Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender.

The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses. There are more than 360 million notes in all that will be taken out of circulation.

Watch |&nbsp;UK PM Liz Truss plans to cut down stamp duty in mini-budget, focus on reviving British economy

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People have only a small window to make use of their cash. The paper notes will be replaced by polymer £20 and £50 notes which have&nbsp;been in circulation for more than two years (since February 2020).

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There's 1 week left to use your paper £20 and £50 banknotes. All polymer notes carrying a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can continue to be used as normal after 30 September. <a href="https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ">https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/4srSheSdUa">pic.twitter.com/4srSheSdUa</a>
— Bank of England (@bankofengland) <a href="https://twitter.com/bankofengland/status/1573250823030771712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Additionally, as per Mirror UK, as of the next week, old bills featuring the face of Adam Smith, Matthew Boulton, and James Watt will no longer be accepted as legal tender.

Their replacements will have pictures of J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing on £20 and £50 notes&nbsp;respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/banknotes-featuring-queen-elizabeths-picture-remain-legal-tender-bank-of-england-514312">Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth's picture remain legal tender: Bank of England</a>

Bloomberg reports that the paper currency can be exchanged for new money made of a polymer by showing up in person at the BOE's Threadneedle Street offices in London, mailing them through the post, or exchanging them at specific Post Offices. They can also be deposited into accounts at several commercial banks.

The decision to transition to polymer notes was made to increase the notes' resistance to damage and fight illegal counterfeiting.

In future, the synthetic notes will also be replaced to enable the distribution of notes carrying the image of King Charles III and to gradually phase out notes bearing the image of the late Queen.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender. The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses.

Britons have just six days left to spend £11 billion ($12.4 billion) of paper banknotes before they cease to be legal tender. The Bank of England (BOE) announced Friday that as of September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses. There are more than 360 million notes in all that will be taken out of circulation. Watch | UK PM Liz Truss plans to cut down stamp duty in mini-budget, focus on reviving British economy People have only a small window to make use of their cash. The paper notes will be replaced by polymer £20 and £50 notes which have been in circulation for more than two years (since February 2020). There's 1 week left to use your paper £20 and £50 banknotes. All polymer notes carrying a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can continue to be used as normal after 30 September. https://t.co/0wA5voBkiJ pic.twitter.com/4srSheSdUa — Bank of England (@bankofengland) September 23, 2022 × Additionally, as per Mirror UK, as of the next week, old bills featuring the face of Adam Smith, Matthew Boulton, and James Watt will no longer be accepted as legal tender. Their replacements will have pictures of J.M.W. Turner and Alan Turing on £20 and £50 notes respectively. Also read | Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth's picture remain legal tender: Bank of England Bloomberg reports that the paper currency can be exchanged for new money made of a polymer by showing up in person at the BOE's Threadneedle Street offices in London, mailing them through the post, or exchanging them at specific Post Offices. They can also be deposited into accounts at several commercial banks. The decision to transition to polymer notes was made to increase the notes' resistance to damage and fight illegal counterfeiting. In future, the synthetic notes will also be replaced to enable the distribution of notes carrying the image of King Charles III and to gradually phase out notes bearing the image of the late Queen. (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.

Britons have less than a week to spend old paper banknotes worth £11 billion

The disruption in the supply chain, labour shortage, and a plethora of other factors have hampered the deliveries of cars across the globe. While most auto companies are troubled by the lack of semiconductors, Ford Motors is facing a rather unique problem.

The disruption in the supply chain, labour shortage, and a plethora of other factors have hampered the deliveries of cars across the globe. While most auto companies are troubled by the lack of semiconductors, Ford Motors is facing a rather unique problem. Reportedly, the US-based car manufacturer has had to delay its deliveries because it didn’t have the blue oval badges that are usually strapped on the exterior of its vehicles. The iconic blue-coloured badge with Ford written on it has been one of the most identifiable features of the car brand. However, due to supply chain constraints, the company is unable to get its hands on the badges and car model-specific nameplates. Read more: Ford confirms it will layoff about 3,000 employees globally amid restructuring Some reports suggest that Ford has considered workarounds such as 3-D printing the badge. However, it dropped the plan after the 3-D printed insignia did not meet the standards of quality. According to Ford, the snarl (whether only caused by badges or another item is yet not known) has impacted the deliveries of its cars, including the popular F-series pickup trucks. Data suggest that approximately 40,000 to 45,000 Ford vehicles, at the end of the third quarter, have not been shipped to the dealers because they do not have some of the important parts. The global auto industry has been wrestling with various supply-chain disruptions for more than a year. Semiconductor has been one of the most sought-after piece of equipment that has been hard to come by. However, the fact that Ford cannot get its hands on basic equipment such as a badge suggests that the supply chain crisis goes beyond a silicon chip. While there is a backlog of deliveries, Ford has not made matters easier for itself by recently recalling more than 200,000 SUVs in the United States due to some issues with the fan motors. Read more: Ford recalls over 200,000 SUVs as faulty fan motor leads to fire incidents As reported by WION, the recalled cars were mainly Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years. This was the second time that these car models have been recalled in the last six months (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shortage of Ford’s iconic oval blue-coloured badge hits car deliveries

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her.

A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will.

The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has&nbsp;become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers.

In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man.

In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days.

In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later.

On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only.

But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community. In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man. In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her. A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will. The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers. In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man. In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days. In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later. On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only. But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hindu woman and two teenage girls abducted and converted in Pakistan

US President Joe Biden has once again invited controversy after his rather uncomfortable statement about a friendship with a 12-year-old girl went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Biden was addressing teachers at the National Education Association headquarters in Washinton DC on Saturday when he made the digression. During the speech, Biden recognised a member of the audience and stopped and pointed at the person.&nbsp;

"You gotta say hi to me.&nbsp;We go back a long way. She was 12, I was 30. But anyway, this woman helped me get an awful lot done," the US President said referring to the audience member.

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"She was 12 and I was 30." 
 
