More than 100 miners escaped from a gold mine in South Africa on Wednesday after being held underground for three days by fellow employees in a union dispute, a company official said. Around 450 workers remain in the mine, the official said, with an unknown number of them preventing the others from leaving as they demand formal recognition of their labour union.

South Africa: 543 mine workers end protest, 15 people injured due to scuffle in mine

Following Kevin McCarthy's removal three weeks ago, there had been a turbulent 22-day vacancy until Mike Johnson was sworn in as the 56th Speaker of the House Representatives.

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A court in Qatar sentenced eight former members of the Indian Navy to death on Thursday. The men have been detained for more than a year after their arrest in August 2022. Each of them worked for the Al Dahra firm.

Qatar court announces death sentence to eight Indian workers

A documentary on Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double for Harry Potter, who became paralyzed during the movie's production, has been produced. During the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, David Holmes suffered a spinal injury. He revealed the information of the "secret project" on Instagram, claiming it took four years to complete.

'David Holmes: The boy who lived', documentary on paralysed 'Harry Potter' stunt double

Following India's protests against Canada for giving safe havens to terrorists from the Khalistani region, Bangladesh has now accused Canada of harboring Sheikh Mujibiur Rahman's killers while he was visiting India.

Bangladesh Minister Haque: Canada sheltering killers of Sheikh Mujibiur Rahman

In a show of power that coincides with Moscow's de-ratification of a historic nuclear test moratorium pact, Russia has successfully demonstrated its capacity to launch a large retaliatory nuclear strike by land, sea, and air, according to a Kremlin statement on Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia rehearsed delivering a massive retaliatory nuclear strike

Climate change is no longer a theoretical concern; rather, it is a harsh reality that businesses everywhere are having to deal with.

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NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world.&nbsp;

Using NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft lander, the mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan "with its dense atmosphere and low gravity," which as per the space agency is "a great place to fly." Here's all you need to know about the upcoming NASA mission to Luna Saturni, or&nbsp;"moon of Saturn".

<h2>Dragonfly</h2>

NASA's Dragonfly is a nuclear-powered, car-sized drone that is "designed to investigate the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life."

The mission, which is expected to last for nearly three years, will study how organic compounds formed, and if Saturn's moon currently has or ever had life.

It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers that will examine Titan's dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, which is known to contain organic material that scientists believe may have come in contact with liquid water beneath its organic-rich, icy surface.

Dragonfly is scheduled to launch around 2027, and it is expected to reach Titan by the mid-2030s.&nbsp;

<h2>Will it be able to bear Titan's unique atmosphere?</h2>

To test Dragonfly, mission engineers have already conducted two test campaigns in NASA Langley’s 14-by-22-foot Subsonic Tunnel, and two in the 16-foot Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT).&nbsp;

As per Ken Hibbard, Dragonfly mission systems engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), "All of these tests feed into our Dragonfly Titan simulations and performance predictions".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'</a>

"With Dragonfly, we're turning science fiction into exploration fact," said Hibbard, as per a statement on the NASA website.

He added that "the mission is coming together piece by piece, and we're excited for every next step toward sending this revolutionary rotorcraft across the skies and surface of Titan."

They've been conducting test campaigns at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Researchers have made attempts to assess the vehicle's aerodynamic performance in harsh, unique conditions anticipating what Dragonfly will have to face during the various stages of the mission.

Recently, in one of its latest tests, the team behind Dragonfly set up a half-scale lander model of the spacecraft. This was used to test the space vehicle's descent once it arrives on Titan and its flight over the surface.

"We tested conditions across the expected flight envelope at a variety of wind speeds, rotor speeds and flight angles to assess the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle," test lead Bernadine Juliano of the APL said in a statement on NASA's website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-a-vaccine-for-cocaine-heres-how-it-works-651343">Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works</a>

"We completed more than 700 total runs, encompassing over 4,000 individual data points. All test objectives were successfully accomplished, and the data will help increase confidence in our simulation models on Earth before extrapolating to Titan conditions," Juliano said.

<h2>Why is NASA sending Dragonfly to Saturn's moon?</h2>

Titan is the only moon in our solar system that has a thick atmosphere, about four times as dense as Earth's. A celestial body's atmosphere is very important. For example, on Earth it protects us from the Sun's radiation. It also helps maintain and circulate heat and distribute gases that nourish and sustain life.

What's more? Titan's atmosphere is similar to Earth's. While our planet's atmosphere has 78 per cent nitrogen, Titan's is mainly made of nitrogen — about 95 per cent, along with five per cent methane. However, a notable difference is that while Earth's atmosphere has 21 per cent oxygen, Saturn's moon has none.

As per NASA, it only takes methane and nitrogen to "unleash a complex web of organic chemistry that makes Titan unique and interesting to scientists."

Given that microorganisms can survive the most extreme environments imaginable, scientists are yet to rule out the existence of exotic life forms that may survive the liquid methane environment.

Additionally, Titan's terrain as we know it is "eerily" similar to our planet Earth's. However, on closer inspection, "every familiar feature has an exotic trait".

The similarities don't end there. As per NASA, Titan is carved by huge flowing rivers and lakes that, instead of water, hold methane.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-say-a-surprise-layer-of-molten-rock-envelops-marss-liquid-metal-core-651517">Researchers say a surprise layer of molten rock envelops Mars' liquid-metal core</a>

Furthermore, it has rocks that look like ours but are made of water ice that stays frozen because of the celestial body's cold weather.

Previously, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a radio telescope observatory in Chile, scientists found C3H2, or cyclopropenylidene in Titan's atmosphere. This carbon-based molecule that has never been identified in any other atmosphere. Scientists believe that the find may be a precursor to more complex compounds that could form or feed possible life on Saturn's moon.

All these things point to the probability that Titan may hold fascinating secrets about alien life forms.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world.

