Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP) was introduced in 2012 with the aim of attracting wealthy business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to boost the economy by bringing in capital and driving innovation. However, a government review conducted in March revealed that BIIP migrants contributed less to the economy compared to the average Australian. This was due to the cohort's older age and lower incomes from passive investments.

The government has put its "Golden Visa" programme on the back burner. With this, processing times have come to blow out, leaving wealthy Chinese migrants in limbo.

<h2>How long have these wealthy Chinese been waiting</h2>

Paul Wang has been waiting for 21 months. He left Beijing in 2018, to start a new life in Australia. As per Reuters, he even invested A$1 million ($680,000) in a food processing business in hopes of qualifying for a permanent Australian residency under the investment visa scheme.

Five years on, Wang and his family are stuck in limbo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-witness-6500-high-net-worth-individuals-leave-the-country-in-2023-report-604078" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-witness-6500-high-net-worth-individuals-leave-the-country-in-2023-report-604078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio-dSb6cb_AhWFVmwGHSlECGEQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2n0_IoBP0WAe48ckiVapNt" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-witness-6500-high-net-worth-individuals-leave-the-country-in-2023-report-604078" target="_blank">Over 6,500 high net worth individuals to leave India in 2023: Report&nbsp;</a>

<h2>What changed?</h2>

While it was hoped that the BIIP programme will boost the economy, the March government review revealed that BIIP holders were estimated to contribute A$600,000 over their lifetime, which is less than half of the $1.6 million contributed by Australians.

Since taking office 13 months ago, Australia's Labor government has shifted its focus to addressing shortages of critical skilled workers, leading to longer processing times for most BIIP permanent visas. Previously, the average processing time was around 12 months, but it has now increased to nearly three years, in addition to the four to five-year investment cycle.&nbsp;

"We were not expecting it would take this long," said Wang as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

"And our life is a mess because of that. We simply cannot plan ahead with all of the uncertainty."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977">A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions</a>

<h2>Visa delays</h2>

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all categories of Australian visas experienced backlogs.

While the government has reduced overall processing times as the pandemic situation improved, the wait for over 3,000 BIIP holders and their families, many of whom are Chinese, has only grown longer.

In an email statement to Reuters, the Department of Home Affairs addressed visa delays and stated that visas would be processed according to priority and planning levels but did not comment on the complaints from BIIP holders.&nbsp;

The department reportedly also mentioned that a new migration strategy would be released later this year, which would include "radically reshaping" the BIIP programme.

<h2>Future of Australia’s BIIP Programme</h2>

The delays have raised concerns that the government may eliminate the BIIP programme.

Similar investment visa programmes have already been discontinued in Canada, Britain, and Singapore, as governments concluded that they did not create jobs and could potentially be used for speculative purposes.

The government plans to reduce the number of BIIP visas from 5,000 in the previous financial year to 1,900 this year, which is less than 20 per cent of previous years' levels.

Tony Le Nevez, managing director at residence and citizenship planners Henley &amp; Partners Australia, believes that the investor programme is not currently a priority for the government and may be overhauled in the future.&nbsp;

"I just don't think the investor programme is on their radar at the moment - they might overhaul it down the track. In the meantime, I think they might just keep a small window open."

Wang acknowledged that many people may not sympathise with their situation, but stressed that he believes that the small group of BIIP holders is not being treated fairly.

"I know a lot of people won't sympathise with us - we're a small group of people...But we're not being treated fairly."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP) was introduced in 2012 with the aim of attracting wealthy business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to boost the economy by bringing in capital and driving innovation.

Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP) was introduced in 2012 with the aim of attracting wealthy business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to boost the economy by bringing in capital and driving innovation. However, a government review conducted in March revealed that BIIP migrants contributed less to the economy compared to the average Australian. This was due to the cohort's older age and lower incomes from passive investments. The government has put its "Golden Visa" programme on the back burner. With this, processing times have come to blow out, leaving wealthy Chinese migrants in limbo. How long have these wealthy Chinese been waiting Paul Wang has been waiting for 21 months. He left Beijing in 2018, to start a new life in Australia. As per Reuters, he even invested A$1 million ($680,000) in a food processing business in hopes of qualifying for a permanent Australian residency under the investment visa scheme. Five years on, Wang and his family are stuck in limbo. Also read | Over 6,500 high net worth individuals to leave India in 2023: Report What changed? While it was hoped that the BIIP programme will boost the economy, the March government review revealed that BIIP holders were estimated to contribute A$600,000 over their lifetime, which is less than half of the $1.6 million contributed by Australians. Since taking office 13 months ago, Australia's Labor government has shifted its focus to addressing shortages of critical skilled workers, leading to longer processing times for most BIIP permanent visas. Previously, the average processing time was around 12 months, but it has now increased to nearly three years, in addition to the four to five-year investment cycle. "We were not expecting it would take this long," said Wang as reported by Reuters. "And our life is a mess because of that. We simply cannot plan ahead with all of the uncertainty." Also read | A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions Visa delays During the COVID-19 pandemic, all categories of Australian visas experienced backlogs. While the government has reduced overall processing times as the pandemic situation improved, the wait for over 3,000 BIIP holders and their families, many of whom are Chinese, has only grown longer. In an email statement to Reuters, the Department of Home Affairs addressed visa delays and stated that visas would be processed according to priority and planning levels but did not comment on the complaints from BIIP holders. The department reportedly also mentioned that a new migration strategy would be released later this year, which would include "radically reshaping" the BIIP programme. Future of Australia’s BIIP Programme The delays have raised concerns that the government may eliminate the BIIP programme. Similar investment visa programmes have already been discontinued in Canada, Britain, and Singapore, as governments concluded that they did not create jobs and could potentially be used for speculative purposes. The government plans to reduce the number of BIIP visas from 5,000 in the previous financial year to 1,900 this year, which is less than 20 per cent of previous years' levels. Tony Le Nevez, managing director at residence and citizenship planners Henley & Partners Australia, believes that the investor programme is not currently a priority for the government and may be overhauled in the future. "I just don't think the investor programme is on their radar at the moment - they might overhaul it down the track. In the meantime, I think they might just keep a small window open." Wang acknowledged that many people may not sympathise with their situation, but stressed that he believes that the small group of BIIP holders is not being treated fairly. "I know a lot of people won't sympathise with us - we're a small group of people...But we're not being treated fairly." (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.

