The US Geological Survey reported that a 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday near the east coast of Taiwan.&nbsp;

According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at about 9:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) about 50 km (30 miles) north of Taitung, a coastal city, at a depth of 10 km.&nbsp;

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Taiwan has just had an earthquake, and the video shows waves in the hot pot restrant. 
I also felt the earthquake in Taizhou!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#taiwan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%8F%B0%E6%B9%BE%E5%9C%B0%E9%9C%87?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#台湾地震</a> <a href="https://t.co/XDPn5qH3T3">pic.twitter.com/XDPn5qH3T3</a>
— 莎莎大国王 King （💯互fo） (@luckylinsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckylinsa/status/1571159384645853190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Initial reports from local media stated that the earthquake caused no injuries or damage.&nbsp;

The magnitude was somewhat lower, at 6.4, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, but it was shallower at 7.3 kilometres.

Because Taiwan is located close to the meeting point of two tectonic plates, earthquakes frequently strike the island.&nbsp;

Unless a quake is stronger than magnitude 7.0, the island does not send tsunami alerts.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-isolating-himself-white-house-weighs-in-after-pm-modis-message-to-putin-517008">'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President</a>

Although a lot depends on where and how deep the earthquake occurs, some earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher can be fatal.&nbsp;

However, the USGS predicted a low probability of mortality on Saturday, though it warned that some damage was conceivable.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

The US Geological Survey reported that a 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday near the east coast of Taiwan. According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at about 9:30 p.

The US Geological Survey reported that a 6.6-magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday near the east coast of Taiwan. According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at about 9:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) about 50 km (30 miles) north of Taitung, a coastal city, at a depth of 10 km. Taiwan has just had an earthquake, and the video shows waves in the hot pot restrant. I also felt the earthquake in Taizhou!#taiwan #earthquake #台湾地震 pic.twitter.com/XDPn5qH3T3 — 莎莎大国王 King （💯互fo） (@luckylinsa) September 17, 2022 × Initial reports from local media stated that the earthquake caused no injuries or damage. The magnitude was somewhat lower, at 6.4, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, but it was shallower at 7.3 kilometres. Because Taiwan is located close to the meeting point of two tectonic plates, earthquakes frequently strike the island. Unless a quake is stronger than magnitude 7.0, the island does not send tsunami alerts. Also Read: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President Although a lot depends on where and how deep the earthquake occurs, some earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher can be fatal. However, the USGS predicted a low probability of mortality on Saturday, though it warned that some damage was conceivable. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan's east coast: US Geological Survey

On Saturday, the Russian defence ministry claimed that its forces had carried out attacks on Ukrainian locations across the country and accused Kyiv of bombarding the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility.&nbsp;

The ministry&nbsp;said Russian soldiers carried out attacks in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. It also stated that Ukrainian forces had launched an abortive offensive close to Pravdyne in Kherson.&nbsp;

Radiation levels at Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear power station, are still within normal limits. According to the report, two instances of Ukrainian shelling were seen close to the plant on Saturday.&nbsp;

A representative for the Ukrainian foreign ministry denied that their troops had shelled the area around the facility.

Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of launching missiles at the Zaporizhzhia factory. The International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations issued a resolution on Thursday calling for Russia to vacate the site.&nbsp;

The mayor of the pro-Russian separatist-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Alexey Kulemzin, announced on Telegram that four persons had been killed by shelling in the city's centre. Kulemzin noted that shell fragments from French-made Caesar howitzers had been discovered.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eight-cheetahs-to-reach-india-today-pm-to-release-them-in-kuno-national-park-516977">PM Modi releases eight cheetahs in Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh</a>

Local authorities in the Russian Belgorod region told the TASS news agency that one person had been killed by Ukrainian bombardment.&nbsp;

Reports from the battlefield could not be immediately confirmed by Reuters.&nbsp;

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukrainian soldiers have just reclaimed terrain that had been occupied by Russian forces. Russia has concentrated its forces in the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk for months in order to enlarge the area held by Moscow-backed separatists since 2014.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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On Saturday, the Russian defence ministry claimed that its forces had carried out attacks on Ukrainian locations across the country and accused Kyiv of bombarding the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility.

On Saturday, the Russian defence ministry claimed that its forces had carried out attacks on Ukrainian locations across the country and accused Kyiv of bombarding the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility. The ministry said Russian soldiers carried out attacks in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. It also stated that Ukrainian forces had launched an abortive offensive close to Pravdyne in Kherson. Radiation levels at Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear power station, are still within normal limits. According to the report, two instances of Ukrainian shelling were seen close to the plant on Saturday. A representative for the Ukrainian foreign ministry denied that their troops had shelled the area around the facility. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of launching missiles at the Zaporizhzhia factory. The International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations issued a resolution on Thursday calling for Russia to vacate the site. The mayor of the pro-Russian separatist-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Alexey Kulemzin, announced on Telegram that four persons had been killed by shelling in the city's centre. Kulemzin noted that shell fragments from French-made Caesar howitzers had been discovered. Also Read: PM Modi releases eight cheetahs in Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh Local authorities in the Russian Belgorod region told the TASS news agency that one person had been killed by Ukrainian bombardment. Reports from the battlefield could not be immediately confirmed by Reuters. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukrainian soldiers have just reclaimed terrain that had been occupied by Russian forces. Russia has concentrated its forces in the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk for months in order to enlarge the area held by Moscow-backed separatists since 2014. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses Kyiv of shelling near Ukrainian nuclear power plant

Ever since the Consumer Price Index report was released, the US stock market has continued to take a beating. On Friday, according to a Reuters report, Wall Street stumbled to its two-month low as fears of a global recession loomed amid a slowdown.

Ever since the Consumer Price Index report was released, the US stock market has continued to take a beating. On Friday, according to a Reuters report, Wall Street stumbled to its two-month low as fears of a global recession loomed amid a slowdown. Reportedly, all three major US stock indices fell well below their numbers set in the month of June. The Dow dropped 139. 40 points to close at 30,822 while S&P 500 closed the week by siding 0.72 per cent. Lastly, Nasdaq Composite slide 0.9 per cent to finish at 11,448. "It’s been a tough week. It feels like Halloween came early. We are facing this toxic brew of high inflation, high-interest rates and low growth, which isn’t good for stock or bond markets." said David Carter, managing director of JP Morgan. It is pertinent to note that the fear of global slowdown amongst the stock market investors was expedited after FedEx released a dystopian earning report. The company's revenue fell about $300 million below company forecasts which hastened the warning that a slowdown was impending. WATCH | World Business Watch: FedEx shares fall as global volume plunge × Moreover, to get ahead of the curve, banking major Goldman Sachs is planning to fire hundreds of its employees as early as next week. Reportedly, the layoffs will mark the resumption of its annual practice which was halted the last two years due to the pandemic. It is pertinent to note that on the day the CPI report showed inflation hitting a worse-than-expected mark of '8.3' per cent, US President Joe Biden threw an 'inflation reduction' party at his official residence at the White House. "Exactly four weeks ago, I signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. So today, we're celebrating. Tune in at 3 PM ET as I deliver remarks and welcome the leaders and advocates who made it happen to the People's House." tweeted President Biden from his official Twitter account. Read more: Biden parties as stock market tumbles, inflation worsens and Fed indicates rate hike Experts believe that after inflation numbers continued to hit a 40-year record high, the US central bank, the Federal Reserve may be hiking interest rates for a record fifth time this year, next week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