NASA is gearing up to launch its most ambitious alien world exploration ever: another ocean world. The US space agency in 2027 will launch its only mission to explore such a world. Using NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft lander, the mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan "with its dense atmosphere and low gravity," which as per the space agency is "a great place to fly." Here's all you need to know about the upcoming NASA mission to Luna Saturni, or "moon of Saturn". Dragonfly NASA's Dragonfly is a nuclear-powered, car-sized drone that is "designed to investigate the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life." The mission, which is expected to last for nearly three years, will study how organic compounds formed, and if Saturn's moon currently has or ever had life. It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers that will examine Titan's dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, which is known to contain organic material that scientists believe may have come in contact with liquid water beneath its organic-rich, icy surface. Dragonfly is scheduled to launch around 2027, and it is expected to reach Titan by the mid-2030s. Will it be able to bear Titan's unique atmosphere? To test Dragonfly, mission engineers have already conducted two test campaigns in NASA Langley’s 14-by-22-foot Subsonic Tunnel, and two in the 16-foot Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). As per Ken Hibbard, Dragonfly mission systems engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), "All of these tests feed into our Dragonfly Titan simulations and performance predictions". Also read | Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers' "With Dragonfly, we're turning science fiction into exploration fact," said Hibbard, as per a statement on the NASA website. He added that "the mission is coming together piece by piece, and we're excited for every next step toward sending this revolutionary rotorcraft across the skies and surface of Titan." They've been conducting test campaigns at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Researchers have made attempts to assess the vehicle's aerodynamic performance in harsh, unique conditions anticipating what Dragonfly will have to face during the various stages of the mission. Recently, in one of its latest tests, the team behind Dragonfly set up a half-scale lander model of the spacecraft. This was used to test the space vehicle's descent once it arrives on Titan and its flight over the surface. "We tested conditions across the expected flight envelope at a variety of wind speeds, rotor speeds and flight angles to assess the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle," test lead Bernadine Juliano of the APL said in a statement on NASA's website. Also read | Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works "We completed more than 700 total runs, encompassing over 4,000 individual data points. All test objectives were successfully accomplished, and the data will help increase confidence in our simulation models on Earth before extrapolating to Titan conditions," Juliano said. Why is NASA sending Dragonfly to Saturn's moon? Titan is the only moon in our solar system that has a thick atmosphere, about four times as dense as Earth's. A celestial body's atmosphere is very important. For example, on Earth it protects us from the Sun's radiation. It also helps maintain and circulate heat and distribute gases that nourish and sustain life. What's more? Titan's atmosphere is similar to Earth's. While our planet's atmosphere has 78 per cent nitrogen, Titan's is mainly made of nitrogen — about 95 per cent, along with five per cent methane. However, a notable difference is that while Earth's atmosphere has 21 per cent oxygen, Saturn's moon has none. As per NASA, it only takes methane and nitrogen to "unleash a complex web of organic chemistry that makes Titan unique and interesting to scientists." Given that microorganisms can survive the most extreme environments imaginable, scientists are yet to rule out the existence of exotic life forms that may survive the liquid methane environment. Additionally, Titan's terrain as we know it is "eerily" similar to our planet Earth's. However, on closer inspection, "every familiar feature has an exotic trait". The similarities don't end there. As per NASA, Titan is carved by huge flowing rivers and lakes that, instead of water, hold methane. Also read | Researchers say a surprise layer of molten rock envelops Mars' liquid-metal core Furthermore, it has rocks that look like ours but are made of water ice that stays frozen because of the celestial body's cold weather. Previously, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a radio telescope observatory in Chile, scientists found C3H2, or cyclopropenylidene in Titan's atmosphere. This carbon-based molecule that has never been identified in any other atmosphere. Scientists believe that the find may be a precursor to more complex compounds that could form or feed possible life on Saturn's moon. All these things point to the probability that Titan may hold fascinating secrets about alien life forms. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: NASA to send 'nuclear-powered' Dragonfly to Saturn's moon Titan. Here's all you need to know

Emerging technology, included under the general title "AI," appears to be transforming a number of industries, including brain surgery and transportation. The artworks of Sougwen Chung, whose partnerships with robotic painters may fetch tens of thousands of pounds, combine art and artificial intelligence. The scholar and artist from Canada thinks that creativity is still possible in the studio.

Canadian artist Sougwen Chung paints with robots

As the violence intensified, there was a surge in flight cancellations to Israel, which led a number of international carriers to suspend service to the nation out of security concerns. In addition, tour companies canceled their excursions to Israel as a result of this interruption, and hotel reservations dropped off quickly.

Travel Slump in West Asia: Flight cancellations in Israel by several global carriers

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time.&nbsp;

A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings&nbsp;in Geophysical Research Letters.

<h2>'Planet of rivers'</h2>

"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University.

Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-a-vaccine-for-cocaine-heres-how-it-works-651343">Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works</a>

Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters.

Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'.&nbsp;

They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's&nbsp;search for signs of life on the red planet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-captures-footage-of-martian-dust-devil-642359">A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth</a>

As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars."

"It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked.&nbsp;

<h2>Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new?</h2>

No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface.

Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago.

Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars… once upon a time. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity has deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings in Geophysical Research Letters. 'Planet of rivers' "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations. Also read | Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works Using these, they identified the ancient, eroded remnants of rivers in many Mars craters. Curiosity rover identified specific landforms called bench-and-nose features; here steep and shallow slopes are called 'benches,' while shortened ridges are called 'noses'. They form when sedimentary material laid down in channels by rivers is subsequently eroded by prevailing winds. These landforms suggest that rivers were more widespread than thought earlier. Why is this important? On our planet Earth, rivers are an indispensable source of chemical, nutrient and sediment cycles, all of which are indispensable for life. This fresh discovery provides further proof of ancient rivers and could help in humanity's search for signs of life on the red planet. Also read | A two-kilometre-tall 'dust devil' has been caught on camera, but not on Earth As Cardenas puts it: "Our research indicates that Mars could have had far more rivers than previously believed, which certainly paints a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars." "It offers a vision of Mars, where most of the planet once had the right condition for life," he remarked. Is the knowledge of Mars rivers new? No, it isn't. We have known about Mars' rivers since Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit the red planet, sent back images which were clicked back in 1971. The images showed dried-up river channels and floodplains on Mars's surface. Mars orbiters and rovers have also identified ridges that were probably formed by sediment in river channels billions of years ago. Multiple Mars rovers have also found mineralogical evidence, including sulfur-containing compounds like jarosite that form in water. (With inputs from agencies)

Life on Mars? Curiosity rover discovers that it was once a 'planet of rivers'

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

The mother of the six-year-old Muslim boy, who last week became the unfortunate victim of a hate crime in Illinois, United States,&nbsp;has issued her first statement since the tragic slaying.

Hanan Shaheen, the mother of Palestinian boy Wadea Al-Fayoume has urged the public to "pray for peace".

<h2>Mother released from hospital</h2>

The 36-year-old woman has been released from the hospital, where she was receiving treatment for the many wounds she had suffered in the attack. Her son was stabbed 26 times, while as per the sheriff's office, she herself suffered a dozen wounds.

As per the head of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the US' largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, Shaheen when asked if she had anything to convey to the public said: "Just... pray for peace".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-im-fine-family-reveal-6-year-old-hate-crime-victims-heartbreaking-last-words-647816">'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime</a>

CAIR Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, as per ABC News, also said that when talking about her son, the grieving mother said, "He was my best friend".

"We spent most of our time together listening to her recounting stories of how smart and funny her boy was, and how he cared for the planet and always liked to join her in prayer," he added.

<h2>'An angel on Earth'</h2>

Rehab in a statement said that the mother of the slain boy is focusing on her "physical and mental recuperation" and that she is recovering well from her injuries.

"Despite the painful loss and the trauma she experienced that morning, her spirit is strong, and she is finding peace and answers in her faith in God," said the CAIR-Chicago Executive Director.

"She said that she accepts that God chose them for this test — and that she finds solace in 'remembering Wadea as an angel on earth, and knowing that he is now an angel in heaven.'"

<h2>The 'murderer'&nbsp;</h2>

The man behind the senseless attack has been identified as 71-year-old Joseph Czuba, a US Air Force veteran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-crime-in-us-man-stabs-6-year-old-muslim-child-over-ongoing-israel-hamas-war-tensions-647335">Hate crime in US: Man stabs to death 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war</a>

He has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon along with two counts of committing a hate crime.

<h2>The attack and the motive</h2>

As per the police, the little boy was attacked because he was Muslim.&nbsp;

In a court filing, Assistant State's Attorney Michael Fitzgerald alleged that Czuba, who was the landlord to the Muslim family, was angry at the little boy's mother "for what was going on in Jerusalem."

"She responded to him, 'Let's pray for peace,'" wrote the prosecutors.&nbsp;

"Czuba then attacked her with a knife," they added.

