Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted? Well, that's a secret.

<h2>Why does the tree matter?</h2>

The tree&nbsp;just a decade ago was believed to be lost, however in 1994, hikers in Australia's Blue Mountains stumbled upon a relict of these ancient conifers, reported&nbsp;Live Science.

Today, only around 60 of the tree specimens remain in Wollemi National Park. However, in spite of conservation efforts, a pathogenic water mould called Phytophthora cinnamomi that causes dieback or a gradual deterioration in the tree's health, sometimes leading to its death threatens the ancient tree's existence. It is also threatened by rampant wildfires that intermittently rage through this region of New South Wales.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-like-exoplanet-destroys-its-own-atmosphere-reduces-hope-for-existence-of-alien-life-695153">Earth-like exoplanet destroys its own atmosphere, reduces hope of existence of alien life</a>

What's amazing about the tree is that it is more than 145 million years old, and since then it has barely changed in appearance — as evident by fossils that date back to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago).

<h2>Saving in secret&nbsp;</h2>

Since its rediscovery, the tree has been grown in botanical gardens and private spaces around the world. Now, the tree saviours—the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, which is a partnership between Australian government scientists and conservationists, has begun the process to reintroduce Wollemi pine seedlings to three sites in Wollemi National Park.

"The sites comprise high-elevation sandstone gorges that are sufficiently deep, narrow and steep-sided to provide refugia from frequent, intense wildfires and drought," said a representative of the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, in a statement emailed to Live Science.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sorry-for-the-trouble-japan-mayor-resigns-after-probe-identifies-99-acts-of-sexual-harassment-695519">'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment</a>

"There was no evidence of infection with pathogenic Phytophthora species at either site when surveyed immediately prior to the translocations, and there is a low (but non-zero) likelihood of unauthorised visitation due to their remoteness," it further said.

Already, there have been multiple transplantation efforts: in 2012, 2019, and 2021. Over 400 saplings were planted in 2019, but only 58 saplings made it to 2023. Many of the rest were destroyed by bushfires.&nbsp;

In 2021, around 502 trees were planted to replace the ones lost, but in 2022 landslides caused by heavy rains destroyed&nbsp;about 80 per cent of the trees.

Now, to prevent introduction of Phytophthora to the sites, the&nbsp;location of the trees&nbsp;are concealed from the public. Experts while visiting the&nbsp;site limit their time near the plants and repeatedly disinfect their shoes to reduce the likelihood they will track in traces of the water mould. Even a few spores might spell death for this nascent population.

However, the efforts to save the tree will take decades, if not centuries, as they grow less than 0.4 inches (1.02 centimetres) a year.&nbsp;

"Given the slow growth and maturation of Wollemi pines in the wild, this is likely to take many decades, if not centuries. Given predicted increases in the frequency and severity of fire and drought due to climate change — arguably the two greatest threats to these populations — their long-term security is far from guaranteed," said the researchers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted?

Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted? Well, that's a secret. Why does the tree matter? The tree just a decade ago was believed to be lost, however in 1994, hikers in Australia's Blue Mountains stumbled upon a relict of these ancient conifers, reported Live Science. Today, only around 60 of the tree specimens remain in Wollemi National Park. However, in spite of conservation efforts, a pathogenic water mould called Phytophthora cinnamomi that causes dieback or a gradual deterioration in the tree's health, sometimes leading to its death threatens the ancient tree's existence. It is also threatened by rampant wildfires that intermittently rage through this region of New South Wales. Also read | Earth-like exoplanet destroys its own atmosphere, reduces hope of existence of alien life What's amazing about the tree is that it is more than 145 million years old, and since then it has barely changed in appearance — as evident by fossils that date back to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). Saving in secret Since its rediscovery, the tree has been grown in botanical gardens and private spaces around the world. Now, the tree saviours—the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, which is a partnership between Australian government scientists and conservationists, has begun the process to reintroduce Wollemi pine seedlings to three sites in Wollemi National Park. "The sites comprise high-elevation sandstone gorges that are sufficiently deep, narrow and steep-sided to provide refugia from frequent, intense wildfires and drought," said a representative of the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, in a statement emailed to Live Science. Also read | 'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment "There was no evidence of infection with pathogenic Phytophthora species at either site when surveyed immediately prior to the translocations, and there is a low (but non-zero) likelihood of unauthorised visitation due to their remoteness," it further said. Already, there have been multiple transplantation efforts: in 2012, 2019, and 2021. Over 400 saplings were planted in 2019, but only 58 saplings made it to 2023. Many of the rest were destroyed by bushfires. In 2021, around 502 trees were planted to replace the ones lost, but in 2022 landslides caused by heavy rains destroyed about 80 per cent of the trees. Now, to prevent introduction of Phytophthora to the sites, the location of the trees are concealed from the public. Experts while visiting the site limit their time near the plants and repeatedly disinfect their shoes to reduce the likelihood they will track in traces of the water mould. Even a few spores might spell death for this nascent population. However, the efforts to save the tree will take decades, if not centuries, as they grow less than 0.4 inches (1.02 centimetres) a year. "Given the slow growth and maturation of Wollemi pines in the wild, this is likely to take many decades, if not centuries. Given predicted increases in the frequency and severity of fire and drought due to climate change — arguably the two greatest threats to these populations — their long-term security is far from guaranteed," said the researchers. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists try to resurrect almost extinct, millions of years-old tree, by replanting in secret locations

Facebook's parent company Meta on Friday (Mar 1) announced that they will stop making payments to news publishers in Australia for the content which appears on Facebook.&nbsp;

This step has ignited a fresh battle with Canberra which was ahead of other countries in bringing a law which forced social media platforms to strike licencing deals.

News publishers as well as governments of countries like Australia have claimed that social media giants like Facebook and Google unfairly benefit from the links to news articles which appear on their platforms.&nbsp;

In the wake of these discussions, Meta has decreased its promotion of news as well as political content and has claimed that news links are now only visible on the feeds of a fraction of users.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-consumers-challenge-metas-pay-or-consent-service-heres-why-695151">European consumers challenge Meta's 'pay or consent' service. Here's why</a>

Meta has announced that it will discontinue the tab which promotes news on Facebook in Australia and the United States. It added that the news tab was pulled by the platform last year in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

As a result, "we will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these countries and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers", Meta said&nbsp;in the statement.

<h2>Meta vs Australian government&nbsp;</h2>

Meta's decision has pitted the company against the Australian government which, as per a 2021 law opposed by the social media giant, enjoys the power to appoint a mediator who decides what amount big tech firms pay for the news links.

In a joint statement, Australia's Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said, "Meta's decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media."

"The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide," Rowland added.

Watch:&nbsp;Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg learns sword-making in Japan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-learns-sword-making-in-japan-694124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She said that the government will "work through all available options" to address the concerns, along with the country's communications regulator.

The government was "committed to promoting a strong, sustainable and diverse media sector given its vital importance to our democracy and social cohesion", the minister said.

Meanwhile, the country's biggest media outlets criticised the decision and called it an attack on the industry.

News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman Michael Miller said, "Meta is using its immense market power to refuse to negotiate, and the government is right to explore every option for how the Media Bargaining Code's powers can be used."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook's parent company Meta on Friday (Mar 1) announced that they will stop making payments to news publishers in Australia for the content which appears on Facebook.

Facebook's parent company Meta on Friday (Mar 1) announced that they will stop making payments to news publishers in Australia for the content which appears on Facebook. This step has ignited a fresh battle with Canberra which was ahead of other countries in bringing a law which forced social media platforms to strike licencing deals. News publishers as well as governments of countries like Australia have claimed that social media giants like Facebook and Google unfairly benefit from the links to news articles which appear on their platforms. In the wake of these discussions, Meta has decreased its promotion of news as well as political content and has claimed that news links are now only visible on the feeds of a fraction of users. Also Read: European consumers challenge Meta's 'pay or consent' service. Here's why Meta has announced that it will discontinue the tab which promotes news on Facebook in Australia and the United States. It added that the news tab was pulled by the platform last year in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. As a result, "we will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these countries and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers", Meta said in the statement. Meta vs Australian government Meta's decision has pitted the company against the Australian government which, as per a 2021 law opposed by the social media giant, enjoys the power to appoint a mediator who decides what amount big tech firms pay for the news links. In a joint statement, Australia's Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said, "Meta's decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media." "The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide," Rowland added. Watch: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg learns sword-making in Japan She said that the government will "work through all available options" to address the concerns, along with the country's communications regulator. The government was "committed to promoting a strong, sustainable and diverse media sector given its vital importance to our democracy and social cohesion", the minister said. Meanwhile, the country's biggest media outlets criticised the decision and called it an attack on the industry. News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman Michael Miller said, "Meta is using its immense market power to refuse to negotiate, and the government is right to explore every option for how the Media Bargaining Code's powers can be used." (With inputs from agencies)

Meta stops paying news publishers in Australia, pulls down news tab in ongoing tussle

Hideo Kojima, the mayor of the Japanese town of Ginan in&nbsp;Gifu Prefecture on Thursday (Feb 29) submitted his resignation after a third-party committee found him guilty of sexually harassing a number of his female employees.

The committee, as per a Japan Times report, identified 99 acts, including patting the heads and buttocks of female staff members.

<h2>'Inappropriate' behaviour</h2>

The third-party committee on Tuesday (Feb 27) published its report on the various sexual harassment complaints against Kojima.&nbsp;

It identified 99 acts of harassment, including touching their heads or buttocks, forcing them to lift their skirts and exposing his chest and legs to them. The report also makes mention of sexual comments and behaviour it deems "inappropriate" for a town mayor.

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Some of these acts, as per the report, fall within the legal definition of indecent assault.

The report was based on the survey of 161 of the 193 employees working under Kojima—80 men and 81 women.&nbsp;

58 per cent of women and 53.7 per cent of men said that the mayor made them feel uncomfortable. 85 per cent of men and 81.4 per cent of women said they had seen him sexually harassing and/or verbally abusing members of the staff.

These findings, as per the report, point to no other alternative but Kojima's immediate resignation.

<h2>Mayor alleges 'bias'</h2>

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 74-year-old Kojima, who was elected in&nbsp;November 2020 and was serving his first term,&nbsp;refuted the committee's report and called it "biased".

"I think the report of this investigation committee lacks neutrality. It is biased. I think it would have been better if there had been more careful explanations in the investigation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/live-long-and-prosper-star-trek-may-hold-the-key-to-effectively-communicating-with-ai-chatbots-695448">'Live long and prosper': Star Trek may hold the key to effectively communicating with AI chatbots</a>

"It is written in a one-sided way. I think the investigation report was done with sexual harassment in mind from the beginning. It doesn’t feel right," added Kojima.

While he acknowledged that patting the heads of female staff was indeed an act of sexual harassment, he denied some claims in the report, such as hugging female employees.&nbsp;

Teary-eyed, he apologised and said: "I am sorry for the trouble I have caused. I will resign."

"After receiving phone calls from townspeople and seeing news reports, I decided it was time to move on," he added.

The resignation is yet to be finalised and needs the consent of the town assembly, which will meet on Friday (March 1). If finalised, the mayoral election is expected to be held by the end of April.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hideo Kojima, the mayor of the Japanese town of Ginan in Gifu Prefecture on Thursday (Feb 29) submitted his resignation after a third-party committee found him guilty of sexually harassing a number of his female employees.

