The Uvalde school district police chief has been fired following allegations that he made several critical mistakes during the mass shooting at the Robb elementary school.

US: Uvalde district police chief dismissed in unanimous vote, Arredondo's lawyer releases letter

Russian state media reports safety systems at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the south of Ukraine have been activated. The systems were activated after power cuts were reported.

Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in focus, safety systems activated after power outages

Japan's National Police chief says he intends to resign from his position taking responsibility for the deadly shooting that killed the country's former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe last month.

Japan's police chief offers resignation, takes responsibility for Shinzo Abe's killing

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: Italian man detected with Covid-19, Monkeypox and HIV at the same time

Pakistan is facing a catastrophe like no other. Monsoon rains have caused devastation at a scale not seen in the recent pas, over 800 people have lost their lives and hundreds more have been forced to move out of their homes.

Record rainfall disrupts normalcy in Pakistan, flooding kills over 800 people

Violent crimes against women in Egypt are rising, drawing attention to gaps in legal protection system that leaves the vulnerable to attacks and assaults, here's our report.

Egypt: Gaps in legal, social protection systems make women susceptible to violence

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes.

As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression".

The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression.&nbsp;However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent

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Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly."

"The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-50-hurt-after-russian-missile-strikes-ukrainian-railway-station-says-zelensky-509936" hreflang="en">15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky</a>

It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present.

Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators.

The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-announce-sham-referenda-this-week-to-formalize-control-of-occupied-territories-in-ukraine-509929" hreflang="en">Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine</a>

Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations.

According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union.

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes. As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression". The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression. However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression. Watch | 6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly." "The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year." Also read | 15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present. Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators. The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations. Also read | Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations. According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal." (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.

Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression'

A sigh of relief for millions in United States who are trying to pay off their education loan. US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that most university graduates still trying to pay off student loans will each get a $10, 000 relief.

United States | Joe Biden: $10,000 loan cut for university graduates

Authorities in Chile have said that the plains of Northern Chile will once again be filled with flowers and colors. This year's winter rainfall is setting the stage for a desert bloom in the Atacama desert.

WION Climate Tracker: Chile's Atacama desert flowering season, a climatic phenomenon

The unprecedented heatwave has dried up the rivers, wilted the crops and sparked forest fires. This summer it has grounded ships, caused hydro power shortages and forced major cities to dim their lights.

WION Climate Tracker | China: Heatwave sparks droughts and fire

HSBC took pride in being the world's local bank at one point of time but in reality it may get more localized if the proposal for bank to restructure itself and breaking up its business goes through.

HSBC's Breakup: Cites costs, risks in opposing calls to break up

HSBC management opposes idea of splitting bank, support for proposed split widens

A Eurotunnel train broke down 10 minutes into the journey. People were asked to walk through a service tunnel and board a rescue train.

Passengers stranded inside an undersea tunnel, transferred to a rescue train

Former Chancellor and Conservative Leadership contender Rishi Sunak has slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Covid-19 management policies. Sunak says that Johnson let the lockdown go on for too long.

UK: Sunak slams Johnson's Covid-19 policy, speaks on lockdowns

If you are free on September the 14th, then you have a chance to have a candlelight dinner with former US President Donald Trump and even click a photograph with him but there is a catch to it, the ticket costs a $100,000.

US: Dine with Donald Trump for $100,000, private opportunity to play golf as well

Following the emergence of a video showing Taiwanese soldiers throwing stones at a Chinese drone, Taipei has announced it will begin deploying drone defence systems on its offshore islands.

China has increased its military drills near Taiwan after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.&nbsp;

Despite strong objections of the government in Taipei, China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory.

In the video, which has gone viral on Chinese social media, two soldiers on Erdan island can be seen throwing stones that buzzed a guard post near China's coast.

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With some social media users calling the incident a "humiliation" for the island's armed forces, it has triggered heated discussion in Taiwan.

Urging the defence ministry to step up its countermeasures to the increasingly frequent drone incursions, the Taiwanese people slammed China.

According to Taiwan's defence ministry, "Officers and soldiers at all levels will continue to implement vigilance in accordance with the principle of "not escalating conflicts or causing disputes."

Calling the footage another example of China's "cognitive warfare" against Taiwan, the Kinmen defence command described the incident as "very serious".