They claim that the landlord grew paranoid about the presence of the Palestinian-American family in his house.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised The mother of the six-year-old Muslim boy, who last week became the unfortunate victim of a hate crime in Illinois, United States, has issued her first statement since the tragic slaying.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised The mother of the six-year-old Muslim boy, who last week became the unfortunate victim of a hate crime in Illinois, United States, has issued her first statement since the tragic slaying. Hanan Shaheen, the mother of Palestinian boy Wadea Al-Fayoume has urged the public to "pray for peace". Mother released from hospital The 36-year-old woman has been released from the hospital, where she was receiving treatment for the many wounds she had suffered in the attack. Her son was stabbed 26 times, while as per the sheriff's office, she herself suffered a dozen wounds. As per the head of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the US' largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, Shaheen when asked if she had anything to convey to the public said: "Just... pray for peace". Also read | 'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime CAIR Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, as per ABC News, also said that when talking about her son, the grieving mother said, "He was my best friend". "We spent most of our time together listening to her recounting stories of how smart and funny her boy was, and how he cared for the planet and always liked to join her in prayer," he added. 'An angel on Earth' Rehab in a statement said that the mother of the slain boy is focusing on her "physical and mental recuperation" and that she is recovering well from her injuries. "Despite the painful loss and the trauma she experienced that morning, her spirit is strong, and she is finding peace and answers in her faith in God," said the CAIR-Chicago Executive Director. "She said that she accepts that God chose them for this test — and that she finds solace in 'remembering Wadea as an angel on earth, and knowing that he is now an angel in heaven.'" The 'murderer' The man behind the senseless attack has been identified as 71-year-old Joseph Czuba, a US Air Force veteran. Also read | Hate crime in US: Man stabs to death 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war He has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon along with two counts of committing a hate crime. The attack and the motive As per the police, the little boy was attacked because he was Muslim. In a court filing, Assistant State's Attorney Michael Fitzgerald alleged that Czuba, who was the landlord to the Muslim family, was angry at the little boy's mother "for what was going on in Jerusalem." "She responded to him, 'Let's pray for peace,'" wrote the prosecutors. "Czuba then attacked her with a knife," they added. They claim that the landlord grew paranoid about the presence of the Palestinian-American family in his house. (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.

Israel vs Hamas | Mother of 6-year-old hate crime victim asks world to 'pray for peace'

Fidias, a popular YouTuber with around 2.4 million subscribers, on Tuesday issued an apology after a video of him free-riding around Japan, along with three other people, went viral, drawing criticism from people and authorities alike.

His video, as per AFP, had become the latest example of "fame-seeking foreigners riling locals."

<h2>'Not our goal'</h2>

On Tuesday, the YouTuber known by his username Fidias posted an apology on his channel.&nbsp;

He said: "hello beautiful people, I apologize to the Japanese people if we made them feel bad, that was not our goal ! From now on, I am going to be make more research to the cultures we go to and try to prevent this from happening again."

Over the weekend, the YouTuber posted a video of him and his three companions riding trains and buses around Japan. Sometimes, they did so without paying.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/around-1000-cats-rescued-from-slaughter-in-china-were-being-smuggled-for-illicit-fake-pork-lamb-trade-651040">Around 1,000 cats rescued from slaughter in China; were being smuggled for illicit fake 'pork, lamb' trade</a>

In one instance, he can be seen hiding in the train toilet, pretending to be ill, to escape the ticket checker.

In another clip, he boasts of scoring a free "five-star Japanese buffet" that too "without getting caught and without any problem."

Other parts of the video show them begging locals for money to pay for tickets. AFP has identified one of his companions as another YouTuber called Night Scape, who has 1.7 million followers.

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Foreign YouTuber group attempts to travel across Japan without paying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAPANEWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAPANEWS</a> They ride buses and trains without paying and in their latest video, they’re seen eating at a hotel food buffet without payment 
<a href="https://t.co/K3AJBkXvCw">pic.twitter.com/K3AJBkXvCw</a>
— 🌐JapaNews🌐 (@dascrazyjapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/dascrazyjapan/status/1716295540282143026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Japanese angry about 'another strange, annoying YouTuber from abroad'</h2>

On social media, Japanese citizens slammed the YouTubers for their antics, calling them strange and annoying YouTubers from abroad.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-quashes-law-mandating-sterlisation-surgery-for-gender-change-651042">Japan Supreme Court quashes law mandating sterilisation surgery for gender change</a>

"Another strange, annoying YouTuber from abroad emerged. In addition to this guy, Fidias, the three others should be arrested."

Another user expressed surprise that the comment section of Fidias' video was "full of applause," and said that the police "should arrest him to prevent copycat crimes from happening."

<h2>Train operator investigates incident</h2>

Talking to AFP, Regional train operator JR Kyushu said it was studying the video and that they are yet to decide whether police should be involved in the incident.

"We are aware of the case and investigating facts around it."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fidias, a popular YouTuber with around 2.4 million subscribers, on Tuesday issued an apology after a video of him free-riding around Japan, along with three other people, went viral, drawing criticism from people and authorities alike.

Fidias, a popular YouTuber with around 2.4 million subscribers, on Tuesday issued an apology after a video of him free-riding around Japan, along with three other people, went viral, drawing criticism from people and authorities alike. His video, as per AFP, had become the latest example of "fame-seeking foreigners riling locals." 'Not our goal' On Tuesday, the YouTuber known by his username Fidias posted an apology on his channel. He said: "hello beautiful people, I apologize to the Japanese people if we made them feel bad, that was not our goal ! From now on, I am going to be make more research to the cultures we go to and try to prevent this from happening again." Over the weekend, the YouTuber posted a video of him and his three companions riding trains and buses around Japan. Sometimes, they did so without paying. Also read | Around 1,000 cats rescued from slaughter in China; were being smuggled for illicit fake 'pork, lamb' trade In one instance, he can be seen hiding in the train toilet, pretending to be ill, to escape the ticket checker. In another clip, he boasts of scoring a free "five-star Japanese buffet" that too "without getting caught and without any problem." Other parts of the video show them begging locals for money to pay for tickets. AFP has identified one of his companions as another YouTuber called Night Scape, who has 1.7 million followers. Foreign YouTuber group attempts to travel across Japan without paying. #JAPANEWS They ride buses and trains without paying and in their latest video, they’re seen eating at a hotel food buffet without payment pic.twitter.com/K3AJBkXvCw — 🌐JapaNews🌐 (@dascrazyjapan) October 23, 2023 × Japanese angry about 'another strange, annoying YouTuber from abroad' On social media, Japanese citizens slammed the YouTubers for their antics, calling them strange and annoying YouTubers from abroad. Also read | Japan Supreme Court quashes law mandating sterilisation surgery for gender change "Another strange, annoying YouTuber from abroad emerged. In addition to this guy, Fidias, the three others should be arrested." Another user expressed surprise that the comment section of Fidias' video was "full of applause," and said that the police "should arrest him to prevent copycat crimes from happening." Train operator investigates incident Talking to AFP, Regional train operator JR Kyushu said it was studying the video and that they are yet to decide whether police should be involved in the incident. "We are aware of the case and investigating facts around it." (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.

YouTuber Fidias apologises for free-riding on Japan trains after online outrage, probe

Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged&nbsp;periods of time.&nbsp;We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health.&nbsp;However, recent&nbsp;research has found that just a few minutes of&nbsp;exercise or activity can help you counter the effects of prolonged sitting.&nbsp;

The research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity or exercise can help in maintaining your health. The experts found that as a person's activity level increases, the risk of dying prematurely from any disease decreases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-whats-leading-to-heart-attack-deaths-during-navratri-at-garba-events-and-how-to-avoid-it-650600">Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it?</a>

The study appears to contradict the findings of earlier studies which showed that regular exercise cannot zero out the negative effect of sitting down. A 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal found that working out regularly can reduce some harms of prolonged sitting but cannot eliminate them completely.&nbsp;

<h2>150 minutes per week</h2>

The study's lead author, Edvard Sagelv, a researcher at the Arctic University of Norway, says that 150 minutes per week of&nbsp;activity is enough to counteract the detrimental health&nbsp;effects of prolonged sitting.&nbsp;

He added, "This is the beautiful part: we are talking about activities that make you breathe a little bit heavier, like brisk walking, or gardening or walking up a hill."