As recession fears mount, Wall Street tumbles to a two-month low

Despite claims of intermittent firing by both sides, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reported no significant combat incidents on Saturday, indicating that a ceasefire they agreed upon following severe fighting on Friday remained in place.&nbsp;

This week, there was fighting over a border dispute between the two former Soviet republics. Each side claimed the other had attacked outposts and nearby settlements with tanks, mortars, rocket artillery, and assault drones, killing at least 54 people.&nbsp;

The Soviet Union attempted to partition Central Asia into groupings, whose settlements were frequently mixed in with those of other nationalities. This led to many of the boundary disputes in the region today.

After reporting that 24 of its nationals had died in the battle and that 137,000 had been evacuated, Kyrgyzstan accused Tajik forces of bombarding its border outposts several times on Saturday.&nbsp;

Security sources reported that 30 people had died this week, including 15 who were inside a mosque that Tajikistan claims was struck by a Kyrgyz drone. Tajikistan has not released any official casualty figures.&nbsp;

Sources in the Sughd province in northern Tajikistan, where the skirmishes started, said that the border region was becoming less tense.&nbsp;

It claimed in a statement that "as a result of meetings between Tajik and Kyrgyz delegations the situation on the border is stabilising, and people are returning to normal life."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-top-dragon-boat-competition-ditches-hong-kong-over-covid-restrictions-517147">World's top dragon boat competition ditches Hong Kong over Covid restrictions</a>

Both nations are members of many military and economic blocs led by Russia and host bases for Russian troops.&nbsp;

This week, when the border fighting broke out, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and his Kyrgyz colleague Sadyr Japarov were attending a summit of a regional organisation organised by Russia and China.&nbsp;

In a speech to the country on Saturday, Japarov declared that Kyrgyzstan would not cede any territory in the disputed region.&nbsp;

"We will not stop even for a minute our efforts to settle the Kyrgyz-Tajik dispute as quickly as possible," he said.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Despite claims of intermittent firing by both sides, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reported no significant combat incidents on Saturday, indicating that a ceasefire they agreed upon following severe fighting on Friday remained in place.

Despite claims of intermittent firing by both sides, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reported no significant combat incidents on Saturday, indicating that a ceasefire they agreed upon following severe fighting on Friday remained in place. This week, there was fighting over a border dispute between the two former Soviet republics. Each side claimed the other had attacked outposts and nearby settlements with tanks, mortars, rocket artillery, and assault drones, killing at least 54 people. The Soviet Union attempted to partition Central Asia into groupings, whose settlements were frequently mixed in with those of other nationalities. This led to many of the boundary disputes in the region today. After reporting that 24 of its nationals had died in the battle and that 137,000 had been evacuated, Kyrgyzstan accused Tajik forces of bombarding its border outposts several times on Saturday. Security sources reported that 30 people had died this week, including 15 who were inside a mosque that Tajikistan claims was struck by a Kyrgyz drone. Tajikistan has not released any official casualty figures. Sources in the Sughd province in northern Tajikistan, where the skirmishes started, said that the border region was becoming less tense. It claimed in a statement that "as a result of meetings between Tajik and Kyrgyz delegations the situation on the border is stabilising, and people are returning to normal life." Also Read: World's top dragon boat competition ditches Hong Kong over Covid restrictions Both nations are members of many military and economic blocs led by Russia and host bases for Russian troops. This week, when the border fighting broke out, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and his Kyrgyz colleague Sadyr Japarov were attending a summit of a regional organisation organised by Russia and China. In a speech to the country on Saturday, Japarov declared that Kyrgyzstan would not cede any territory in the disputed region. "We will not stop even for a minute our efforts to settle the Kyrgyz-Tajik dispute as quickly as possible," he said. (with inputs from agencies)

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan ceasefire remains intact despite sporadic shelling by both sides

China has been royally snubbed by the UK. A Chinese delegation has been banned from seeing Queen Elizabeth's coffin. Tory MPs also plan to withdraw an invitation to Xi Jinping for the Queen's funeral. Why? Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Chinese delegation banned from seeing Queen's coffin

As India marks National Engineers' Day, Priyanka Sharma asks- has India's engineering degree lost its sheen? What can India do to preserve the spirit of engineering?

Gravitas: India marks National Engineers' Day

Tennis legend Serena Williams congratulated Roger Federer on his splendid career, and welcomed him to the retirement club. How do athletes earn money after hanging up their boots? How rich is their retirement club? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: How rich is the sports retirement club?

On the sidelines of the SCO summit, Indian PM Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi told President Putin "Today's not an era for war". What was Putin's reaction? Priyanka Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Ukraine war: PM Modi sends a big message to Putin

A World Bank assessment says that aggressive interest rate hikes by central banks could prove to be inadequate to bring inflation under control. Priyanka Sharma tells you how this could lead to a recession.

Gravitas: World Bank fears a global recession in 2023

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that his country has been wandering with a begging bowl for the last 75 years. Even at the SCO roundtable, a visibly emotional Sharif appealed for foreign assistance to revive Pakistan's economy. Priyanka Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'wandering with begging bowl'

A new study claims that children can be affected by their fathers' and grandfathers' smoking habits. Meaning, your grandchildren could be forced to pay the price of the cigarettes you smoke. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Children whose fathers smoke are more likely to get asthma

On Thursday, busloads of migrants were dropped outside Kamala Harris' home. They were bused by Republicans from Texas to remind Harris about her job as the 'border czar'. Priyanka Sharma tells you what happened next.

Gravitas: Busloads of migrants dropped outside US vice president's home

Just when a thaw appeared in the relationship between the top Royals and&nbsp;Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a Telegraph report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been uninvited from Queen Elizabeth II's pre-funeral functions.

Reportedly, earlier this week, the couple received invitations to a grand pre-funeral event hosted by King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla for the world leaders. However, according to the report, they have been informed that the event is only for working royals.&nbsp;

The report further mentioned that the couple was apparently baffled after hearing about the decision as royal officials insisted that they do not attend the event.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-skipper-david-beckham-lines-up-in-snaking-queues-to-pay-respects-to-queen-elizabeth-ii-516888">&nbsp;Former England skipper David Beckham lines up in snaking queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II</a>

World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron amongst others hundreds of heads of state will be gathering in London on the eve of the Queen's funeral, scheduled to take&nbsp;place on Monday at the Windsor Chapel where she will be buried.

