter of resignation that goes into force in case of bad health

United States prosecutors on Wednesday charged eight social media influencers with fraud over the allegations of illegally pushing stocks on novice traders via Twitter and Discord.&nbsp;Reportedly, the individuals ripped off about $114 million of unsuspecting followers by purporting to be successful traders on the social media platforms.

As per an AFP report, prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas said that the accused were engaged in a so-called "pump and dump" scheme in which they would hype particular stocks to their followers with the intent of dumping them once prices jump.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as per Reuters report, said that it has filed civil charges against the defendants, claiming that seven of them used Discord and Twitter to boost stocks. The eighth&nbsp;one has been charged with aiding and abetting the scheme via a podcast he ran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-federal-reserve-raises-interest-rate-for-7th-time-this-year-heres-what-it-means-543234">US Federal Reserve raises interest rate for 7th time this year: Here’s what it means</a>

Investigators said that the influencers mainly focused on penny stocks.

As per Forbes, penny stocks "are shares of publicly-listed companies that have a very low price value" that generally trade at really low prices of a dollar or less. Most of these shares were in companies with a market capitalisation of less than $100 million.

Mitchell Hennessey of Hoboken, New Jersey, Texas residents Edward Constantinescu, Perry Matlock, John Rybarczyk and Dan Knight, along with California residents Gary Deel and Tom Cooperman, Stefan Hrvatin of Miami have&nbsp;been named as the defendants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-has-stopped-paying-office-rent-considers-not-paying-severance-to-employees-fired-report-543010">Twitter has stopped paying office rent, considers not paying severance to fired employees: Report</a>

Of these Matlock has pleaded not guilty.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said that "Securities fraud victimises innocent investors and undermines the integrity of our public markets."

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States prosecutors on Wednesday charged eight social media influencers with fraud over the allegations of illegally pushing stocks on novice traders via Twitter and Discord.

United States prosecutors on Wednesday charged eight social media influencers with fraud over the allegations of illegally pushing stocks on novice traders via Twitter and Discord. Reportedly, the individuals ripped off about $114 million of unsuspecting followers by purporting to be successful traders on the social media platforms. As per an AFP report, prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas said that the accused were engaged in a so-called "pump and dump" scheme in which they would hype particular stocks to their followers with the intent of dumping them once prices jump. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as per Reuters report, said that it has filed civil charges against the defendants, claiming that seven of them used Discord and Twitter to boost stocks. The eighth one has been charged with aiding and abetting the scheme via a podcast he ran. Also read | US Federal Reserve raises interest rate for 7th time this year: Here’s what it means Investigators said that the influencers mainly focused on penny stocks. As per Forbes, penny stocks "are shares of publicly-listed companies that have a very low price value" that generally trade at really low prices of a dollar or less. Most of these shares were in companies with a market capitalisation of less than $100 million. Mitchell Hennessey of Hoboken, New Jersey, Texas residents Edward Constantinescu, Perry Matlock, John Rybarczyk and Dan Knight, along with California residents Gary Deel and Tom Cooperman, Stefan Hrvatin of Miami have been named as the defendants. Also read | Twitter has stopped paying office rent, considers not paying severance to fired employees: Report Of these Matlock has pleaded not guilty. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said that "Securities fraud victimises innocent investors and undermines the integrity of our public markets." (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.

US: 8 social media influencers posing as fin experts rip off $114mn from unsuspecting users; booked

As China moves towards living with Covid and loosens up its strict Zero-covid regulations, Beijing has witnessed a sudden and dramatic explosion in its daily coronavirus numbers.

The city has reported a significant uptick in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2-causing COVID-19 virus infection, which as per CNN is a first since the pandemic began.

Watch |&nbsp;China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy

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Across China, and especially ‌in Beijing empty streets, and deserted shopping centres have become the new normal as people stay at home to avoid being infected.

CNN reports that in the upmarket shopping district Sanlitun the usually bustling shops and restaurants were without customers and in some cases getting by via their takeout services and working with skeleton crews.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-impossible-to-accurately-grasp-the-actual-number-of-covid-infected-people-542857">China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people</a>

The only crowds are in and around pharmacies. As per Reuters, the city's residents are clamouring to stock up on medicines. The demand for medicines has undergone a sudden spike as people worry about the risk of infection.