- Joe Biden <a href="https://t.co/bmit4z9oqa">pic.twitter.com/bmit4z9oqa</a>
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/townhallcom/status/1573360055407484928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It is pertinent to note that Biden did not clear what the woman, who was a preteen at the time, did for him.&nbsp;While the audience, mostly comprising of teachers and union members laughed at Biden's remark, the netizens were shocked.

One of the netizens commented on the video saying, "This is just plain creepy," while another stated, "Joe Biden leaves half of us stunned and the other half totally creeped-out with his bizarre remark."

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/location-is-everything-donald-trump-mocks-joe-biden-after-queen-elizabeth-iis-funeral-517943">&nbsp;'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral</a>

The US President has a history of being labelled 'creepy'&nbsp;by the netizens for his actions. On multiple occasions, Biden has been caught on camera attempting to sniff women.

Moreover, several women have complained about Biden's past behaviour. Reportedly,&nbsp;former Nevada state assembly woman Lucy Flores in an essay stated that Biden invaded her personal space by smelling her hair and planting a slow kiss on the back of her head.

Similarly,&nbsp;Democratic aide&nbsp;Amy Lappos&nbsp;said Biden once put his hand around her neck and pulled her in to rub noses. 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden has once again invited controversy after his rather uncomfortable statement about a friendship with a 12-year-old girl went viral on social media platforms.

US President Joe Biden has once again invited controversy after his rather uncomfortable statement about a friendship with a 12-year-old girl went viral on social media platforms. Reportedly, Biden was addressing teachers at the National Education Association headquarters in Washinton DC on Saturday when he made the digression. During the speech, Biden recognised a member of the audience and stopped and pointed at the person. "You gotta say hi to me. We go back a long way. She was 12, I was 30. But anyway, this woman helped me get an awful lot done," the US President said referring to the audience member. "She was 12 and I was 30." - Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/bmit4z9oqa — Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 23, 2022 × It is pertinent to note that Biden did not clear what the woman, who was a preteen at the time, did for him. While the audience, mostly comprising of teachers and union members laughed at Biden's remark, the netizens were shocked. One of the netizens commented on the video saying, "This is just plain creepy," while another stated, "Joe Biden leaves half of us stunned and the other half totally creeped-out with his bizarre remark." Read more: 'Location is everything': Trump mocks Biden for getting back seat at Queen Elizabeth funeral The US President has a history of being labelled 'creepy' by the netizens for his actions. On multiple occasions, Biden has been caught on camera attempting to sniff women. Moreover, several women have complained about Biden's past behaviour. Reportedly, former Nevada state assembly woman Lucy Flores in an essay stated that Biden invaded her personal space by smelling her hair and planting a slow kiss on the back of her head. Similarly, Democratic aide Amy Lappos said Biden once put his hand around her neck and pulled her in to rub noses. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'She was 12, I was 30', Biden's uncomfortable remark shocks the internet

Iran must deal decisively with protests which have swept the country after the custodial death of a woman detained by the Islamic Republic's morality police, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday.

Iran must deal decisively with protests which have swept the country after the custodial death of a woman detained by the Islamic Republic's morality police, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday. At least 41 people have been killed in the week-long unrest, state television said on Saturday. It said that the toll was based on its own count and official figures were yet to be released. Protests have erupted in most of the country's 31 provinces. State media quoted Raisi on Saturday as saying that Iran must "deal decisively with those who oppose the country's security and tranquility." Raisi was speaking by telephone to the family of a member of the Basij volunteer force killed while taking part in the crackdown on unrest in the northeastern city of Mashhad. The president "stressed the necessity to distinguish between protest and disturbing public order and security, and called the events a riot," state media reported. The protests broke out in northwestern Iran a week ago at the funeral of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died after falling into coma following her detention in Tehran by morality police enforcing hijab rules on women's dress. Her death has reignited anger over issues including restrictions on personal freedoms in Iran, the strict dress codes for women, and an economy reeling from sanctions. Women have played a prominent role in the protests, waving and burning their veils. Some have publicly cut their hair as furious crowds called for the fall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests are the largest to sweep the country since demonstrations over fuel prices in 2019 when Reuters reported 1,500 people were killed in a crackdown on protesters — the bloodiest confrontation in the Islamic Republic's history. WATCH | Anti-Hijab protests spread to 80 cities in Iran × On Friday, state-organised rallies took place in several Iranian cities to counter the anti-government protests, and the army promised to confront "the enemies" behind the unrest. In neighbouring Iraq, dozens of Iraqi and Iranian Kurds rallied outside the United Nations compound in the northern city of Erbil on Saturday, carrying placards with Amini's photograph and chanting "death to the dictator," referring to Khamenei. State television in Iran, which has accused armed exiled Iranian Kurdish dissidents of involvement in the unrest, said Iranian Revolutionary Guards had fired artillery on bases of Kurdish opposition groups in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. At least three times this week, mobile Internet has been disrupted in Iran, the NetBlocks watchdog has reported. Activists say the move is intended to prevent video footage of the violence from reaching the world. On Saturday, NetBlocks said Microsoft's Skype video calling app was now restricted, the latest such measure after platforms including Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn were targeted. In an effort to help sustain internet connection, the United States is making exceptions to its sanctions regime on Iran — a move which Tehran said on Saturday was in line with Washington's hostile stance. Rights group Amnesty International said protesters face a "spiralling deadly response from security forces" and called for an independent United Nations investigation. On the night of September 21, shootings by security forces left at least 19 people dead, including three children, it said. “The rising death toll is an alarming indication of just how ruthless the authorities’ assault on human life has been under the darkness of the internet shutdown," Amnesty said. Read more: US relaxes internet sanctions to help Iranian protesters connect, share info State television showed footage purporting to show calm had returned to many parts of the capital Tehran late on Friday. "But in some western and northern areas of Tehran and certain provinces rioters destroyed public property," it said, carrying footage of protesters setting fire to garbage bins and a car, marching, and throwing rocks. The activist Twitter account 1500tasvir carried videos of protests in Tehran's western district of Sattarkhan showing protesters gathered at a square chanting "don't be afraid we all in this together" late on Saturday with a motorcycle apparently belonging to riot police burning in the background. A video posted on social media showed a demonstration in the northern city of Babol with youths trying to take off portraits of Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, at the gate of a university while bystanders cheered them on and shouted "death to the dictator". Videos posted on social media showed continued protests in Sanandaj, capital of Kurdistan province, late on Saturday, despite a heavy police presence. Reuters could not verify the videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Must deal decisively with protests', says Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Switzerland's health ministry on Saturday announced that it will be destroying over 10.3 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines after they expired this week.