This is not the first time in the aftermath of the Queen's demise that Prince Harry has been cast aside by the top Royals.

As reported by WION, Prince Harry was reportedly barred from wearing his military uniform at the Queen's vigil, primarily because when he quit royal life in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle, he was stripped of the right.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-receives-authorisation-to-wear-military-uniform-at-queen-elizabeth-iis-vigil-516937">Prince Harry receives authorisation to wear military uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's vigil</a>

However, after the controversy snowballed, Prince Harry received authorisation to wear the military uniform from King Charles III.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Just when a thaw appeared in the relationship between the top Royals and Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a Telegraph report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been uninvited from Queen Elizabeth II's pre-funeral functions.

Just when a thaw appeared in the relationship between the top Royals and Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a Telegraph report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been uninvited from Queen Elizabeth II's pre-funeral functions. Reportedly, earlier this week, the couple received invitations to a grand pre-funeral event hosted by King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla for the world leaders. However, according to the report, they have been informed that the event is only for working royals. The report further mentioned that the couple was apparently baffled after hearing about the decision as royal officials insisted that they do not attend the event. It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects. Read more: Former England skipper David Beckham lines up in snaking queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron amongst others hundreds of heads of state will be gathering in London on the eve of the Queen's funeral, scheduled to take place on Monday at the Windsor Chapel where she will be buried. This is not the first time in the aftermath of the Queen's demise that Prince Harry has been cast aside by the top Royals. As reported by WION, Prince Harry was reportedly barred from wearing his military uniform at the Queen's vigil, primarily because when he quit royal life in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle, he was stripped of the right. Read more: Prince Harry receives authorisation to wear military uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's vigil However, after the controversy snowballed, Prince Harry received authorisation to wear the military uniform from King Charles III. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle uninvited from a pre-funeral function: Report

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017.

The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state.

The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone.&nbsp;

Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said.

Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar".

The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said. More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017. The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state. The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone. Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said. Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar". The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Teen Rohingya killed, six injured in Bangladesh from mortar shells fired by Myanmar

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Days after liberating thousands of acres of the occupied region from the Russian troops, the Ukrainian authorities on Friday began the process of examining the mass burial site, discovered a day earlier in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum. The officials stated that 99 per cent of the exhumed bodies found at the burial site had signs of violent death, meaning the Russian troops tortured and mutilated them when killing. "Among the bodies that were exhumed today, 99 percent showed signs of violent death. There are several bodies with their hands tied behind their backs, and one person is buried with a rope around his neck." said Oleg Synegubov, head of the Kharkiv regional administration. Synegubov further stated that these people were obviously tortured and executed by the Russian barbarians. Read more: Mass grave with over 400 bodies found in Izium in Kharkiv region recaptured last week, says Ukraine Additionally, the graves of the buried were not marked with names or dates. The Russian troops simply marked a number while burying the dead, leaving no trail for the Ukrainian authorities to identify the victims. According to locals, those exhumed were most likely killed by the Russian forces who occupied the city for the last six months and used it as the base for launching military operations in the Donbas region. The Russian troops attacked Izyum in April and according to witnesses, over 100 were killed in the first assault as Russian bombs were hurled. The emergency service workers wearing blue plastic may have also stumbled upon the graves of little children, who, according to the locals were one of the earliest casualties in the attack. As reported by WION, after the burial site was discovered by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address informed that the process of verification will begin the next day. "In Izyum, Kharkiv region, a mass burial of people was found. The necessary procedural actions have already started there, more information, clear and verified, should be available tomorrow," said Zelensky in the address. Read more: Supplying arms to Ukraine 'morally acceptable', says Pope Ukraine compared the discovery to what happened in Bucha, on the outskirts of the capital Kyiv in the early stages of the invasion. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russian forces of perpetrating war crimes there. Tens of thousands of civilians were likely killed in a separate Russian assault on the southern port of Mariupol, Ukrainian officials said in April. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Most bodies at mass burial site have signs of violent death, claims Kyiv

Banks in Lebanon have said they will close for three days next week, after depositors stormed several branches on Friday, holding employees hostage and forcibly demanding to withdraw their savings.

Lebanese banks to close next week; violent raids by depositors surge in Lebanon

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the US, created in 1947, has completed 75 years, with several notable achievements and some terrible failures that earned it bouquets of ridicule.&nbsp;

The agency’s emblem sets out the paradigms it aims to follow: the eagle representing alertness and strength, and the 16-point compass star for the convergence of intelligence data from around the world, but quite a few of its bloopers exposed how it floundered in abiding with the precepts. &nbsp;

The agency prospered during the Cold War so much that its actions often proved to be scandalous as it appropriated unbridled power and had no accountability due to the nature of its operations. Some of its blunders would leave readers bemused today for the sheer idiosyncrasies and frivolity of ideas, and had even then resulted in raucous criticism.&nbsp;

CIA has worked in enabling regime changes, assassinations and coups, from Latin America to Africa to the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky had said, “It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently,” and the Central ‘Intelligence’ Agency seems to have taken it rather too seriously.

THE FIDEL CASTRO FIXATION&nbsp;

The most ridiculous of all CIA operations turned out to be the bizarre methods it repeatedly kept devising to snuff out the Cuban leader Fidel Castro, his brother Raul and Ernesto Che Guevara.&nbsp;

It is said that the CIA made 638 attempts to kill Castro, but failed every time and its ludicrous strategies became a laughing point. So much so that even Castro cracked a joke once on being offered a Galápagos turtle as a present and politely declined it on learning that it was likely to live only 100 years. “That’s the problem with pets. You get attached to them and then they die on you,” he famously said.&nbsp;

Its outlandish plots to kill Castro included exploding cigars, poisoned pens and booby-trapped seashells among others.&nbsp;

The assassination attempts, from 1959 to 2001, transcended eight presidencies, starting from the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration to Bill Clinton’s, but CIA’s ‘try and try, until you succeed’ dictum never paid off. &nbsp;

A 1967 report revealed that since Castro was fond of cigars, CIA came up with the idea of lacing one with explosives so that it would blow his face off after a few puffs, and then another of spiking it with botulinum, a toxin that attacks nerves, causes respiratory distress, muscle paralysis and leads to death. It recruited a double agent, gave him a box of Castro’s favourite cigars laced with the toxin, but it never worked, as it was conjectured that he had a tobacco-taster who took the first few drags to ensure his safety. And then Castro quit smoking!&nbsp;

Castro, also a keen scuba diver, loved to pick colourful seashells, which gave CIA brains the idea to place brightly painted seashells rigged with explosives at his favourite diving spots and wait for him to pick the molluscs and be doomed with a boom underwater. Even this didn’t work out, so then they devised a custom-made diving-suit infected with a deadly fungus. &nbsp;