On Wednesday, China reported 2,000 new symptomatic COVID-19 infections, on Tuesday this number stood at 2,291. However, given the absence of mass testing official figures have become an unreliable guide.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-covid-19-wont-be-a-public-emergency-in-2023-seeking-information-on-virus-origins-from-china-543144">WHO hopes Covid-19 won't be a public emergency in 2023, says seeking information on virus origins from China</a>

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

China's Health Commission on Wednesday admitted that the numbers no longer reflect the reality and that it was impossible to "accurately grasp" the actual number of infected people as "many asymptomatic people are no longer participating in nucleic acid testing". The agency further said that due to this it will stop reporting new asymptomatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As China moves towards living with Covid and loosens up its strict Zero-covid regulations, Beijing has witnessed a sudden and dramatic explosion in its daily coronavirus numbers.

As China moves towards living with Covid and loosens up its strict Zero-covid regulations, Beijing has witnessed a sudden and dramatic explosion in its daily coronavirus numbers. The city has reported a significant uptick in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2-causing COVID-19 virus infection, which as per CNN is a first since the pandemic began. Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy Across China, and especially ‌in Beijing empty streets, and deserted shopping centres have become the new normal as people stay at home to avoid being infected. CNN reports that in the upmarket shopping district Sanlitun the usually bustling shops and restaurants were without customers and in some cases getting by via their takeout services and working with skeleton crews. Also read | China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people The only crowds are in and around pharmacies. As per Reuters, the city's residents are clamouring to stock up on medicines. The demand for medicines has undergone a sudden spike as people worry about the risk of infection. On Wednesday, China reported 2,000 new symptomatic COVID-19 infections, on Tuesday this number stood at 2,291. However, given the absence of mass testing official figures have become an unreliable guide. Also read | WHO hopes Covid-19 won't be a public emergency in 2023, says seeking information on virus origins from China China's Health Commission on Wednesday admitted that the numbers no longer reflect the reality and that it was impossible to "accurately grasp" the actual number of infected people as "many asymptomatic people are no longer participating in nucleic acid testing". The agency further said that due to this it will stop reporting new asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. (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.

Streets deserted, pharmacies overcrowded as Beijing battles a sudden surge in Covid cases

As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "we have come a long way", and the death toll from Covid is now a fifth of what it was a year ago. However, he added that even that is too much.

"Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives. That's still 10,000 too many and there is still a lot that all countries can do to save lives," he said, adding, "we are hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency."

Watch |&nbsp;China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy

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As per AFP Tedros said that as the world looks to living with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> and as nations look to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses, it is important to know more about the coronavirus's origins and understand how the pandemic began.

"We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested, to better understand the origins of this virus," said Tedros.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-impossible-to-accurately-grasp-the-actual-number-of-covid-infected-people-542857">China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people</a>

The first cases of this deadly virus were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. As per Tedros "all hypotheses remain on the table" including the one that alleges that the virus may have escaped from Wuhan's virology laboratories.

A meeting of the WHO emergency committee that advises Tedros on whether a virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) will discuss the criteria for ending the coronavirus emergency phase.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-focuses-on-economic-stability-in-2023-traditional-medicine-expert-endorses-changing-covids-name-540754">In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert</a>

The WHO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp; technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove said that while waves of infection are still expected "it is not what it was in the beginning". The upcoming January committee meeting will look at COVID-19 and its subvariants along with their epidemiology.

As per Van Kerkhove now the deaths are mainly among unvaccinated people or those who are missing a full course of the life-saving vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year.

As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "we have come a long way", and the death toll from Covid is now a fifth of what it was a year ago. However, he added that even that is too much. "Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives. That's still 10,000 too many and there is still a lot that all countries can do to save lives," he said, adding, "we are hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency." Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy As per AFP Tedros said that as the world looks to living with Covid and as nations look to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses, it is important to know more about the coronavirus's origins and understand how the pandemic began. "We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested, to better understand the origins of this virus," said Tedros. Also read | China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people The first cases of this deadly virus were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. As per Tedros "all hypotheses remain on the table" including the one that alleges that the virus may have escaped from Wuhan's virology laboratories. A meeting of the WHO emergency committee that advises Tedros on whether a virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) will discuss the criteria for ending the coronavirus emergency phase. Also read | In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert The WHO COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove said that while waves of infection are still expected "it is not what it was in the beginning". The upcoming January committee meeting will look at COVID-19 and its subvariants along with their epidemiology. As per Van Kerkhove now the deaths are mainly among unvaccinated people or those who are missing a full course of the life-saving vaccines. (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.

WHO hopes Covid-19 won't be a public emergency in 2023, says seeking information on virus origins from China

Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon.&nbsp;A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest. Investments in November jumped by 40 per cent according to data from SEF, the Portuguese immigration and border agency.

