Economic growth in East Asia and the Pacific will weaken sharply in 2022 due to China's slowdown, but the pace of expansion will pick up next year, the World Bank stated on Tuesday.

WION Business News | World Bank: Economic growth to pick up in 2023

Typhoon Noru has made landfall in the Philippines. The typhoon hit the main island of Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains, it prompted the evacuation of thousands and killed at least five people who were deployed for rescue operations.

Typhoon Noru live updates: Five rescuers dead as typhoon hits Philippines

Spain is planning to offer digital nomad visas to encourage non-European Union (EU) citizens to come to the country and enjoy working in the sun. The law is yet to be passed but the Spanish government is intending to dole out lucrative incentives to make the proposal all the more enticing.

Digital nomads or remote workers refer&nbsp;to individuals who travel remotely and work using technology and internet. They do not have a set base and work in public libraries, cafes and&nbsp;co-working spaces. Countries across Europe are luring them with visas to boost tourism.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the digital nomad visa will be offered to those who are self-employed or working remotely or employed by non-Spanish companies. The applicants&nbsp;will need to be outside the European Economic Area and should be able to furnish a contract of employment to demonstrate they have been working remotely.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-are-digital-nomads-working-remotely-and-travelling-the-world-488237">WATCH |&nbsp;Who are Digital nomads? Working remotely and travelling the world</a>

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While the more intricate details are yet to be hammered out, the Spanish government is expected to grant a residency permit for a year, which can be renewed for up to five years, depending on the applicant's record. Spouses or children&nbsp;will also be eligible to join the applicant.&nbsp;

Additionally, for the initial four years, the individual will receive a 10 per cent relaxation in the taxation scheme. According to Spanish media outlets, the new residents will be taxed at 15 per cent, compared to the standard 25 per cent rate.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-agrees-to-suspend-visa-travel-deal-with-russia-defers-from-full-tourist-visa-ban-511858">EU agrees to suspend visa travel deal with Russia. Defers full tourist visa ban</a>

This particular visa scheme will come under the propsed 'Startup Act', the reports said. The main aim of the Startup Act is to develop a thriving 'startup ecosystem' in Spain and simultaneously, make it a premier destination for entrepreneurs.

If the Spanish government does come up with the planned proposal, it will join the list of European countries such as Croatia, Estonia, and Hungary to have issued some version of digital nomad visa.

While the aforementioned countries have a minimum earning requirement, the Spanish government has not given any indication of adding such a caveat yet. However, the visa applicants might need to prove that they will earn enough to sustain themselves.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Spain is planning to offer digital nomad visas to encourage non-European Union (EU) citizens to come to the country and enjoy working in the sun. The law is yet to be passed but the Spanish government is intending to dole out lucrative incentives to make the proposal all the more enticing.

Spain is planning to offer digital nomad visas to encourage non-European Union (EU) citizens to come to the country and enjoy working in the sun. The law is yet to be passed but the Spanish government is intending to dole out lucrative incentives to make the proposal all the more enticing. Digital nomads or remote workers refer to individuals who travel remotely and work using technology and internet. They do not have a set base and work in public libraries, cafes and co-working spaces. Countries across Europe are luring them with visas to boost tourism. Reportedly, the digital nomad visa will be offered to those who are self-employed or working remotely or employed by non-Spanish companies. The applicants will need to be outside the European Economic Area and should be able to furnish a contract of employment to demonstrate they have been working remotely. WATCH | Who are Digital nomads? Working remotely and travelling the world × While the more intricate details are yet to be hammered out, the Spanish government is expected to grant a residency permit for a year, which can be renewed for up to five years, depending on the applicant's record. Spouses or children will also be eligible to join the applicant. Additionally, for the initial four years, the individual will receive a 10 per cent relaxation in the taxation scheme. According to Spanish media outlets, the new residents will be taxed at 15 per cent, compared to the standard 25 per cent rate. Read more: EU agrees to suspend visa travel deal with Russia. Defers full tourist visa ban This particular visa scheme will come under the propsed 'Startup Act', the reports said. The main aim of the Startup Act is to develop a thriving 'startup ecosystem' in Spain and simultaneously, make it a premier destination for entrepreneurs. If the Spanish government does come up with the planned proposal, it will join the list of European countries such as Croatia, Estonia, and Hungary to have issued some version of digital nomad visa. While the aforementioned countries have a minimum earning requirement, the Spanish government has not given any indication of adding such a caveat yet. However, the visa applicants might need to prove that they will earn enough to sustain themselves. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain proposes 'digital nomad' visa to attract talent to its shores

TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well.

Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital. The challenge is called "One Chip Challenge" and in it, participants endure a specific, "incredibly spicy" chip.&nbsp;

After the challenge sent many people, including children, to the hospital in severe pain, health officials and medical experts have warned that the trend may be dangerous.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Why is the one chip challenge being banned?

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States and school districts all around the nation United States have&nbsp;cautioned about the harmful "One Chip Challenge".&nbsp;School districts including Georgia and Colorado have issued warnings to parents about the alarming trend after numerous pupils missed class as a result of the viral challenge.

Hospitalisations resulting from the chip challenge have already been reported in California, Alabama, and Texas. One Texas student even experienced a seizure and lost consciousness in class, reported KBTX.

Here's a video showing the extreme discomfort people go through after consuming the chip:

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Ishowspeed tried the one chip challenge and this is how he reacted <a href="https://t.co/C9kI5lVzc7">pic.twitter.com/C9kI5lVzc7</a>
— weirdfusky 1k before bday? (@weirdwario5) <a href="https://twitter.com/weirdwario5/status/1571582287556345856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-warns-against-viral-tiktok-challenge-where-people-cook-food-with-cold-medicine-518410">US FDA warns against viral TikTok challenge where people cook food with flu medicine &nbsp;</a>

As per the Shade Room, the chip packs quite a punch and it has caused many challenge takers to land up in the hospital. The chip in question is the Carolina Reaper Chip by Paqui, a flavoured tortilla chip company, which has also put out the challenge.

"This year’s high voltage chip contains the super-charged Carolina Reaper Pepper and stinging Scorpion Pepper with a shocking twist, it’ll turn your tongue BLUE," reads the Paqui website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-challenge-sparks-massive-number-of-car-thefts-in-the-united-states-514831">TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States</a>

The notorious chip is "hot as hell".&nbsp;Carolina Reaper, which flavours the chip is long considered to be the hottest pepper in the world at 1,641,183 Scoville units.

Each chip must be consumed in its entirety, and participants are instructed to wait as long as they can before eating or drinking anything that might mellow the intense flavour.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well. Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital.

TikTok challenges are all the fad these days, and while they can be fun, and get you, followers, in many cases they have proven to be dangerous as well. Recently, experts have warned against a newly viral TikTok challenge that is sending people to the hospital. The challenge is called "One Chip Challenge" and in it, participants endure a specific, "incredibly spicy" chip. After the challenge sent many people, including children, to the hospital in severe pain, health officials and medical experts have warned that the trend may be dangerous. Watch | WION Fineprint | Why is the one chip challenge being banned? States and school districts all around the nation United States have cautioned about the harmful "One Chip Challenge". School districts including Georgia and Colorado have issued warnings to parents about the alarming trend after numerous pupils missed class as a result of the viral challenge. Hospitalisations resulting from the chip challenge have already been reported in California, Alabama, and Texas. One Texas student even experienced a seizure and lost consciousness in class, reported KBTX. Here's a video showing the extreme discomfort people go through after consuming the chip: Ishowspeed tried the one chip challenge and this is how he reacted pic.twitter.com/C9kI5lVzc7 — weirdfusky 1k before bday? (@weirdwario5) September 18, 2022 × Also read | US FDA warns against viral TikTok challenge where people cook food with flu medicine As per the Shade Room, the chip packs quite a punch and it has caused many challenge takers to land up in the hospital. The chip in question is the Carolina Reaper Chip by Paqui, a flavoured tortilla chip company, which has also put out the challenge. "This year’s high voltage chip contains the super-charged Carolina Reaper Pepper and stinging Scorpion Pepper with a shocking twist, it’ll turn your tongue BLUE," reads the Paqui website. Also read | TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States The notorious chip is "hot as hell". Carolina Reaper, which flavours the chip is long considered to be the hottest pepper in the world at 1,641,183 Scoville units. Each chip must be consumed in its entirety, and participants are instructed to wait as long as they can before eating or drinking anything that might mellow the intense flavour. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experts issue warning after TikTok's latest 'one chip challenge' lands schoolkid in hospital with seizures

Sterling tumbled to a record trough as traders scampered for the exits on speculation that UK's new government's economic plan will stretch Britain's finances to the limit.