When the indefatigable CIA learnt that Castro was an ice cream lover, it hatched a plan to place poison pills in his cone through a worker at his pet joint. The vial containing the poison was hidden in the freezer, but at the crucial moment, it could not be dislodged — it was frozen stuck!&nbsp;

The CIA roped in Castro’s former lover as a hitwoman and gave her poison pills, which she hid in her cold-cream jar, but they melted as did the chances of forcing them into Castro’s mouth while he slept.&nbsp;

Castro noticed her unusual behaviour and questioned her, and she admitted to the bid on his life. He allegedly handed her his pistol to finish the job, but she could not and they ended up making love —another CIA plot ending on a gratifying note for its bête noire.&nbsp;

Another CIA conspiracy was to use a superfine poisoned hypodermic needle concealed in a pen and the victim would not even notice the prick, but the Cuban official roped in for the job did not think much of the device and said the CIA should come up with something more sophisticated.&nbsp;

At times it seemed the CIA was more interested in bumping off the Cuban leader than protecting their own: the man given the pen-syringe was dispatched on his ‘mission’ on Nov. 22, 1963, the very day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. &nbsp;

Even American underworld figures from the mafia – still smarting at being kicked out of Cuba by Castro – were approached to carry out a hit. One would-be sniper was caught by security men at the University of Havana and a grenade attack at a baseball game was also foiled. &nbsp;

In 2000, about 90kg of high explosives were placed under the podium where Castro was due to speak during his visit to Panama, but his personal security team found it during checking.&nbsp;

The CIA also came up with non-fatal plans to discredit Castro by spraying an LSD aerosol near him during a broadcast which would lead to national humiliation as he freaked out on air. Then it planned to dust Castro’s shoes with thallium salts which would make his beard fall out while delivering a speech abroad. The trip was cancelled, and even this opportunity was lost.&nbsp;

The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion, in which the CIA trained, armed and funded 1400 exiled Cubans to attack Castro did not last days and John F Kennedy had to stop all air support and concede the embarrassing loss.&nbsp;

Castro, who is said to have used doubles and moved around the country constantly, survived all the assassination attempts, without even getting a scratch, and died of natural causes in 2016, at the ripe age of 90, finally giving respite to CIA.&nbsp;

OPERATION SHAKTI

Yet another colossal failure was on May 11, 1998, when under Operation Shakti, India detonated five underground atomic bombs and CIA was caught sleeping and stunned by how it was outsmarted by a third world nation. &nbsp;

India walked into the nuclear club with swag and the alert ‘eagle’ didn’t have a clue despite the billion-dollar satellites up in sky keeping a watch and much-bragged-about human intelligence.&nbsp; 
Relying on plain common sense, the Indian scientists only worked during the nights to evade the satellite detections, used camouflage to perfection, besides code words like White House for underground shafts. &nbsp;

"It is apparent that the Indians went to some lengths to conceal their activities and intentions," the ruffled CIA said later to explain the failure. &nbsp;

MK-ULTRA PROGRAMME: CIA'S QUEST FOR MIND CONTROL &nbsp;

During early Cold War, the CIA came to conclusion that Communists had discovered a drug or technique that allowed them to control human minds, and it began its own secret programme, called MK-ULTRA, the details of which read like a dystopian science fiction novel as it searched for mind control drugs and ways.&nbsp;

It drugged US and Canadian citizens with LSD and other psychoactive chemicals without their consent and subjected some to psychological torture ranging from electroshock to high doses of LSD.&nbsp; 
The illegal, unethical and dangerous programme ran from 1953 to 1964 and in 1973 CIA director ordered all related files to be destroyed.&nbsp;

9/11 TERROR ATTACK

The 9/11 attack is deemed the biggest failure of US intel agencies. The CIA failed to add to the ‘watch list’ two suspected al-Qaeda militants Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar it had been tracking since they attended a terrorist meeting in Malaysia on January 5, 2000. The error enabled them to enter US under their real names, rent apartment under real names, obtain driver’s licences, open bank accounts, purchase a car, and take flight lessons at a local school.&nbsp;

The commission appointed to probe the September 11 attacks revealed several glaring oversights and lapses in its report, including by the CIA.&nbsp;

WIKILEAKS VAULT 7&nbsp;

The CIA’s hacking team had started making cutting-edge cyber weapons to steal secrets from foreign governments but failed to monitor who had access to its information.&nbsp;

Former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who stole data from the Pentagon and State Department, and the former contractor Edward Snowden, who took information from the National Security Agency, exposed the secrets. &nbsp;

In March 2017, WikiLeaks published some of the CIA’s most valuable hacking tools, which it called Vault 7, revealing how the agency could break into foreign computer networks, or activate the camera or microphone on devices to eavesdrop on adversaries.&nbsp;

The rattled CIA then plotted to kill or kidnap WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange while he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London, but has not succeeded so far.&nbsp;

POLITICISATION OF INTELLIGENCE&nbsp;

The information of a stock of “weapons of mass destruction” in the possession of Saddam Hussein’s regime collected by CIA was used by the Bush administration to justify the invasion of Iraq. The intel inputs were subsequently found baseless and critics condemned it as ‘politicisation’ of intelligence. &nbsp;

OTHER BLOOPERS

In 1990, US intel agencies were aware that Saddam Hussein was making unusual movements of armoured forces in his country, but didn't know and did nothing till he invaded Kuwait. &nbsp;