Recently the nation's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa said that the country is considering scrapping its popular yet criticised Residency by Investment Program (RIP).

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Portugal considers stopping its 'Golden Visa'
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He said that the programme has probably already "fulfilled the function it had to fulfil," and that "it is no longer justified to maintain."

The fastrack visa for non-European Union nationals mandates a minimum investment of €500,000 (4.35 crore INR or 527,222 USD) in real estate, making a capital investment or creating employment opportunities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-wealthy-increasingly-apply-for-irish-residency-under-cash-for-visa-scheme-whats-driving-them-away-540153">China's wealthy increasingly apply for Irish residency under cash-for-visa scheme. What's driving them away?</a>

Forbes reports that among the top applicants are American and Chinese nationals. Reportedly, wealthy American applicants are all set to surpass Chinese ones. Additionally the rich are from Brazil, South Africa and India.

As per a Business Standard report, since January 2021 more than 50 ultra-high net worth Indians have invested a whopping 350,000 to 600,000 euros in apartments in Portugal's capital of Lisbon and other cities to obtain the so-called golden visa.

Also, read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-scraps-golden-visas-for-ultra-rich-foreign-investors-amid-crack-down-on-russian-money-454351">UK scraps ‘golden visas’ for ultra-rich foreign investors amid a crackdown on Russian money</a>

In July 2022, as per the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Service (SEF) investments from the programme increased from USD 3.7 million to&nbsp;USD 8.2 million recorded during the same month of 2021. In total, the programme has raised an investment of $6.8 billion from foreigners.

The scheme has been deemed a money-laundering risk by the European Union. Additionally, as per Times, the scheme has also been blamed for pricing local people out of housing markets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon. A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest.

Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon. A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest. Investments in November jumped by 40 per cent according to data from SEF, the Portuguese immigration and border agency. Recently the nation's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa said that the country is considering scrapping its popular yet criticised Residency by Investment Program (RIP). Watch | WION Fineprint | Portugal considers stopping its 'Golden Visa' He said that the programme has probably already "fulfilled the function it had to fulfil," and that "it is no longer justified to maintain." The fastrack visa for non-European Union nationals mandates a minimum investment of €500,000 (4.35 crore INR or 527,222 USD) in real estate, making a capital investment or creating employment opportunities. Also read | China's wealthy increasingly apply for Irish residency under cash-for-visa scheme. What's driving them away? Forbes reports that among the top applicants are American and Chinese nationals. Reportedly, wealthy American applicants are all set to surpass Chinese ones. Additionally the rich are from Brazil, South Africa and India. As per a Business Standard report, since January 2021 more than 50 ultra-high net worth Indians have invested a whopping 350,000 to 600,000 euros in apartments in Portugal's capital of Lisbon and other cities to obtain the so-called golden visa. Also, read | UK scraps ‘golden visas’ for ultra-rich foreign investors amid a crackdown on Russian money In July 2022, as per the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Service (SEF) investments from the programme increased from USD 3.7 million to USD 8.2 million recorded during the same month of 2021. In total, the programme has raised an investment of $6.8 billion from foreigners. The scheme has been deemed a money-laundering risk by the European Union. Additionally, as per Times, the scheme has also been blamed for pricing local people out of housing markets. (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.

Rich Indians, Americans clamour for Portugal's 'golden visa' as it considers scrapping scheme

On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California.&nbsp;

The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.

SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) &nbsp;in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas

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It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them.

To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base.

SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milestone-for-clean-energy-us-announces-major-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-542788">'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough</a>

It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day.

The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions.

As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-orion-capsule-returns-to-earth-following-a-record-voyage-around-the-moon-542120">NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon</a>

"It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington.

Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow."

We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.

On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them. To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base. SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe. Also read | 'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day. The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions. As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days. Also read | NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon "It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington. Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow." We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures. (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.

Ground-breaking NASA mission to study one of Earth's most important resources to be launched today

As temperatures fall to -17C, Britain prepares for the 'big refreeze'

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again.

On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN.&nbsp;

This comes as the much-coveted Twitter blue subscription service has been announced for the third time. Maybe, this was the announcement Musk planned to make on stage.

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation

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But, whatever he had planned to say was lost in a crescendo of boos as got jeered for around 10 minutes straight.