Since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei, Taiwan has controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands further up China's coast. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following the emergence of a video showing Taiwanese soldiers throwing stones at a Chinese drone, Taipei has announced it will begin deploying drone defence systems on its offshore islands.

Following the emergence of a video showing Taiwanese soldiers throwing stones at a Chinese drone, Taipei has announced it will begin deploying drone defence systems on its offshore islands. China has increased its military drills near Taiwan after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei. Despite strong objections of the government in Taipei, China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. In the video, which has gone viral on Chinese social media, two soldiers on Erdan island can be seen throwing stones that buzzed a guard post near China's coast. × With some social media users calling the incident a "humiliation" for the island's armed forces, it has triggered heated discussion in Taiwan. Urging the defence ministry to step up its countermeasures to the increasingly frequent drone incursions, the Taiwanese people slammed China. According to Taiwan's defence ministry, "Officers and soldiers at all levels will continue to implement vigilance in accordance with the principle of "not escalating conflicts or causing disputes." Calling the footage another example of China's "cognitive warfare" against Taiwan, the Kinmen defence command described the incident as "very serious". Since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei, Taiwan has controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands further up China's coast. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

After emergence of rock-throwing video, Taiwan to deploy drone defence systems

As per the US military's Central Command, US assault helicopters on Wednesday destroyed a number of Iranian-backed militants' launch pads for rockets used to attack US military sites in northeastern Syria.

Guardian reports that&nbsp;US officials have emphasised that the conflict between them and accused Iranian proxies has nothing to do with the critical final stages of talks to resurrect the agreement.

On the second day of violence, at least one American service member in Syria had a minor injury, while up to three alleged Iranian-backed terrorists were reportedly killed.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Nuclear Deal: Will 16-months long negotiation be fruitful?

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In a statement, Centcom, which coordinates US military activities in the Middle East, stated that "US forces responded today to rocket attacks at two sites in Syria, destroying three vehicles and equipment used to launch some of the rockets".</div>

This latest exchange of fire happened in spite of diplomatic attempts between Tehran and the West to try and rescue Iran's 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and Western powers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-received-us-response-on-final-european-union-draft-for-revival-of-2015-nuclear-deal-509911">Iran received US response on final European Union draft for revival of 2015 nuclear deal</a>

Iran's foreign ministry said that Tehran has received Washington's answer to a final proposal for saving the nuclear agreement, but provided no firm indication of how close they are to narrowing the remaining gaps.&nbsp;

"This evening Iran received the US response through the European Union. The careful review of the response has started in Tehran," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-orders-airstrikes-against-iranian-backed-groups-in-syria-509704">US President Joe Biden orders airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Syria</a>

"Iran will share its view with the EU, as the coordinator of the nuclear talks, upon completion of Tehran's review."

The latest clash happened a day after President Joe Biden gave the go-ahead for American airstrikes in Syria on a weapons storage facility and other locations used by organisations connected to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per the US military's Central Command, US assault helicopters on Wednesday destroyed a number of Iranian-backed militants' launch pads for rockets used to attack US military sites in northeastern Syria.

As per the US military's Central Command, US assault helicopters on Wednesday destroyed a number of Iranian-backed militants' launch pads for rockets used to attack US military sites in northeastern Syria. Guardian reports that US officials have emphasised that the conflict between them and accused Iranian proxies has nothing to do with the critical final stages of talks to resurrect the agreement. On the second day of violence, at least one American service member in Syria had a minor injury, while up to three alleged Iranian-backed terrorists were reportedly killed. Watch | Iran Nuclear Deal: Will 16-months long negotiation be fruitful? In a statement, Centcom, which coordinates US military activities in the Middle East, stated that "US forces responded today to rocket attacks at two sites in Syria, destroying three vehicles and equipment used to launch some of the rockets". This latest exchange of fire happened in spite of diplomatic attempts between Tehran and the West to try and rescue Iran's 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and Western powers. Also read | Iran received US response on final European Union draft for revival of 2015 nuclear deal Iran's foreign ministry said that Tehran has received Washington's answer to a final proposal for saving the nuclear agreement, but provided no firm indication of how close they are to narrowing the remaining gaps. "This evening Iran received the US response through the European Union. The careful review of the response has started in Tehran," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said. Also read | US President Joe Biden orders airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Syria "Iran will share its view with the EU, as the coordinator of the nuclear talks, upon completion of Tehran's review." The latest clash happened a day after President Joe Biden gave the go-ahead for American airstrikes in Syria on a weapons storage facility and other locations used by organisations connected to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US claims strikes in Syria against Iran-backed militia unrelated to nuclear deal