In 2003, CIA kidnapped Khaled El-Masri, a German and Lebanese citizen, mistaking him for a dreaded terrorist with the same name. He was flown to Afghanistan, where he was routinely interrogated, beaten, strip-searched, sodomised, and subjected to other cruel forms of inhumane treatment and torture. It took the smart detectives of the premier agency full four months to draw the conclusion that they had in fact picked up the wrong man. The CIA finally admitted his arrest was a mistake and released him. So much luck to the agency for bringing smiles on our faces, even as we wish it continues its stupendous endeavours, aborts terror attacks in time and saves lives as it has been scrupulously doing over the years.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the US, created in 1947, has completed 75 years, with several notable achievements and some terrible failures that earned it bouquets of ridicule.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the US, created in 1947, has completed 75 years, with several notable achievements and some terrible failures that earned it bouquets of ridicule. The agency’s emblem sets out the paradigms it aims to follow: the eagle representing alertness and strength, and the 16-point compass star for the convergence of intelligence data from around the world, but quite a few of its bloopers exposed how it floundered in abiding with the precepts. The agency prospered during the Cold War so much that its actions often proved to be scandalous as it appropriated unbridled power and had no accountability due to the nature of its operations. Some of its blunders would leave readers bemused today for the sheer idiosyncrasies and frivolity of ideas, and had even then resulted in raucous criticism. CIA has worked in enabling regime changes, assassinations and coups, from Latin America to Africa to the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Fyodor Dostoyevsky had said, “It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently,” and the Central ‘Intelligence’ Agency seems to have taken it rather too seriously. THE FIDEL CASTRO FIXATION The most ridiculous of all CIA operations turned out to be the bizarre methods it repeatedly kept devising to snuff out the Cuban leader Fidel Castro, his brother Raul and Ernesto Che Guevara. It is said that the CIA made 638 attempts to kill Castro, but failed every time and its ludicrous strategies became a laughing point. So much so that even Castro cracked a joke once on being offered a Galápagos turtle as a present and politely declined it on learning that it was likely to live only 100 years. “That’s the problem with pets. You get attached to them and then they die on you,” he famously said. Its outlandish plots to kill Castro included exploding cigars, poisoned pens and booby-trapped seashells among others. The assassination attempts, from 1959 to 2001, transcended eight presidencies, starting from the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration to Bill Clinton’s, but CIA’s ‘try and try, until you succeed’ dictum never paid off. A 1967 report revealed that since Castro was fond of cigars, CIA came up with the idea of lacing one with explosives so that it would blow his face off after a few puffs, and then another of spiking it with botulinum, a toxin that attacks nerves, causes respiratory distress, muscle paralysis and leads to death. It recruited a double agent, gave him a box of Castro’s favourite cigars laced with the toxin, but it never worked, as it was conjectured that he had a tobacco-taster who took the first few drags to ensure his safety. And then Castro quit smoking! Castro, also a keen scuba diver, loved to pick colourful seashells, which gave CIA brains the idea to place brightly painted seashells rigged with explosives at his favourite diving spots and wait for him to pick the molluscs and be doomed with a boom underwater. Even this didn’t work out, so then they devised a custom-made diving-suit infected with a deadly fungus. When the indefatigable CIA learnt that Castro was an ice cream lover, it hatched a plan to place poison pills in his cone through a worker at his pet joint. The vial containing the poison was hidden in the freezer, but at the crucial moment, it could not be dislodged — it was frozen stuck! The CIA roped in Castro’s former lover as a hitwoman and gave her poison pills, which she hid in her cold-cream jar, but they melted as did the chances of forcing them into Castro’s mouth while he slept. Castro noticed her unusual behaviour and questioned her, and she admitted to the bid on his life. He allegedly handed her his pistol to finish the job, but she could not and they ended up making love —another CIA plot ending on a gratifying note for its bête noire. Another CIA conspiracy was to use a superfine poisoned hypodermic needle concealed in a pen and the victim would not even notice the prick, but the Cuban official roped in for the job did not think much of the device and said the CIA should come up with something more sophisticated. At times it seemed the CIA was more interested in bumping off the Cuban leader than protecting their own: the man given the pen-syringe was dispatched on his ‘mission’ on Nov. 22, 1963, the very day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Even American underworld figures from the mafia – still smarting at being kicked out of Cuba by Castro – were approached to carry out a hit. One would-be sniper was caught by security men at the University of Havana and a grenade attack at a baseball game was also foiled. In 2000, about 90kg of high explosives were placed under the podium where Castro was due to speak during his visit to Panama, but his personal security team found it during checking. The CIA also came up with non-fatal plans to discredit Castro by spraying an LSD aerosol near him during a broadcast which would lead to national humiliation as he freaked out on air. Then it planned to dust Castro’s shoes with thallium salts which would make his beard fall out while delivering a speech abroad. The trip was cancelled, and even this opportunity was lost. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion, in which the CIA trained, armed and funded 1400 exiled Cubans to attack Castro did not last days and John F Kennedy had to stop all air support and concede the embarrassing loss. Castro, who is said to have used doubles and moved around the country constantly, survived all the assassination attempts, without even getting a scratch, and died of natural causes in 2016, at the ripe age of 90, finally giving respite to CIA. OPERATION SHAKTI Yet another colossal failure was on May 11, 1998, when under Operation Shakti, India detonated five underground atomic bombs and CIA was caught sleeping and stunned by how it was outsmarted by a third world nation. India walked into the nuclear club with swag and the alert ‘eagle’ didn’t have a clue despite the billion-dollar satellites up in sky keeping a watch and much-bragged-about human intelligence. Relying on plain common sense, the Indian scientists only worked during the nights to evade the satellite detections, used camouflage to perfection, besides code words like White House for underground shafts. "It is apparent that the Indians went to some lengths to conceal their activities and intentions," the ruffled CIA said later to explain the failure. MK-ULTRA PROGRAMME: CIA'S QUEST FOR MIND CONTROL During early Cold War, the CIA came to conclusion that Communists had discovered a drug or technique that allowed them to control human minds, and it began its own secret programme, called MK-ULTRA, the details of which read like a dystopian science fiction novel as it searched for mind control drugs and ways. It drugged US and Canadian citizens with LSD and other psychoactive chemicals without their consent and subjected some to psychological torture ranging from electroshock to high doses of LSD. The illegal, unethical and dangerous programme ran from 1953 to 1964 and in 1973 CIA director ordered all related files to be destroyed. 9/11 TERROR ATTACK The 9/11 attack is deemed the biggest failure of US intel agencies. The CIA failed to add to the ‘watch list’ two suspected al-Qaeda militants Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar it had been tracking since they attended a terrorist meeting in Malaysia on January 5, 2000. The error enabled them to enter US under their real names, rent apartment under real names, obtain driver’s licences, open bank accounts, purchase a car, and take flight lessons at a local school. The commission appointed to probe the September 11 attacks revealed several glaring oversights and lapses in its report, including by the CIA. WIKILEAKS VAULT 7 The CIA’s hacking team had started making cutting-edge cyber weapons to steal secrets from foreign governments but failed to monitor who had access to its information. Former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who stole data from the Pentagon and State Department, and the former contractor Edward Snowden, who took information from the National Security Agency, exposed the secrets. In March 2017, WikiLeaks published some of the CIA’s most valuable hacking tools, which it called Vault 7, revealing how the agency could break into foreign computer networks, or activate the camera or microphone on devices to eavesdrop on adversaries. The rattled CIA then plotted to kill or kidnap WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange while he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London, but has not succeeded so far. POLITICISATION OF INTELLIGENCE The information of a stock of “weapons of mass destruction” in the possession of Saddam Hussein’s regime collected by CIA was used by the Bush administration to justify the invasion of Iraq. The intel inputs were subsequently found baseless and critics condemned it as ‘politicisation’ of intelligence. OTHER BLOOPERS In 1990, US intel agencies were aware that Saddam Hussein was making unusual movements of armoured forces in his country, but didn't know and did nothing till he invaded Kuwait. In 2003, CIA kidnapped Khaled El-Masri, a German and Lebanese citizen, mistaking him for a dreaded terrorist with the same name. He was flown to Afghanistan, where he was routinely interrogated, beaten, strip-searched, sodomised, and subjected to other cruel forms of inhumane treatment and torture. It took the smart detectives of the premier agency full four months to draw the conclusion that they had in fact picked up the wrong man. The CIA finally admitted his arrest was a mistake and released him. So much luck to the agency for bringing smiles on our faces, even as we wish it continues its stupendous endeavours, aborts terror attacks in time and saves lives as it has been scrupulously doing over the years. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

How intelligent is Central Intelligence Agency? CIA’s spotty record of 75 years

Brothers Prince Williams and Prince Harry will be together when mounting a silent vigil beside the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday.