Sterling crumbles to record low; UK's fiscal plan spurs investor exodus

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

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Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military.

"Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888" hreflang="en">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty.

As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday.&nbsp;

Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-says-it-wont-recognise-referendums-in-eastern-ukraine-519862" hreflang="en">Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine</a>

Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country.

In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP,&nbsp;Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden. The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military. "Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel. Also read| Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty. As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday. Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia. Also read | Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country. In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP, Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?

Japan's factory activity growth hit a 20-month low in September, as firms struggled with a global slowdown and pressure from high energy and raw material prices that was exacerbated by a weak yen.

Japan's factory activity expansion slows down

Shares in Macau casino operators soared up to 13% on Monday after the city's leader said China would resume an e-visa scheme for mainland travellers and permit group tours, which could likely boost the footfall in the world's biggest gambling hub.

Macau casino operators soar as China allows tour groups after nearly 3 years

Protests take place across the world in solidarity with Iran's women. People demonstrate against the Iranian regime's harsh clampdown on Iranian Protesters.

WION Fineprint | Protests against Iran's regime go global | WION reports from Paris

Protests continued in Tehran and other Iranian cities despite police crackdown and tightening of restrictions. The protests erupted a week ago following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, she died after falling into a coma following her detention in Tehran.

Mahsa Amini death | London: Protesters chant against Iran, wave pre-1979 national flag

A group of German residents are suing their government over dangerously high air pollution levels. They claim their right to breathe clean and healthy air is being violated and that the government is failing to protect their health.

WION Climate Tracker: Scholz government faces legal action over air pollution levels

Russia's mobilisation of troops has been plagued with errors. People who should be ineligible are being called up. Ethnic minorities in Russia say the draft is racist.

WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

Our planet is constantly showing signs of distress irrespective of the region. The consequences of climate crisis can be seen on a regular basis. The president of the World Bank, David Malpass, was asked a question on whether he believes that greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are causing climate change.

WION Climate Tracker: Head of World Bank David Malpass under pressure

Addressing the nation, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Hurricane Fiona is very powerful and dangerous. "We are seeing devastating images come out. Prince Edward Island (PEI) has experienced storm damage like they have never seen," Justin Trudeau said.

WION Climate Tracker: Canada counts damage after Fiona

WION Climate Tracker: Typhoon Noru slams Philippines, floods inundate several provinces

In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars. Not anymore.

According to a Daily Mail report, the cost of utilising public rapid charge points for electric car owners in the United Kingdom has increased by 42 per cent in just four months, making it almost as expensive as using petrol.

Watch |&nbsp;United Kingdom's cost of living crisis worsens with an energy price increase

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The RAC reported that since May, the average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for using the chargers on a pay-as-you-go basis had grown from 18.75 pence in may to the current 63.29 pence.

As a result of the skyrocketing prices of gas and energy, the cost to quickly charge a typical family-sized electric car to 80 per cent capacity has increased by around £10 ($10.6).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-say-cant-pay-wont-pay-as-energy-prices-to-surge-further-in-2023-505266">Britons say 'can't pay, won't pay' as energy prices to surge further in 2023</a>

This means someone who uses a rapid or ultra-rapid public charger pays 18 pence per mile for electricity. Petrol users pay 19 pence and diesel users 21 pence for the same distance.&nbsp;

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Public rapid EV charging costs have risen 42% in just four months 🔺 
 
Charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car but the gap is closing ⛽ 
 
The Government needs to cut the 20% vat on public charge points to match the 5% domestic rate ⚡ <a href="https://t.co/JZ7rACJas3">pic.twitter.com/JZ7rACJas3</a>
— The RAC (@TheRAC_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRAC_UK/status/1574292731622481921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC spokesperson &nbsp;said that while charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, "these figures show that the gap is narrowing as a result of the enormous increases in the cost of electricity."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oecd-cuts-2023-global-growth-forecast-to-22-per-cent-due-to-ukraine-crisis-519771" hreflang="en">OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis</a>

"These figures very clearly show that its drivers who use public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers the most who are being hit the hardest."