As Musk tried to speak, Chapelle said, "sounds like some of those people you fired are in the audience," referring to the thousands the new Twitter owner sacked after taking over the social media giant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/my-pronouns-are-prosecutefauci-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-us-top-infectious-disease-expert-542152">'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert</a>

Musk was then advised to stay silent. "Don’t say nothing. You hear that sound, Elon? That’s the sound of pending civil unrest," said Chapelle.

Here's a video of the incident. Apparently, an earlier account that had posted the video seemingly disappeared from Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The account that posted Elon Musk getting booed at Dave Chapelle's show was just deleted, for some reason. Here's the video in question<a href="https://t.co/EpblEHFCbE">https://t.co/EpblEHFCbE</a> <a href="https://t.co/92CTBKywLf">https://t.co/92CTBKywLf</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fd8DkxM32e">pic.twitter.com/Fd8DkxM32e</a>
— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/1602269560673009664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 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>

When something like this happens it is impossible that the incident would stay off of Twitter. A user by the handle @omnihedge tweeted at Musk about the "crowd full of boos", to which Musk in a since-deleted tweet replied it "was 90% cheers &amp; 10% boos."&nbsp;

Here's what Musk said:

<img alt="Musk booed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="963caafe-92ed-4dd5-b552-cf1b07aace46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FjyuzwmWAAEYAEC.png" />

The boos were expected given the turbulence that Musk taking over Twitter has brought with it; from the massive layoffs to the "hardcore" culture forcing the leftover employees to sleep in the office, to the coveted blue tick that once had to be earned but now is "for sale", there's a lot of anger.

Speaking of the now-paid blue tick, its relaunch comes as Musk tries to reduce Twitter's dependence on advertisers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-blue-to-relaunch-ios-users-will-have-to-pay-more-than-8-541948">Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11</a>

Latest reports show that the relaunched service will now cost users accessing Twitter on the web $8 while iOS users will have to cough up a higher $11 fee. As per AFP, this price bump could be a result of Musk's anger at Apple for the service fees it charges applications for the App Store. For government organisations, this checkmark will now be grey, while businesses will have a gold one.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again. On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco.

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again. On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN. This comes as the much-coveted Twitter blue subscription service has been announced for the third time. Maybe, this was the announcement Musk planned to make on stage. Watch | The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation But, whatever he had planned to say was lost in a crescendo of boos as got jeered for around 10 minutes straight. As Musk tried to speak, Chapelle said, "sounds like some of those people you fired are in the audience," referring to the thousands the new Twitter owner sacked after taking over the social media giant. Also read | 'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert Musk was then advised to stay silent. "Don’t say nothing. You hear that sound, Elon? That’s the sound of pending civil unrest," said Chapelle. Here's a video of the incident. Apparently, an earlier account that had posted the video seemingly disappeared from Twitter. The account that posted Elon Musk getting booed at Dave Chapelle's show was just deleted, for some reason. Here's the video in questionhttps://t.co/EpblEHFCbE https://t.co/92CTBKywLf pic.twitter.com/Fd8DkxM32e — Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) December 12, 2022 × When something like this happens it is impossible that the incident would stay off of Twitter. A user by the handle @omnihedge tweeted at Musk about the "crowd full of boos", to which Musk in a since-deleted tweet replied it "was 90% cheers & 10% boos." Here's what Musk said: The boos were expected given the turbulence that Musk taking over Twitter has brought with it; from the massive layoffs to the "hardcore" culture forcing the leftover employees to sleep in the office, to the coveted blue tick that once had to be earned but now is "for sale", there's a lot of anger. Speaking of the now-paid blue tick, its relaunch comes as Musk tries to reduce Twitter's dependence on advertisers. Also read | Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11 Latest reports show that the relaunched service will now cost users accessing Twitter on the web $8 while iOS users will have to cough up a higher $11 fee. As per AFP, this price bump could be a result of Musk's anger at Apple for the service fees it charges applications for the App Store. For government organisations, this checkmark will now be grey, while businesses will have a gold one. (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.

Elon Musk met with 'crowd of boos' at Dave Chapelle show on eve of Twitter blue relaunch. Watch!

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into&nbsp;the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.&nbsp;However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast?

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On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious.

But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-critical-nature-talks-open-un-chief-says-humanity-has-become-a-weapon-of-mass-destruction-540741">As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'</a>

AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions.

Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-funds-for-nature-conservation-must-total-384-billion-annually-unep-539083">By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP</a>

"We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress. The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast? On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious. But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in. Also read | As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction' AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions. Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers." Also read | By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP "We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go. (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.

Halfway through, COP15 a.k.a humanity's 'last best chance' to save Earth has gotten nowhere

The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed.