Hideo Kojima, the mayor of the Japanese town of Ginan in Gifu Prefecture on Thursday (Feb 29) submitted his resignation after a third-party committee found him guilty of sexually harassing a number of his female employees. The committee, as per a Japan Times report, identified 99 acts, including patting the heads and buttocks of female staff members. 'Inappropriate' behaviour The third-party committee on Tuesday (Feb 27) published its report on the various sexual harassment complaints against Kojima. It identified 99 acts of harassment, including touching their heads or buttocks, forcing them to lift their skirts and exposing his chest and legs to them. The report also makes mention of sexual comments and behaviour it deems "inappropriate" for a town mayor. Also read | 'Love conquers all': UK man legally dead for 50 mins comes back to life. Here's the miraculous story Some of these acts, as per the report, fall within the legal definition of indecent assault. The report was based on the survey of 161 of the 193 employees working under Kojima—80 men and 81 women. 58 per cent of women and 53.7 per cent of men said that the mayor made them feel uncomfortable. 85 per cent of men and 81.4 per cent of women said they had seen him sexually harassing and/or verbally abusing members of the staff. These findings, as per the report, point to no other alternative but Kojima's immediate resignation. Mayor alleges 'bias' Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 74-year-old Kojima, who was elected in November 2020 and was serving his first term, refuted the committee's report and called it "biased". "I think the report of this investigation committee lacks neutrality. It is biased. I think it would have been better if there had been more careful explanations in the investigation." Also read | 'Live long and prosper': Star Trek may hold the key to effectively communicating with AI chatbots "It is written in a one-sided way. I think the investigation report was done with sexual harassment in mind from the beginning. It doesn’t feel right," added Kojima. While he acknowledged that patting the heads of female staff was indeed an act of sexual harassment, he denied some claims in the report, such as hugging female employees. Teary-eyed, he apologised and said: "I am sorry for the trouble I have caused. I will resign." "After receiving phone calls from townspeople and seeing news reports, I decided it was time to move on," he added. The resignation is yet to be finalised and needs the consent of the town assembly, which will meet on Friday (March 1). If finalised, the mayoral election is expected to be held by the end of April. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment

The conservative-majority US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Feb 28)&nbsp;agreed to take up Donald Trump's claim that as a former president, he has immunity from prosecution in the election subversion case. The apex court&nbsp;scheduled arguments in the case for the week of April 22. In other news, the West Bengal Police on Thursday (Feb 29) arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, the prime accused in the Shandeshkhali case in which he and his aides have been accused of&nbsp;sexually exploiting women in the area.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:

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The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Feb 28) agreed to take up Donald Trump's claim that as a former president, he has immunity from prosecution in the insurrection case where he is being prosecuted on charges of overturning the 2020 election.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/17/412650-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sandeshkhali-sex-abuse-row-tmc-strongman-shahjahan-sheikh-arrested-by-police-694951">Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: Absconding TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh arrested by police</a>

After weeks on the run, absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on Thursday (Feb 29) from the&nbsp;Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas where he was hiding, according to news agency&nbsp;PTI.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/29/415143-untitled-design-9.png?imwidth=400" />

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An Illinois judge has decided to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot due on March 19, citing the 14th Amendment's "insurrectionist ban."&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/15/412323-succession-2024-02-15t165822929.jpg?imwidth=400" /> 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-designates-entirety-of-hamas-a-terrorist-entity-694957">New Zealand designates entirety of Hamas a 'terrorist entity'</a>

New Zealand on Thursday became one of the last Western countries to designate all of Hamas as a "terrorist entity", saying the attacks of October 7 had shattered the notion its political and military wings could be separated.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/29/415145-succession-2024-02-29t080502950.jpg?imwidth=400" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-set-to-hold-elections-against-backdrop-of-economic-crisis-khomenei-addresses-first-time-voters-694979">Watch |&nbsp;Iran set to hold elections against backdrop of economic crisis, Khomenei addresses first-time voters</a>

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The conservative-majority US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Feb 28) agreed to take up Donald Trump's claim that as a former president, he has immunity from prosecution in the election subversion case.

The conservative-majority US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Feb 28) agreed to take up Donald Trump's claim that as a former president, he has immunity from prosecution in the election subversion case. The apex court scheduled arguments in the case for the week of April 22. In other news, the West Bengal Police on Thursday (Feb 29) arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, the prime accused in the Shandeshkhali case in which he and his aides have been accused of sexually exploiting women in the area. Click on headlines to read more: US Supreme Court agrees to hear Trump's immunity claims in election interference case The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Feb 28) agreed to take up Donald Trump's claim that as a former president, he has immunity from prosecution in the insurrection case where he is being prosecuted on charges of overturning the 2020 election. Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: Absconding TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh arrested by police After weeks on the run, absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on Thursday (Feb 29) from the Minakhan area in North 24 Parganas where he was hiding, according to news agency PTI. 'Insurrectionist ban': Illinois Judge removes Trump from Primary ballot due on March 19 An Illinois judge has decided to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot due on March 19, citing the 14th Amendment's "insurrectionist ban." New Zealand designates entirety of Hamas a 'terrorist entity' New Zealand on Thursday became one of the last Western countries to designate all of Hamas as a "terrorist entity", saying the attacks of October 7 had shattered the notion its political and military wings could be separated. Watch | Iran set to hold elections against backdrop of economic crisis, Khomenei addresses first-time voters ×

Morning news brief: Trump's prez immunity claim; Sandeshkhali accused arrested, and more

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern notoriously known for her affair with former US President Bill Clinton, is now the face of Reformation, a major fashion brand. The 50-year-old anti-bullying activist and author will lead the women's fashion house's latest voting campaign "You've Got the Power".

<h2>A reminder of voting "power"</h2>

The "You've Got the Power" workwear campaign was launched on Monday (Feb 26) in partnership with Vote.org.

It is aimed at "reminding" people of their voting "power", reported the BBC.

"Featuring strong silhouettes, tasteful tailoring, and our signature sustainable fibres, our new collection is here to remind you that you’ve got the power," it says on the Reformation website.

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In a press release, Lewinsky said: "Voting is always important, but the stakes are especially high this year with voter frustration and apathy threatening to meaningfully impact turnout."

"If you wanna complain for the next four years, you gotta go out and vote," Lewinsky was quoted as saying on the company's website.

Lewinsky can be seen modelling a leather trench coat, a bright red two-piece outfit, sweaters and other workplace attire in the campaign.

"It's a super important election year and faith in big institutions is pretty low," says Reformation on its website.

"We get it. We don't wanna be another brand, just tell you to vote, so we partnered with experts at Vote.org."

"Monica's been empowering women to use their voices and feel powerful for a long time. So it just makes sense that she’d help us do the same. And while great clothes won’t fix everything, putting them on and going to the polls is a pretty good place to start," it adds.

<h2>Who is Lewinsky?</h2>

Back in the 1990s, Monica Lewinsky, a young White House intern, made headlines for her affair with then-President Clinton. She was 22 years old when she got romantically involved with Clinton, who was 27 years her senior.

While the relationship was initially refuted by Clinton, he later owned up to "inappropriate intimate physical contact" with the White House intern.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-michigan-primary-win-soured-by-unexpected-uncommitted-votes-694634">Biden's Michigan primary win soured by tens of thousands of 'uncommitted' votes in protest over Gaza war</a>

This, in her own words, made her the target of "global humiliation".

In 2018, she said the affair constituted a "gross abuse of power" by "the most powerful man on the planet... with enough life experience to know better".

As per The Telegraph, she is now an activist.&nbsp;In a recent interview with Elle Magazine, Lewinsky said that the Reformation campaign is in response to increased voter frustration and apathy, as the November US presidential election nears.

(With inputs from agencies)

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern notoriously known for her affair with former US President Bill Clinton, is now the face of Reformation, a major fashion brand.

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern notoriously known for her affair with former US President Bill Clinton, is now the face of Reformation, a major fashion brand. The 50-year-old anti-bullying activist and author will lead the women's fashion house's latest voting campaign "You've Got the Power". A reminder of voting "power" The "You've Got the Power" workwear campaign was launched on Monday (Feb 26) in partnership with Vote.org. It is aimed at "reminding" people of their voting "power", reported the BBC. "Featuring strong silhouettes, tasteful tailoring, and our signature sustainable fibres, our new collection is here to remind you that you’ve got the power," it says on the Reformation website. Also read | Michigan primary elections: Joe Biden and Donald Trump win in Democratic and Republican primaries In a press release, Lewinsky said: "Voting is always important, but the stakes are especially high this year with voter frustration and apathy threatening to meaningfully impact turnout." "If you wanna complain for the next four years, you gotta go out and vote," Lewinsky was quoted as saying on the company's website. Lewinsky can be seen modelling a leather trench coat, a bright red two-piece outfit, sweaters and other workplace attire in the campaign. "It's a super important election year and faith in big institutions is pretty low," says Reformation on its website. "We get it. We don't wanna be another brand, just tell you to vote, so we partnered with experts at Vote.org." "Monica's been empowering women to use their voices and feel powerful for a long time. So it just makes sense that she’d help us do the same. And while great clothes won’t fix everything, putting them on and going to the polls is a pretty good place to start," it adds. Who is Lewinsky? Back in the 1990s, Monica Lewinsky, a young White House intern, made headlines for her affair with then-President Clinton. She was 22 years old when she got romantically involved with Clinton, who was 27 years her senior. While the relationship was initially refuted by Clinton, he later owned up to "inappropriate intimate physical contact" with the White House intern. Also read | Biden's Michigan primary win soured by tens of thousands of 'uncommitted' votes in protest over Gaza war This, in her own words, made her the target of "global humiliation". In 2018, she said the affair constituted a "gross abuse of power" by "the most powerful man on the planet... with enough life experience to know better". As per The Telegraph, she is now an activist. In a recent interview with Elle Magazine, Lewinsky said that the Reformation campaign is in response to increased voter frustration and apathy, as the November US presidential election nears. (With inputs from agencies)

Monica Lewinsky joins hands with fashion brand to promote voting ahead of US Presidential Elections

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday (Feb 28) razed the house of the leader of the team of&nbsp;rat-hole miners who played a major part in rescuing 41 workers from the collapsed&nbsp;Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand last year. The government agency carried out the demolition drive in&nbsp;Sri Ram Colony in Northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area where&nbsp;Vaqeel Hasan lived with his family.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Hasan returned to his home, only to find it being demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive. According to DDA, the land on which Hasan's house stood was “part of planned development land" while the police said structures built illegally were demolished.&nbsp;

"On February 28, a demolition drive was conducted by the DDA to remove encroachment from its acquired land in village Khajoori Khas. The land was part of planned development land," the DDA said in a statement.&nbsp;

A video going viral on social media showed Hasan's house razed to the ground while all the items were hurriedly parked on the roadside. The man who shot the video claimed that apart from razing Hasan's house, he was also beaten by the authorities.&nbsp;

“They (the authorities) came for demolition today morning; my wife and I were not at home, only my children were there. I rushed back, tried telling them not to go ahead, but they didn’t listen,” Hasan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.&nbsp;

Hasan revealed that he had requested the government to not raze his house as an award for rescuing the tunnel workers.&nbsp;

"My house is the only thing I asked for as an award (for the Uttarakhand rescue operation), but DDA razed my home without any notice," he added.&nbsp;

Hasan, 45, who also owns Rockwell Enterprises, the company that employed the “rat-hole” miners, has now vowed to stay on the street with his family till they are relocated by the government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-what-is-rat-hole-mining-used-in-rescue-operation-how-does-it-work-663817">Watch |&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: What is rat-hole mining, used in rescue operation, &amp; how does it work?</a>

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<h2>What did Hasan and his men accomplish?</h2>

The banned practice of rat-hole mining was adopted by Hasan's workers after an imported, high-tech drilling machine stopped working in the last leg of the operation. The miners assembled as a last-ditch effort by the authorities, manually drilled their way towards the trapped workers and managed to set them free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-rat-hole-miners-emerges-as-real-heroes-save-lives-with-outlawed-technique-663981">Also read |&nbsp;Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique</a>

Although illegal, the practice proved to be the difference between life and death for the 41 tunnel workers. After the operation, Hasan and his aides were hailed as national heroes with appreciation pouring from all quarters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday (Feb 28) razed the house of the leader of the team of rat-hole miners who played a major part in rescuing 41 workers from the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand last year.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday (Feb 28) razed the house of the leader of the team of rat-hole miners who played a major part in rescuing 41 workers from the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand last year. The government agency carried out the demolition drive in Sri Ram Colony in Northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area where Vaqeel Hasan lived with his family. On Wednesday, Hasan returned to his home, only to find it being demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive. According to DDA, the land on which Hasan's house stood was “part of planned development land" while the police said structures built illegally were demolished. "On February 28, a demolition drive was conducted by the DDA to remove encroachment from its acquired land in village Khajoori Khas. The land was part of planned development land," the DDA said in a statement. A video going viral on social media showed Hasan's house razed to the ground while all the items were hurriedly parked on the roadside. The man who shot the video claimed that apart from razing Hasan's house, he was also beaten by the authorities. “They (the authorities) came for demolition today morning; my wife and I were not at home, only my children were there. I rushed back, tried telling them not to go ahead, but they didn’t listen,” Hasan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. Hasan revealed that he had requested the government to not raze his house as an award for rescuing the tunnel workers. "My house is the only thing I asked for as an award (for the Uttarakhand rescue operation), but DDA razed my home without any notice," he added. Hasan, 45, who also owns Rockwell Enterprises, the company that employed the “rat-hole” miners, has now vowed to stay on the street with his family till they are relocated by the government. Watch | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: What is rat-hole mining, used in rescue operation, & how does it work? × What did Hasan and his men accomplish? The banned practice of rat-hole mining was adopted by Hasan's workers after an imported, high-tech drilling machine stopped working in the last leg of the operation. The miners assembled as a last-ditch effort by the authorities, manually drilled their way towards the trapped workers and managed to set them free. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique Although illegal, the practice proved to be the difference between life and death for the 41 tunnel workers. After the operation, Hasan and his aides were hailed as national heroes with appreciation pouring from all quarters. (With inputs from agencies)

India: DDA razes house of man who led rat-hole miners to rescue 41 from Uttarakhand tunnel

The race for the US Presidential Elections in November is getting more intense, with Donald Trump winning&nbsp;the GOP primary in Michigan and Joe Biden securing victory in the Democratic primary.&nbsp;On the war front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel's&nbsp;resistance to the efforts to end the war in Gaza has received popular support in the United States.