In response to gruesome images of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of basketball star Kobe Bryant being shared, a jury on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles County to pay $31 million in damages to his&nbsp;widow and another co-plaintiff.&nbsp;

Firefighters and sheriff's deputies who arrived on the scene of the January 2020 collision took photos of the carnage, which included the icon of the Los Angeles Lakers and his 13-year-old daughter's mutilated remains.&nbsp;

During the civil trial in Los Angeles, it was revealed that some of the first responders displayed the images to bystanders, including a bartender, while one of the deputies texted a friend while the two were playing video games.

Los Angeles County defended itself by claiming that the images were never made public and that meticulous steps had been made to remove them from devices.&nbsp;

But throughout the two-week trial, it was revealed that Vanessa Bryant and Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter also died in the collision, constantly worry about these pictures being up online.

In lawsuits that have been merged, both claimed that the pictures had caused them emotional harm.&nbsp;

Bryant and Chester each received a $16 million and $15 million payment order from the county.

On Tuesday, Chester's attorney demanded that damages be determined according to the remaining lives of the two claimants.&nbsp;

For Bryant, age 40, and Chester, age 48, he had requested for $40 million and $30 million, respectively.&nbsp;

A hero to the people of Los Angeles, Bryant and his wife are seeking "justice and accountability," according to their attorney Craig Lavoie.

Bryant is regarded as one of the all-time greats in basketball, and his two sparkling decades with the Los Angeles Lakers helped him establish himself as the sport's spokesman.&nbsp;

In his career, which he began in 1996 right out of high school and continued until his retirement in 2016, he won five NBA championships.

(with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In response to gruesome images of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of basketball star Kobe Bryant being shared, a jury on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles County to pay $31 million in damages to his widow and another co-plaintiff.

In response to gruesome images of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of basketball star Kobe Bryant being shared, a jury on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles County to pay $31 million in damages to his widow and another co-plaintiff. Firefighters and sheriff's deputies who arrived on the scene of the January 2020 collision took photos of the carnage, which included the icon of the Los Angeles Lakers and his 13-year-old daughter's mutilated remains. During the civil trial in Los Angeles, it was revealed that some of the first responders displayed the images to bystanders, including a bartender, while one of the deputies texted a friend while the two were playing video games. Los Angeles County defended itself by claiming that the images were never made public and that meticulous steps had been made to remove them from devices. But throughout the two-week trial, it was revealed that Vanessa Bryant and Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter also died in the collision, constantly worry about these pictures being up online. In lawsuits that have been merged, both claimed that the pictures had caused them emotional harm. Bryant and Chester each received a $16 million and $15 million payment order from the county. On Tuesday, Chester's attorney demanded that damages be determined according to the remaining lives of the two claimants. For Bryant, age 40, and Chester, age 48, he had requested for $40 million and $30 million, respectively. A hero to the people of Los Angeles, Bryant and his wife are seeking "justice and accountability," according to their attorney Craig Lavoie. Bryant is regarded as one of the all-time greats in basketball, and his two sparkling decades with the Los Angeles Lakers helped him establish himself as the sport's spokesman. In his career, which he began in 1996 right out of high school and continued until his retirement in 2016, he won five NBA championships. (with inputs from agencies)

Jury orders Los Angeles county to pay USD 16 million in damages to Kobe Bryant's widow

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States has heard "that Russian leadership has instructed officials to begin preparing to hold sham referenda" in Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and "particularly" Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"These referenda could begin in a matter of days or weeks. In fact, we could see a Russian announcement of the first one or ones before the end of this week," he added.&nbsp;

"Since they obviously are having trouble achieving geographic gains inside Ukraine, they are trying to gain that through false political means," he said.

Kirby asserted that there is little support among Ukrainians in such regions for Russian annexation.

"We expect Russia to try to manipulate the results of these referenda, to falsely claim that the Ukrainian people want to join Russia," he said.

"It will be critical to call out and counter this disinformation in real-time," he said.

In 2014, weeks after capturing control of the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine, Moscow sponsored a referendum that allegedly revealed the region's residents preferred to join Russia.&nbsp;

According to the US intelligence, Russian authorities in the occupied territories are concerned that the local population won't show up to vote, Kirby said.&nbsp;He&nbsp;further stated without going into further detail that the Russians are preparing "workarounds" to show success in order to cope with it.