Switzerland's health ministry on Saturday announced that it will be destroying over 10.3 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines after they expired this week. The total cost of the destroyed doses amounts to around $285 million. Reportedly, of the 10.3 million doses, 2.5 million are being kept at a Swiss army logistics base while the remaining are at an external storage depot in Belgium. It is pertinent to note that for a country having a population of only 8.7 million, Switzerland procured a total of 34 million doses of the vaccine. Experts pointed at the Swiss government's early procurement strategy when the vaccines were being developed as the root cause for such lopsided distribution. However, this is not the first time that Switzerland is destroying Covid vaccines on a scale. Reportedly, in May, earlier this year, the European country destroyed more than 620,000 expired doses as demand for doses saw a steep decline. Previously in February, the Swiss government claimed that it will donate up to 15 million surplus doses to poorer countries. However, given that more than 10 million doses are being destroyed, it doesn't seem like any poor country received the vaccine. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), only 19 per cent of the population of low-income countries are vaccinated, compared with 75 per cent in high-income countries. A new report published on Saturday by the ACT Accelerator Council highlights falling testing rates globally, and virtually non-existent access to new antivirals in most low and middle-income countries. It is going to be nearly three years since COVID-19 was first detected in humans, which later metamorphosed into a global pandemic. One would have thought that governments across the board would have worked together to eradicate the virus but so far, the gulf between the rich and poor countries has only widened. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Switzerland to destroy over 10 million expired Moderna COVID-19 doses

4-day workweeks have been creating a buzz. Several companies in the U.K. say they are ready to switch to this model. Does 4-day workweek mean taking a pay cut for working a day less? Does it also mean working longer hours?

Gravitas Plus | 4-Day workweek: All you need to know

As the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on internet access in the backdrop of protests across the country over the death a 22 years old woman in the custody of morality police, the Joe Biden administration on Friday issued guidance to relax sanctions on its internet services in the west Asian country.

As the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on internet access in the backdrop of protests across the country over the death a 22 years old woman in the custody of morality police, the Joe Biden administration on Friday issued guidance to relax sanctions on its internet services in the west Asian country. Reportedly, the US treasury department relaxed the internet rules despite the US still having a plethora of sanctions imposed on Iran. “As courageous Iranians take to the streets to protest the death of Mahsa Amini, the United States is redoubling its support for the free flow of information to the Iranian people,” said deputy treasury secretary Wally Adeyemo “With these changes, we are helping the Iranian people be better equipped to counter the government’s efforts to surveil and censor them,” he further added. As reported by WION, earlier this week, the Iranian regime, anticipating the spread of protests had restricted access to the internet as well as social media sites such as Instagram and WhatsApp, the last two remaining social networks in the country. Read more: Iran restricts access to Instagram amid intensifying protests Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale loss of connectivity" on network providers in Iran. London-based NetBlocks said that WhatsApp's servers were disrupted on multiple internet providers just hours after Instagram was blocked. Internet access is often curbed in Iran to stop protesters from posting videos on social media. In 2019, the government shut down the internet for about a week to stifle fuel protests which turned political, sparking the bloodiest crackdown in the 40-year history of the Islamic Republic. Last week's death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by morality police in Tehran for "unsuitable attire", has unleashed anger over issues including freedom in the Islamic Republic and an economy reeling from sanctions. WATCH | Why are women in Iran protesting against Hijab? × The anti-government protests are not expected to pose an immediate threat to Iran's clerical rulers, who have security forces which have put down one protest after another in recent years, analysts say. But the protests have clearly made the authorities nervous. Women, who have played a prominent role, have challenged the country's Islamic dress code, waving and burning their veils. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US relaxes internet sanctions to help Iranian protesters connect, share info

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water.&nbsp;

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power after the storm struck Canada's east coast on Saturday.&nbsp;

Although scientists have not yet concluded that Fiona's behaviour or severity was influenced by climate change, there is compelling evidence that these catastrophic storms are getting worse.

Does climate change affect hurricanes?

Yes, hurricanes are becoming wetter, windier, and generally more powerful as a result of climate change. Additionally, there is proof that it is making storms move more slowly, allowing them to dump more water in one location.&nbsp;

Climate change would have caused the earth to become much hotter if it weren't for the oceans. However, over the past 40 years, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the warming brought on by emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Near the water's surface, the majority of this ocean heat is concentrated. Stronger winds and increased storm severity may result from this added heat.&nbsp;

Additionally, a storm's ability to produce more rainfall can increase due to climate change. A warmer environment can store more moisture, thus water vapour accumulates until clouds form and raindrops are released, sending down heavy rain.

'Season' for hurricanes is changing

The normal "season" for hurricanes is changing as a result of climate change since more months of the year are becoming storm-friendly. Additionally, hurricanes are making landfall in places that deviate greatly from the historical norm.&nbsp;

With over 120 direct impacts since 1851, Florida has experienced the most hurricane landfalls in the United States. However, certain storms are becoming more intense and making landfall further north than they did in the past; this poleward shift, according to scientists, may be caused by the increase in global air and ocean temperatures.&nbsp;

According to Florida State University atmospheric scientist Allison Wing, this tendency is concerning for mid-latitude cities like New York, Boston, Beijing, and Tokyo because their "infrastructure is not prepared" for such storms.

However, it's uncertain whether climate change is having an impact on the frequency of storms. According to a study published in December in Nature Communications, one group of experts recently claimed to detect a rise in the frequency of North Atlantic storms during the previous 150 years. Yet the further study is being done.