In&nbsp;other news, San Francisco has issued an apology to&nbsp;African Americans&nbsp;and their descendants for racism.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the latest birth rate figures from Japan paint a grim picture with the numbers falling to a historic low in 2023.&nbsp;Finally, in India, the ruling party Bhartiya Janata Party has secured a big win in Rajya Sabha with eight seats in the state of Uttar Pradesh, one in Himachal Pradesh&nbsp;and one in Karnataka.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-primary-elections-biden-and-trump-expected-to-win-their-primaries-694560">Michigan primary elections: Joe Biden and Donald Trump win primaries</a>

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The US state of Michigan on Tuesday voted in the presidential primaries&nbsp;and both, Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, registered wins. While the GOP primary was all along expected to be yet another ticker-tape parade for Trump, Biden's Democratic candidacy was shadowed by anger over his stand on the Gaza War.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-claims-tel-avivs-actions-widely-supported-in-us-694554">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu claims Tel Aviv's actions widely supported in US</a>

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Feb 27) said that he has been resisting the efforts to end the war in Gaza at a 'premature' stage consistently.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-issues-apology-to-african-americans-for-institutional-racism-694547">San Francisco issues apology to African Americans for 'institutional racism'</a>&nbsp;

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In a historic move, San Francisco has issued an official apology to African Americans&nbsp;and their descendants for the city's involvement in&nbsp;racism against them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critical-situation-japans-number-of-births-fell-to-record-low-in-2023-marriages-down-by-59-694545">'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9%</a>

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In Japan, the number of babies born fell for the eighth straight year, falling to a record low last year. As per preliminary government data released on Tuesday, the number of births fell by more than 50 per cent. The massive plunge underscores the country's daunting task in trying to stem depopulation.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP &amp; Karnataka

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The race for the US Presidential Elections in November is getting more intense, with Donald Trump winning the GOP primary in Michigan and Joe Biden securing victory in the Democratic primary.

The race for the US Presidential Elections in November is getting more intense, with Donald Trump winning the GOP primary in Michigan and Joe Biden securing victory in the Democratic primary. On the war front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel's resistance to the efforts to end the war in Gaza has received popular support in the United States. In other news, San Francisco has issued an apology to African Americans and their descendants for racism. Meanwhile, the latest birth rate figures from Japan paint a grim picture with the numbers falling to a historic low in 2023. Finally, in India, the ruling party Bhartiya Janata Party has secured a big win in Rajya Sabha with eight seats in the state of Uttar Pradesh, one in Himachal Pradesh and one in Karnataka. Click on the headlines to read more Michigan primary elections: Joe Biden and Donald Trump win primaries The US state of Michigan on Tuesday voted in the presidential primaries and both, Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, registered wins. While the GOP primary was all along expected to be yet another ticker-tape parade for Trump, Biden's Democratic candidacy was shadowed by anger over his stand on the Gaza War. Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu claims Tel Aviv's actions widely supported in US Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Feb 27) said that he has been resisting the efforts to end the war in Gaza at a 'premature' stage consistently. San Francisco issues apology to African Americans for 'institutional racism' In a historic move, San Francisco has issued an official apology to African Americans and their descendants for the city's involvement in racism against them. 'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9% In Japan, the number of babies born fell for the eighth straight year, falling to a record low last year. As per preliminary government data released on Tuesday, the number of births fell by more than 50 per cent. The massive plunge underscores the country's daunting task in trying to stem depopulation. Watch | India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka

Morning news brief: Biden and Trump win Michigan primaries, Japan depopulation crisis, and more

The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday night filed an FIR at the&nbsp;Vidhana Soudha Police Station, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka,&nbsp;alleging that supporters of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) member Syed Naseer Hussain raised pro-Pakistan slogans following his election victory.&nbsp;

The BJP alleged in its complaint that soon after the returning officer announced Hussain's win, some of his supporters gathered around and started allegedly shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" (Long live Pakistan) slogans in celebration.

"It was as if these supporters of Naseer Hussain shouted those slogans of Pakistan Zindabad hailing and praising Pakistan on the election of Naseer Hussain to the Rajya Sabha or Upper House in India," read the complaint.

BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya posted an unverified video of Congress workers celebrating Hussain's win, alleging that the slogans can be heard being chanted in the clip.&nbsp;

"Pakistan Zindabad slogans raised after Congress’s Naseer Hussain, political secretary of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, won Rajya Sabha election from Karnataka. Congress’s obsession with Pakistan is dangerous. It is taking India towards balkanisation. We can’t afford it," Malviya said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the video or the claims made by the parties involved at this stage)

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Pakistan Zindabad slogans raised after Congress’s Naseer Hussein, political secretary of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, won Rajya Sabha election from Karnataka. 
 
Congress’s obsession with Pakistan is dangerous. It is taking India towards balkanisation. We can’t afford it. <a href="https://t.co/uh49RignSf">pic.twitter.com/uh49RignSf</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1762504973408252284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Several top BJP leaders, including Union Minister&nbsp;Rajeev Chandrasekhar and former party general secretary CT Ravi, reposted the video with the same claims.&nbsp;

As the controversy snowballed, Hussain posted a video on his social media accounts, clarifying that some of his supporters shouted slogans like "Naseer Hussain Zindabad", "Naseer Sahab Zindabad" and "Congress Party Zindabad".&nbsp;

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Clarification on today's incident <a href="https://t.co/cJuiYCU3H1">pic.twitter.com/cJuiYCU3H1</a>
— Dr Syed Naseer Hussain,MP Rajya Sabha (@NasirHussainINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NasirHussainINC/status/1762538104832110686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"I didn't hear whatever was shown in the media. If I had heard that, I would have objected, condemned the statement, and called for necessary action against them," said Hussain.&nbsp;

"However, as far as I am concerned, when I was there, there were no such slogans that were raised, because if the slogans had been raised in our presence then I am sure no sane person or an Indian citizen would have tolerated it. So let us wait for the enquiry and whatever comes forward, we will be there in the public domain. Thank you so much," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-claims-congress-govt-in-himachal-pradesh-loses-majority-amid-reports-of-cross-voting-in-rs-polls-694446">Also read |&nbsp;Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls</a>

Of the four Rajya Sabha seats in the state, Congress bagged three, while BJP took the remaining seat. Apart from Hussain, Congress managed to send&nbsp;Ajay Maken, GC Chandrasekhar to New Delhi while BJP's Narayana K. Bhandage will take a seat in the Upper House, come the next session.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday night filed an FIR at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, alleging that supporters of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) member Syed Naseer Hussain raised pro-Pakistan slogans following his election victory.

The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday night filed an FIR at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, alleging that supporters of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) member Syed Naseer Hussain raised pro-Pakistan slogans following his election victory. The BJP alleged in its complaint that soon after the returning officer announced Hussain's win, some of his supporters gathered around and started allegedly shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" (Long live Pakistan) slogans in celebration. "It was as if these supporters of Naseer Hussain shouted those slogans of Pakistan Zindabad hailing and praising Pakistan on the election of Naseer Hussain to the Rajya Sabha or Upper House in India," read the complaint. BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya posted an unverified video of Congress workers celebrating Hussain's win, alleging that the slogans can be heard being chanted in the clip. "Pakistan Zindabad slogans raised after Congress’s Naseer Hussain, political secretary of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, won Rajya Sabha election from Karnataka. Congress’s obsession with Pakistan is dangerous. It is taking India towards balkanisation. We can’t afford it," Malviya said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the video or the claims made by the parties involved at this stage) Pakistan Zindabad slogans raised after Congress’s Naseer Hussein, political secretary of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, won Rajya Sabha election from Karnataka. Congress’s obsession with Pakistan is dangerous. It is taking India towards balkanisation. We can’t afford it. pic.twitter.com/uh49RignSf — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 27, 2024 × Several top BJP leaders, including Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and former party general secretary CT Ravi, reposted the video with the same claims. As the controversy snowballed, Hussain posted a video on his social media accounts, clarifying that some of his supporters shouted slogans like "Naseer Hussain Zindabad", "Naseer Sahab Zindabad" and "Congress Party Zindabad". Clarification on today's incident pic.twitter.com/cJuiYCU3H1 — Dr Syed Naseer Hussain,MP Rajya Sabha (@NasirHussainINC) February 27, 2024 × "I didn't hear whatever was shown in the media. If I had heard that, I would have objected, condemned the statement, and called for necessary action against them," said Hussain. "However, as far as I am concerned, when I was there, there were no such slogans that were raised, because if the slogans had been raised in our presence then I am sure no sane person or an Indian citizen would have tolerated it. So let us wait for the enquiry and whatever comes forward, we will be there in the public domain. Thank you so much," he added. Also read | Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls Of the four Rajya Sabha seats in the state, Congress bagged three, while BJP took the remaining seat. Apart from Hussain, Congress managed to send Ajay Maken, GC Chandrasekhar to New Delhi while BJP's Narayana K. Bhandage will take a seat in the Upper House, come the next session. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory

In Japan, the number of babies born fell for the eighth straight year, falling to a record low last year. As per preliminary government data released on Tuesday, the number of births fell by more than 50 per cent. The massive plunge underscores the daunting task the country faces in trying to stem depopulation.&nbsp;

<h2>What the data shows</h2>

In 2023, compared to the previous year, the number of births in the country fell by a whopping 51 per cent to 758,631.&nbsp;Incidentally, if you were to look at news items for the nation's birth rates for the past few years, every year this record gets broken. In 2020,&nbsp;it was 840,832 births, the next year 2021 there was&nbsp;a further 3.5 per cent fall to 811,604, and in 2022, with a 5.1 per cent fall, there were 799,728 births.

The year also saw the number of people getting married decrease by 5.9 per cent, reports Reuters. In 2023, 489,281 people got married. While this figure may seem considerable, it is the cause of significant concerns, as this is the first time in 90 years that the number of marriages in Japan fell below 500,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-men-continue-to-disappoint-their-wives-most-women-say-husbands-dont-do-enough-around-home-679350">Japanese men continue to disappoint their wives; most women say husbands don't do 'enough' around home</a>

A decrease in the number of marriages is also foreboding for the nation's population woes, as in the deeply traditional Japan, out-of-wedlock&nbsp;births are rare.

<h2>A critical situation</h2>

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described the situation as "critical" and said that Japan has only a few years to "reverse the trend".

Watch |&nbsp;Japan's new birth rate hits all-time low in 2023

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-new-birth-rate-hits-all-time-low-in-2023-694483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Talking to reporters, he said, "The declining birthrate is in a critical situation."&nbsp;

"The next six years or so until 2030, when the number of young people will rapidly decline, will be the last chance to reverse the trend," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-population-crisis-worsens-one-in-10-people-aged-80-or-older-report-637578" hreflang="en">Japan population crisis worsens, one in 10 people aged 80 or older: Report</a>

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has referred to the situation as the "gravest crisis our country faces". Mindful of the potential social and economic impact, and the strains on public finances, last year his government unveiled a range of steps to support child-bearing households.

As per the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates, by the year 2070, Japan's population will probably decline by about 30 per cent to 87 million, with four out of every 10 aged 65 or older. In September 2022,&nbsp;Tesla CEO Elon Musk also voiced concerns about Japan's falling birth rate, warning that Japan may soon "cease to exist", adding that it would be a great loss for the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Japan, the number of babies born fell for the eighth straight year, falling to a record low last year. As per preliminary government data released on Tuesday, the number of births fell by more than 50 per cent.

In Japan, the number of babies born fell for the eighth straight year, falling to a record low last year. As per preliminary government data released on Tuesday, the number of births fell by more than 50 per cent. The massive plunge underscores the daunting task the country faces in trying to stem depopulation. What the data shows In 2023, compared to the previous year, the number of births in the country fell by a whopping 51 per cent to 758,631. Incidentally, if you were to look at news items for the nation's birth rates for the past few years, every year this record gets broken. In 2020, it was 840,832 births, the next year 2021 there was a further 3.5 per cent fall to 811,604, and in 2022, with a 5.1 per cent fall, there were 799,728 births. The year also saw the number of people getting married decrease by 5.9 per cent, reports Reuters. In 2023, 489,281 people got married. While this figure may seem considerable, it is the cause of significant concerns, as this is the first time in 90 years that the number of marriages in Japan fell below 500,000. Also read | Japanese men continue to disappoint their wives; most women say husbands don't do 'enough' around home A decrease in the number of marriages is also foreboding for the nation's population woes, as in the deeply traditional Japan, out-of-wedlock births are rare. A critical situation Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described the situation as "critical" and said that Japan has only a few years to "reverse the trend". Watch | Japan's new birth rate hits all-time low in 2023 Talking to reporters, he said, "The declining birthrate is in a critical situation." "The next six years or so until 2030, when the number of young people will rapidly decline, will be the last chance to reverse the trend," he added. Also read | Japan population crisis worsens, one in 10 people aged 80 or older: Report Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has referred to the situation as the "gravest crisis our country faces". Mindful of the potential social and economic impact, and the strains on public finances, last year his government unveiled a range of steps to support child-bearing households. As per the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates, by the year 2070, Japan's population will probably decline by about 30 per cent to 87 million, with four out of every 10 aged 65 or older. In September 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also voiced concerns about Japan's falling birth rate, warning that Japan may soon "cease to exist", adding that it would be a great loss for the world. (With inputs from agencies)

'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9%

Chinese foreign ministry's arms control department made a big statement. It said that states with largest nuclear arsenals should negotiate a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons. Watch this video for all details.