"The Russian officials themselves know that what they're doing will lack legitimacy, and it will not reflect the will of the people," he said.

"The United States and the international community have been very clear that any attempts at controlling Ukraine's sovereign territory will not be considered legitimate," he said.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week.

A senior White House official indicated on Wednesday that Russia could start referenda intended to formally establish its rule over the Ukrainian territory it captured this week. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States has heard "that Russian leadership has instructed officials to begin preparing to hold sham referenda" in Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and "particularly" Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine. "These referenda could begin in a matter of days or weeks. In fact, we could see a Russian announcement of the first one or ones before the end of this week," he added. "Since they obviously are having trouble achieving geographic gains inside Ukraine, they are trying to gain that through false political means," he said. Kirby asserted that there is little support among Ukrainians in such regions for Russian annexation. "We expect Russia to try to manipulate the results of these referenda, to falsely claim that the Ukrainian people want to join Russia," he said. "It will be critical to call out and counter this disinformation in real-time," he said. In 2014, weeks after capturing control of the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine, Moscow sponsored a referendum that allegedly revealed the region's residents preferred to join Russia. According to the US intelligence, Russian authorities in the occupied territories are concerned that the local population won't show up to vote, Kirby said. He further stated without going into further detail that the Russians are preparing "workarounds" to show success in order to cope with it. "The Russian officials themselves know that what they're doing will lack legitimacy, and it will not reflect the will of the people," he said. "The United States and the international community have been very clear that any attempts at controlling Ukraine's sovereign territory will not be considered legitimate," he said. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia may announce 'sham' referenda to formalise control of captured territories in Ukraine: US

Seven million years back our ancestors could walk upright. Did that surprise you? We tend to picture the early man as this hunched-up creature, but new evidence suggests that that's not how they were.

A fossil leg bone that was found in Chad more than 20 years ago demonstrated that a creature known as Sahelanthropus tchadensis was an early human ancestor that walked on two feet.&nbsp;

The researchers looked at 23 characteristics of the fossils, which they claim link the ancestor to bipedalism or upright walking and show a closer affinity to humans than apes.

The discovery was reported in the Nature journal.

S.tchadensis was found by a French and Chadian team in the Toros-Menalla region of the Djurab desert, Lake Chad basin in July 2001.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/just-not-the-face-doppelgangers-might-have-same-dna-also-study-tells-509915" hreflang="en">Just not the face, some doppelgängers might have same DNA also: Study</a>

An almost intact, but severely damaged skull was the main discovery; it was nicknamed Toumaï which in the Chadian Daza language means "hope of life".&nbsp;

However, the current discovery was not made by the hope of life skull rather it is based on the examination of a thigh bone and two forearm bones.&nbsp;

“We can conclude from the evidence that we have habitual bipedalism, plus quadrupedal arborealism, which is what is observed for early hominids and then gradually turns into the obligate bipedalism in Homo,” said a co-author of the study, Jean-Renaud Boisserie,&nbsp;from the University of Poitiers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-create-floating-artificial-leaves-that-generate-clean-fuel-from-sunlight-water-and-co2-509068" hreflang="en">Researchers create floating artificial leaves that generate clean fuel from sunlight, water and CO2</a>

Other experts, though, have raised scepticism about the study.&nbsp;Prof. Bernard Wood of George Washington University, who was the co-author of a prior study that found Sahelanthropus was not typically bipedal, called the paper "shoddy".

Guardian quotes him as saying "These critically important fossils deserve better treatment than this shoddy paper provides. The study cherrypicks evidence, ignores recent studies that point to different conclusions than the ones the authors try to defend, and it fails to explore other equally, if not more likely, functional interpretations of these fossils.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Seven million years back our ancestors could walk upright. Did that surprise you? We tend to picture the early man as this hunched-up creature, but new evidence suggests that that's not how they were.