How do hurricanes form?

Warm ocean water and humid, moist air are the two key components needed for hurricanes. Warm seawater evaporates, releasing heat energy into the atmosphere. The storm's winds become stronger as a result. Without it, hurricanes can't become stronger and will eventually die.

Cyclone, typhoon, hurricane - what's the difference?

These large storms have varied names based on where and how they formed, although theoretically being the same phenomenon.&nbsp;

When storms that develop over the Atlantic Ocean or the central and eastern North Pacific attain wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour, they are referred to be "hurricanes" (119 kilometres per hour). They are referred to be "tropical storms" up until that moment.&nbsp;

Typhoons in East Asia are the name given to ferocious, spinning storms that develop over the Northwest Pacific, while "cyclones" develop across the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water.

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water. Thousands of homes and businesses lost power after the storm struck Canada's east coast on Saturday. Although scientists have not yet concluded that Fiona's behaviour or severity was influenced by climate change, there is compelling evidence that these catastrophic storms are getting worse. Does climate change affect hurricanes? Yes, hurricanes are becoming wetter, windier, and generally more powerful as a result of climate change. Additionally, there is proof that it is making storms move more slowly, allowing them to dump more water in one location. Climate change would have caused the earth to become much hotter if it weren't for the oceans. However, over the past 40 years, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the warming brought on by emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Near the water's surface, the majority of this ocean heat is concentrated. Stronger winds and increased storm severity may result from this added heat. Additionally, a storm's ability to produce more rainfall can increase due to climate change. A warmer environment can store more moisture, thus water vapour accumulates until clouds form and raindrops are released, sending down heavy rain. 'Season' for hurricanes is changing The normal "season" for hurricanes is changing as a result of climate change since more months of the year are becoming storm-friendly. Additionally, hurricanes are making landfall in places that deviate greatly from the historical norm. With over 120 direct impacts since 1851, Florida has experienced the most hurricane landfalls in the United States. However, certain storms are becoming more intense and making landfall further north than they did in the past; this poleward shift, according to scientists, may be caused by the increase in global air and ocean temperatures. According to Florida State University atmospheric scientist Allison Wing, this tendency is concerning for mid-latitude cities like New York, Boston, Beijing, and Tokyo because their "infrastructure is not prepared" for such storms. However, it's uncertain whether climate change is having an impact on the frequency of storms. According to a study published in December in Nature Communications, one group of experts recently claimed to detect a rise in the frequency of North Atlantic storms during the previous 150 years. Yet the further study is being done. How do hurricanes form? Warm ocean water and humid, moist air are the two key components needed for hurricanes. Warm seawater evaporates, releasing heat energy into the atmosphere. The storm's winds become stronger as a result. Without it, hurricanes can't become stronger and will eventually die. Cyclone, typhoon, hurricane - what's the difference? These large storms have varied names based on where and how they formed, although theoretically being the same phenomenon. When storms that develop over the Atlantic Ocean or the central and eastern North Pacific attain wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour, they are referred to be "hurricanes" (119 kilometres per hour). They are referred to be "tropical storms" up until that moment. Typhoons in East Asia are the name given to ferocious, spinning storms that develop over the Northwest Pacific, while "cyclones" develop across the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Is climate change fuelling hurricanes?

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.&nbsp;

Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945.

What would a Russian nuclear attack look like?

According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs.&nbsp;

In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny.&nbsp;

Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield.&nbsp;

Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

What would Moscow target?

According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation.&nbsp;

By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties.

Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite.

Should the West respond with nukes?

The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike.&nbsp;

NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat.&nbsp;

However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war.&nbsp;

A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance.

Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia?

According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia.&nbsp;

The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia.

(with inputs from agencies)

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened. Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945. What would a Russian nuclear attack look like? According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs. In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny. Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield. Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. What would Moscow target? According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation. By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties. Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite. Should the West respond with nukes? The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike. NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat. However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war. A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance. Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia? According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia. The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Can Putin actually unleash nuclear weapons on Ukraine?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Kabul mosque blast; Backlash against Abe's state funeral

Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi refused to be interviewed by CNN's Christiane Amanpour after the anchor refused to wear a headscarf. The controversy comes amid raging anti-hijab protests in Iran that have claimed the lives of 36 people. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: CNN anchor refuses to interview Iran's president wearing hijab

Israeli PM Yair Lapid has backed the "two-state solution" to end the Israel-Palestine conflict. With elections due in November - can Lapid make any serious progress on the proposal? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Israel-Palestine conflict: Lapid pitches two-state solution

The US is planning to produce drones with India to help the country diversify its defence purchases. Washington is hoping to sell Indian-made drones to its allies in South and Southeast Asia. How will this deal benefit India? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: US to produce drones with India

Economist Nouriel Roubini had correctly predicted the 2008 financial crisis. He now believes a "long and ugly" recession is coming in 2023. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Fears of a "severe and ugly" recession in 2023

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was caught abusing US lawmakers on a 'hot mic' after his informal talks with US President Joe Biden. Molly Gambhir brings you past instances when world leaders were caught on hot mics.

Gravitas: South Korean President caught abusing US lawmakers

Approximately 66% of the 542 Indian pilots who participated in a recent study on "daytime sleepiness" acknowledged falling asleep in the cockpit without alerting the rest of the crew. Molly Gambhir tells you the risks associated with these findings.

Gravitas: 66% of Indian pilots doze off in the cockpit, reveals survey

Spain's women footballers are threatening to quit if their coach is not sacked. How is the federation responding to this demand? Why are the players unhappy with the current coach? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Women football players in Spain revolt

Referendums are happening in regions controlled by Russia in East Ukraine. Ukraine and Western powers have condemned the move. Molly Gambhir tells you why this could be a turning point in the war.

Gravitas: Ukraine war: Putin's move to gain the upper hand

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader.&nbsp;

Countries with robust semiconductor industries, like the US, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, have attempted to form alliances around crucial technology.&nbsp;

Regarding the alliances, Pranay Kotasthane, director of the Takshashila Institution's High Tech Geopolitics Programme, asserted that China was the immediate cause of everything.