China urges largest nuclear states to negotiate a 'no-first-use' treaty

Tech companies showcase their latest gadgets at the world's biggest wireless telecoms fair, the four-day-long Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Among the products on show are a robot dog, a flying car and robotic doll aimed at assisting the elderly.

MWC 2024: Robot dogs to flying cars among highlights at Mobile World Congress

One of the most infamous cyber crime gangs in the world lockbit has resurfaced once again in a rare International operation last week law enforcement from 10 countries had disrupted operations of the lock bit ransomware group however it seems the operation was nothing but a smoke show. Lockbit says that it has restored its servers and is back in business. Watch to know more!

Lockbit ransomware returns after takedown with new extortion threats

Former US president Donald Trump has appealed the $355 million fine imposed on him by a New York court earlier this month. The Republican leader was found guilty of manipulating the values of his properties to obtain favourable court conditions.&nbsp;

According to court documents submitted on Monday (Feb 16), the penalty amount had risen to $454 million after a pre-trial interest of nine per cent per day was charged. Until the full sum is paid, the interest will continue to be levied ($112,000 a day) with&nbsp;New York Attorney General Letitia James claiming that she would seize Trump's properties if he fails to pay the fine.&nbsp;

"President Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Allen Weisselberg... hereby appeal to the Appellate Division," read Monday's appeal.&nbsp;

Trump's attorneys argued whether&nbsp;Judge Arthur Engoron had "committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he abused his discretion or “acted in excess” of his jurisdiction.

The appeal by the Trump camp means the case with the significant financial jeopardy it brings, will continue well into the presidential campaign as the Republican looks set to win the nomination race.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-businesses-received-millions-in-foreign-payments-while-he-was-in-office-676963">Watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump businesses received millions in foreign payments while he was in office</a>

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<h2>The judgment&nbsp;</h2>

The appeal has been made necessary as the order by&nbsp;Judge Engoron has barred Trump and his sons from&nbsp;conducting business in New York: Trump for three years and his sons for two.

Moreover, Trump is barred from applying for loans from any New York chartered or registered financial institution during this period.

"Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," Engoron said of Trump and his two sons during the hearing.&nbsp;

Previously,&nbsp;Trump's legal team had requested a 30-day postponement of enforcement, citing the need for an orderly post-judgment process due to its magnitude. However, Engoron rejected this request.&nbsp;

If Trump is unsuccessful at the appellate division, he can ask the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, to consider taking his case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-have-failed-to-explain-judge-refuses-trumps-bid-to-delay-354-million-fine-in-fraud-case-692951">Also read |&nbsp;'You have failed to explain': Judge refuses Trump's bid to delay $354 million fine in fraud case</a>

Last year, Trump testified that he had about $400 million in cash, in addition to&nbsp;properties and other investments. Democrats have latched onto his testimony and argued that he must pay the amount or face action&nbsp;from James.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump has appealed the $355 million fine imposed on him by a New York court earlier this month. The Republican leader was found guilty of manipulating the values of his properties to obtain favourable court conditions.

Former US president Donald Trump has appealed the $355 million fine imposed on him by a New York court earlier this month. The Republican leader was found guilty of manipulating the values of his properties to obtain favourable court conditions. According to court documents submitted on Monday (Feb 16), the penalty amount had risen to $454 million after a pre-trial interest of nine per cent per day was charged. Until the full sum is paid, the interest will continue to be levied ($112,000 a day) with New York Attorney General Letitia James claiming that she would seize Trump's properties if he fails to pay the fine. "President Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Allen Weisselberg... hereby appeal to the Appellate Division," read Monday's appeal. Trump's attorneys argued whether Judge Arthur Engoron had "committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he abused his discretion or “acted in excess” of his jurisdiction. The appeal by the Trump camp means the case with the significant financial jeopardy it brings, will continue well into the presidential campaign as the Republican looks set to win the nomination race. Watch | Donald Trump businesses received millions in foreign payments while he was in office × The judgment The appeal has been made necessary as the order by Judge Engoron has barred Trump and his sons from conducting business in New York: Trump for three years and his sons for two. Moreover, Trump is barred from applying for loans from any New York chartered or registered financial institution during this period. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," Engoron said of Trump and his two sons during the hearing. Previously, Trump's legal team had requested a 30-day postponement of enforcement, citing the need for an orderly post-judgment process due to its magnitude. However, Engoron rejected this request. If Trump is unsuccessful at the appellate division, he can ask the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, to consider taking his case. Also read | 'You have failed to explain': Judge refuses Trump's bid to delay $354 million fine in fraud case Last year, Trump testified that he had about $400 million in cash, in addition to properties and other investments. Democrats have latched onto his testimony and argued that he must pay the amount or face action from James. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump appeals $355 million civil fraud judgement as penalty amount rises

In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States.

An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not restored promptly.

<h2>Immediate action needed</h2>

"Children and babies are already dying from hunger and malnutrition. There will be an immense human impact... and quite possibly large-scale mortality rates," warned the aid worker.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816">Man, allegedly an US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington DC</a>

"The highest levels of diplomacy need to unblock this situation immediately because millions of lives hang in the balance," said the aid worker, calling it "a huge region already facing an imminent and immense food security crisis on top of a civil war, ethnic violence and state service collapse."

The US State Department has expressed deep concern over the army's decision to block cross-border humanitarian aid and reports of obstruction of assistance to communities in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a statement on Friday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States was deeply concerned by the army's "recent decision to prohibit cross border humanitarian assistance from Chad and reports that the SAF is obstructing assistance from reaching communities in areas controlled by the RSF".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-ally-tuvalu-names-feleti-teo-as-new-prime-minister-lawmaker-says-693818">Taiwan ally Tuvalu names Feleti Teo as new prime minister, lawmaker says</a>

He also expressed concern about RSF "looting homes, markets and humanitarian assistance warehouses".&nbsp;

<h2>Embattled Darfur</h2>

Darfur, bordering Chad, has been heavily affected by the Sudanese Armed Forces' conflict with the paramilitary RSF over the past 10 months.

The RSF, descendants of the Janjaweed militia known for their brutal campaigns in Darfur, have seized control of four out of five Darfur state capitals in their ongoing battle against the army.

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan's humanitarian crisis deepens, 14 million children need support: UN

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudans-humanitarian-crisis-deepens-14-million-children-need-support-un-691812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The conflict, as per AFP, has made more than 694,000 people flee across the border into Chad, according to the International Organization for Migration. However, many others remain trapped in Darfur, requiring urgent assistance.

As per reports, while earlier, the&nbsp;United Nations had to limit its work in Darfur to cross-border operations from Chad, last week the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) country director Eddie Rowe told reporters that "authorities have restricted the Chad cross-border operation" as well.

<h2>Sudan dismisses concerns</h2>

Dismissing concerns, Sudan's foreign ministry, which reportedly is loyal to the army, dismissed these concerns as "false accusations," by Washington.

Expressing "confusion", the ministry emphasised that the Sudan-Chad border is the main crossing point for weapons and equipment" used in committing "atrocities" against Sudanese.

A January UN experts' report revealed credible evidence that the United Arab Emirates was providing "military support" to the RSF through Chad, a claim denied by the UAE.

In Brussels, the WFP's Eddie Rowe stated that the agency is working with authorities to ensure the continuation of aid from Chad, emphasising its critical importance.

The conflict in Darfur has claimed thousands of lives, with up to 15,000 deaths reported in the city of El Geneina alone, according to UN experts.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States.

In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States. An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not restored promptly. Immediate action needed "Children and babies are already dying from hunger and malnutrition. There will be an immense human impact... and quite possibly large-scale mortality rates," warned the aid worker. Also read | Man, allegedly an US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington DC "The highest levels of diplomacy need to unblock this situation immediately because millions of lives hang in the balance," said the aid worker, calling it "a huge region already facing an imminent and immense food security crisis on top of a civil war, ethnic violence and state service collapse." The US State Department has expressed deep concern over the army's decision to block cross-border humanitarian aid and reports of obstruction of assistance to communities in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement on Friday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States was deeply concerned by the army's "recent decision to prohibit cross border humanitarian assistance from Chad and reports that the SAF is obstructing assistance from reaching communities in areas controlled by the RSF". Also read | Taiwan ally Tuvalu names Feleti Teo as new prime minister, lawmaker says He also expressed concern about RSF "looting homes, markets and humanitarian assistance warehouses". Embattled Darfur Darfur, bordering Chad, has been heavily affected by the Sudanese Armed Forces' conflict with the paramilitary RSF over the past 10 months. The RSF, descendants of the Janjaweed militia known for their brutal campaigns in Darfur, have seized control of four out of five Darfur state capitals in their ongoing battle against the army. Watch | Sudan's humanitarian crisis deepens, 14 million children need support: UN The conflict, as per AFP, has made more than 694,000 people flee across the border into Chad, according to the International Organization for Migration. However, many others remain trapped in Darfur, requiring urgent assistance. As per reports, while earlier, the United Nations had to limit its work in Darfur to cross-border operations from Chad, last week the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) country director Eddie Rowe told reporters that "authorities have restricted the Chad cross-border operation" as well. Sudan dismisses concerns Dismissing concerns, Sudan's foreign ministry, which reportedly is loyal to the army, dismissed these concerns as "false accusations," by Washington. Expressing "confusion", the ministry emphasised that the Sudan-Chad border is the main crossing point for weapons and equipment" used in committing "atrocities" against Sudanese. A January UN experts' report revealed credible evidence that the United Arab Emirates was providing "military support" to the RSF through Chad, a claim denied by the UAE. In Brussels, the WFP's Eddie Rowe stated that the agency is working with authorities to ensure the continuation of aid from Chad, emphasising its critical importance. The conflict in Darfur has claimed thousands of lives, with up to 15,000 deaths reported in the city of El Geneina alone, according to UN experts. (With inputs from agencies)

'Babies are already dying': Aid worker warns of dire consequences as Sudan blocks cross-border aid to Darfur

Brazil's ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, on Sunday (Feb 25th) flexed his political muscle, gathering thousands of supporters at&nbsp;São Paulo's iconic Paulista Avenue to demonstrate political strength amid investigations that many believe could land him in jail.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the election ban that has&nbsp;barred him from seeking office for eight years, Bolsonaro said, "We cannot accept that an authority can eliminate whoever it may be from the political scene unless it is for a fair reason."

<h2>Alleged coup attempt</h2>

Surrounded by a massive crowd of supporters, Bolsonaro denied&nbsp;allegations that he plotted a coup to stay in power after losing elections in October 2022.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-intelligence-agencys-second-in-command-fired-in-bolsonaro-illegal-spying-probe-685492">Brazil intelligence agency’s second-in-command fired in Bolsonaro illegal spying probe</a>

"What is a coup?" he asked the rally.

"Tanks in the streets, weapons, conspiracy," he said, answering his own question, and added, "None of that happened in Brazil."

"We cannot accept that an authority can eliminate whoever it may be from the political scene unless it is for a fair reason," he stated.

Dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazil flag, the emancipated leader, as per Reuters, spoke for about 20 minutes, defending himself and reminiscing about his 2019-22 term.

68-year-old Bolsonaro, who has had his passport seized by police as he and his inner circle are investigated, reiterated he was being "persecuted".

"What I want is pacification. To erase the past and find a way for us to live in peace," he said.

Reacting to the massive rally held by Bolsonaro, Gleisi Hoffmann, the president of&nbsp;Luiz Inácio, Lula da Silva's&nbsp;Workers' Party (PT) taking to X wrote, "one more threat from Bolsonaro to the institutions and a challenge to the judiciary, to which he is close to having to be held accountable."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-declares-brazilian-president-lula-persona-non-grata-over-antisemitic-comments-691703">Israel declares Brazilian President Lula ‘persona non grata’ over his ‘antisemitic’ comments</a>

<h2>Operation 'Hour of Truth'</h2>

Earlier this month, on February 8, Brazil investigators launched "Operation Tempus Veritatis," a Latin term which translates to "Hour of Truth." Under it, the police carried out dozens of search and seizure raids and even arrested several Bolsonaro allies.&nbsp;

Investigators allege that the ex-president used anti-democratic manoeuvres, including attempts to discredit Brazil's electronic voting system. This "disinformation" campaign they claim was meant to "legitimise a military intervention" if Bolsonaro lost.&nbsp;

The leader has also been accused of editing a draft presidential decree that would have declared a state of emergency in the nation, called for new elections and ordered the arrest of the head of Brazil's Superior Electoral Tribunal, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil's ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, on Sunday (Feb 25th) flexed his political muscle, gathering thousands of supporters at São Paulo's iconic Paulista Avenue to demonstrate political strength amid investigations that many believe could land him in jail.