Seven million years back our ancestors could walk upright. Did that surprise you? We tend to picture the early man as this hunched-up creature, but new evidence suggests that that's not how they were. A fossil leg bone that was found in Chad more than 20 years ago demonstrated that a creature known as Sahelanthropus tchadensis was an early human ancestor that walked on two feet. The researchers looked at 23 characteristics of the fossils, which they claim link the ancestor to bipedalism or upright walking and show a closer affinity to humans than apes. The discovery was reported in the Nature journal. S.tchadensis was found by a French and Chadian team in the Toros-Menalla region of the Djurab desert, Lake Chad basin in July 2001. Also read | Just not the face, some doppelgängers might have same DNA also: Study An almost intact, but severely damaged skull was the main discovery; it was nicknamed Toumaï which in the Chadian Daza language means "hope of life". However, the current discovery was not made by the hope of life skull rather it is based on the examination of a thigh bone and two forearm bones. “We can conclude from the evidence that we have habitual bipedalism, plus quadrupedal arborealism, which is what is observed for early hominids and then gradually turns into the obligate bipedalism in Homo,” said a co-author of the study, Jean-Renaud Boisserie, from the University of Poitiers. Also read | Researchers create floating artificial leaves that generate clean fuel from sunlight, water and CO2 Other experts, though, have raised scepticism about the study. Prof. Bernard Wood of George Washington University, who was the co-author of a prior study that found Sahelanthropus was not typically bipedal, called the paper "shoddy". Guardian quotes him as saying "These critically important fossils deserve better treatment than this shoddy paper provides. The study cherrypicks evidence, ignores recent studies that point to different conclusions than the ones the authors try to defend, and it fails to explore other equally, if not more likely, functional interpretations of these fossils. (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.

Seven million year old human bone leads to an amazing discovery

HSBC's Breakup Debate: Cites costs, risks in opposing calls to break up

The sprawling Chinese region of&nbsp;Chongqing, home to several large global automakers, has extended&nbsp;power&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;at factories as a record heatwave and&nbsp;drought&nbsp;continue to wreak economic and environmental damage throughout the country's southwest.

Industrial firms were originally ordered to restrict output from Aug. 17 until Aug. 24, but formal&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;have been extended until Aug. 25, according to a notice issued by&nbsp;Chongqing&nbsp;authorities on Wednesday.

Curbs&nbsp;will be gradually relaxed "in an orderly manner" once weather conditions have improved, it said.

Pangang Group Vanadium &amp; Titanium Resources Co Ltd told the stock exchange in a filing on Wednesday its&nbsp;Chongqing&nbsp;subsidiary had received the notice and would continue to suspend production.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-biggest-city-chongqing-surrounded-by-wildfires-faces-unrelenting-heatwave-509465">Also read |&nbsp;China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave</a>

"The specific recovery time will be subject to the notification of relevant departments in&nbsp;Chongqing," it said.

Honda Motor Corp also said on Thursday its&nbsp;power&nbsp;product factory in&nbsp;Chongqing&nbsp;will remain closed this week.

"We don't know what to do until we see what the government tells us for next week," a spokesperson said.

The plant makes small-engine products like lawnmowers and tillers and doesn't manufacture automobiles. Honda made 23 per cent&nbsp;of all of its&nbsp;power&nbsp;equipment in&nbsp;Chongqing&nbsp;last financial year.

The factory was on summer vacation until this past Sunday and suspended operations from Monday.

Chongqing&nbsp;and other parts of the Yangtze basin have been broiling under weeks of temperatures in excess of 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), causing crop damage and forest fires.

Power&nbsp;rationing has impacted firms in sectors like battery making and solar manufacturing. Toyota Motor said it had used an in-house generator at its Sichuan plant to resume operations.

Although national forecasters reduced their heat alert level from "red" to "orange" from Tuesday, temperatures are still expected to exceed 40C until the weekend in some parts of the Yangtze delta.

Sichuan depends on hydropower&nbsp;for around 80 per cent of its electricity, and dwindling water levels have left generators operating at much lower than their normal capacity.

Sichuan normally delivers large amounts of its surplus hydropower&nbsp;to other provinces, and coal-fired&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants in Anhui province and elsewhere have been under pressure to pick up the slack, according to state media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drought-in-china-river-and-lakes-dry-up-farmers-struggle-as-agricultural-regions-impacted-severely-509280">Also read |&nbsp;Drought in China: Rivers and lakes dry up; farmers struggle as agricultural regions impacted severely</a>

"It's unclear how long this&nbsp;power&nbsp;will continue to be exported ex-province, considering the severity of the local&nbsp;power&nbsp;shortage, but cross-province transmission is usually given highest priority in&nbsp;China's&nbsp;power&nbsp;dispatch planning," said David Fishman, a&nbsp;power&nbsp;expert with the Lantau Group consultancy.