The collaboration highlights the significance of chips for national security and economies, as well as the desire of nations to halt Chinese technological growth.&nbsp;

Because semiconductors&nbsp;are used in so many of the things we use, including smartphones, vehicles, and refrigerators, semiconductors are a crucial component of modern technology. They are also essential for applications of artificial intelligence and even for armament.

The Covid pandemic-related shortage of chips, along with a rise in consumer electronics demand and supply chain interruptions, brought the significance of chips into sharp focus.&nbsp;

Governments all across the world were informed of the necessity to secure chip supplies as a result. President Joe Biden of the United States has promoted the revival of the industry.&nbsp;

The largest chip importer in the world, China is a crucial market for chip manufacturers worldwide, including Qualcomm in the United States and Samsung in South Korea. Political and commercial interactions may lead to increased conflict between governments in these high-tech alliances.

(with inputs from agencies)

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader.

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader. Countries with robust semiconductor industries, like the US, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, have attempted to form alliances around crucial technology. Regarding the alliances, Pranay Kotasthane, director of the Takshashila Institution's High Tech Geopolitics Programme, asserted that China was the immediate cause of everything. The collaboration highlights the significance of chips for national security and economies, as well as the desire of nations to halt Chinese technological growth. Because semiconductors are used in so many of the things we use, including smartphones, vehicles, and refrigerators, semiconductors are a crucial component of modern technology. They are also essential for applications of artificial intelligence and even for armament. The Covid pandemic-related shortage of chips, along with a rise in consumer electronics demand and supply chain interruptions, brought the significance of chips into sharp focus. Governments all across the world were informed of the necessity to secure chip supplies as a result. President Joe Biden of the United States has promoted the revival of the industry. The largest chip importer in the world, China is a crucial market for chip manufacturers worldwide, including Qualcomm in the United States and Samsung in South Korea. Political and commercial interactions may lead to increased conflict between governments in these high-tech alliances. (with inputs from agencies)

US and allies join forces on semiconductor supply to stop China's advancement

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers.&nbsp;

The chair is constructed in a manner resembling a casket and is inspired by coffin designs. While one wonders how it may perform with lumbar support, the Chairbox creator said that a study found that spending six to eight hours a day sitting increased the risk of passing away.

Humans weren't made to spend eight hours a day sitting on seats, by design. Our bodies haven't yet adjusted to the entire behavioural adjustment, according to Chairbox's website. 
 
"Exercising is still insufficient, even then. Additionally, legislation in the UK requires employers to offer standing desk solutions in their workplaces. Although there is awareness, it is insufficient."&nbsp;

Nevertheless, he continued, "The whole grind culture is just wrong, it feels to me like voluntary slavery," as he spoke about propagating the "grind culture" idea. "We've been gaslit into thinking that this is life as it supposes to be. We sit in those coffins and generate value for the stakeholders, but once the time has come they nail the lid and roll us to the corporate cemetery," he added.

When asked when the inspiration struck, Chairbox told Designboom that it did so as he was sitting on the couch with his legs propped up on the floor in his friend's living room. He jokingly said,&nbsp;"I thought that if I die in this pose, they might have to bury me like that. It would be so inconvenient to put me in a coffin. They probably would need a special coffin in this case."

"I told my friend about it, and we laughed, but after a couple of weeks, I returned to that idea and explored it a bit more. Later, I made a 3D model in CAD software, rendered it, and posted online," he added.

(with inputs from agencies)

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers.

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers. The chair is constructed in a manner resembling a casket and is inspired by coffin designs. While one wonders how it may perform with lumbar support, the Chairbox creator said that a study found that spending six to eight hours a day sitting increased the risk of passing away. Humans weren't made to spend eight hours a day sitting on seats, by design. Our bodies haven't yet adjusted to the entire behavioural adjustment, according to Chairbox's website. "Exercising is still insufficient, even then. Additionally, legislation in the UK requires employers to offer standing desk solutions in their workplaces. Although there is awareness, it is insufficient." Nevertheless, he continued, "The whole grind culture is just wrong, it feels to me like voluntary slavery," as he spoke about propagating the "grind culture" idea. "We've been gaslit into thinking that this is life as it supposes to be. We sit in those coffins and generate value for the stakeholders, but once the time has come they nail the lid and roll us to the corporate cemetery," he added. When asked when the inspiration struck, Chairbox told Designboom that it did so as he was sitting on the couch with his legs propped up on the floor in his friend's living room. He jokingly said, "I thought that if I die in this pose, they might have to bury me like that. It would be so inconvenient to put me in a coffin. They probably would need a special coffin in this case." "I told my friend about it, and we laughed, but after a couple of weeks, I returned to that idea and explored it a bit more. Later, I made a 3D model in CAD software, rendered it, and posted online," he added. (with inputs from agencies)

Feel you are overworking yourself to death? This 'coffin chair' is the perfect find for you

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.&nbsp;

The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal.

Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster.

The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president.&nbsp;

Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling.

“We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said.

The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November.

(with inputs from agencies)

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel. The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger. According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal. Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster. The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president. Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling. “We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said. The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November. (with inputs from agencies)

Arizona can enforce near-total abortion ban as court lifts decades-old injunction

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2. 
 
BJP's Kashmir affairs in charge and former minister Sunil Sharma on Saturday made a formal announcement of Amit Shah's visit. The mega rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district would be attended by people across the Kashmir region.&nbsp;

“The home minister will be addressing the rally and talking about the various developmental projects undertaken by the government. He will also talk about what the central government is doing on various fronts for the development of J&amp;K,” said Sharma.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-gets-its-first-multiplex-to-be-opened-to-public-by-september-end-518021">:&nbsp;Kashmir gets its first multiplex, to be opened to public by September end</a>

While talking about elections, Sharma said, "It's a decision to be made by the Election Commission of India, and we (BJP) as a party are always ready for elections here.''