Brazil's ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, on Sunday (Feb 25th) flexed his political muscle, gathering thousands of supporters at São Paulo's iconic Paulista Avenue to demonstrate political strength amid investigations that many believe could land him in jail. Hitting out at the election ban that has barred him from seeking office for eight years, Bolsonaro said, "We cannot accept that an authority can eliminate whoever it may be from the political scene unless it is for a fair reason." Alleged coup attempt Surrounded by a massive crowd of supporters, Bolsonaro denied allegations that he plotted a coup to stay in power after losing elections in October 2022. Also read | Brazil intelligence agency’s second-in-command fired in Bolsonaro illegal spying probe "What is a coup?" he asked the rally. "Tanks in the streets, weapons, conspiracy," he said, answering his own question, and added, "None of that happened in Brazil." "We cannot accept that an authority can eliminate whoever it may be from the political scene unless it is for a fair reason," he stated. Dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazil flag, the emancipated leader, as per Reuters, spoke for about 20 minutes, defending himself and reminiscing about his 2019-22 term. 68-year-old Bolsonaro, who has had his passport seized by police as he and his inner circle are investigated, reiterated he was being "persecuted". "What I want is pacification. To erase the past and find a way for us to live in peace," he said. Reacting to the massive rally held by Bolsonaro, Gleisi Hoffmann, the president of Luiz Inácio, Lula da Silva's Workers' Party (PT) taking to X wrote, "one more threat from Bolsonaro to the institutions and a challenge to the judiciary, to which he is close to having to be held accountable." Also read | Israel declares Brazilian President Lula ‘persona non grata’ over his ‘antisemitic’ comments Operation 'Hour of Truth' Earlier this month, on February 8, Brazil investigators launched "Operation Tempus Veritatis," a Latin term which translates to "Hour of Truth." Under it, the police carried out dozens of search and seizure raids and even arrested several Bolsonaro allies. Investigators allege that the ex-president used anti-democratic manoeuvres, including attempts to discredit Brazil's electronic voting system. This "disinformation" campaign they claim was meant to "legitimise a military intervention" if Bolsonaro lost. The leader has also been accused of editing a draft presidential decree that would have declared a state of emergency in the nation, called for new elections and ordered the arrest of the head of Brazil's Superior Electoral Tribunal, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil's Bolsonaro denies coup allegations at rally with tens of thousands supporters, says 'What is a coup?'

Veteran political consultant Steve Kramer has admitted to commissioning a robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden using artificial intelligence (AI). The call, which appealed to&nbsp;New Hampshire&nbsp;voters&nbsp;to not vote in the presidential primary&nbsp;and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November,&nbsp;sparked investigations and backlash from election officials and watchdogs.

Not just the US, in the UK as well there is concern over AI-generated content. Recently, voicing concern over AI generated deepfakes, James Cleverly, the UK home secretary during a recent interview, warned that criminals and "malign actors" working on behalf of malicious states like Russia and Iran could these to hijack the general election.

Speaking to the Times, he said that "The era of deepfake and AI-generated content to mislead and disrupt is already in play".

<h2>A revolutionary hero?</h2>

In a conversation with NBC News, Kramer, who was reportedly working for a rival Biden candidate, expressed no remorse for the deepfake call. Instead, he compared himself to American Revolutionary heroes Paul Revere and Thomas Paine and claimed that he had planned the call as an act of civil disobedience to highlight the dangers of AI in politics.&nbsp;

"This is a way for me to make a difference, and I have," he said, adding "For $500, I got about $5 million worth of action, whether that be media attention or regulatory action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-scare-for-us-elections-fake-robocall-imitating-biden-asks-voters-not-to-vote-in-new-hampshire-primary-682665">AI scare for US elections? Fake robocall imitating Biden asks voters not to vote in New Hampshire primary</a>

He asserted that the call, which he planned from the start, had nothing to do with his client, Biden's long-shot primary challenger, Dean Phillips, the Democratic representative from Minnesota.

The call, made to over 5,000 New Hampshire voters, was reportedly part of Kramer's strategy to draw attention to AI's potential misuse in politics. He acknowledged facing potential legal consequences but said he remained committed to working in politics.

As per the report, he said he has received a subpoena from the Federal Communications Commission, and said he suspected that he might get sued by a half-dozen people and could even face jail time.

Watch |&nbsp;Fake Joe Biden robocall told voters to stay home for primary election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fake-joe-biden-robocall-told-voters-to-stay-home-for-primary-election-682749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kramer confirmed that he hired a Texas telemarketing company, Life Co,&nbsp;to distribute the calls, but said they were unaware of the call's content before delivery.

"They had no knowledge of the content of this call prior to delivery," Kramer wrote in his statement.&nbsp;

"I'd use them again, but they are done with my business."

<h2>Street magician was the voice of Biden robocall</h2>

Paul Carpenter, a New Orleans street magician, created the AI-generated audio file replicating Biden's voice for the robocall. He read from a script provided to him by Kramer. Carpenter, paid $150 for the work, believed Kramer was working for the Biden campaign.

The call, Kramer stated, aimed to provoke regulatory action and raise awareness about AI's misuse.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816">Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC</a>

"Even individuals acting alone can quickly and easily use AI for misleading and disruptive purposes," he said.

Authorities in New Hampshire are investigating the call for potential violations of state laws against voter suppression laws, and the Federal Communications Commission has reportedly accelerated plans to outlaw AI robocalls in response to the Biden robocall.

Kramer's admission comes after NBC News linked him to the fake Biden robocall. He revealed that he also commissioned an earlier deepfake robocall impersonating Senator Lindsey Graham as a test, which received a significantly higher response rate than an automated call.

(With inputs from agencies)

Veteran political consultant Steve Kramer has admitted to commissioning a robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden using artificial intelligence (AI). The call, which appealed to New Hampshire voters to not vote in the presidential primary and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November, sparked investigations and backlash from election officials and watchdogs.

Veteran political consultant Steve Kramer has admitted to commissioning a robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden using artificial intelligence (AI). The call, which appealed to New Hampshire voters to not vote in the presidential primary and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November, sparked investigations and backlash from election officials and watchdogs. Not just the US, in the UK as well there is concern over AI-generated content. Recently, voicing concern over AI generated deepfakes, James Cleverly, the UK home secretary during a recent interview, warned that criminals and "malign actors" working on behalf of malicious states like Russia and Iran could these to hijack the general election. Speaking to the Times, he said that "The era of deepfake and AI-generated content to mislead and disrupt is already in play". A revolutionary hero? In a conversation with NBC News, Kramer, who was reportedly working for a rival Biden candidate, expressed no remorse for the deepfake call. Instead, he compared himself to American Revolutionary heroes Paul Revere and Thomas Paine and claimed that he had planned the call as an act of civil disobedience to highlight the dangers of AI in politics. "This is a way for me to make a difference, and I have," he said, adding "For $500, I got about $5 million worth of action, whether that be media attention or regulatory action." Also read | AI scare for US elections? Fake robocall imitating Biden asks voters not to vote in New Hampshire primary He asserted that the call, which he planned from the start, had nothing to do with his client, Biden's long-shot primary challenger, Dean Phillips, the Democratic representative from Minnesota. The call, made to over 5,000 New Hampshire voters, was reportedly part of Kramer's strategy to draw attention to AI's potential misuse in politics. He acknowledged facing potential legal consequences but said he remained committed to working in politics. As per the report, he said he has received a subpoena from the Federal Communications Commission, and said he suspected that he might get sued by a half-dozen people and could even face jail time. Watch | Fake Joe Biden robocall told voters to stay home for primary election Kramer confirmed that he hired a Texas telemarketing company, Life Co, to distribute the calls, but said they were unaware of the call's content before delivery. "They had no knowledge of the content of this call prior to delivery," Kramer wrote in his statement. "I'd use them again, but they are done with my business." Street magician was the voice of Biden robocall Paul Carpenter, a New Orleans street magician, created the AI-generated audio file replicating Biden's voice for the robocall. He read from a script provided to him by Kramer. Carpenter, paid $150 for the work, believed Kramer was working for the Biden campaign. The call, Kramer stated, aimed to provoke regulatory action and raise awareness about AI's misuse. Also read | Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC "Even individuals acting alone can quickly and easily use AI for misleading and disruptive purposes," he said. Authorities in New Hampshire are investigating the call for potential violations of state laws against voter suppression laws, and the Federal Communications Commission has reportedly accelerated plans to outlaw AI robocalls in response to the Biden robocall. Kramer's admission comes after NBC News linked him to the fake Biden robocall. He revealed that he also commissioned an earlier deepfake robocall impersonating Senator Lindsey Graham as a test, which received a significantly higher response rate than an automated call. (With inputs from agencies)

Democratic political consultant Steve Kramer owns up to Biden robocall, says wanted to flag dangers of AI

In Antarctica, climate change is causing sea ice to deplete drastically. Ice coverage across the continent has dropped to record low levels. The latest data by U.S. National snow and ice data center shows that the past three years have recorded the lowest amount of sea ice around Antarctica. Watch to know more!

Antarctic sea ice depleting due to rising temperatures

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader&nbsp;Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families.&nbsp;

A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the&nbsp;West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident.&nbsp;

“The NCST team learned that Shahjahan would instruct poor tribal people to give him their MNREGA earnings. And in case they had already exhausted it, he would ask them to borrow money from lenders and give it to him,” said Nayak, adding that he had not seen anything like this across the country.&nbsp;

The probe team has returned to Delhi and is in the process of filing the final report which will be sent to the government. The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grab by Shahjahan and his aides.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If the victim approached the police, they would not file an FIR or a complaint and instead ask the complainants to ‘negotiate’ with Shahjahan. The police backed the accused in this case,” the NCST vice-chairperson added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-sexual-harassment-row-raped-at-gunpoint-multiple-women-allege-years-of-harassment-691927">Watch |&nbsp;Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sandeshkhali-sexual-harassment-row-raped-at-gunpoint-multiple-women-allege-years-of-harassment-691927/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Sandeshkahli, located in the 24 North Parganas district of the state has been on the boil for the past month ever since&nbsp;allegations of 'systemic gang rape' and sexual exploitation of&nbsp;women surfaced.

Despite multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police has called the sexual exploitation allegations “wilful misinformation”.&nbsp;

In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to play down the severity of the alleged incidents.&nbsp;

TMC-turned-BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari recently visited the troubled town to take stock of the situation after receiving approval from the Calcutta High Court.&nbsp;

However, the Mamata administration stopped him from entering the town, leading to protest by the BJP, which later transformed into a full-blown controversy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-suvendu-adhikari-dares-west-bengal-police-over-alleged-khalistani-jibe-against-its-officer-692224">Also read | BJP's Suvendu Adhikari dares West Bengal police over alleged 'Khalistani' jibe against its officer</a>

Last week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many women at Sandeshkhali were molested. I heard about two rapes. One rape case was filed today. Nothing will happen in West Bengal unless there is President’s rule,” Sharma told reporters.&nbsp;

The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan tortured the tribals for voting against the party while his aides forcibly took MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages from the families. A three-member panel led by NCST vice-chairperson Ananta Nayak conducted the investigation that led to the startling revelations. Nayak said the West Bengal Police allegedly "protected" Shahjahan and his accomplices from the heat emanating from the Sandeshkhali incident. “The NCST team learned that Shahjahan would instruct poor tribal people to give him their MNREGA earnings. And in case they had already exhausted it, he would ask them to borrow money from lenders and give it to him,” said Nayak, adding that he had not seen anything like this across the country. The probe team has returned to Delhi and is in the process of filing the final report which will be sent to the government. The panel had reportedly received more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment of tribal women and land grab by Shahjahan and his aides. “If the victim approached the police, they would not file an FIR or a complaint and instead ask the complainants to ‘negotiate’ with Shahjahan. The police backed the accused in this case,” the NCST vice-chairperson added. Watch | Sandeshkhali sexual harassment row | Raped at gunpoint: Multiple women allege years of harassment Sandeshkahli, located in the 24 North Parganas district of the state has been on the boil for the past month ever since allegations of 'systemic gang rape' and sexual exploitation of women surfaced. Despite multitude of sexual harassment accounts from the victims, the West Bengal police has called the sexual exploitation allegations “wilful misinformation”. In recent days, the BJP has intensified its attacks on TMC as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to play down the severity of the alleged incidents. TMC-turned-BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari recently visited the troubled town to take stock of the situation after receiving approval from the Calcutta High Court. However, the Mamata administration stopped him from entering the town, leading to protest by the BJP, which later transformed into a full-blown controversy. Also read | BJP's Suvendu Adhikari dares West Bengal police over alleged 'Khalistani' jibe against its officer Last week, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma met a few of the victims who have accused TMC leaders of sexual assault. After the conversations, Sharma said the state of West Bengal should be under the president's rule. “Many women at Sandeshkhali were molested. I heard about two rapes. One rape case was filed today. Nothing will happen in West Bengal unless there is President’s rule,” Sharma told reporters. The NCW chief's visit and comments triggered Mamata who accused Sharma of parroting BJP's agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

Sandeshkhali sex abuse row: TMC leaders tortured tribals, snatched MNREGA wages, reveals NCST probe

During his 2-day visit to Gujarat, PM Modi recalls the role Rajkot played in his political career. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Gujarat state in Western India. During his visit he laid the foundation stone for developmental projects worth over $482 million. On Sunday, PM Modi inaugurated India's longest cable-stayed bridge in Gujarat's Dwarka. The Sudarshan Setu connects Okha mainland with Beyt Dwarka and has been constructed at the cost of 11,81,19,678.60 USD (Rs 979 crore). Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the bridge's inauguration. Watch to know more!