Reportedly,&nbsp;Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will stand at the head of the coffin while Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will stand at its foot for the 15-minute vigil. Both will be in uniform while the other grandchildren will be&nbsp;wearing morning coats and dark formal dresses, adorned with decorations.&nbsp;

Both brothers standing in close proximity had become a rare phenomenon up until the departure of their grandmother. However, ever since Queen Elizabeth II passed away, the brothers have kept aside everything and tried to present a singular front, at least in the public eye.

However, the odd flare-up is still there. As reported by WION, Prince Harry was reportedly barred from wearing his military uniform at the Queen's vigil, primarily because when he quit royal life in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle, he was stripped of the right.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-receives-authorisation-to-wear-military-uniform-at-queen-elizabeth-iis-vigil-516937">Prince Harry receives authorisation to wear military uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's vigil</a>

However, after the controversy snowballed, Prince Harry received authorisation to wear the military uniform from King Charles III.&nbsp;

While one controversy died down, another&nbsp;sprouted up earlier today. According to media reports, while Harry will be present at the vigil today, he, alongside his wife has been barred from tomorrow's ceremony when state heads of foreign nations will be coming to pay their respects to the Queen.

World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron amongst others hundreds of heads of state will be gathering in London on the eve of the Queen's funeral, scheduled to take&nbsp;place on Monday at the Windsor Chapel where she will be buried.

The report further mentioned that the couple was apparently baffled after hearing about the decision as royal officials insisted that they do not attend the event.

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-uninvited-from-a-pre-funeral-function-report-516978">Prince Harry and Meghan Markle uninvited from a pre-funeral function: Report</a>&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

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Brothers Prince Williams and Prince Harry will be together when mounting a silent vigil beside the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday. Reportedly, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will stand at the head of the coffin while Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will stand at its foot for the 15-minute vigil.

Brothers Prince Williams and Prince Harry will be together when mounting a silent vigil beside the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday. Reportedly, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will stand at the head of the coffin while Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will stand at its foot for the 15-minute vigil. Both will be in uniform while the other grandchildren will be wearing morning coats and dark formal dresses, adorned with decorations. Both brothers standing in close proximity had become a rare phenomenon up until the departure of their grandmother. However, ever since Queen Elizabeth II passed away, the brothers have kept aside everything and tried to present a singular front, at least in the public eye. However, the odd flare-up is still there. As reported by WION, Prince Harry was reportedly barred from wearing his military uniform at the Queen's vigil, primarily because when he quit royal life in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle, he was stripped of the right. Read more: Prince Harry receives authorisation to wear military uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's vigil However, after the controversy snowballed, Prince Harry received authorisation to wear the military uniform from King Charles III. While one controversy died down, another sprouted up earlier today. According to media reports, while Harry will be present at the vigil today, he, alongside his wife has been barred from tomorrow's ceremony when state heads of foreign nations will be coming to pay their respects to the Queen. World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron amongst others hundreds of heads of state will be gathering in London on the eve of the Queen's funeral, scheduled to take place on Monday at the Windsor Chapel where she will be buried. The report further mentioned that the couple was apparently baffled after hearing about the decision as royal officials insisted that they do not attend the event. Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle uninvited from a pre-funeral function: Report It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Prince William and Harry to hold silent vigil by late queen's coffin

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains.

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains. According to a BBC report, the man caught, alongside two others confessed to carrying out the thefts on French trains. Moreover, the police, based on intel and statements by the apprehended conducted a raid at a small flat near Marseille's Saint Charles station where it found a stockpile of stolen goods. 170 wallets, 150 pieces of luggage, hundreds of pairs of sunglasses, and $137,000 in small denomination of cash among other items have been discovered in the flat. The gang, which has stolen items worth $300,000, according to the police, usually operated as a high-functioning group. [#Interpellations] Les #policiers des Bouches-du-Rhône ont mis fin à un réseau de vol des voyageurs TGV de 1ère classe entre #Nice et #Marseille. 👉4 mois d’enquête 👉300 000€ de butin retrouvé (montres, bijoux, valises, appareils photo...) 👉3 individus interpellés@PoliceNat13 pic.twitter.com/nFTxZqBfkd — Police nationale (@PoliceNationale) September 16, 2022 × According to the authorities, the men in their 40s and 50s used to board the train from different parts of the country and to different routes. One might take a ticket from Paris to Nice while the other would take a ticket from Paris to Marseille. WATCH | Lebanon: 'Robbery' in broad daylight, people inside the bank break into panic × One of the gang members that has been caught would wear a wig, elaborate costume, and make-up and disguise himself as a woman before sitting beside the unsuspecting passengers. The skilled accomplices of the disguised man would then cleverly nick the wallet and luggage left at people’s feet or bags left unattended. After doing the needful, they would get off at the next station without any fuss. The gang came under the spotlight after a woman, leaving the train at Aix-en-Provence station, earlier this year reported to the police about a robbery. The woman had been robbed of her bag which contained $50,000 worth of jewellery. Read more: Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang assaulted in armed robbery at his home Since then, the authorities had been working to nab the gang which they claimed was 'perfectly organised' with each member knowing their role well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A movie-esque train theft ring busted by French police; accused wearing wigs robbed victims

Two ships carrying reprocessed nuclear fuel destined for Japan set sail Saturday morning from northern France, an AFP photographer said, despite criticism from environmental campaigners.

The fuel was due to leave the northern French port city of Cherbourg earlier this month but was delayed by the breakdown of loading equipment.

Environmental activists have denounced the practice of transporting such highly radioactive materials, calling it irresponsible.

The previous transport of MOX fuel to Japan in September 2021 drew protests from the environmental group Greenpeace.&nbsp;

MOX fuel is a mixture of reprocessed plutonium and uranium.

"The Pacific Heron and Pacific Egret, the specialised ships belonging to British company PNTL, left Cherbourg harbour on September 17. They will ensure the shipment of MOX nuclear fuel to Japan," French nuclear technology group Orano said in a statement Saturday.

They are bound for Japan for use in a power plant and Orano said it expected the shipment to arrive in November.