The growing domestic energy costs are preventing many people from switching to an electric cars, according to a 12,500-person AA poll.&nbsp;The rise in home energy bills, according to 63 per cent of respondents, is one factor keeping them with petrol or diesel vehicles, and 10 per cent indicated it was the "major reason."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars.

In recent days, electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity. Touted as a way of helping down the environment, these vehicles were once cheaper to "refuel" as compared to petrol cars. Not anymore. According to a Daily Mail report, the cost of utilising public rapid charge points for electric car owners in the United Kingdom has increased by 42 per cent in just four months, making it almost as expensive as using petrol. Watch | United Kingdom's cost of living crisis worsens with an energy price increase The RAC reported that since May, the average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for using the chargers on a pay-as-you-go basis had grown from 18.75 pence in may to the current 63.29 pence. As a result of the skyrocketing prices of gas and energy, the cost to quickly charge a typical family-sized electric car to 80 per cent capacity has increased by around £10 ($10.6). Also read | Britons say 'can't pay, won't pay' as energy prices to surge further in 2023 This means someone who uses a rapid or ultra-rapid public charger pays 18 pence per mile for electricity. Petrol users pay 19 pence and diesel users 21 pence for the same distance. Public rapid EV charging costs have risen 42% in just four months 🔺 Charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car but the gap is closing ⛽ The Government needs to cut the 20% vat on public charge points to match the 5% domestic rate ⚡ pic.twitter.com/JZ7rACJas3 — The RAC (@TheRAC_UK) September 26, 2022 × Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC spokesperson said that while charging away from home still costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, "these figures show that the gap is narrowing as a result of the enormous increases in the cost of electricity." Also read | OECD cuts 2023 global growth forecast to 2.2 per cent due to Ukraine crisis "These figures very clearly show that its drivers who use public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers the most who are being hit the hardest." The growing domestic energy costs are preventing many people from switching to an electric cars, according to a 12,500-person AA poll. The rise in home energy bills, according to 63 per cent of respondents, is one factor keeping them with petrol or diesel vehicles, and 10 per cent indicated it was the "major reason." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United Kingdom: As energy crisis worsens, 'refuelling' an EV gets as expensive as petrol car

A fire broke out at the world's biggest produce market in Paris. Footage from the scene shows a tower of dark smoke high into the air in the French capital.

Rungis market: Fire breaks out at world's biggest produce market in Paris

Flights were cancelled across Spain's Canary Islands on Sunday as storm Hermine moved in from over the Atlantic, bringing heavy rains to the popular holiday destination.

WION Climate Tracker: Storm Hermine slams into Spain's Canary islands

Amid fighting in several regions across the eastern part of the country, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that there are some positive results in several directions.

Russia-Ukraine crisis | Zelensky: Positive results in several directions in war

German chancellor on a two-day West Asia tour. The UAE and Germany signed a landmark agreement on Sunday aimed at accelerating joint efforts to boost energy security.

Olaf Scholz visits Qatar, UAE nods to an 'energy security' agreement

A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans.&nbsp;The team's research has been published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.

Here's everything we know about the dangerous virus:

What is Khosta-2?

The pathogen is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family. However, nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-sound-the-alarm-over-virus-that-latches-onto-humans-just-like-covid-19-and-is-vaccine-resistant-519576">Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant</a>

When and where was the virus discovered?

As per Daily Mail, Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken from Sochi National Park between March and October 2020, i.e., around the same time when the world was in a panic over SARS-CoV-2. However, the Russian government acknowledged its presence pretty recently in May.

Is it dangerous to humans?

As per Dr Stephanie Seifert and her colleagues, Khosta-2 is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus."

How does it infect us?

According to tests, Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for Covid-19.

The virus attaches to the ACE-2 entrance enzyme, which is located on the surface of human cells, by hooking onto a spike-like protein on its surface.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides?

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Are any vaccines available to combat it?