India: PM Modi credits role of Rajkot in his political career | PM Modi Gujarat Visit

Billionaire Elon Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter) has claimed that the Indian government issued 'executive orders' to the social media company to act against certain accounts and posts.

Billionaire Elon Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter) has claimed that the Indian government issued 'executive orders' to the social media company to act against certain accounts and posts. In a lengthy post by the platform's Global Government Affairs team, X said although it disagreed with the orders, it had complied and taken action against the specified accounts. "The Indian government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment," the post read. "In compliance with the orders, we will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however, we disagree with these actions and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts," it added. The statement said a writ appeal challenging the Indian government's blocking order remained pending. "Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish executive orders, but we believe that making them public is essential for transparency. This lack of disclosure can lead to a lack of accountability and arbitrary decision-making," the statement read. The Indian government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment. In compliance with the orders, we will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however,… — Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) February 21, 2024 × Watch | PM Modi’s US visit: ‘I am a fan of Modi’, says Elon Musk after meeting PM in New York X's policy of accepting local government's request X accepting the diktat by the Indian government should not come as a surprise. After meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York last year, X boss Musk said his company didn't have any choice but to accept the demands of the local government. “Twitter doesn't have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don't obey local government laws then we will get shut down," Musk told the reporters. "The best we can do is to follow the laws in any given country," the billionaire said, adding that it is impossible for "us to do more than that". Musk was responding to comments made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey who claimed that the social media platform received threats of being booted out of India after not accepting the request to block certain accounts at the peak of the farmers' protest by the government. “India for example, India is one of the countries which had many requests around farmers protests, around particular journalists which were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as ‘we will shut Twitter down in India’… ‘we would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; ‘we will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit’. And this is India, a democratic country," said Dorsey. Also read | Indian govt calls Dorsey's claims about 'pressure' during farmers' protest 'outright lies' However, Union Minister of State for Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted a rebuttal where he said Dorsey was attempting to "brush out a very dubious period of X's history" where the company was repeatedly found non-compliant with the local law. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's X claims it received orders from Indian government to withhold certain accounts, posts

Taking inspiration from his&nbsp;predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taking-leaf-out-of-trumps-book-biden-considers-executive-action-to-restrict-asylum-at-border-692520">Taking leaf out of Trump's book? Biden considers executive action to restrict asylum at border</a>

US President Joe Biden is mulling executive action that would prevent illegal migrants from seeking asylum in the country after they have crossed the southern border, according to US media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/21/413347-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-21t100259345.jpg?imwidth=500" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-venezuela-illegal-gold-mine-collapse-kills-dozens-in-bolivar-state-692504">Southern Venezuela: Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in Bolivar state</a>

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-who-struck-and-killed-indian-student-jaahnavi-kandula-wont-be-charged-692499">Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges</a>

The Seattle police officer who killed&nbsp;Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed&nbsp;on Wednesday (Feb 21).

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/biden-announces-fresh-student-loan-relief-for-150000-americans-692498">Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans</a>

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) announced he was extending his student loan forgiveness programme by cancelling loans of an additional 150,000 Americans worth $1.2 billion.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icj-should-not-order-israeli-withdrawal-from-occupied-palestinian-territories-us-says-692505">Watch | ICJ should not order Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, US says</a>

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Taking inspiration from his predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality.

Taking inspiration from his predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is considering an executive action to address the border crisis. In other news, several people were killed in southern Venezuela after an illegal 'open-pit' gold mine collapsed in the Angostura municipality. Click on headlines to read more: Taking leaf out of Trump's book? Biden considers executive action to restrict asylum at border US President Joe Biden is mulling executive action that would prevent illegal migrants from seeking asylum in the country after they have crossed the southern border, according to US media reports. Southern Venezuela: Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in Bolivar state Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges The Seattle police officer who killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed on Wednesday (Feb 21). Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) announced he was extending his student loan forgiveness programme by cancelling loans of an additional 150,000 Americans worth $1.2 billion. Watch | ICJ should not order Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, US says ×

Morning news brief: Biden's proposed border plan; Venezuela illegal gold mine collapse, and more

The European Space Agency's failed satellite, known as the&nbsp;European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite fell back to Earth on Wednesday (Feb 21), somewhere between Alaska and Hawaii, bringing an end to its nearly 30-year life in space.&nbsp;

According to ESA, the pioneering satellite re-entered the atmosphere around 12:17 pm ET (5:17 pm&nbsp;GMT) and is believed to have broken into pieces, with the majority burning up while the remaining material plummeted&nbsp;into the ocean below.&nbsp;So far, no damage to property or human life has been reported.&nbsp;

"We have confirmation of the atmospheric reentry of ERS-2 at 17:17 UTC (18:17 CET) +/- 1 minute over the North Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Hawaii," ESA Operations posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) whilst sharing Google Maps coordinates of where the satellite fell to Earth.

The dead satellite, weighing 2,290 kilogrammes&nbsp;had studied Earth's climate from its launch in 1995 until it was retired in 2011. It was also&nbsp;used for monitoring natural disasters like earthquakes or severe flooding in remote parts of the world.

In 2008, 13 years after ERS-2 launched, ESA adopted its first space debris mitigation policy to address the growing hazard that the debris in Earth orbit poses&nbsp;to current and future space activities.

Watch:&nbsp;India tests high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicle HAPS | Boost to border surveillance

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<h2>The re-entry process</h2>

The preparation to euthanise ESR-2 started way back in the summer of 2011 when&nbsp;66 reorbiting manoeuvres were performed by the ESA on it.

That process was aimed at using the remaining fuel of the satellite and decreasing its average altitude from 785 km to nearly 573 km. This helps decrease the satellite's risk of collision with space debris or other satellites.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usas-new-intel-report-warns-of-russian-nuclear-capabilities-in-space-690379">USA's new intel report warns of anti-satellite Russian nuclear weapons in space</a>

ESA had cleared that the falling&nbsp;satellite posed no danger or harm to anyone on Earth.&nbsp;

"The risks associated with satellite re-entries are very low.&nbsp;Our missions in Earth orbit are now increasingly designed to conduct controlled reentries at the end of their life that allow operators to accurately target over which region on Earth they reenter," informed ESA officials in a blog post.&nbsp;

ESA added that chances of being struck by lightning are 65,000 times higher than one's risk of being struck by space debris in a lifetime.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency's failed satellite, known as the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite fell back to Earth on Wednesday (Feb 21), somewhere between Alaska and Hawaii, bringing an end to its nearly 30-year life in space.

The European Space Agency's failed satellite, known as the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite fell back to Earth on Wednesday (Feb 21), somewhere between Alaska and Hawaii, bringing an end to its nearly 30-year life in space. According to ESA, the pioneering satellite re-entered the atmosphere around 12:17 pm ET (5:17 pm GMT) and is believed to have broken into pieces, with the majority burning up while the remaining material plummeted into the ocean below. So far, no damage to property or human life has been reported. "We have confirmation of the atmospheric reentry of ERS-2 at 17:17 UTC (18:17 CET) +/- 1 minute over the North Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Hawaii," ESA Operations posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) whilst sharing Google Maps coordinates of where the satellite fell to Earth. The dead satellite, weighing 2,290 kilogrammes had studied Earth's climate from its launch in 1995 until it was retired in 2011. It was also used for monitoring natural disasters like earthquakes or severe flooding in remote parts of the world. In 2008, 13 years after ERS-2 launched, ESA adopted its first space debris mitigation policy to address the growing hazard that the debris in Earth orbit poses to current and future space activities. Watch: India tests high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicle HAPS | Boost to border surveillance The re-entry process The preparation to euthanise ESR-2 started way back in the summer of 2011 when 66 reorbiting manoeuvres were performed by the ESA on it. That process was aimed at using the remaining fuel of the satellite and decreasing its average altitude from 785 km to nearly 573 km. This helps decrease the satellite's risk of collision with space debris or other satellites. Also Read: USA's new intel report warns of anti-satellite Russian nuclear weapons in space ESA had cleared that the falling satellite posed no danger or harm to anyone on Earth. "The risks associated with satellite re-entries are very low. Our missions in Earth orbit are now increasingly designed to conduct controlled reentries at the end of their life that allow operators to accurately target over which region on Earth they reenter," informed ESA officials in a blog post. ESA added that chances of being struck by lightning are 65,000 times higher than one's risk of being struck by space debris in a lifetime. (With inputs from agencies)

Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space

Jaahnavi Kandula's death: The Seattle police officer who killed&nbsp;Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed&nbsp;on Wednesday (Feb 21).&nbsp;Kandula was struck and killed by a police officer in a&nbsp;South Lake Union crosswalk while responding to an overdose call in January 2023.

“After staffing this case with senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, I have determined that we lack sufficient evidence under Washington state law to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt," said prosecutor Leesa Manion.

According to a memo issued to the Seattle Police Department,&nbsp;the King County prosecutor’s office noted that Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving 119 kph on a street with a 40 kph speed limit in a police SUV, had his emergency lights on. Other pedestrians reported hearing his siren and that&nbsp;Kandula appeared to try to run across the intersection after seeing his vehicle approaching.

It also added that Kandula may have been wearing&nbsp;wireless earbuds that could have diminished her hearing.

“There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ofc. Dave was consciously disregarding safety,” read the memo.

<h2>Who was Jaahnavi Kandula? What happened on the date of her death in the US?</h2>

Kandula, the 23-year-old student hailed from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. She was pursuing a master's degree in information systems from the Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union. She went to the US in 2021 on a student exchange programme and was due to get her master's degree in December last year.

It has been reported that Kandula was a daughter to a single mother and wanted to support her after completing her studies.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Disturbing Footage: US Cop Mocks Indian Student's Tragic Death

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<h2>Seattle Police officers joke about Kandula</h2>

Kandula was killed after being hit by a police car which was being driven by Dave. After the deadly collision, she was&nbsp;thrown more than 100 feet away.&nbsp;She was rushed to Harbourview Medical Centre but succumbed to her injuries.

Officer Daniel Auderer, who is also vice-president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG), was assigned to determine whether Officer Dave was under the influence.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;video recorded from Auderer's body-cam released by the Seattle Police Department showed him&nbsp;joking about Kandula's death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-demands-strong-action-as-us-cop-jokes-about-death-of-indian-student-635819">Also read |&nbsp;US assures India of strong action against cop who joked about Indian student's death</a>

Auderer conducted a routine analysis of whether Dave was under the influence and then called Mike Solan, the president of the police union. The video reportedly shows Auderer's side of the conversation and he can be heard laughing off the accident that caused Kandula's death.

He downplayed the gravity of the incident by saying that the city should "write a check" to pay damages to the family of Kandula who "had limited value".

(With inputs from agencies)

Jaahnavi Kandula's death: The Seattle police officer who killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed on Wednesday (Feb 21).