To many of us, these 150 minutes appear to be a lot, but Edvard broke it down into manageable terms for us.&nbsp;

He said, "Think of it: only 20 minutes of this a day is enough, meaning, a small stroll of 10 minutes twice a day — like jumping off the bus one stop before your actual destination to work and then when taking the bus back home, jumping off one stop before."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-depression-symptoms-diagnosis--causes-treatment-and-more--depression-awareness-month-649889">What is depression? Symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and more | Depression Awareness Month</a>

The study analysed 12,000 people from Sweden, Norway and the US for two years. The participants wore movement detection devices on their hips for 10 hours a day for at least four days.&nbsp;

The study found that over an average of five years, 805 people had died. Furthermore, of those who died, 353 had spent less than 10 and half hours seated, while 448 averaged 10 and half hours or more.&nbsp;

The researchers found that people sitting for over 12 hours a day are at 38 per cent increased risk of death as compared to those who sit for 8 hours, but this applies&nbsp;to only those who manage to do a few minutes of exercise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged periods of time. We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health.

Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged periods of time. We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health. However, recent research has found that just a few minutes of exercise or activity can help you counter the effects of prolonged sitting. The research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity or exercise can help in maintaining your health. The experts found that as a person's activity level increases, the risk of dying prematurely from any disease decreases. Also read | Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it? The study appears to contradict the findings of earlier studies which showed that regular exercise cannot zero out the negative effect of sitting down. A 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal found that working out regularly can reduce some harms of prolonged sitting but cannot eliminate them completely. 150 minutes per week The study's lead author, Edvard Sagelv, a researcher at the Arctic University of Norway, says that 150 minutes per week of activity is enough to counteract the detrimental health effects of prolonged sitting. He added, "This is the beautiful part: we are talking about activities that make you breathe a little bit heavier, like brisk walking, or gardening or walking up a hill." To many of us, these 150 minutes appear to be a lot, but Edvard broke it down into manageable terms for us. He said, "Think of it: only 20 minutes of this a day is enough, meaning, a small stroll of 10 minutes twice a day — like jumping off the bus one stop before your actual destination to work and then when taking the bus back home, jumping off one stop before." Also read |What is depression? Symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and more | Depression Awareness Month The study analysed 12,000 people from Sweden, Norway and the US for two years. The participants wore movement detection devices on their hips for 10 hours a day for at least four days. The study found that over an average of five years, 805 people had died. Furthermore, of those who died, 353 had spent less than 10 and half hours seated, while 448 averaged 10 and half hours or more. The researchers found that people sitting for over 12 hours a day are at 38 per cent increased risk of death as compared to those who sit for 8 hours, but this applies to only those who manage to do a few minutes of exercise. (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.

20 minutes of daily activity might help you decrease harm caused by prolonged sitting: Study

United States President Joe Biden awarded two Indian-American scientists with&nbsp;the country's highest scientific honour at the White House on Tuesday (Oct 24).

The two scientists -&nbsp;Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh - were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovational and the National Medal of Science, respectively.&nbsp;

The White House in a statement said, "Today, President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation's well-being."

"It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences, in service to the Nation," it&nbsp;added.

<h3>Subra Suresh:</h3>

Subra was born in 1956 in Mumbai, India. He completed his Bachelor's in India and later went to Iowa State University in 1979 for his Master's degree in Mechanical engineering. He got his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Robert O Ritchie, specialising in materials science in 1981.

In 2010, he was nominated by former US President Barack Obama to head the National Science Foundation and was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate. He led the NSF from 2010 to 2013.&nbsp;

During his tenure he established a number of new initiatives including the Integrated NSF Support Promoting Interdisciplinary Research and Education (INSPIRE); collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI)and the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps).

Suresh received the Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, bestowed by the President of India in 2011. Other honours include the 2006 Acta Materialia Gold Medal; the 2007 European Materials Medal, the highest honour awarded by the Federation of European Materials Societies; and the 2011 General President's Gold Medal from the Indian National Science Congress.&nbsp;

<h3>Ashok Gadgil:</h3>

Also born in Mumbai, India in 1950, Ashok is the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Family Foundation Distinguished Chair and Professor of Safe Water and Sanitation at the University of California, Berkeley.&nbsp;

He specialises in heat transfer, fluid dynamics and technology for the development. He led a group of 20 researchers at LBNL, conducting experiments and modelling research in indoor airflow and pollutant transport. Most of the work focused on reducing indoor radon concentrations.&nbsp;

Ashok has received several honours including the 2023 "R&amp;D Leader of the Year"; Inaugural Laureate of the Zuckerberg Water Prize in 2022; National Inventors Hall of Fame 2014; &nbsp;15th Annual Heinz Award 2009; Laureate (Health), The Tech Awards, for UVWaterworks 2004.

The National Medal of Science is the US's highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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United States President Joe Biden awarded two Indian-American scientists with the country's highest scientific honour at the White House on Tuesday (Oct 24). The two scientists - Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh - were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovational and the National Medal of Science, respectively.

United States President Joe Biden awarded two Indian-American scientists with the country's highest scientific honour at the White House on Tuesday (Oct 24). The two scientists - Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh - were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovational and the National Medal of Science, respectively. The White House in a statement said, "Today, President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation's well-being." "It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences, in service to the Nation," it added. Subra Suresh: Subra was born in 1956 in Mumbai, India. He completed his Bachelor's in India and later went to Iowa State University in 1979 for his Master's degree in Mechanical engineering. He got his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Robert O Ritchie, specialising in materials science in 1981. In 2010, he was nominated by former US President Barack Obama to head the National Science Foundation and was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate. He led the NSF from 2010 to 2013. During his tenure he established a number of new initiatives including the Integrated NSF Support Promoting Interdisciplinary Research and Education (INSPIRE); collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI)and the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps). Suresh received the Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, bestowed by the President of India in 2011. Other honours include the 2006 Acta Materialia Gold Medal; the 2007 European Materials Medal, the highest honour awarded by the Federation of European Materials Societies; and the 2011 General President's Gold Medal from the Indian National Science Congress. Ashok Gadgil: Also born in Mumbai, India in 1950, Ashok is the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Family Foundation Distinguished Chair and Professor of Safe Water and Sanitation at the University of California, Berkeley. He specialises in heat transfer, fluid dynamics and technology for the development. He led a group of 20 researchers at LBNL, conducting experiments and modelling research in indoor airflow and pollutant transport. Most of the work focused on reducing indoor radon concentrations. Ashok has received several honours including the 2023 "R&D Leader of the Year"; Inaugural Laureate of the Zuckerberg Water Prize in 2022; National Inventors Hall of Fame 2014; 15th Annual Heinz Award 2009; Laureate (Health), The Tech Awards, for UVWaterworks 2004. The National Medal of Science is the US's highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959. (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: Meet Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil, Indian-Americans who received highest scientific award

A recent report has revealed a 53.8 per cent increase in the complaints of fake profiles and theft in the Indian capital New Delhi this year, the Times of India citing Delhi Police data reported.&nbsp;

Till August 2023, some 2,721 complaints of fake profiles or impersonation and 2,959 complaints of profile hacking and identity theft have been registered.&nbsp;

During the same period in 2022, a total of 1,717 complaints of fake profiles and impersonations were reported.&nbsp;Furthermore, 1,976 complaints of profile hacking and identity theft were registered in the national capital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-might-drag-canada-to-fatf-for-inaction-over-terror-funding-report-650936">India might drag Canada to FATF for inaction over terror funding: Report</a>

<h2>Some fraudsters also pose as law officials</h2>

A cop told TOI that in case of fake profile cases, the accused creates a fictitious profile and dupes people. "In several cases, the accused posed as foreigners and created fake profiles on various websites. They then lured potential victims, especially women, by promising to marry them or sending them gifts from abroad," the official added.&nbsp;

The official further stated that there have been numerous cases where the fraudsters posed&nbsp;as law enforcement officials and duped people, threatening them with 'legal action.' In some cases, the accused also creates fake websites of companies and lures people under the pretext of good investments. After taking money they delete the websites.&nbsp;

The officials advise people to always verify the person to whom they are sending money.