Daily Mail reports that the&nbsp;research team&nbsp;from Washington State University tested the virus in order to learn more about it. They discovered that the pathogen was resistant to the coronavirus vaccines we have available on the market today.

It was found to be 'completely resistant' Bebtelovimab, an antibody medication made by Eli Lilly.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing also revealed that it seemed "resistant" to two doses of vaccination by Moderna and Pfizer.

So how do we fight it?

Even though how it infects is similar to SARS-CoV-2, Koshta isn't as efficient.

Scientists believe that it could still be "possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural immunity from Covid-19 or possibly even protection gained by vaccination.

Referring to SARS-CoV-2 which is also classified as sarbecovirus, they said it was behind "the largest global pandemic in modern history" and that&nbsp;a universal coronavirus vaccine is desperately needed at a time when "Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses has led to the emergence of highly pathogenic human viruses."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans.

A team of American researchers has identified a new variant of coronavirus in Russian bats that is capable of infecting people. They have voiced concern that the virus called "Khosta-2" may be "completely resistant" to all coronavirus vaccinations now on the market and is just waiting to jump from bats to humans. The team's research has been published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Here's everything we know about the dangerous virus: What is Khosta-2? The pathogen is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family. However, nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid. Also read | Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant When and where was the virus discovered? As per Daily Mail, Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken from Sochi National Park between March and October 2020, i.e., around the same time when the world was in a panic over SARS-CoV-2. However, the Russian government acknowledged its presence pretty recently in May. Is it dangerous to humans? As per Dr Stephanie Seifert and her colleagues, Khosta-2 is a zoonotic virus, which means that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus." How does it infect us? According to tests, Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for Covid-19. The virus attaches to the ACE-2 entrance enzyme, which is located on the surface of human cells, by hooking onto a spike-like protein on its surface. Watch | Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides? Are any vaccines available to combat it? Daily Mail reports that the research team from Washington State University tested the virus in order to learn more about it. They discovered that the pathogen was resistant to the coronavirus vaccines we have available on the market today. It was found to be 'completely resistant' Bebtelovimab, an antibody medication made by Eli Lilly. Laboratory testing also revealed that it seemed "resistant" to two doses of vaccination by Moderna and Pfizer. So how do we fight it? Even though how it infects is similar to SARS-CoV-2, Koshta isn't as efficient. Scientists believe that it could still be "possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural immunity from Covid-19 or possibly even protection gained by vaccination. Referring to SARS-CoV-2 which is also classified as sarbecovirus, they said it was behind "the largest global pandemic in modern history" and that a universal coronavirus vaccine is desperately needed at a time when "Zoonotic spillover of sarbecoviruses has led to the emergence of highly pathogenic human viruses." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is Khosta-2, the 'vaccine-resistant' severe Covid-like virus scientific community is panicking about?

A gunman with a swastika on his tee shirt killed 13 people, including seven children, and wounded more than 20 at a school in Russia on Monday before committing suicide, investigators said.

Russian investigators show footage from school where gunman killed at least 13 people

The UK's opposition labor party meanwhile has set out a green growth plan. Leader Kier Starmer is pledging to make the UK a green superpower before 2030.

UK: Keir Starmer unveils green growth plan, intends to end reliance on Russia for energy

Short video sharing platform TikTok is staring at a $29 million fine in UK for endangering and failing to protect the identities of children on its platform. The China-based company was found wanting after an investigation carried out by UK's Information Commissioner Office (ICO).&nbsp;

The regulator in its provisional view asserted that the Bytedance-led platform may have processed data of children under the age of 13 without parental consent.&nbsp;Reportedly, Information Commissioner John Edwards in his findings said TikTok fell short of meeting data privacy protection requirements.

"We all want children to be able to learn and experience the digital world, but with proper data privacy protections. Companies providing digital services have a legal duty to put those protections in place, but our provisional view is that TikTok fell short of meeting that requirement," said Edwards.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wanted-to-open-tiktok-account-to-promote-propaganda-report-501963">&nbsp;China wanted to open TikTok account to promote propaganda: Report</a>

Consequently, the company has been slapped with a 'notice of intent' which is dubbed as a precursor to the fine, which could total up to $29 million or four per cent of the company's global annual turnover. In the process, TikTok has become one of the first social media companies to be issued such a formal notice.