Jaahnavi Kandula's death: The Seattle police officer who killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student last year, won't be criminally charged, the prosecutors informed on Wednesday (Feb 21). Kandula was struck and killed by a police officer in a South Lake Union crosswalk while responding to an overdose call in January 2023. “After staffing this case with senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, I have determined that we lack sufficient evidence under Washington state law to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt," said prosecutor Leesa Manion. According to a memo issued to the Seattle Police Department, the King County prosecutor’s office noted that Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving 119 kph on a street with a 40 kph speed limit in a police SUV, had his emergency lights on. Other pedestrians reported hearing his siren and that Kandula appeared to try to run across the intersection after seeing his vehicle approaching. It also added that Kandula may have been wearing wireless earbuds that could have diminished her hearing. “There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ofc. Dave was consciously disregarding safety,” read the memo. Who was Jaahnavi Kandula? What happened on the date of her death in the US? Kandula, the 23-year-old student hailed from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. She was pursuing a master's degree in information systems from the Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union. She went to the US in 2021 on a student exchange programme and was due to get her master's degree in December last year. It has been reported that Kandula was a daughter to a single mother and wanted to support her after completing her studies. Watch: Gravitas: Disturbing Footage: US Cop Mocks Indian Student's Tragic Death Seattle Police officers joke about Kandula Kandula was killed after being hit by a police car which was being driven by Dave. After the deadly collision, she was thrown more than 100 feet away. She was rushed to Harbourview Medical Centre but succumbed to her injuries. Officer Daniel Auderer, who is also vice-president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG), was assigned to determine whether Officer Dave was under the influence. A video recorded from Auderer's body-cam released by the Seattle Police Department showed him joking about Kandula's death. Also read | US assures India of strong action against cop who joked about Indian student's death Auderer conducted a routine analysis of whether Dave was under the influence and then called Mike Solan, the president of the police union. The video reportedly shows Auderer's side of the conversation and he can be heard laughing off the accident that caused Kandula's death. He downplayed the gravity of the incident by saying that the city should "write a check" to pay damages to the family of Kandula who "had limited value". (With inputs from agencies)

Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges

India's space sector is booming. The government is encouraging investments. It has now allowed 100% FDI in the space sector. Will there be a boom in Indian space sector? Watch this video for all details.

Why did India approve 100% FDI in the space sector?

A passenger flight from San Francisco to Boston on Monday (Jan 19th) had to be diverted to Denver after passengers aboard the aeroplane spotted parts of the plane's wing were damaged.&nbsp;

The news was first reported by Boston's WHDH 7 News on Tuesday. Talking to news agency Associated Press, Kevin Clarke, a 67-year-old ski announcer from Maine who was among the passengers on the United Airlines flight said that the flight was diverted to Denver after one of the pilots walked along the plane's aisle.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-holds-triple-the-cash-of-leading-republican-contender-for-2024-692235">Joe Biden holds triple the cash of leading Republican contender for 2024</a>

Clarke managed to capture a video of the chipped plane wing. His video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, including X, shows the plane with a damaged wing with a dark blue tip descending onto a runway.&nbsp;

You can see it here:

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On February 19, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedAirlines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedAirlines</a> Boeing 757-200 (N57111) flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UA354?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UA354</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanFrancisco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanFrancisco</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boston?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boston</a> was forced to divert to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Denver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Denver</a> after the right inner leading edge slat partially disintegrated inflight at 31,000 feet. 
 
🎥 ©Kevin Clarke<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boeing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boeing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B757?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#B757</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aviation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aviation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvGeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvGeek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/avgeeks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#avgeeks</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lb1nW4W1tp">pic.twitter.com/Lb1nW4W1tp</a>
— FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlightModeblog/status/1760171568460661007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In a statement to AP, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that it is investigating the incident.

<h2>What did the airlines say?</h2>

United Airlines in its statement said: "United flight 354 diverted to Denver yesterday afternoon to address an issue with the slat on the wing of the aircraft. The flight landed safely, and we arranged for another aircraft to take our customers to Boston." However, it failed to confirm what caused the damage to the wing.

As per the Aviation Herald, the Boeing 757-200, with registration number N57111, was carrying 165 people on board. None of the passengers were hurt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a>

The slat damage was observed on the right-hand wing. According to the Aviation Safety Information website JACDEC, the right inner slat partially disintegrated during cruise flight at around 31000 ft (9.45 kilometres).&nbsp;

Due to the diversion, a replacement plane completed the journey, and the flight was delayed by about 3.5 hours.

On Tuesday, a Reddit user aboard the flight also shared pictures of the damage on the social media platform, asking people "How panicked should I be? Do I need to tell a flight crew member?".

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by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/octopus_hug/">u/octopus_hug</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/">unitedairlines</a></blockquote>
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The post by the time of this report had garnered 2,200 upvotes and 536 comments. He also posted a series of photos showcasing the progression of damage to the wing.

(With inputs from agencies)

A passenger flight from San Francisco to Boston on Monday (Jan 19th) had to be diverted to Denver after passengers aboard the aeroplane spotted parts of the plane's wing were damaged.

A passenger flight from San Francisco to Boston on Monday (Jan 19th) had to be diverted to Denver after passengers aboard the aeroplane spotted parts of the plane's wing were damaged. The news was first reported by Boston's WHDH 7 News on Tuesday. Talking to news agency Associated Press, Kevin Clarke, a 67-year-old ski announcer from Maine who was among the passengers on the United Airlines flight said that the flight was diverted to Denver after one of the pilots walked along the plane's aisle. Also read | Joe Biden holds triple the cash of leading Republican contender for 2024 Clarke managed to capture a video of the chipped plane wing. His video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, including X, shows the plane with a damaged wing with a dark blue tip descending onto a runway. You can see it here: On February 19, #UnitedAirlines Boeing 757-200 (N57111) flight #UA354 from #SanFrancisco to #Boston was forced to divert to #Denver after the right inner leading edge slat partially disintegrated inflight at 31,000 feet. 🎥 ©Kevin Clarke#Boeing #B757 #aviation #AvGeek #avgeeks pic.twitter.com/Lb1nW4W1tp — FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) February 21, 2024 × In a statement to AP, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that it is investigating the incident. What did the airlines say? United Airlines in its statement said: "United flight 354 diverted to Denver yesterday afternoon to address an issue with the slat on the wing of the aircraft. The flight landed safely, and we arranged for another aircraft to take our customers to Boston." However, it failed to confirm what caused the damage to the wing. As per the Aviation Herald, the Boeing 757-200, with registration number N57111, was carrying 165 people on board. None of the passengers were hurt. Also read | US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' The slat damage was observed on the right-hand wing. According to the Aviation Safety Information website JACDEC, the right inner slat partially disintegrated during cruise flight at around 31000 ft (9.45 kilometres). Due to the diversion, a replacement plane completed the journey, and the flight was delayed by about 3.5 hours. On Tuesday, a Reddit user aboard the flight also shared pictures of the damage on the social media platform, asking people "How panicked should I be? Do I need to tell a flight crew member?". What’s happening here byu/octopus_hug inunitedairlines × The post by the time of this report had garnered 2,200 upvotes and 536 comments. He also posted a series of photos showcasing the progression of damage to the wing. (With inputs from agencies)

US: United Airlines flight diverted after passengers spot damaged wing at 31,000 feet. Watch!

In India, protesting farmers, as per reports, have temporarily&nbsp;suspended their 'Delhi Chalo' march for two days, as of Wednesday evening (Feb 21).&nbsp;

As per a PTI news agency quoting farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, the farmers will decide their next course of action on Friday evening.

<h2>Young protester dies in clashes</h2>

This comes after a protester died and about 12 police personnel were injured on Wednesday as thousands of Indian farmers resumed their march to the capital after talks with the government failed to end an impasse over their demands for guaranteed crop prices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-traffic-advisory-issued-by-delhi-police-as-farmers-attempt-to-enter-capital-692146">Farmers' protest: Indian police fire tear gas at farmers marching towards Delhi</a>

The 21-year-old farmer, as per PTI, has been identified as Subhkaran Singh.&nbsp;

Singh died after clashes between security forces and farmers erupted in Khanauri, a town in the state of Punjab. He succumbed to a head injury, said medical superintendent H S Rekhi at Rajindra Hospital in the nearby Punjab state of Patiala. He said two others who got injured were in stable condition.

Farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu had resumed their agitation early in the morning after a two-day lull after the fourth round of talks with a panel of three Union ministers failed on Sunday night.

<h2>Govt urges protesting farmers to maintain peace</h2>

Appealing to the protesting farmers to come for another round of discussions, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said farmers' interests from across the country should be taken into account while dealing with demands.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-to-use-makeshift-tanks-and-iron-sheets-to-cross-haryana-border-692124">India: Farmers plan to use makeshift ‘tanks’ and iron sheets to cross Haryana border</a>

He said that a solution to the demands of the farmers can be found through negotiations.

"Farmers are across the country. While making a policy, it is important to keep in mind the interest of the farmers of the entire country. Keeping this in mind, we will work towards resolving their concerns in the coming days," he said.&nbsp;

Stressed that a solution can be found only through dialogue, he said: "We have tried to resolve the tough problems through dialogue. Even the current issue, we want to resolve through dialogue".

(With inputs from agencies)

In India, protesting farmers, as per reports, have temporarily suspended their 'Delhi Chalo' march for two days, as of Wednesday evening (Feb 21). As per a PTI news agency quoting farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, the farmers will decide their next course of action on Friday evening.

In India, protesting farmers, as per reports, have temporarily suspended their 'Delhi Chalo' march for two days, as of Wednesday evening (Feb 21). As per a PTI news agency quoting farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, the farmers will decide their next course of action on Friday evening. Young protester dies in clashes This comes after a protester died and about 12 police personnel were injured on Wednesday as thousands of Indian farmers resumed their march to the capital after talks with the government failed to end an impasse over their demands for guaranteed crop prices. Also read | Farmers' protest: Indian police fire tear gas at farmers marching towards Delhi The 21-year-old farmer, as per PTI, has been identified as Subhkaran Singh. Singh died after clashes between security forces and farmers erupted in Khanauri, a town in the state of Punjab. He succumbed to a head injury, said medical superintendent H S Rekhi at Rajindra Hospital in the nearby Punjab state of Patiala. He said two others who got injured were in stable condition. Farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu had resumed their agitation early in the morning after a two-day lull after the fourth round of talks with a panel of three Union ministers failed on Sunday night. Govt urges protesting farmers to maintain peace Appealing to the protesting farmers to come for another round of discussions, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said farmers' interests from across the country should be taken into account while dealing with demands. Also read | India: Farmers plan to use makeshift ‘tanks’ and iron sheets to cross Haryana border He said that a solution to the demands of the farmers can be found through negotiations. "Farmers are across the country. While making a policy, it is important to keep in mind the interest of the farmers of the entire country. Keeping this in mind, we will work towards resolving their concerns in the coming days," he said. Stressed that a solution can be found only through dialogue, he said: "We have tried to resolve the tough problems through dialogue. Even the current issue, we want to resolve through dialogue". (With inputs from agencies)

Protesting farmers in India suspend ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days

The Indian Army on Wednesday rushed to the rescue of 500 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather in East Sikkim's Gangtok.&nbsp;

As per a PTI report, troops from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps were behind the heroic rescue.

<h2>Stuck in snow</h2>

Reports state that approximately 175 vehicles with more than 500 tourists were stranded at Nathu La on February 21 because of a sudden heavy snowfall.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-protesting-farmers-suspend-delhi-chalo-march-for-two-days-692429">Protesting farmers in India suspend ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days</a>

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the "Troops of Trishakti Corps braving sub-zero temperatures rushed to rescue and assisted the stranded tourists."

The tourists were provided medical assistance, refreshments, and safe transportation.

"Prompt Medicare, hot refreshments, meals and safe transportation were rendered in timely to assist the tourists reach safety," added Rawat.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-restaurateur-killed-on-valentines-day-in-uk-eight-arrested-so-far-692218">Indian restaurateur killed on Valentine’s Day in UK, eight arrested so far</a>

The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, while guarding the borders in Sikkim, is always prepared to assist the people, said a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

"Trishakti Corps, #IndianArmy while guarding the borders in the Himalayas, is always proactive in providing assistance to the tourists &amp; local population."

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𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 
 
Due to sudden heavy snowfall, approximate 175 vehicles with more than 500 tourists got… <a href="https://t.co/vdQTbdQ6jJ">pic.twitter.com/vdQTbdQ6jJ</a>
— Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) <a href="https://twitter.com/trishakticorps/status/1760303092900204934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army on Wednesday rushed to the rescue of 500 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather in East Sikkim's Gangtok. As per a PTI report, troops from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps were behind the heroic rescue.

The Indian Army on Wednesday rushed to the rescue of 500 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather in East Sikkim's Gangtok. As per a PTI report, troops from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps were behind the heroic rescue. Stuck in snow Reports state that approximately 175 vehicles with more than 500 tourists were stranded at Nathu La on February 21 because of a sudden heavy snowfall. Also read | Protesting farmers in India suspend ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the "Troops of Trishakti Corps braving sub-zero temperatures rushed to rescue and assisted the stranded tourists." The tourists were provided medical assistance, refreshments, and safe transportation. "Prompt Medicare, hot refreshments, meals and safe transportation were rendered in timely to assist the tourists reach safety," added Rawat. Also read | Indian restaurateur killed on Valentine’s Day in UK, eight arrested so far The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, while guarding the borders in Sikkim, is always prepared to assist the people, said a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "Trishakti Corps, #IndianArmy while guarding the borders in the Himalayas, is always proactive in providing assistance to the tourists & local population." 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 Due to sudden heavy snowfall, approximate 175 vehicles with more than 500 tourists got… pic.twitter.com/vdQTbdQ6jJ — Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) February 21, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army's Trishakti Corps rescue 500 tourists stuck in heavy snowfall at Gangtok

Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave"&nbsp;man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice.&nbsp;

Trump, who has been an admirer of Putin for a long time, commented on Navalny's death without assigning blame to anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Navalny is a very sad situation, and he is a very brave, he was a very brave guy because he went back. He could have stayed away," Trump said during a town hall interview with Fox News in South Carolina.