<h2>Personal info used for 'identity theft'</h2>

In the cases of identity theft cases, the accused steals the personal information of the victim and commits unauthorised transactions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-kids-in-indias-uttar-pradesh-infected-with-hiv-hepatitis-after-blood-transfusion-report-650886">14 kids in India’s Utt</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-kids-in-indias-uttar-pradesh-infected-with-hiv-hepatitis-after-blood-transfusion-report-650886">ar Pradesh infected with HIV, Hepatitis after blood transfusion: Report</a>

The cop said, "There are cases where scammers got personal details of people and availed instant loans in their names."

The report adds that there have been several cases where the accused made phone calls to their victims and pretended to be relatives living abroad asking for money for emergencies.&nbsp;

"They ask for small amounts so that no one gets suspicious, " police said. They added that the fraudster also cheats companies through identity theft.&nbsp;

"They send phishing emails to companies by posing as their business partner or senior officers and seeking money transfers. Before sending the money, the person should call the company and verify the email."

The department advised people&nbsp;not to share their personal information with anyone, to regularly change their passwords and to select two-step verification.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A recent report has revealed a 53.8 per cent increase in the complaints of fake profiles and theft in the Indian capital New Delhi this year, the Times of India citing Delhi Police data reported.

A recent report has revealed a 53.8 per cent increase in the complaints of fake profiles and theft in the Indian capital New Delhi this year, the Times of India citing Delhi Police data reported. Till August 2023, some 2,721 complaints of fake profiles or impersonation and 2,959 complaints of profile hacking and identity theft have been registered. During the same period in 2022, a total of 1,717 complaints of fake profiles and impersonations were reported. Furthermore, 1,976 complaints of profile hacking and identity theft were registered in the national capital. Also read | India might drag Canada to FATF for inaction over terror funding: Report Some fraudsters also pose as law officials A cop told TOI that in case of fake profile cases, the accused creates a fictitious profile and dupes people. "In several cases, the accused posed as foreigners and created fake profiles on various websites. They then lured potential victims, especially women, by promising to marry them or sending them gifts from abroad," the official added. The official further stated that there have been numerous cases where the fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials and duped people, threatening them with 'legal action.' In some cases, the accused also creates fake websites of companies and lures people under the pretext of good investments. After taking money they delete the websites. The officials advise people to always verify the person to whom they are sending money. Personal info used for 'identity theft' In the cases of identity theft cases, the accused steals the personal information of the victim and commits unauthorised transactions. Also read | 14 kids in India’s Uttar Pradesh infected with HIV, Hepatitis after blood transfusion: Report The cop said, "There are cases where scammers got personal details of people and availed instant loans in their names." The report adds that there have been several cases where the accused made phone calls to their victims and pretended to be relatives living abroad asking for money for emergencies. "They ask for small amounts so that no one gets suspicious, " police said. They added that the fraudster also cheats companies through identity theft. "They send phishing emails to companies by posing as their business partner or senior officers and seeking money transfers. Before sending the money, the person should call the company and verify the email." The department advised people not to share their personal information with anyone, to regularly change their passwords and to select two-step verification. (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.

India: Complaints of identity theft and fake profiles up by 53.8% in Delhi, says report

Authorities in China have rescued around 1,000 cats from being slaughtered. The felines, as per a state-affiliated media, were part of an illicit trade ring that sells the animal's meat as pork or mutton.

The bust, which comes just months after a rat head was found in food at a college, has sparked fresh concerns about China's food safety and animal rights.

<h2>The rescue</h2>

Police, as per CNN, were acting on a tip-off by animal activists when they rescued the cats&nbsp;earlier this month.

As per the Chinese state-affiliated news outlet, The Paper, officers from Zhangjiagang&nbsp;intercepted the vehicle being used to smuggle the cats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-officials-identify-strange-thing-in-students-meal-as-rat-head-607069">Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head'</a>

The report states that without the police intervention, the felines would likely have been slaughtered and shipped south under the guise of pork and lamb skewers and sausages.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the cats now?</h2>

They've been sent to a shelter nearby, reported The Paper. It is not yet clear whether they're abducted pets or strays and if any arrests have been made.

Reportedly, animal activists first noticed numerous nailed wooden boxes carrying cats near a cemetery. After patrolling the streets for six days, they saw trucks begin ferrying them to the slaughterhouse. Upon seeing this, they called the police, asking for an intervention.&nbsp;

This plot would reportedly have fetched as much as $20,500. Talking to The Paper, one activist said that a pound of cat meat passed off as mutton or pork, can sell for around $4. One cat typically weighs around four to five pounds after processing.

<h2>Concerns raised</h2>

One activist who was part of the bust told the Chinese publication that it was not the first time and that she had previously stopped similar illicit operations in Guangdong.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovichs-family-asks-biden-to-prioritise-bringing-detained-us-journalist-home-from-russia-651009">Evan Gershkovich's family asks Biden to 'prioritise' bringing detained US journalist home from Russia</a>

The bust has raised concerns about animal rights and food safety in China. Many have taken to Chinese social media, calling for greater scrutiny by authorities.

One user pointed out, "Animals don't have rights and there is no guarantee for food safety."

"I hope the country can legislate an animal protection law soon," said another.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Authorities in China have rescued around 1,000 cats from being slaughtered. The felines, as per a state-affiliated media, were part of an illicit trade ring that sells the animal's meat as pork or mutton.

Authorities in China have rescued around 1,000 cats from being slaughtered. The felines, as per a state-affiliated media, were part of an illicit trade ring that sells the animal's meat as pork or mutton. The bust, which comes just months after a rat head was found in food at a college, has sparked fresh concerns about China's food safety and animal rights. The rescue Police, as per CNN, were acting on a tip-off by animal activists when they rescued the cats earlier this month. As per the Chinese state-affiliated news outlet, The Paper, officers from Zhangjiagang intercepted the vehicle being used to smuggle the cats. Also read | Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head' The report states that without the police intervention, the felines would likely have been slaughtered and shipped south under the guise of pork and lamb skewers and sausages. What will happen to the cats now? They've been sent to a shelter nearby, reported The Paper. It is not yet clear whether they're abducted pets or strays and if any arrests have been made. Reportedly, animal activists first noticed numerous nailed wooden boxes carrying cats near a cemetery. After patrolling the streets for six days, they saw trucks begin ferrying them to the slaughterhouse. Upon seeing this, they called the police, asking for an intervention. This plot would reportedly have fetched as much as $20,500. Talking to The Paper, one activist said that a pound of cat meat passed off as mutton or pork, can sell for around $4. One cat typically weighs around four to five pounds after processing. Concerns raised One activist who was part of the bust told the Chinese publication that it was not the first time and that she had previously stopped similar illicit operations in Guangdong. Also read | Evan Gershkovich's family asks Biden to 'prioritise' bringing detained US journalist home from Russia The bust has raised concerns about animal rights and food safety in China. Many have taken to Chinese social media, calling for greater scrutiny by authorities. One user pointed out, "Animals don't have rights and there is no guarantee for food safety." "I hope the country can legislate an animal protection law soon," said another. (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.