TikTok in response said it will challenge the notice, "This Notice of Intent, covering the period May 2018-July 2020, is provisional and as the ICO itself has stated, no final conclusions can be drawn at this time," said a company spokesperson.

"While we respect the ICO's role in safeguarding privacy in the UK, we disagree with the preliminary views expressed and intend to formally respond to the ICO in due course," the company added.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that TikTok has been asked to cough up fines related to child privacy matters. In&nbsp;early 2019, the company agreed to pay $5.7 million to US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to settle accusations that it had collected personal information of children on its platform by illegal means.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-under-fire-for-promoting-weight-loss-aids-to-children-518566">:&nbsp;TikTok under fire for promoting weight loss aids to children</a>

According to the US Department of Justice, TikTok had violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), under which websites and social media platforms such as TikTok are required to obtain parental consent before harvesting the personal information of minors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Short video sharing platform TikTok is staring at a $29 million fine in UK for endangering and failing to protect the identities of children on its platform. The China-based company was found wanting after an investigation carried out by UK's Information Commissioner Office (ICO).

Short video sharing platform TikTok is staring at a $29 million fine in UK for endangering and failing to protect the identities of children on its platform. The China-based company was found wanting after an investigation carried out by UK's Information Commissioner Office (ICO). The regulator in its provisional view asserted that the Bytedance-led platform may have processed data of children under the age of 13 without parental consent. Reportedly, Information Commissioner John Edwards in his findings said TikTok fell short of meeting data privacy protection requirements. "We all want children to be able to learn and experience the digital world, but with proper data privacy protections. Companies providing digital services have a legal duty to put those protections in place, but our provisional view is that TikTok fell short of meeting that requirement," said Edwards. Read more: China wanted to open TikTok account to promote propaganda: Report Consequently, the company has been slapped with a 'notice of intent' which is dubbed as a precursor to the fine, which could total up to $29 million or four per cent of the company's global annual turnover. In the process, TikTok has become one of the first social media companies to be issued such a formal notice. TikTok in response said it will challenge the notice, "This Notice of Intent, covering the period May 2018-July 2020, is provisional and as the ICO itself has stated, no final conclusions can be drawn at this time," said a company spokesperson. "While we respect the ICO's role in safeguarding privacy in the UK, we disagree with the preliminary views expressed and intend to formally respond to the ICO in due course," the company added. This is not the first time that TikTok has been asked to cough up fines related to child privacy matters. In early 2019, the company agreed to pay $5.7 million to US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to settle accusations that it had collected personal information of children on its platform by illegal means. Read more: TikTok under fire for promoting weight loss aids to children According to the US Department of Justice, TikTok had violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), under which websites and social media platforms such as TikTok are required to obtain parental consent before harvesting the personal information of minors. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

TikTok could face $29 million in fines in UK for endangering children's privacy

There are voices of dissent slowly rising in Russia after Kremlin ordered deployment of more troops to the front lines. The protests have been reported to 32 cities in Russia. Despite tough laws, people came out in the streets denouncing the partial troop mobilisation call. Around 700 protesters were arrested in Moscow.

Russia: Netizens flock to Georgian border after military build up; 2,300 vehicles wait to enter

Sharif government had come to power in Pakistan with one hope to get the economy running. Foreign reserves are shrinking and the Pakistani rupee is touching a new low. To make matters worse, the country's Finance Minister has handed in his resignation.

Pakistan: Miftah Ismail hands in his resignation, Ishaq Dar to become next finance minister

A team of American virologists has&nbsp;identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market.&nbsp;

The pathogen is called Khosta-2 and it was found that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus."

It is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family, and nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides?

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As per Daily Mail, in an effort to discover more about the virus, researchers from Washington State University chose to test it.

They found that&nbsp;Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2. However, experts concluded that it wasn't as efficient at doing so.&nbsp;Laboratory research also showed that it appeared "resistant" to two doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer injections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-zero-covid-policy-crippling-european-businesses-in-country-report-518404">China's 'Zero-Covid' policy crippling European businesses in the country: Report</a>

However, according to Dr Stephanie Seifert and colleagues, it is "still possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural Covid immunity or possibly even protection gained by vaccination.