"And, frankly, he probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country as opposed to having to go back in, because people thought that could happen and it did happen. And it's a horrible thing," he added.

The Republican leader compared himself to Navalny, implying that both had faced politically motivated prosecutions.&nbsp;

"But it's happening in our country too.&nbsp;We are turning into a communist country in many ways. And if you look at it - I'm the leading candidate. I get indicted."

Trump's fresh statement comes after he took to his Truth Social network on Sunday (Feb 18) and said Navalny's death made&nbsp;him "more aware of what is happening" in the United States.

“It is a slow, steady progression, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges leading us down a path to destruction," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-death-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691608">Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-death-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691608/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Biden criticises Trump</h2>

Trump's statements appeared to have rubbed&nbsp;President Joe Biden the wrong way as the Democrat issued a scathing assessment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Why does Trump always blame America? Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Why can't Trump just say that?" said Biden.&nbsp;

Biden, alongside other Western leaders, has said Putin was behind Navalny's death and that he used his powers to&nbsp;cull freedom in Russia.&nbsp;

"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said US President Joe Biden last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1WPNNH7fjwh_C3Ktq11u7O" data-ved="2ahUKEwjao7KD8LSEAxVryDgGHUCDBjkQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-was-told-he-died-by-sudden-death-syndrome-says-leaders-team-691308" jsname="YKoRaf">Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’</a>

On Monday, Biden added he was "considering&nbsp;additional sanctions"&nbsp;on Moscow over Navalny's death.&nbsp;

Navalny&nbsp;once led street protests against the Russian president, building a potent opposition that constantly targeted Moscow's corrupt officials. However, akin to several other opposition voices, he was promptly sent behind the bars, eventually leading to his death.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave" man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice.

Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave" man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice. Trump, who has been an admirer of Putin for a long time, commented on Navalny's death without assigning blame to anyone. "Navalny is a very sad situation, and he is a very brave, he was a very brave guy because he went back. He could have stayed away," Trump said during a town hall interview with Fox News in South Carolina. "And, frankly, he probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country as opposed to having to go back in, because people thought that could happen and it did happen. And it's a horrible thing," he added. The Republican leader compared himself to Navalny, implying that both had faced politically motivated prosecutions. "But it's happening in our country too. We are turning into a communist country in many ways. And if you look at it - I'm the leading candidate. I get indicted." Trump's fresh statement comes after he took to his Truth Social network on Sunday (Feb 18) and said Navalny's death made him "more aware of what is happening" in the United States. “It is a slow, steady progression, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges leading us down a path to destruction," he added. Watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible Biden criticises Trump Trump's statements appeared to have rubbed President Joe Biden the wrong way as the Democrat issued a scathing assessment. "Why does Trump always blame America? Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Why can't Trump just say that?" said Biden. Biden, alongside other Western leaders, has said Putin was behind Navalny's death and that he used his powers to cull freedom in Russia. "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said US President Joe Biden last week. Also read: Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’ On Monday, Biden added he was "considering additional sanctions" on Moscow over Navalny's death. Navalny once led street protests against the Russian president, building a potent opposition that constantly targeted Moscow's corrupt officials. However, akin to several other opposition voices, he was promptly sent behind the bars, eventually leading to his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says 'brave' Navalny should not have returned to Russia

Ahead of the planned march to the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 21) by the protesting farmers, the traffic police has issued an advisory for commuters. The Delhi Police has requested commuters to avoid several roads in the central parts of the capital due to special traffic arrangements.&nbsp;

The agitating farmers have been gearing up to enter Delhi from two points on the&nbsp;Punjab-Haryana border as fourth rounds of talks with the central government yielded no results.&nbsp;

"On 21-02-24, due to special traffic arrangements kindly avoid IP Marg in both the carriageways from IP Flyover towards &nbsp;A-point and vice-versa, ITO Chowk, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, Shanti Van crossing and Rajghat crossing from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs," the advisory said.

According to reports the Uttar Pradesh Gate border point is expected to be the most vulnerable to traffic chaos. The stretch had witnessed 7-8 km tailbacks during the previous round of farmers' protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/farmers-protest-agitating-farmers-say-govt-proposal-not-in-their-best-interest-692048">Watch |&nbsp;Farmers Protest: Agitating farmers say govt proposal 'not in their best interest'</a>

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<h2>Farmers vs government showdown</h2>

As many as 14,000 protesters have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border with 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars and 10-mini buses. As a precautionary measure, the Haryana government has extended its ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa.&nbsp;

At the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, as well as other checkpoints, several administrative measures, including&nbsp;concrete barriers, barbed wires, and large shipping containers have been put up to stop the farmers.&nbsp;

Police have affixed cemented nail strips on the highway to impede the movement of tractors and other vehicles used by the farmers. In response, the protesting farmers have improvised a makeshift "tank" to counteract these measures and continue their 'Dilli Chalo' march.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-to-use-makeshift-tanks-and-iron-sheets-to-cross-haryana-border-692124">Also read |&nbsp;India: Farmers plan to use makeshift ‘tanks’ and iron sheets to cross Haryana border</a>

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has urged the prime minister to come and meet the protesters to chalk out an agreement regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

"We have told the govt that you can kill us but please don't oppress the farmers. We request the prime minister to come forward and put an end to this protest by announcing a law on the MSP guarantee for the farmers," said Pandher.&nbsp;

The protesting farmers have rejected the government's proposition for a five-year contract to purchase maize, cotton, and three types of pulses at the existing minimum support price.

(Update)

As of the latest&nbsp;update, several rounds of tear gas canisters had been fired on the border by the police to disperse the farmers. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda invited the protesting farmers for a fifth round of talks on all issues including the MSP.

"We are ready to discuss all the issues, be it MSP or crop diversification. We can find a solution only through dialogue. I have invited them for the discussion and appealed to them to maintain peace and find a solution that is good for everyone," Munda told reporters&nbsp;

The minister urged the farmers to come to an amicable conclusion peacefully.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the planned march to the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 21) by the protesting farmers, the traffic police has issued an advisory for commuters.

Ahead of the planned march to the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 21) by the protesting farmers, the traffic police has issued an advisory for commuters. The Delhi Police has requested commuters to avoid several roads in the central parts of the capital due to special traffic arrangements. The agitating farmers have been gearing up to enter Delhi from two points on the Punjab-Haryana border as fourth rounds of talks with the central government yielded no results. "On 21-02-24, due to special traffic arrangements kindly avoid IP Marg in both the carriageways from IP Flyover towards A-point and vice-versa, ITO Chowk, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, Shanti Van crossing and Rajghat crossing from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs," the advisory said. According to reports the Uttar Pradesh Gate border point is expected to be the most vulnerable to traffic chaos. The stretch had witnessed 7-8 km tailbacks during the previous round of farmers' protests. Watch | Farmers Protest: Agitating farmers say govt proposal 'not in their best interest' × Farmers vs government showdown As many as 14,000 protesters have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border with 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars and 10-mini buses. As a precautionary measure, the Haryana government has extended its ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. At the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, as well as other checkpoints, several administrative measures, including concrete barriers, barbed wires, and large shipping containers have been put up to stop the farmers. Police have affixed cemented nail strips on the highway to impede the movement of tractors and other vehicles used by the farmers. In response, the protesting farmers have improvised a makeshift "tank" to counteract these measures and continue their 'Dilli Chalo' march. Also read | India: Farmers plan to use makeshift ‘tanks’ and iron sheets to cross Haryana border Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has urged the prime minister to come and meet the protesters to chalk out an agreement regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP). "We have told the govt that you can kill us but please don't oppress the farmers. We request the prime minister to come forward and put an end to this protest by announcing a law on the MSP guarantee for the farmers," said Pandher. The protesting farmers have rejected the government's proposition for a five-year contract to purchase maize, cotton, and three types of pulses at the existing minimum support price. (Update) As of the latest update, several rounds of tear gas canisters had been fired on the border by the police to disperse the farmers. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda invited the protesting farmers for a fifth round of talks on all issues including the MSP. "We are ready to discuss all the issues, be it MSP or crop diversification. We can find a solution only through dialogue. I have invited them for the discussion and appealed to them to maintain peace and find a solution that is good for everyone," Munda told reporters The minister urged the farmers to come to an amicable conclusion peacefully. (With inputs from agencies)

Farmers' protest: Indian police fire tear gas at farmers marching towards Delhi

Elon Musk is the visionary behind Neuralink. He announced that the first human recipient of the company's brain chip implant has fully recovered. The individual has demonstrated the ability to use a computer mouse solely through thoughts. Watch this video for all details.

Neuralink's first human patient able to use mouse through thinking says Elon Musk

In a major embarrassment to the UK Royal Navy, a Trident nuclear missile misfired and crashed into the ocean near the submarine that launched it, last month. The test firing&nbsp;was conducted off&nbsp;the coast of Florida and it was the second consecutive time a Trident nuclear missile had failed.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Feb 20), the Ministry of Defence seemingly confirmed the failed test&nbsp;saying an "anomaly" occurred during the firing of the&nbsp;'Trident 2' ballistic missile.

Notably, Defence Secretary&nbsp;Grant Shapps and&nbsp;First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key were on board HMS Vanguard when the nuclear missile failed to get going.&nbsp;

According to reports, the crew responsible for the launch in the nuclear sub completed the doomsday drill perfectly before the Trident 2 missile&nbsp;was propelled into the air by compressed gas in the launch tube. However, its first-stage boosters failed to ignite and the 58-tonne missile – fitted with dummy warheads – splashed into the ocean and sank.

According to a source, quoted as saying by The Sun, the missile left the submarine but "just went plop", right next to the vessel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-nukes-to-return-to-uk-evidence-suggests-process-underway-632762">Watch |&nbsp;US nukes to return to UK? Evidence suggests process underway</a>

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<h2>Statement by the government</h2>

The MoD looked at the silver lining after the failure and said "we are confident that the anomaly was event specific, and therefore there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpile".&nbsp;

The Tory ministers are expected to make a statement about what happened during the launch to the House of Commons on Wednesday (Feb 21).&nbsp;

Notably, it is the second time that a Trident missile launch has failed after a similar misfire was reported during the 2016 test. At the time, HMS Vengeance was used to fire the missile but moments after the launch, the Trident missile veered off course and automatically self-destructed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usas-new-intel-report-warns-of-russian-nuclear-capabilities-in-space-690379">Also read |&nbsp;'Satellite killer': Russia's name was not supposed to be revealed, but somebody leaked it</a>

Afterwards, the then-Theresa May government was accused of covering up the failed launch as parliament was due to vote on renewing the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

The failure of the missile launch comes at a time when a recent report stated that UK armed forces were overstretched and that in a peer-to-peer conflict, they would exhaust their capabilities in a "couple of months".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major embarrassment to the UK Royal Navy, a Trident nuclear missile misfired and crashed into the ocean near the submarine that launched it, last month. The test firing was conducted off the coast of Florida and it was the second consecutive time a Trident nuclear missile had failed.

In a major embarrassment to the UK Royal Navy, a Trident nuclear missile misfired and crashed into the ocean near the submarine that launched it, last month. The test firing was conducted off the coast of Florida and it was the second consecutive time a Trident nuclear missile had failed. On Tuesday (Feb 20), the Ministry of Defence seemingly confirmed the failed test saying an "anomaly" occurred during the firing of the 'Trident 2' ballistic missile. Notably, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key were on board HMS Vanguard when the nuclear missile failed to get going. According to reports, the crew responsible for the launch in the nuclear sub completed the doomsday drill perfectly before the Trident 2 missile was propelled into the air by compressed gas in the launch tube. However, its first-stage boosters failed to ignite and the 58-tonne missile – fitted with dummy warheads – splashed into the ocean and sank. According to a source, quoted as saying by The Sun, the missile left the submarine but "just went plop", right next to the vessel. Watch | US nukes to return to UK? Evidence suggests process underway × Statement by the government The MoD looked at the silver lining after the failure and said "we are confident that the anomaly was event specific, and therefore there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpile". The Tory ministers are expected to make a statement about what happened during the launch to the House of Commons on Wednesday (Feb 21). Notably, it is the second time that a Trident missile launch has failed after a similar misfire was reported during the 2016 test. At the time, HMS Vengeance was used to fire the missile but moments after the launch, the Trident missile veered off course and automatically self-destructed. Also read | 'Satellite killer': Russia's name was not supposed to be revealed, but somebody leaked it Afterwards, the then-Theresa May government was accused of covering up the failed launch as parliament was due to vote on renewing the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The failure of the missile launch comes at a time when a recent report stated that UK armed forces were overstretched and that in a peer-to-peer conflict, they would exhaust their capabilities in a "couple of months". (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Trident nuclear missile test fails for the second time in a row

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