"If these exports are suspended, already-tight&nbsp;power&nbsp;supply in eastern China, which is enduring its own heat wave, will be further affected," he said in a research note.

China's&nbsp;State Grid Corporation is now delivering 130 million kilowatt-hours of&nbsp;power&nbsp;per day to Sichuan, state broadcaster CCTV said on Wednesday.

Economists at ANZ said in a note on Tuesday it was unlikely China would see a repeat of last year's nationwide energy shortages, which were caused by tight coal supplies, adding that the impact of the current&nbsp;power&nbsp;crunch on gross domestic product was "negligible" so far.

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The sprawling Chinese region of Chongqing, home to several large global automakers, has extended power curbs at factories as a record heatwave and drought continue to wreak economic and environmental damage throughout the country's southwest.

The sprawling Chinese region of Chongqing, home to several large global automakers, has extended power curbs at factories as a record heatwave and drought continue to wreak economic and environmental damage throughout the country's southwest. Industrial firms were originally ordered to restrict output from Aug. 17 until Aug. 24, but formal curbs have been extended until Aug. 25, according to a notice issued by Chongqing authorities on Wednesday. Curbs will be gradually relaxed "in an orderly manner" once weather conditions have improved, it said. Pangang Group Vanadium & Titanium Resources Co Ltd told the stock exchange in a filing on Wednesday its Chongqing subsidiary had received the notice and would continue to suspend production. Also read | China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave "The specific recovery time will be subject to the notification of relevant departments in Chongqing," it said. Honda Motor Corp also said on Thursday its power product factory in Chongqing will remain closed this week. "We don't know what to do until we see what the government tells us for next week," a spokesperson said. The plant makes small-engine products like lawnmowers and tillers and doesn't manufacture automobiles. Honda made 23 per cent of all of its power equipment in Chongqing last financial year. The factory was on summer vacation until this past Sunday and suspended operations from Monday. Chongqing and other parts of the Yangtze basin have been broiling under weeks of temperatures in excess of 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), causing crop damage and forest fires. Power rationing has impacted firms in sectors like battery making and solar manufacturing. Toyota Motor said it had used an in-house generator at its Sichuan plant to resume operations. Although national forecasters reduced their heat alert level from "red" to "orange" from Tuesday, temperatures are still expected to exceed 40C until the weekend in some parts of the Yangtze delta. Sichuan depends on hydropower for around 80 per cent of its electricity, and dwindling water levels have left generators operating at much lower than their normal capacity. Sichuan normally delivers large amounts of its surplus hydropower to other provinces, and coal-fired power plants in Anhui province and elsewhere have been under pressure to pick up the slack, according to state media. Also read | Drought in China: Rivers and lakes dry up; farmers struggle as agricultural regions impacted severely "It's unclear how long this power will continue to be exported ex-province, considering the severity of the local power shortage, but cross-province transmission is usually given highest priority in China's power dispatch planning," said David Fishman, a power expert with the Lantau Group consultancy. "If these exports are suspended, already-tight power supply in eastern China, which is enduring its own heat wave, will be further affected," he said in a research note. China's State Grid Corporation is now delivering 130 million kilowatt-hours of power per day to Sichuan, state broadcaster CCTV said on Wednesday. Economists at ANZ said in a note on Tuesday it was unlikely China would see a repeat of last year's nationwide energy shortages, which were caused by tight coal supplies, adding that the impact of the current power crunch on gross domestic product was "negligible" so far.

China's Chongqing extends power curbs as drought drags on

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant which is at the center of the Ukraine conflict continues to worry over a possible nuclear disaster. Reports now suggest that a detailed plan has been drawn up by Russia to disconnect Europe's largest nuclear plant from Ukraine's grid, citing concerns ahead of Ukraine's atomic energy.

Ukraine Nuclear Chief warns over Russian activity at nuclear site

Elon Musk may have more justification to withdraw from a bid to acquire Twitter in light of recent whistleblower claims of widespread security vulnerabilities and spam issues at the company.&nbsp;

Peiter Zatko, Twitter's former security chief turned whistleblower, filed an 84-page complaint on Tuesday alleging that the company prioritises user growth over spam prevention, has a plan for severe security issues, and has half of its servers running vulnerable and out-of-date software.