Chinese trade ring selling cat meat disguised as 'pork, mutton' busted, 1,000 felines rescued

As part of a pre-Halloween celebration, hundreds of cyclists dressed as zombies rode through Key West on Sunday, October 22. According to the event website, the Zombie Bike Ride is a component of the city's 10-day Fantasy Fest, which also includes parades and costume contests.

'The Cycling Dead' take over Florida

In a significant development for Australia's tech landscape, Microsoft has announced a substantial investment of $3.2 billion. This commitment aims to bolster Australia's artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.

Microsoft commits billions to Australia for AI and cloud computing

Chevron corporation has announced a $53 billion all-stock deal to acquire its smaller rival, Hess corporation. This all-stock transaction marks a pivotal moment, intensifying the rivalry between chevron and Exxon Mobil. The acquisition is designed to bolster Chevron's presence in key areas, namely US Shale and the oil-rich region of Guyana.

Chevron acquires rival Hess Corp for $53 billion

In a shocking revelation, global banks, including UBS and HSBC, have come under scrutiny for their investments in three publicly traded Chinese drugmakers accused of using parts of endangered animals in their products.

US pressures China over trade in endangered Pangolins

Friends and family who use Tinder can now play Cupid for you right within the app. Tinder revealed on Monday that users may now ask others to evaluate possible matches for them through a new matchmaker tool on the dating app.

New Tinder feature to let friends and family 'play cupid'

In the US, a silent healthcare catastrophe is developing. Big pharmacy chains are closing their locations because of financial sheet problems.

Rural America's struggle for lifesaving pharmacies

The US will host Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for a three-day visit on October 26–28. He would meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken while in town as part of the Biden administration's attempts to keep lines of communication open with Beijing.

Wang Yi to arrive in Washington on October 26th for a three-day visit

Two armed attacks on Monday left at least 16 people dead, including around a dozen police officers, in regions of Mexico plagued by violence related to drug trafficking, authorities said.

In the southern state of Guerrero, unidentified attackers targeted a security patrol in the municipality of Coyuca de Benitez, prosecutor Alejandro Hernandez said.

According to preliminary information, 11 members of the municipal police force were killed, he said, adding that the motive for the massacre was being investigated.

A senior state security official was travelling in the convoy when it was attacked, authorities said, without confirming media reports that he was murdered along with police bodyguards.

Security forces were later seen patrolling the area — where several lifeless bodies lay on the ground — as a police helicopter flew overhead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-talking-to-saudi-about-rafale-fighter-sale-650482">France says talking to Saudi about Rafale fighter sale</a>

The second attack, in the neighbouring western state of Michoacan, left five people dead and two more injured, authorities said.

A group of gunmen attacked the brother of the mayor of the town of Tacambaro, according to the state prosecutor's office.

A restaurant worker and a member of the police force were among those killed, while the mayor's brother was wounded, it said.

In a video posted on social media, gunmen were seen opening fire before fleeing in several vehicles.

Mexico is plagued by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen more than 420,000 people murdered since the government deployed the military in its war on drugs in 2006.

Since then, the country's murder rate has tripled to 25 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-bob-menendez-pleads-not-guilty-to-new-charge-of-acting-as-an-agent-of-egypt-650478">US Senator Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to new charge of acting as an agent of Egypt</a>

Mexico has also registered more than 110,000 disappearances since 1962, most attributed to criminal organizations.

Guerrero and Michoacan are among the country's most violent areas, due to confrontations between rival drug traffickers and security forces.

Although it is home to the famed coastal resort of Acapulco, Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest states.

Violence — particularly targeting low-level officials — often escalates across the country in the run-up to elections. Presidential and parliamentary polls are set to be held next year.

Even so, experts said the latest wave of violence was particularly shocking.

"Guerrero has long seen one of Mexico's most complicated armed conflicts, but the current, pre-electoral levels of violence are extraordinary," Falko Ernst, an analyst at International Crisis Group, wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Since taking office in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has championed "hugs not bullets" strategy to tackle violent crime at its roots by fighting poverty and inequality with social programs, rather than with the army.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two armed attacks on Monday left at least 16 people dead, including around a dozen police officers, in regions of Mexico plagued by violence related to drug trafficking, authorities said.

Two armed attacks on Monday left at least 16 people dead, including around a dozen police officers, in regions of Mexico plagued by violence related to drug trafficking, authorities said. In the southern state of Guerrero, unidentified attackers targeted a security patrol in the municipality of Coyuca de Benitez, prosecutor Alejandro Hernandez said. According to preliminary information, 11 members of the municipal police force were killed, he said, adding that the motive for the massacre was being investigated. A senior state security official was travelling in the convoy when it was attacked, authorities said, without confirming media reports that he was murdered along with police bodyguards. Security forces were later seen patrolling the area — where several lifeless bodies lay on the ground — as a police helicopter flew overhead. Also read | France says talking to Saudi about Rafale fighter sale The second attack, in the neighbouring western state of Michoacan, left five people dead and two more injured, authorities said. A group of gunmen attacked the brother of the mayor of the town of Tacambaro, according to the state prosecutor's office. A restaurant worker and a member of the police force were among those killed, while the mayor's brother was wounded, it said. In a video posted on social media, gunmen were seen opening fire before fleeing in several vehicles. Mexico is plagued by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen more than 420,000 people murdered since the government deployed the military in its war on drugs in 2006. Since then, the country's murder rate has tripled to 25 per 100,000 inhabitants. Also read | US Senator Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to new charge of acting as an agent of Egypt Mexico has also registered more than 110,000 disappearances since 1962, most attributed to criminal organizations. Guerrero and Michoacan are among the country's most violent areas, due to confrontations between rival drug traffickers and security forces. Although it is home to the famed coastal resort of Acapulco, Guerrero is one of Mexico's poorest states. Violence — particularly targeting low-level officials — often escalates across the country in the run-up to elections. Presidential and parliamentary polls are set to be held next year. Even so, experts said the latest wave of violence was particularly shocking. "Guerrero has long seen one of Mexico's most complicated armed conflicts, but the current, pre-electoral levels of violence are extraordinary," Falko Ernst, an analyst at International Crisis Group, wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Since taking office in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has championed "hugs not bullets" strategy to tackle violent crime at its roots by fighting poverty and inequality with social programs, rather than with the army. (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.

Armed attacks in Mexico leave 16 dead, including dozen police

Israel recently announced that it has seized cryptocurrency accounts linked to the Hamas terror&nbsp;group.&nbsp;The confiscation of these accounts, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, has once again brought cryptocurrency's role in terror financing into the spotlight.&nbsp;

It has raised questions about how violent groups and designated terrorist organisations access money for their nefarious motives and actions, and how big a role crypto plays in it. Here's all you need to know about crypto's role in terror financing.

<h2>Cryptocurrency and illicit finance</h2>

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is the global body responsible for tackling issues like money laundering and terror financing, has warned that crypto assets "risk becoming a safe haven for the financial transactions of criminals and terrorists".