The experiment's findings were reported in PLoS Pathogens, and the scientists acknowledged that the bulk of the "hundreds" of sarbecoviruses found are "not capable" of infecting people. They remarked that their research shows that these viruses&nbsp;represent a threat to world health and also "highlight the urgent need" for the creation of universal coronavirus vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-says-covid-19-pandemic-in-us-is-over-517520">President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over'</a>

Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken between March and October 2020, according to the Daily Mail, but the Kremlin only acknowledged its presence in May.

Researchers from the Moscow Ministry of Health's Gamaleya National Research Centre claim that they were conducting "ongoing surveillance" of the bats living in Sochi National Park, a 480,000-acre&nbsp;park which contains hundreds of caves teeming with bats.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team of American virologists has identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market.

A team of American virologists has identified a covid-like virus that is lurking in Russian bats and they fear that it is "completely resistant" to all the coronavirus vaccines available in the market. The pathogen is called Khosta-2 and it was found that it can "latch onto human cells with ease in the same way as the Covid virus." It is classified as a sarbecovirus, a member of the coronavirus family, and nothing is known about it other than the fact that it is related to SARS-CoV-2, the strain responsible for Covid. Watch | Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides? As per Daily Mail, in an effort to discover more about the virus, researchers from Washington State University chose to test it. They found that Khosta-2 was able to infect human cells in a manner that was remarkably similar to SARS-CoV-2. However, experts concluded that it wasn't as efficient at doing so. Laboratory research also showed that it appeared "resistant" to two doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer injections. Also read | China's 'Zero-Covid' policy crippling European businesses in the country: Report However, according to Dr Stephanie Seifert and colleagues, it is "still possible" that the virus can be fought off using either natural Covid immunity or possibly even protection gained by vaccination. The experiment's findings were reported in PLoS Pathogens, and the scientists acknowledged that the bulk of the "hundreds" of sarbecoviruses found are "not capable" of infecting people. They remarked that their research shows that these viruses represent a threat to world health and also "highlight the urgent need" for the creation of universal coronavirus vaccines. Also read | President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over' Khosta-2 was discovered in bat samples taken between March and October 2020, according to the Daily Mail, but the Kremlin only acknowledged its presence in May. Researchers from the Moscow Ministry of Health's Gamaleya National Research Centre claim that they were conducting "ongoing surveillance" of the bats living in Sochi National Park, a 480,000-acre park which contains hundreds of caves teeming with bats. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists sound alarm over virus that 'latches onto humans' just like Covid-19, and is vaccine-resistant

Preparations were underway on Monday around the Nippon Budokan arena in central Tokyo for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state funeral, in which 6,000 guests and 190 foreign delegations are expected to attend.

Japan prepares for Former PM Shinzo Abe's state funeral

Amid fears of a global slowdown compounded by investors' risk aversion to equity markets, Rupee tumbled to a new low on Monday. Reportedly, the Indian currency fell 38 paise to hit an all-time low of 81.

Amid fears of a global slowdown compounded by investors' risk aversion to equity markets, Rupee tumbled to a new low on Monday. Reportedly, the Indian currency fell 38 paise to hit an all-time low of 81.47 against the US greenback before closing the day at 81.6225 per dollar. Notably, the rupee had reached a low of 81.22 on Friday, prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to quickly sell dollars. Consequently, the rupee had a little breather. The Indian rupee taking a beating comes in the backdrop of a hawkish US Fed hiking interest rates by 75 basis points to 3-3.25 per cent last week. This was the third straight time that the Fed had announced a hike, primarily meant to arrest the sky-inflation rates in the country. However, it instantly lead to a mismatch in the global economies. The two major currencies in Asia, the yen and the yuan have tumbled as well due to investors fearing that the Asian market may experience crisis-level stress once again. Read more: Indian rupee hits new low, slips below 81-mark against US dollar for the first time ever It is pertinent to note that most major currencies across the globe have been struggling and depreciating against the US dollar. Speaking on the currency fluctuation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week stated that Indian Rupee 'held up very well' against the US dollar when compared to other currencies. "If any one currency which has held its own and did not get into fluctuation or volatility as much as other currencies, it is the Indian rupee. We have held back very well," said Sitharaman. The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is scheduled to be held later this week. The investors are keeping a close eye on the developments that come from the meeting. However, the sentiment leading to the meeting is rather downbeat amongst the investors. Experts believe that the rupee will tumble as risk-off sentiment takes the dollar index to 113.70 and sterling to 1.0557 against the dollar. Read more: Pound hits all-time low against dollar as Liz Truss' tax cuts come under pressure (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rupee tumbles to a new record low. Closes at 81.62 per dollar

Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion.