The allegations come as the social network business fights Musk in court following his effort to back out of a $44 billion acquisition deal. According to Anat Alon-Beck, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, Musk's decision to withdraw was motivated by Twitter's reluctance to share information on the prevalence of bot and spam accounts. This makes the timing of Tuesday's disclosures "amazing" for Musk's case.&nbsp;

According to Alon-Beck, it's unclear how Musk's legal team will make advantage of the most recent case developments. Musk must demonstrate a "material&nbsp;adverse effect" in order to exit the Twitter agreement without paying a $1 billion termination fee. This is required by a clause that says Musk must demonstrate an event that&nbsp;significantly lowers the deal's long-term value.

Up until this point, Musk has relied on claims that Twitter lied about the actual amount of spam and bot accounts on its social media network, which the firm has claimed in corporate filings make up just 5 per cent of accounts. When making his approach to buy the company, Musk claimed he was relying on those papers. Twitter claimed in a lawsuit that the billionaire's assertions were based on "distortion, misrepresentation, and outright deception," and that he was exaggerating the severity of the problem as a justification for pulling out of the agreement.

But according to Ann Lipton, a professor at Tulane Law School, the latest whistleblower allegations give his case a new dimension since they raise further allegations that Twitter concealed security and data privacy flaws and offer "a different basis for fraud."&nbsp;

Both sides have continued to gather evidence as the legal dispute continues in front of a trial that will start in Delaware on October 17. Musk summoned former executive Jack Dorsey on Monday in order to obtain further details.&nbsp;

A number of well-known witnesses have also been subpoenaed by Twitter, including David Sacks, the founding COO of Paypal, and well-known VC Marc Andreessen.

(with inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk may have more justification to withdraw from a bid to acquire Twitter in light of recent whistleblower claims of widespread security vulnerabilities and spam issues at the company.

Elon Musk may have more justification to withdraw from a bid to acquire Twitter in light of recent whistleblower claims of widespread security vulnerabilities and spam issues at the company. Peiter Zatko, Twitter's former security chief turned whistleblower, filed an 84-page complaint on Tuesday alleging that the company prioritises user growth over spam prevention, has a plan for severe security issues, and has half of its servers running vulnerable and out-of-date software. The allegations come as the social network business fights Musk in court following his effort to back out of a $44 billion acquisition deal. According to Anat Alon-Beck, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, Musk's decision to withdraw was motivated by Twitter's reluctance to share information on the prevalence of bot and spam accounts. This makes the timing of Tuesday's disclosures "amazing" for Musk's case. According to Alon-Beck, it's unclear how Musk's legal team will make advantage of the most recent case developments. Musk must demonstrate a "material adverse effect" in order to exit the Twitter agreement without paying a $1 billion termination fee. This is required by a clause that says Musk must demonstrate an event that significantly lowers the deal's long-term value. Up until this point, Musk has relied on claims that Twitter lied about the actual amount of spam and bot accounts on its social media network, which the firm has claimed in corporate filings make up just 5 per cent of accounts. When making his approach to buy the company, Musk claimed he was relying on those papers. Twitter claimed in a lawsuit that the billionaire's assertions were based on "distortion, misrepresentation, and outright deception," and that he was exaggerating the severity of the problem as a justification for pulling out of the agreement. But according to Ann Lipton, a professor at Tulane Law School, the latest whistleblower allegations give his case a new dimension since they raise further allegations that Twitter concealed security and data privacy flaws and offer "a different basis for fraud." Both sides have continued to gather evidence as the legal dispute continues in front of a trial that will start in Delaware on October 17. Musk summoned former executive Jack Dorsey on Monday in order to obtain further details. A number of well-known witnesses have also been subpoenaed by Twitter, including David Sacks, the founding COO of Paypal, and well-known VC Marc Andreessen. (with inputs from agencies)

Twitter whistleblower's allegations could boost Elon Musk’s legal battle to back out of deal to buy company

Democrats, who want to make reproductive rights a focal point of the campaign, were celebrating victory on Wednesday in a US special election that was seen as the final barometer of public opinion on abortion before the midterm elections in November.&nbsp;

To fill the remaining months of Democrat Antonio Delgado's tenure in the House of Representatives after he resigned to become the Empire State's lieutenant governor, voters in a swing district in upstate New York cast ballots on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Two months after the Supreme Court ended the constitutionally protected right to an abortion, which generated widespread outrage, the race for New York's 19th congressional district is now in full swing.