The home minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the first cancer hospital in the Kashmir valley. The hospital is being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2.

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir announced the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to the state on October 1 and 2. The home minister will be addressing mega rallies in Rajouri district of Jammu region on October 1 and Baramulla district of Kashmir region on October 2. BJP's Kashmir affairs in charge and former minister Sunil Sharma on Saturday made a formal announcement of Amit Shah's visit. The mega rally in North Kashmir's Baramulla district would be attended by people across the Kashmir region. “The home minister will be addressing the rally and talking about the various developmental projects undertaken by the government. He will also talk about what the central government is doing on various fronts for the development of J&K,” said Sharma. Read more: Kashmir gets its first multiplex, to be opened to public by September end While talking about elections, Sharma said, "It's a decision to be made by the Election Commission of India, and we (BJP) as a party are always ready for elections here.'' The home minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the first cancer hospital in the Kashmir valley. The hospital is being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Home minister Amit Shah to visit Jammu & Kashmir, address mega rallies

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley.&nbsp;

The report says more than 365 suicide attempts have been reported in the Kashmir region since Feb 2021. The data prepared by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded as 127 persons died after committing suicide, and 238 survived after taking extreme steps.&nbsp;

''We started a mental health helpline called 'Sukoon', where we did a research in the valley where we collected data of how many suicide cases were reported in the Valley, the data which we have with us suggests that since Feb 2021 to June 2022, there have been 365 suicide attempts by people during this period, 127 people died due to suicide and 238 survived these attempts. These are huge figures and post covid there is an increase in the number of suicide attempts. '' said Haseeb Ul Rahman, Commandant SDRF, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Data also suggests that the highest number of suicide attempts were reported from central Kashmir's Budgam district. Budgam reported 72 suicide attempts while North Kashmir's Baramulla district reported 61. In South Kashmir's Anantnag district 55 suicide attempts were reported while 51 were reported in Kupwara in North Kashmir.&nbsp;

There were 34 suicide attempts reported in North Kashmir's Bandipora. In South Kashmir's Shopian district 19 such attempts were reported while 15 were reported in Pulwama. District Kulgam reported 25 suicide attempts and Srinagar city reported 17.&nbsp;

The data of deaths reported in various districts were also given out. In total 127 people died after taking extreme steps that include 17 in Srinagar, 11 in Ganderbal, &nbsp;08 in Bandipora, 09 in Shopian, 08 in Pulwama, 11 in Budgam, 31 in Anantnag, 10 in Kulgam, 15 in Baramulla and 07 in Kupwara.

The psychologists in the valley say Post covid stress triggered by various issues like financial, relationship issues and isolation led to taking these extreme steps. &nbsp;The doctors feel the awareness among the youngsters needs to be increased across the Kashmir Valley. The doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented.&nbsp;

''There is a concept of suicide contagion, research suggests that if one person dies of suicide it affects 135 people around him. And out of those 135 people, 60 per cent are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. That's how we see the suicide contagion spread. Sometimes when it is localised to one particular area, we get more reported cases because of the same phenomena. It is also about treatment seeking, Srinagar has much more treatment seeking options than other places and sometimes it can be because of the lack of treatment options and definitely due to the contagion which spreads. '' said Dr Zoya Mir, Clinical Psychologist, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The SDRF is going to submit the report to the Chief Secretary's office in Jammu and Kashmir. And the government is expected to come out with a strategy to tackle the issue.&nbsp;

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley.

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley. The report says more than 365 suicide attempts have been reported in the Kashmir region since Feb 2021. The data prepared by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded as 127 persons died after committing suicide, and 238 survived after taking extreme steps. ''We started a mental health helpline called 'Sukoon', where we did a research in the valley where we collected data of how many suicide cases were reported in the Valley, the data which we have with us suggests that since Feb 2021 to June 2022, there have been 365 suicide attempts by people during this period, 127 people died due to suicide and 238 survived these attempts. These are huge figures and post covid there is an increase in the number of suicide attempts. '' said Haseeb Ul Rahman, Commandant SDRF, Kashmir. The Data also suggests that the highest number of suicide attempts were reported from central Kashmir's Budgam district. Budgam reported 72 suicide attempts while North Kashmir's Baramulla district reported 61. In South Kashmir's Anantnag district 55 suicide attempts were reported while 51 were reported in Kupwara in North Kashmir. There were 34 suicide attempts reported in North Kashmir's Bandipora. In South Kashmir's Shopian district 19 such attempts were reported while 15 were reported in Pulwama. District Kulgam reported 25 suicide attempts and Srinagar city reported 17. The data of deaths reported in various districts were also given out. In total 127 people died after taking extreme steps that include 17 in Srinagar, 11 in Ganderbal, 08 in Bandipora, 09 in Shopian, 08 in Pulwama, 11 in Budgam, 31 in Anantnag, 10 in Kulgam, 15 in Baramulla and 07 in Kupwara. The psychologists in the valley say Post covid stress triggered by various issues like financial, relationship issues and isolation led to taking these extreme steps. The doctors feel the awareness among the youngsters needs to be increased across the Kashmir Valley. The doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented. ''There is a concept of suicide contagion, research suggests that if one person dies of suicide it affects 135 people around him. And out of those 135 people, 60 per cent are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. That's how we see the suicide contagion spread. Sometimes when it is localised to one particular area, we get more reported cases because of the same phenomena. It is also about treatment seeking, Srinagar has much more treatment seeking options than other places and sometimes it can be because of the lack of treatment options and definitely due to the contagion which spreads. '' said Dr Zoya Mir, Clinical Psychologist, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The SDRF is going to submit the report to the Chief Secretary's office in Jammu and Kashmir. And the government is expected to come out with a strategy to tackle the issue.

Kashmir witnesses steep rise in suicide cases post covid; SDRF to submit report to JK government

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse.

As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote.

The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula.

Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle.

Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call.

“We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.”

Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote</a>

“After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces.

Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city.

Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014.

“They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety.

Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum.

“You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv.

In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. 
“The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said.

She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played.