Japan lacks facilities to process waste from its own nuclear reactors and sends most of it overseas, particularly to France.

The operation was carried out "successfully", Orano said, and it is the second shipment that arrived in Cherbourg from a plant in La Hague, located 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, after the first came on September 7.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-anti-monarchy-protests-in-britain-citizens-say-not-my-king-ask-who-elected-him-517125">&nbsp;IN PICS| Anti-monarchy protests in Britain: Citizens say 'Not my King', ask 'who elected him?'</a>

Yannick Rousselet of Greenpeace France previously denounced the shipment.

"Transporting such dangerous materials from a nuclear proliferation point of view is completely irresponsible," he said last month.

MOX is composed of 92 per cent uranium oxide and eight per cent plutonium oxide, according to Orano.&nbsp;

The plutonium "is not the same as that used by the military," it said.

 
&nbsp;

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Two ships carrying reprocessed nuclear fuel destined for Japan set sail Saturday morning from northern France, an AFP photographer said, despite criticism from environmental campaigners.

Two ships carrying reprocessed nuclear fuel destined for Japan set sail Saturday morning from northern France, an AFP photographer said, despite criticism from environmental campaigners. The fuel was due to leave the northern French port city of Cherbourg earlier this month but was delayed by the breakdown of loading equipment. Environmental activists have denounced the practice of transporting such highly radioactive materials, calling it irresponsible. The previous transport of MOX fuel to Japan in September 2021 drew protests from the environmental group Greenpeace. MOX fuel is a mixture of reprocessed plutonium and uranium. "The Pacific Heron and Pacific Egret, the specialised ships belonging to British company PNTL, left Cherbourg harbour on September 17. They will ensure the shipment of MOX nuclear fuel to Japan," French nuclear technology group Orano said in a statement Saturday. They are bound for Japan for use in a power plant and Orano said it expected the shipment to arrive in November. Japan lacks facilities to process waste from its own nuclear reactors and sends most of it overseas, particularly to France. The operation was carried out "successfully", Orano said, and it is the second shipment that arrived in Cherbourg from a plant in La Hague, located 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, after the first came on September 7. Also Read: IN PICS| Anti-monarchy protests in Britain: Citizens say 'Not my King', ask 'who elected him?' Yannick Rousselet of Greenpeace France previously denounced the shipment. "Transporting such dangerous materials from a nuclear proliferation point of view is completely irresponsible," he said last month. MOX is composed of 92 per cent uranium oxide and eight per cent plutonium oxide, according to Orano. The plutonium "is not the same as that used by the military," it said.

France sends latest nuclear shipment to Japan despite criticism from environmental campaigners

Earlier this week, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the world is currently in a better position to end the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the world is currently in a better position to end the coronavirus pandemic. While the pandemic may end sooner or later, the lives of millions have been upended for good, especially the kids and teenagers. According to a modelling study, over 10.5 million children across the globe have lost a parent or a caregiver due to COVID-19. The study, first-of-its-kind was a collaboration of 13 international organisations and found that of the 10.5 million, 4.2 million reside in Southeast Asia, 2.5 million in Africa, 1.5 million in the Americas, 1.5 million in Eastern Mediterranean, and 500,000 in Europe. Read more: Why kids are the biggest victims of Covid pandemic Countries such as India, Egypt, and Indonesia make up for the large chunk of the kids who have lost their near and dear ones. The report, published in JAMA Pediatrics shows that one out of every 50 children in Southeast Asia and Africa has gone through the aforementioned scenarios. Comparatively, only one in 150 in the Americas has had to endure such a painful early-life separation. The numbers paint a grim picture as they are almost double the previous estimates. Read more: 'Seize this opportunity': WHO says end of COVID-19 pandemic is in sight Globally, children who experience the loss of a parent or a caregiver are more often than not, at the most risk of trying from the path of normality. Such children face extreme poverty, sexual violence, abuse, sexual diseases, mental health problems and exploitation. "The death of a parent or caregiver places children at a heightened risk of lifelong adversity, unless given appropriate support in time," said Dr Susan Hillis, the lead author of the study. “When you have deaths of this magnitude, certainly without help you can weaken the fabric of a society in the future if you don’t take care of the children today,” she further added. Losing a parent can inflict life-long consequences. According to the researchers, the study should act as an eye-opener for governments worldwide to bring policies that cater to this particular demography. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 10 million kids lost a parent or a caregiver because of Covid: Study

Turning a moment of sorrow into a business opportunity, mourners that wore wristbands required to attend Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state are now selling them for as much as $400.

Turning a moment of sorrow into a business opportunity, mourners that wore wristbands required to attend Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state are now selling them for as much as $400. Reportedly, over a dozen people have put the mentioned wristbands on sale on eBay, an online marketplace. A seller on eBay posted the orange wristband with the description that it had 'never been worn'. Meanwhile, another posted a green-cloured wristband with the caption, "Previously used or worn orange wristband from the first 24 hours of the Queen laying-in-state in Westminster Hall." The different coloured wristbands have been distributed by the authorities so that individuals can leave for water, food, and toilet and return to their spot without creating a ruckus. The snaking queue to watch the Queen stretches over eight kilometres with the average waiting time hovering around 14-15 hours. These souvenirs from an epochal moment like Queen's death can fetch a good price in the collector's market. The sellers understand this and are looking to make the most out of the situation. Read more: UK government issues rules for those wanting to pay their respects to the Queen It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects. She will be kept there till Monday morning, after which she will be buried at the Windsor Chapel. Celebrities queue up to pay their respects As reported by WION, not only the public but celebrities are also queuing up to pay their respects to the Queen. Former England football team skipper David Beckham on Friday queued up for more than 13 hours alongside thousands of mourning compatriots to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II. In a TV interaction, Beckham admitted that he was a great fan of the royal family growing up and felt he needed to pay his respects to the Queen before she was laid to rest perpetually. Read more: Former England skipper David Beckham lines up in snaking queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II "I thought by coming at 2 a.m. it was going to be a little bit quieter. I was wrong. Everybody had that in mind. The people here are all ages. There was an 84-year-old lady." said Beckham. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wristbands required to attend Queen's lying in state being sold on eBay for as much as $400

More than a month after Johnson & Johnson announced that it will stop the sale of its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023, the Indian state of Maharashtra on Friday cancelled the manufacturing licence of the pharmaceutical company.