According to US media outlets including NBC, ABC, and Fox News, Democrat Pat Ryan, who has attempted to turn the vote into a referendum on abortion access, was predicted to win.&nbsp;

He has charged that his Republican opponent Marc Molinaro and his party are "too extreme on women's rights" since they oppose such access.&nbsp;

According to Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Sean Patrick Maloney, Ryan's victory "sends a clear message that voters are fighting back against Republicans' extreme attacks on abortion rights," according to an NBC report.&nbsp;

After Donald Trump won the district by almost seven points in 2016, President Joe Biden won it by less than two points in 2020. There, Barack Obama won in 2012.

In separate districts that have been freshly created as a result of the most recent round of redistricting, both candidates will be back on the ballot in November.&nbsp;

Ryan, who has not yet been nominated to run for a seat in the midterm elections, was on the ballot on Tuesday in two districts for two different seats in two different congresses because of the fairly antiquated system.&nbsp;

A number of primary elections, sometimes known as nomination battles, were held in New York, one of which pitted Democratic committee chairs Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney against one another.&nbsp;

With more than 95 per cent of the votes cast, Nadler easily defeated Maloney, winning with 55.4 per cent to 24.4 per cent.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Democrats, who want to make reproductive rights a focal point of the campaign, were celebrating victory on Wednesday in a US special election that was seen as the final barometer of public opinion on abortion before the midterm elections in November.

Democrats, who want to make reproductive rights a focal point of the campaign, were celebrating victory on Wednesday in a US special election that was seen as the final barometer of public opinion on abortion before the midterm elections in November. To fill the remaining months of Democrat Antonio Delgado's tenure in the House of Representatives after he resigned to become the Empire State's lieutenant governor, voters in a swing district in upstate New York cast ballots on Tuesday. Two months after the Supreme Court ended the constitutionally protected right to an abortion, which generated widespread outrage, the race for New York's 19th congressional district is now in full swing. According to US media outlets including NBC, ABC, and Fox News, Democrat Pat Ryan, who has attempted to turn the vote into a referendum on abortion access, was predicted to win. He has charged that his Republican opponent Marc Molinaro and his party are "too extreme on women's rights" since they oppose such access. According to Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Sean Patrick Maloney, Ryan's victory "sends a clear message that voters are fighting back against Republicans' extreme attacks on abortion rights," according to an NBC report. After Donald Trump won the district by almost seven points in 2016, President Joe Biden won it by less than two points in 2020. There, Barack Obama won in 2012. In separate districts that have been freshly created as a result of the most recent round of redistricting, both candidates will be back on the ballot in November. Ryan, who has not yet been nominated to run for a seat in the midterm elections, was on the ballot on Tuesday in two districts for two different seats in two different congresses because of the fairly antiquated system. A number of primary elections, sometimes known as nomination battles, were held in New York, one of which pitted Democratic committee chairs Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney against one another. With more than 95 per cent of the votes cast, Nadler easily defeated Maloney, winning with 55.4 per cent to 24.4 per cent. (with inputs from agencies)

US special election: Democrats win vote seen as last bellwether of public mood on abortion ahead of midterms

Japan is dealing with serious electricity shortages. The country is not energy independent, it relies on imports of most of its energy supplies. Rising demand, record high prices have raised the risk of blackouts now. PM Fumio Kishida has a plan for it, here's our report!

Kishida wants to re-start idled nuclear plants, will the Japanese PM face public pushback?

Russia readies emergency blue print, plan risks failure of nuclear plant's cooling system

Malaysia's top court ordered former prime minister Najib Razak to serve a 12-year prison sentence after upholding a conviction on charges related to a multi-billion dollar graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Malaysian ex-PM Najib to serve 12-year prison sentence after failing to overturn 1MDB conviction

It's been over six months since Russia invaded Ukraine in what Moscow calls its special military operation. Thousands have been killed, millions have been made homeless and world has seen the worst tensions since the cold war.

How Russia-Ukraine war rattled markets?

Eurozone is sinking. The euro is Europe's de facto currency and it has dropped to a two-decade low. European economies are in dire straits of global recession.

Energy Crisis, High inflation- Europe slips towards recession

India's consumer inflation was 6.7% last month and the month before it was 7% which reflects that inflation appears to be cooling down. The Reserve Bank of India states that it may have peaked in April already, if so, the worst is behind us.

Has India escaped the global financial gloom?

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