On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers.

She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.”

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp;

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Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard.

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse. As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote. The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula. Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle. Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call. “We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.” Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door. Read more: Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote “After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces. Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city. Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014. “They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety. Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum. “You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv. In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. “The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said. She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played. On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers. She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian referendum voting evokes feeling of anger, trepidation and defiance

A global slowdown and impending fears of recession have prompted companies across the board to trim their headcount. According to GlobalData's news database, over 60 top companies announced layoffs in the month of August 2022 alone.

A global slowdown and impending fears of recession have prompted companies across the board to trim their headcount. According to GlobalData's news database, over 60 top companies announced layoffs in the month of August 2022 alone. From Microsoft to Apple to Tencent to Xiaomi to Snap, the big tech behemoths fired employees as uncertain macroeconomic conditions threatened to hurt the financial books of the companies. However, experts believe that the worst is yet to come. Sherla Sriprada, business fundamentals analyst at GlobalData, which published the report, cited the example of Microsoft and how the company was planning future cuts as well. "Of particular interest is Microsoft, which laid off 1% of its total workforce due to the economic slowdown, and has plans to terminate a further 200 employees from its consumer research and development (R&D) team as a part of its realignment. The company’s job postings fell by 47 per cent in August 2022 over January 2022,” said Sriprada. As reported by WION, there has been no dearth of big names taking the rather cold call of laying off their employees in recent times. China's Alibaba reportedly fired 10,000 employees as part of cost-cutting measures and due to slowing sales growth and rising prices. Tencent, the crown jewel of China's booming tech sector, reported a slowdown in sales for the first time this year and instantly laid off over 5,500 employees. Meanwhile, Coinbase Global Inc stated it will extend its hiring freeze for the foreseeable future and rescind a number of accepted offers in order to deal with current macroeconomic conditions. Similarly, Meta (formerly Facebook) has paused hiring for several verticals, like shopping and Messenger Kids, which has triggered the fear of layoffs among employees. "I can't sit here and make a permanent ongoing promise that as things shift that we won't have to reconsider that (job cuts)," Zuckerberg told the staff during a meeting. Read more: From Tesla to Peloton, companies slow hiring as US economy sputters Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai earlier this month stated that he wants to make his company 20 per cent efficient while hinting at possible job cuts. “We want to make sure as a company, when you have fewer resources than before, you are prioritizing all the right things to be working on and your employees are really productive that they can actually have impact on the things they’re working on so that’s what we are spending our time on,” said Pichai. Read more: Sundar Pichai hints at slashing Google workforce, wants company 20% more efficient Similarly, banking major Goldman Sachs is planning to fire hundreds of its employees by resuming its annual practice which was halted the last two years due to the pandemic. Experts believe that Goldman Sachs could clip as many as one to five per cent of its low-performance employees. This will mean losing anywhere between 500 to 2,400 employees. Read more: Goldman Sachs to start firing employees from next week amid an economic slowdown (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Signs of global slowdown? 60 top companies fired employees in August

A day&nbsp;after Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid addressed the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York and batted for 'two-state solution' for the Israel-Palestine issue.

However, former Prime Minister and current opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu referring to the ultra-conservatives and Jewish religious lawmakers stated that they will never allow Lapid to implement his plans.&nbsp;

"Today he (Lapid) wants to give the Palestinians a terrorist state in the heart of Israel and that state is going to threaten us. But let me tell you this Mr. Lapid: My partners and I will not let you," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-pm-yair-lapid-to-back-two-state-solution-at-unga-518867">WATCH |&nbsp;Israeli PM Yair Lapid to back two-state solution at UNGA</a>

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Not only did Lapid face heat in his own backyard, but even the Palestinians did not seem too enthused by his idea. According to an AFP report, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas charged that Israel, "through its current premeditated and deliberated policies" was "destroying" any prospect of a two-state solution.

Terming Lapid's comments 'positive', Abbas added a caveat saying, "...the real test of the seriousness and credibility of (his) position is the Israeli government sitting at the negotiating table immediately, to implement the two-state solution."

As reported by WION, during his speech on Thursday,&nbsp;Lapid sought to highlight that Israeli Arabs were not 'enemies'. He underlined that his coalition government has an Arab party and that there are Arab judges in Israel's supreme court. There were Arab doctors in Israel saving lives, he said.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-yair-lapid-supports-two-state-solution-in-unga-speech-518839">&nbsp;Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech</a>

"An agreement with the Palestinians, based on two states for two peoples, is the right thing for Israel's security, for Israel's economy and for the future of our children," Lapid said, adding that any agreement would be conditional on a peaceful Palestinian state that would not threaten Israel.

It is pertinent to note that Israel is headed for elections in November. Poll surveys show that Netanyahu might be in for a comeback. Thus, experts are of the view that Lapid's speech was meant to win over the Israeli left, Arabs and the centre-right.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A day after Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid addressed the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York and batted for 'two-state solution' for the Israel-Palestine issue.

A day after Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid addressed the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York and batted for 'two-state solution' for the Israel-Palestine issue. However, former Prime Minister and current opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu referring to the ultra-conservatives and Jewish religious lawmakers stated that they will never allow Lapid to implement his plans. "Today he (Lapid) wants to give the Palestinians a terrorist state in the heart of Israel and that state is going to threaten us. But let me tell you this Mr. Lapid: My partners and I will not let you," said Netanyahu. WATCH | Israeli PM Yair Lapid to back two-state solution at UNGA × Not only did Lapid face heat in his own backyard, but even the Palestinians did not seem too enthused by his idea. According to an AFP report, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas charged that Israel, "through its current premeditated and deliberated policies" was "destroying" any prospect of a two-state solution. Terming Lapid's comments 'positive', Abbas added a caveat saying, "...the real test of the seriousness and credibility of (his) position is the Israeli government sitting at the negotiating table immediately, to implement the two-state solution." As reported by WION, during his speech on Thursday, Lapid sought to highlight that Israeli Arabs were not 'enemies'. He underlined that his coalition government has an Arab party and that there are Arab judges in Israel's supreme court. There were Arab doctors in Israel saving lives, he said. Read more: Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech "An agreement with the Palestinians, based on two states for two peoples, is the right thing for Israel's security, for Israel's economy and for the future of our children," Lapid said, adding that any agreement would be conditional on a peaceful Palestinian state that would not threaten Israel. It is pertinent to note that Israel is headed for elections in November. Poll surveys show that Netanyahu might be in for a comeback. Thus, experts are of the view that Lapid's speech was meant to win over the Israeli left, Arabs and the centre-right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel PM Lapid draws flak from countrymen over his 'two-state solution' speech at UNGA

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito has slammed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the latter's address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for raking the Kashmir issue and making anti-India remarks.