One reason for this is the relatively low number of regulations cryptocurrency has compared to traditional finance. While some regions are in the process of introducing new rules for regulation, at the moment, digital currency enjoys more autonomy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-did-hamas-plan-to-use-chemical-weapons-on-israelis-what-are-these-dirty-weapons-650525">Explained: Did Hamas plan to use chemical weapons on Israelis? What are these 'dirty' weapons?</a>

<h2>What makes cryptocurrency an attractive finance option for illicit activities?</h2>

To send and receive cryptocurrency, a user just needs a crypto wallet, which can easily be set up without the many checks and balances one has to undergo for a regular bank account.&nbsp;

Furthermore, addresses, as per Reuters, are pseudonyms which are labelled only by a string of letters and numbers. This means that people can send and receive cryptocurrency without having to disclose their identity.

What's more is that the process of sending and receiving digital money is instantaneous, even across borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-tax-observatory-says-impose-2-tax-on-super-rich-to-combat-tax-evasion-bring-parity-650460">Impose 2% tax on super-rich to combat tax evasion, bring parity: EU Tax Observatory</a>

<h2>Is cryptocurrency untraceable?</h2>

Yes, to some extent, cryptocurrency is untraceable. As per Reuters, blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum maintain a permanent record of transactions.

So, it is possible to see the funds that were sent or received from a wallet. It is also possible to access information about the other wallets it has interacted with.

According to Cloudwards, pseudonyms can hide a person's identity, but they are not foolproof. It says that a smart search of a cryptocurrency's blockchain can uncover the real-world identities of the people behind the wallets.

Talking to CNET, Feng Hou, Maryville University's digital transformation chief, who works on implementing blockchain tech explained: "While there are certain ways that cryptocurrency does provide a level of anonymity, be aware that nobody today can claim a 100 per cent anonymity at this point."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/will-wikipedia-become-diipedia-elon-musk-offers-1-billion-for-nsfw-name-change-650212">Will Wikipedia become 'Di**ipedia'? Elon Musk offers $1 billion for NSFW name change</a>

Crypto wallets have started asking customers for KYC (Know Your Customer) information, and they often record users' addresses etc.&nbsp;which can be tracked by the police.

However, crafty users can still use tools like crypto "mixers" or tumblers, which pool user cryptocurrencies and then send them to the recipient from that common pool. Some move funds to exchanges or other firms, which makes it difficult to distinguish between different funds.&nbsp;

<h2>Is cryptocurrency used for terror financing?</h2>

Yes, there have been multiple instances of crypto allegedly being used to finance terror activities.&nbsp;

Terror groups use many different methods to move money. This includes crypto, banks, shell companies, charities, informal financial networks and even plain hard cash.

However, as per experts, cryptocurrency is only a small part of terror financing.

As per a Bloomberg report from 2022, a couple of years ago, only about five per cent of terrorist attacks were believed to have cryptocurrency finance backing.&nbsp;However, as per a report citing a UN official, this number may have now increased to 20 per cent.

<h2>Illicit financing</h2>

Chainanalyis, an American blockchain analysis firm, says terror financing&nbsp;only accounts for a "small fraction of the less than one per cent of the entire crypto market occupied by illicit activity".

Other types of illicit finance activities include scams, ransomware, and theft.

In 2022, cryptocurrency-related crime hit a record $20.1 billion, which as per Chainanalysis is a lower-bound estimate. This, as per the analytic firm, excludes their use for other things like the payment of drugs, etc.

Another emerging cybercrime is cryptocurrency theft in online attacks. As per the United Nations, these are a significant source of funding for North Korea.

Cryptocurrency, as per John Moss, the head of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac), is also an easy-to-use fundraiser, especially when used in combination with social media.

According to Austrac, there have been reports of Australians sending digital money to organised terror groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and The Levant).

In August, a UN report noted that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has been using regional versions of cryptocurrency — like stablecoins. The 17th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security also stated that the group is also relying on virtual assets for international funds transfers.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Israel recently announced that it has seized cryptocurrency accounts linked to the Hamas terror group. The confiscation of these accounts, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, has once again brought cryptocurrency's role in terror financing into the spotlight.

Israel recently announced that it has seized cryptocurrency accounts linked to the Hamas terror group. The confiscation of these accounts, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, has once again brought cryptocurrency's role in terror financing into the spotlight. It has raised questions about how violent groups and designated terrorist organisations access money for their nefarious motives and actions, and how big a role crypto plays in it. Here's all you need to know about crypto's role in terror financing. Cryptocurrency and illicit finance The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is the global body responsible for tackling issues like money laundering and terror financing, has warned that crypto assets "risk becoming a safe haven for the financial transactions of criminals and terrorists". One reason for this is the relatively low number of regulations cryptocurrency has compared to traditional finance. While some regions are in the process of introducing new rules for regulation, at the moment, digital currency enjoys more autonomy. Also read | Explained: Did Hamas plan to use chemical weapons on Israelis? What are these 'dirty' weapons? What makes cryptocurrency an attractive finance option for illicit activities? To send and receive cryptocurrency, a user just needs a crypto wallet, which can easily be set up without the many checks and balances one has to undergo for a regular bank account. Furthermore, addresses, as per Reuters, are pseudonyms which are labelled only by a string of letters and numbers. This means that people can send and receive cryptocurrency without having to disclose their identity. What's more is that the process of sending and receiving digital money is instantaneous, even across borders. Also read | Impose 2% tax on super-rich to combat tax evasion, bring parity: EU Tax Observatory Is cryptocurrency untraceable? Yes, to some extent, cryptocurrency is untraceable. As per Reuters, blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum maintain a permanent record of transactions. So, it is possible to see the funds that were sent or received from a wallet. It is also possible to access information about the other wallets it has interacted with. According to Cloudwards, pseudonyms can hide a person's identity, but they are not foolproof. It says that a smart search of a cryptocurrency's blockchain can uncover the real-world identities of the people behind the wallets. Talking to CNET, Feng Hou, Maryville University's digital transformation chief, who works on implementing blockchain tech explained: "While there are certain ways that cryptocurrency does provide a level of anonymity, be aware that nobody today can claim a 100 per cent anonymity at this point." Also read | Will Wikipedia become 'Di**ipedia'? Elon Musk offers $1 billion for NSFW name change Crypto wallets have started asking customers for KYC (Know Your Customer) information, and they often record users' addresses etc. which can be tracked by the police. However, crafty users can still use tools like crypto "mixers" or tumblers, which pool user cryptocurrencies and then send them to the recipient from that common pool. Some move funds to exchanges or other firms, which makes it difficult to distinguish between different funds. Is cryptocurrency used for terror financing? Yes, there have been multiple instances of crypto allegedly being used to finance terror activities. Terror groups use many different methods to move money. This includes crypto, banks, shell companies, charities, informal financial networks and even plain hard cash. However, as per experts, cryptocurrency is only a small part of terror financing. As per a Bloomberg report from 2022, a couple of years ago, only about five per cent of terrorist attacks were believed to have cryptocurrency finance backing. However, as per a report citing a UN official, this number may have now increased to 20 per cent. Illicit financing Chainanalyis, an American blockchain analysis firm, says terror financing only accounts for a "small fraction of the less than one per cent of the entire crypto market occupied by illicit activity". Other types of illicit finance activities include scams, ransomware, and theft. In 2022, cryptocurrency-related crime hit a record $20.1 billion, which as per Chainanalysis is a lower-bound estimate. This, as per the analytic firm, excludes their use for other things like the payment of drugs, etc. Another emerging cybercrime is cryptocurrency theft in online attacks. As per the United Nations, these are a significant source of funding for North Korea. Cryptocurrency, as per John Moss, the head of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac), is also an easy-to-use fundraiser, especially when used in combination with social media. According to Austrac, there have been reports of Australians sending digital money to organised terror groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and The Levant). In August, a UN report noted that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has been using regional versions of cryptocurrency — like stablecoins. The 17th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security also stated that the group is also relying on virtual assets for international funds transfers. (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.