During her election campaign, Meloni reiterated her opposition to adoptions and surrogacy for LGBT couples, however, the far-right politician&nbsp;consistently refuted allegations that she may roll back legislation on abortion or gay rights.

Watch |&nbsp;Exit poll shows right-wing candidate Giorgia Meloni to become Italy's first woman prime minister

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Last week European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the EU has "tools" at its disposal to deal with nations that did not uphold EU ideals.&nbsp;

Echoing her remarks Borne in her interview&nbsp;with RMC Radio and BFM TV said:&nbsp;"We will be attentive, with the president of the European Commission, that these values of human rights, the respect of one another, notably the respect of abortion rights, are respected by all," reported AFP.

Borne, however, chose not to directly address the Brothers of Italy performance on Sunday, which would give the eurosceptic populist party a majority in both houses of parliament.

"I am not going to comment on the democratic choice of the Italian people,"&nbsp;she declared.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/far-right-leader-girogina-meloni-set-to-win-italys-election-exit-polls-519614" hreflang="en">Italy's right-wing leader Girogia Meloni set to win election</a>

At the helm of the country's "most right-wing government" since World War Two, Giorgia Meloni appears destined to become Italy's first female prime minister, reports Reuters.

Meloni has declared that she will uphold the nation's abortion law, which permits terminations, while also giving&nbsp;doctors the option to refuse to perform them.

However, as per AFP, her declaration that she wants to "give to women who think abortion is their only choice the right to make a different choice" has alarmed proponents of women's rights.

Additionally, minority groups are alarmed by her party's pledge to take additional actions to safeguard and promote Europe's "Judeo-Christian" foundations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion.

Following the election triumph of far-right Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday said that the European Union would closely follow the respect of certain human rights and would be "attentive" to the respect of women's rights such as abortion. During her election campaign, Meloni reiterated her opposition to adoptions and surrogacy for LGBT couples, however, the far-right politician consistently refuted allegations that she may roll back legislation on abortion or gay rights. Watch | Exit poll shows right-wing candidate Giorgia Meloni to become Italy's first woman prime minister Last week European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the EU has "tools" at its disposal to deal with nations that did not uphold EU ideals. Echoing her remarks Borne in her interview with RMC Radio and BFM TV said: "We will be attentive, with the president of the European Commission, that these values of human rights, the respect of one another, notably the respect of abortion rights, are respected by all," reported AFP. Borne, however, chose not to directly address the Brothers of Italy performance on Sunday, which would give the eurosceptic populist party a majority in both houses of parliament. "I am not going to comment on the democratic choice of the Italian people," she declared. Also read | Italy's right-wing leader Girogia Meloni set to win election At the helm of the country's "most right-wing government" since World War Two, Giorgia Meloni appears destined to become Italy's first female prime minister, reports Reuters. Meloni has declared that she will uphold the nation's abortion law, which permits terminations, while also giving doctors the option to refuse to perform them. However, as per AFP, her declaration that she wants to "give to women who think abortion is their only choice the right to make a different choice" has alarmed proponents of women's rights. Additionally, minority groups are alarmed by her party's pledge to take additional actions to safeguard and promote Europe's "Judeo-Christian" foundations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French PM vows to 'be attentive' to ensuring abortion, human rights are respected in Italy after Meloni's win

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes&nbsp;of trash.

There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He&nbsp;analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars&nbsp;to search for signs of life on mars.

However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-an-asteroid-wipe-out-dinosaurs-new-study-claims-otherwise-heres-what-it-says-happened-518465" hreflang="en">Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out'</a>

Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars.

Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface.

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes of trash. There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars to search for signs of life on mars. However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash. Also read | Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out' Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars. Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash

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