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito has slammed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the latter's address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for raking the Kashmir issue and making anti-India remarks. In his right to reply, Mijito Vinito, first secretary, Indian Mission to United Nations, said, "It is regrettable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has chosen the platform of this august assembly to make false accusations against India." "He has done so to obfuscate misdeeds in his own country and to justify actions against India that the world considers unacceptable," said Vinito. Notably, Pakistan PM Shehbaz while addressing the general assembly had mentioned Kashmir more than 10 times and India more than nine times. Pakistani PMs in the past have used the famous green podium during the annual general assembly to rake up Kashmir, something that hasn't come as a surprise this time as well. Indian diplomat Mijito, raising the issue of Pakistan's support for terror, said, "A polity that claims it seeks peace with its neighbours would never sponsor cross border terrorism." He pointed out how Islamabad continues to "shelter planners of the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, disclosing their existence only under pressure from the international community". Read more: At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist Terror remains a key concern for New Delhi when it comes to Pakistan. As a policy, on multiple occasions, New Delhi has stated that no talks will happen unless Islamabad takes action against terrorism. The first secretary also highlighted the situation of minorities in the country, saying, "When young women in the thousands from the minority community are abducted as an SOP, what can we conclude about the underlying mindset?" Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Ahmadiyya's continue to face prosecution and discrimination in Pakistan, which has been well documented "Desire for peace, security and progress in the Indian subcontinent is real but that will surely happen when cross-border terrorism ceases and when governments come clean with the international community and their own people. When minorities are not persecuted and not least, when we recognise these realities before this assembly," the Indian diplomat concluded by saying. In 2020, Mijito had walked out of UNGA hall after then Pakistan PM Imran Khan started making anti-India remarks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito slams Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for anti-India tirade at UNGA

Cost-cutting, efficiency, and macroeconomics seem to be the keywords that Google CEO Sundar Pichai has been using rather frequently in front of his employees for the majority of this quarter.

Cost-cutting, efficiency, and macroeconomics seem to be the keywords that Google CEO Sundar Pichai has been using rather frequently in front of his employees for the majority of this quarter. Now, at a companywide meeting this week, Pichai told employees not to 'equate fun with money'. Reportedly, during the meeting, which turned heated at times according to sources, Pichai was asked by an employee as to why the company, despite recording profits and high cash reserves was slashing travel budgets, allowances, and other perks. “I remember when Google was small and scrappy. Fun didn’t always...we shouldn’t always equate fun with money. I think you can walk into a hard-working startup and people may be having fun and it shouldn’t always equate to money,” said Pichai in response. Talking about the uncertainty in macroeconomics, the Google boss further added, “How do I say it? Look, I hope all of you are reading the news, externally. The fact that you know, we are being a bit more responsible through one of the toughest macroeconomic conditions underway in the past decade, I think it’s important that as a company, we pull together to get through moments like this.” It is pertinent to note that Pichai's statements come in the backdrop of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, reporting a second successive quarter of weaker-than-expected earnings and revenue in July. As reported by WION, earlier this month as well, Pichai talked about the company taking a more conservative approach when it came to hiring and simultaneously increasing the efficiency of the employees as the macroeconomics remained uncertain. Read more: Sundar Pichai hints at slashing Google workforce, wants company 20% more efficient “We want to make sure as a company, when you have fewer resources than before, you are prioritizing all the right things to be working on and your employees are really productive that they can actually have impact on the things they’re working on, so that’s what we are spending our time on.” The Google boss further added that as a company they were looking to get 20 per cent more productive, “Across everything we do, we can be slower to make decisions. You look at it end-to-end and figure out how to make the company 20 per cent more productive.” Read more: Google to slow down hiring, says Sundar Pichai in a memo to staff (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Don't equate fun with money', millionaire Google CEO Sundar Pichai's advice to employees

A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia.

A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia. Reportedly, Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, while addressing a press conference was asked about PM Modi's comment to which he stated that the West was misconstruing the statement and selectively picking and overplaying a part. "The West uses only those quotes that suit them while ignoring other parts," said the Russian ambassador. The Russian envoy also added that New Delhi's version was consistent with its position on the issue since the beginning. As reported extensively by WION, during a meeting with Putin in Samarkand, PM Modi, in quite frank terms conveyed his position to the Russian leader. “I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this,” said PM Modi while adding that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue have kept the world together. WATCH | 'This is not as era of war': Indian PM Modi tells Russian President Putin on sidelines of SCO summit × In reply, Putin said, “I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns that you constantly express.” “We will do our best to stop this as soon as possible. However, unfortunately, the opposing side, the leadership of Ukraine, announced its refusal to continue negotiations and declared that they wanted to achieve their goals by military means, as they say ‘on the battlefield’. But nevertheless, we will always keep you informed of what is happening there,” added the Russian President. Since then, the western countries have lauded PM Modi's statement and tried to use it as a point to pressure Moscow. "I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by the leaders of both China and in India are indicative of the fact that Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House. Read more: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia: West misquoting, selectively picking PM Modi's 'not an era of war' remark

Italy's right-wing coalition is set to win the upcoming polls. this will be the fist right-wing government in Rome since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago. Priyanka Sharma tells you why Italy is on the brink of electing the right-wing coalition.

WION Fineprint | Italy set to get a right-wing government | Wion reports from Rome

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