Explained | Cryptocurrency's role in terror financing comes into focus after Hamas attack on Israel

A massive police response was launched in Wisconsin, United States, amid reports of an active shooter situation at a middle school in the Germantown district on Monday (Oct&nbsp;23).

<h2>Shooter killed in crossfire</h2>

As per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the shooting incident happened on Monday evening. Soon after, around 6:36 pm, the suspected shooter was shot down by the police. According to a statement by the police, the suspect died at the scene.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-have-lost-control-no-amount-of-emission-cut-will-slow-down-melting-of-antarctica-ice-shelves-study-650530">Humans have 'lost control,' no amount of emission cut will slow down melting of Antarctica ice shelves: Study</a>

Citing an officer with the Germantown Police Department, the publication states that no injuries among the students have been reported.

<h2>How it unfolded</h2>

Police had initially responded to Kennedy Middle School after receiving a report of a man "acting erratically" in the school parking lot.

The man later managed to climb onto the roof of the school and was pursued by two officers on foot.&nbsp;

Officers, as per the report, returned fire after the suspect opened fire. In this crossfire, the suspect was shot and killed.

The incident triggered a large law enforcement response, and the school was put in lockdown by the Germantown School District.

In a statement released on Facebook, the Germantown School district informed parents that all the children were being transported by bus to nearby MacArthur Elementary. It advised parents to carry identification for pickup.

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An update posted later announced that Kennedy Middle School will stay closed on Tuesday (Oct&nbsp;24) and that the school continues to "work closely with the Germantown Police Department concerning the incident this evening at Kennedy Middle School."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iceland-pm-to-join-thousands-of-women-for-kvennafri-a-strike-for-gender-equality-650505">Iceland PM to join thousands of women for 'Kvennafrí', a strike for gender equality</a>

It added that "all students, families, and staff that were in the building are safe, accounted for, and have been reunited with their families and loved ones."

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As per reports, at the time of the incident, there were about 50 to 70 students in the school. Officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, as is the standard protocol.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A massive police response was launched in Wisconsin, United States, amid reports of an active shooter situation at a middle school in the Germantown district on Monday (Oct 23).

A massive police response was launched in Wisconsin, United States, amid reports of an active shooter situation at a middle school in the Germantown district on Monday (Oct 23). Shooter killed in crossfire As per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the shooting incident happened on Monday evening. Soon after, around 6:36 pm, the suspected shooter was shot down by the police. According to a statement by the police, the suspect died at the scene. Also read | Humans have 'lost control,' no amount of emission cut will slow down melting of Antarctica ice shelves: Study Citing an officer with the Germantown Police Department, the publication states that no injuries among the students have been reported. How it unfolded Police had initially responded to Kennedy Middle School after receiving a report of a man "acting erratically" in the school parking lot. The man later managed to climb onto the roof of the school and was pursued by two officers on foot. Officers, as per the report, returned fire after the suspect opened fire. In this crossfire, the suspect was shot and killed. The incident triggered a large law enforcement response, and the school was put in lockdown by the Germantown School District. In a statement released on Facebook, the Germantown School district informed parents that all the children were being transported by bus to nearby MacArthur Elementary. It advised parents to carry identification for pickup. × An update posted later announced that Kennedy Middle School will stay closed on Tuesday (Oct 24) and that the school continues to "work closely with the Germantown Police Department concerning the incident this evening at Kennedy Middle School." Also read | Iceland PM to join thousands of women for 'Kvennafrí', a strike for gender equality It added that "all students, families, and staff that were in the building are safe, accounted for, and have been reunited with their families and loved ones." × As per reports, at the time of the incident, there were about 50 to 70 students in the school. Officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, as is the standard protocol. (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: Shooting incident at Germantown school; suspect shot down by police

22% of the UK's population, or 14.5 million people, were expected to be living in poverty in 2023. There were 4.3 million youngsters among them.

UK: Over 1 MN children experience dire poverty

The 'London living wage' will climb to £13.15 an hour, which will result in a 10% salary increase for almost 130,000 Londoners. The Living pay Foundation, a nonprofit organization, developed the special pay. It is determined by independent calculations of what a someone must earn to cover their basic expenses.

UK: 130,000 Londoners to get 10% pay rise as London Living Wage increases

Cyclonic Storm 'Hamoon,' as per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) latest update, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal.

<h2>An intense storm</h2>

As per IMD, Cyclone Hamoon over the Northwest and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal moved north-eastwards with a speed of 18 kilometres per hour during the past six hours.

Following its six-hour movement, the cyclonic storm intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-remain-very-poor-with-aqi-at-306-stubble-burning-a-major-concern-650198">Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 306; stubble burning a major concern</a>

At this point, around 2:30 am (local time), the cyclonic storm lay centred over the northwest Bay of Bengal, near latitude 19.3°N and longitude 88.4°E — about 210 kilometres east-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 270 kilometres south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) and 350 kilometre south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), reports news agency ANI.

<h2>IMD predictions</h2>

As per the Indian Meteorological Department, Cyclonic storm Hamoon is very likely to move nearly north-northeast wards and should cross the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon on October 25 as a Deep Depression.

<h2>Alert issued</h2>

In Odisha, on Monday, the Municipal Administration put all Urban Local Bodies (ULB) on alert in view of the formation of cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-remain-very-poor-with-aqi-at-306-stubble-burning-a-major-concern-650198">Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 306; stubble burning a major concern</a>

Sangramjit Nayak, the Director of Municipal Administration in an official statement, issued a directive to all ULB Chiefs. He warned them about the impending danger that looms over the areas due to the formation of cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal and said that the cyclone will culminate in huge rainfall, wind, and inclement weather.&nbsp;

The Odisha government also instructed officials of different departments to be prepared for anything and asked them to evacuate people from sea shores and low-lying areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Cyclonic Storm 'Hamoon,' as per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) latest update, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal.

Cyclonic Storm 'Hamoon,' as per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) latest update, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal. An intense storm As per IMD, Cyclone Hamoon over the Northwest and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal moved north-eastwards with a speed of 18 kilometres per hour during the past six hours. Following its six-hour movement, the cyclonic storm intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Also read | Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 306; stubble burning a major concern At this point, around 2:30 am (local time), the cyclonic storm lay centred over the northwest Bay of Bengal, near latitude 19.3°N and longitude 88.4°E — about 210 kilometres east-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 270 kilometres south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) and 350 kilometre south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), reports news agency ANI. IMD predictions As per the Indian Meteorological Department, Cyclonic storm Hamoon is very likely to move nearly north-northeast wards and should cross the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon on October 25 as a Deep Depression. Alert issued In Odisha, on Monday, the Municipal Administration put all Urban Local Bodies (ULB) on alert in view of the formation of cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal. Also read | Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI at 306; stubble burning a major concern Sangramjit Nayak, the Director of Municipal Administration in an official statement, issued a directive to all ULB Chiefs. He warned them about the impending danger that looms over the areas due to the formation of cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal and said that the cyclone will culminate in huge rainfall, wind, and inclement weather. The Odisha government also instructed officials of different departments to be prepared for anything and asked them to evacuate people from sea shores and low-lying areas. (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.

Cyclone Hamoon intensifies into severe cyclonic storm over NW Bay of Bengal; wind speeds of 18km/hour

China's largest supplier of Apple iPhones, Foxconn, is under intense scrutiny. The Chinese natural resources department has initiated on-site investigations into the land use of Foxconn enterprises, specifically in Henan and Hubei provinces.

China launches tax audits and land use investigations on Foxconn

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