The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations.

Reportedly, parents of the said children or other civilian witnesses were also slaughtered.

Watch |&nbsp;World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level&nbsp;

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The children were "deleted" on army commander orders, which were based on the belief that these children were collaborating with militants in Boko Haram or its Islamic State offshoot or have "tainted" blood of insurgent fathers that would one day mould them into terrorists.

Some soldiers also said that it was a kill-or-be-killed situation, as children were used by insurgents as fighters, suicide bombers and informants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-2009-a-nigerian-army-run-forced-abortion-programme-has-terminated-10000-pregnancies-report-541152">Since 2009, a Nigerian army run forced abortion programme has terminated 10,000 pregnancies: Report</a>

“This is something that everyone knows. It’s not just our commanders, most other people say the same, and they heard it from the mouths of our soldiers, saying that if we let them grow up, if they’re born and they grow up, it will be with that ideology, Boko Haram’s ideology. Because their parents are Boko Haram, it’s too late and the blood has already reacted in their bodies, they will grow up that way. That’s why whoever asks them, they will say that’s why they kill,” said one soldier while talking to the news agency.

Witness reports suggest that intentional killings of children "have occurred with a blurring frequency across the region" ever since the war began 13 years back.

While the report fails to coin a set number, Reuters estimates that around 60 children were killed in just six incidents, with the most recent one in February 2021. Most of them were shot in the back as they were fleeing.

Nigerian military leaders have refuted the claims and said that the army has never targeted children. They allege that the report is part of foreign efforts to undermine the nation and its fight against insurgents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-tiktok-users-in-nigeria-fined-and-sentenced-to-whipping-for-mocking-govt-official-532026">2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official</a>

"Not in Nigeria, not in Nigeria. We’re cultural. We’re communal here. So everybody respects life. We respect families. We respect women and children. We respect every living soul," said Major General Christopher Musa, who heads the counterinsurgency campaign in the northeast.

The intentional, systematic killing of civilians during an armed conflict as per international human rights law is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Another recent Reuters report claims that the army also undertook the forced abortion of around 10,000 women since 2009.

The United States has reacted to the report with shock and said it was "deeply troubled".

In an email, to Reuters a State Department spokesperson said that the country was "pursuing further information".

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the claims and said "The killing of children on the presumption that they were, or would become, terrorists, is a war crime which violates international laws."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed. The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations.

The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed. The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations. Reportedly, parents of the said children or other civilian witnesses were also slaughtered. Watch | World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level The children were "deleted" on army commander orders, which were based on the belief that these children were collaborating with militants in Boko Haram or its Islamic State offshoot or have "tainted" blood of insurgent fathers that would one day mould them into terrorists. Some soldiers also said that it was a kill-or-be-killed situation, as children were used by insurgents as fighters, suicide bombers and informants. Also read | Since 2009, a Nigerian army run forced abortion programme has terminated 10,000 pregnancies: Report “This is something that everyone knows. It’s not just our commanders, most other people say the same, and they heard it from the mouths of our soldiers, saying that if we let them grow up, if they’re born and they grow up, it will be with that ideology, Boko Haram’s ideology. Because their parents are Boko Haram, it’s too late and the blood has already reacted in their bodies, they will grow up that way. That’s why whoever asks them, they will say that’s why they kill,” said one soldier while talking to the news agency. Witness reports suggest that intentional killings of children "have occurred with a blurring frequency across the region" ever since the war began 13 years back. While the report fails to coin a set number, Reuters estimates that around 60 children were killed in just six incidents, with the most recent one in February 2021. Most of them were shot in the back as they were fleeing. Nigerian military leaders have refuted the claims and said that the army has never targeted children. They allege that the report is part of foreign efforts to undermine the nation and its fight against insurgents. Also read | 2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official "Not in Nigeria, not in Nigeria. We’re cultural. We’re communal here. So everybody respects life. We respect families. We respect women and children. We respect every living soul," said Major General Christopher Musa, who heads the counterinsurgency campaign in the northeast. The intentional, systematic killing of civilians during an armed conflict as per international human rights law is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Another recent Reuters report claims that the army also undertook the forced abortion of around 10,000 women since 2009. The United States has reacted to the report with shock and said it was "deeply troubled". In an email, to Reuters a State Department spokesperson said that the country was "pursuing further information". Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the claims and said "The killing of children on the presumption that they were, or would become, terrorists, is a war crime which violates international laws." (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.

Nigerian army participated in systematic, intentional killing of children during war: Report

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