More than a month after Johnson & Johnson announced that it will stop the sale of its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023, the Indian state of Maharashtra on Friday cancelled the manufacturing licence of the pharmaceutical company. Reportedly, the state's Food & Drug Administration (FDA) cancelled the company's licence to manufacture the baby powder citing an inspection where it found its premier baby product to be sub-standard in quality. The agency collected samples from Pune and Nashik for quality checks and found the pH value of the powder to be much higher than the permissible levels. Consequently, the US-based company was issued a show-cause notice and ordered to recall all its stocks as the use of the product could affect the health and skin of newborn babies, according to an FDA statement. Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration has cancelled the manufacturing license of Johnson’s Baby Powder of Johnson’s & Johnson’s Pvt. Ltd., Mulund, Mumbai after samples of the powder drawn at Pune & Nashik were declared "Not of Standard Quality" by the govt pic.twitter.com/4iFIdNd9RI — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2022 × Johnson & Johnson, however, refused to accept the FDA's report and informed that it will challenge it in court. Moreover, the company argued that the sample be sent to the referral laboratory i.e. Central Drugs Laboratory, Govt. of India, Kolkata. J&J and its controversial product As reported extensively by WION, in August, J&J announced that it will be discontinuing the sales of its controversial talc-based baby powder globally in 2023. Read more: Johnson & Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount "As part of a worldwide portfolio assessment, we have made the commercial decision to transition to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio. As a result of this transition, talc-based J&J Baby Powder will be discontinued globally in 2023," read the company's statement. WATCH | Gravitas: Johnson & Johnson to stop selling baby powder linked to cancer × The announcement to cease the product sales globally came two years after J&J halted its sales in USA and Canada. Read more: Johnson & Johnson recalls several aerosol sunscreen products after detecting cancer-causing agent For years, J&J talcum powders, especially baby powders have been at the centre of controversy. Over 38,000 lawsuits have been filed by the consumers as well as the survivors, some of whom allege they were hurt by the use of the product. Some of the lawsuits claim the powder contained cancer-causing material like asbestos. However, despite the mountain of allegations and the termination of talc-based powder sales, J&J continues to claim that its product is safe and perfectly fit for health. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Maharashtra cancels Johnson & Johnson baby powder manufacturing licence

In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday.&nbsp;

The United States&nbsp;Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center has designated Nanmadol as a super typhoon, and it has the potential to be the most deadly tropical storm to hit Japan in decades.

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Typhoon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nanmadol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nanmadol</a> rapidly intensified to super typhoon status with an estimated intensity of 135 kt, just shy of category 5-equivalent intensity. 
 
Latest forecasts expect the storm to recurve and then track overland along the spine of southern Japan. That's a terrifying scenario. <a href="https://t.co/tWT5TBGPcW">pic.twitter.com/tWT5TBGPcW</a>
— Dr. Kim Wood (@DrKimWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrKimWood/status/1570888045976748032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The prospect of strong waves and heavy rains in the area has prompted Japan's weather agency to say it may issue a "special warning" for Kagoshima prefecture and other areas of Kyushu, the country's southernmost main island, as early as Saturday evening. According to local media, it would be the first such alert for any prefecture north of the Okinawa island group.&nbsp;

JMA official Ryuta Kurora advised locals to leave the area before it gets dark during a news conference that was broadcast on television due to the possibility of "unprecedented" storms and rains.&nbsp;

The agency predicted that southern Kyushu might receive 500 millimetres of rain on Sunday while central Tokai could receive 300 millimetres.

Prior to more extensive suspensions on Sunday, Kyushu Railway Co. started suspending several train routes on Saturday. According to broadcaster NHK, numerous weekend flights in the south have been cancelled.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/juxtapose-dramatic-expansion-of-bahrain-by-building-land-on-sea-1987-vs-2022-515720">Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022</a>

On Saturday afternoon, Nanmadol, the 14th typhoon of the season, was moving northwest at a speed of 20 kilometres (12 miles) per hour as it passed through southern Japan's Minami-Daito Island. According to the JMA, the storm's centre is experiencing winds of 198 km/h (123 mph), with gusts as high as 270 kph.&nbsp;

The storm, which is comparable in strength to an Atlantic Ocean class 5 hurricane, is expected to turn eastward and pass over Tokyo on Tuesday before dissipating into the sea by Wednesday.

As the storm neared, domestic stations displayed pictures of severe gusts and rain pelting Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday.

In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday. The United States Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center has designated Nanmadol as a super typhoon, and it has the potential to be the most deadly tropical storm to hit Japan in decades. Typhoon #Nanmadol rapidly intensified to super typhoon status with an estimated intensity of 135 kt, just shy of category 5-equivalent intensity. Latest forecasts expect the storm to recurve and then track overland along the spine of southern Japan. That's a terrifying scenario. pic.twitter.com/tWT5TBGPcW — Dr. Kim Wood (@DrKimWood) September 16, 2022 × The prospect of strong waves and heavy rains in the area has prompted Japan's weather agency to say it may issue a "special warning" for Kagoshima prefecture and other areas of Kyushu, the country's southernmost main island, as early as Saturday evening. According to local media, it would be the first such alert for any prefecture north of the Okinawa island group. JMA official Ryuta Kurora advised locals to leave the area before it gets dark during a news conference that was broadcast on television due to the possibility of "unprecedented" storms and rains. The agency predicted that southern Kyushu might receive 500 millimetres of rain on Sunday while central Tokai could receive 300 millimetres. Prior to more extensive suspensions on Sunday, Kyushu Railway Co. started suspending several train routes on Saturday. According to broadcaster NHK, numerous weekend flights in the south have been cancelled. Also Read: Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022 On Saturday afternoon, Nanmadol, the 14th typhoon of the season, was moving northwest at a speed of 20 kilometres (12 miles) per hour as it passed through southern Japan's Minami-Daito Island. According to the JMA, the storm's centre is experiencing winds of 198 km/h (123 mph), with gusts as high as 270 kph. The storm, which is comparable in strength to an Atlantic Ocean class 5 hurricane, is expected to turn eastward and pass over Tokyo on Tuesday before dissipating into the sea by Wednesday. As the storm neared, domestic stations displayed pictures of severe gusts and rain pelting Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Most destructive tropical 'super typhoon' in decades to strike southern Japan

For a lot of us, biryani is not just food. It is an emotion. Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in the Indian subcontinent. But where did it originate from? Watch the history behind this dish only on www.wionews.com

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Were you following The Royal Family on social media handles like Instagram and Twitter and suddenly fail to find the right handles? Well, with the update in their titles and ranks, their social media accounts have also been updated.

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Tesla is re-evaluating the way it sells cars in China. The auto company is now considering closing some showrooms in major Chinese cities where demand has dropped because of Covid restrictions.

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European Parliament declared Hungary is no longer a full democracy which led to a furious reaction from Hungary. The members of European Parliament voted 433 in favor while 123 voted against the decision. It finally describes Hungary as a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy in serious breach of EU Democratic Norms.

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The incident comes shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent migrants to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Speaking at a rally on Thursday, DeSantis defended his decision to send migrants to the wealthy Island.

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This year's gathering of leaders at the U.N. General Assembly is taking place in the shadow of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and as the war in Ukraine heads into a possibly decisive period. VOA United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer has more.

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