Wealthy Chinese stuck in limbo as Australia rethinks its 'Golden Visa' scheme

Horse-drawn carriages appear to be creating a sanitary situation that an activist group would like to solve with diapers.

A sanitary situation activists are solving with diapers

As South Africa's waste management industry evolves. Businesses in the country have started recycling their food waste. The primary aim is to reduce the amount of food waste dumped in landfills and further cut methane emissions. According to a study, South Africa is generating about 10 million tonnes of food waste. This is particularly harmful because when food waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane gas which is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane gas has a global warming potential greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.

South Africa businesses recycle food waste to reduce methane emissions

China has a long history of snooping on others; its intelligence agencies have been accused of employing a variety of techniques to collect critical information; they spy on corporations, other governments, and even their own citizens, and now China's objectives are being questioned once more. Chinese spies have allegedly breached hundreds of public and private networks this time, according to a USB cyber security company.

Mandiant: Chinese hackers attack several government agencies

The year is 2023, on social media and in most narratives, we have gender disparity, that men and women are equals. However, as per a UN report released on Monday, progress in gender equality has remained stagnant for the past decade.

What's more, a disturbingly huge chunk of the world population — one in four people or 25 per cent of people — think it is justified for a man to beat his wife.

<h2>Some other findings of the United Nations report</h2>

The latest Gender Social Norms Index released by the United Nations has uncovered some startling findings. The&nbsp;index, which relies on data obtained from the World Values Survey (WVS), an international research programme,&nbsp;evaluated data from countries and territories that account for roughly 85 per cent of the world's population.

Data&nbsp;collected between 2010-2014 and 2017-2022 revealed that&nbsp;"biased gender social norms are still prevalent" among both men and women. Almost 90 per cent of people have at least one gender bias.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/44-year-old-british-woman-sentenced-to-14-months-in-prison-for-late-lockdown-abortion-603866">44-year-old British woman sentenced to 14 months in prison for late lockdown abortion</a>

As per the report, 69 per cent of the world population still believes that compared to women, men make better political leaders. Only 29 per cent believe that it is essential for men and women to have the same rights in a democracy.

A whopping 46 per cent of the people believe that "men should have more rights to a job than women". Around 43 per cent think that men make better business executives than women do.

If we talk about education, 28 per cent of the people said that a university education is more important for men.&nbsp;

Twenty-five per cent of the world population thinks men can beat their wives. 58 per cent deny women their physical integrity and say that they cannot opt for abortion&nbsp;in any case&nbsp;and that it is never "justifiable".

<h2>Is it just the men that contain these biases?</h2>

AFP reports that, as per the UN, these prejudices "are widespread among men and women, suggesting that these biases are deeply embedded and influence both men and women to similar degrees".

<h2>What do these biases do?</h2>

These biases or prejudices create "hurdles" for women. These then go on to dismantle "women's rights in many parts of the world with movements against gender equality gaining traction and, in some countries, a surge of human rights violations".

But it is&nbsp;just women who lose out? The report poses several questions.

"What are we missing out on as societies because we have so few women leaders? Would the world look different if we had gender parity in leadership? Could equal participation of women in key decision-making&nbsp;areas better equip us to deal with challenges such as pandemics, climate change and conflict? What do we stand to lose if we continue to exclude women in decision-making?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-study-finds-implicit-racial-bias-highest-among-white-people-595611">Harvard study finds implicit racial bias highest among white people</a>

As per Pedro Conceicao, director of the UNDP's Human Development Report Office, "Social norms that impair women's rights are also detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development."

"Everyone stands to gain from ensuring freedom and agency for women," said Conceicao, as reported by news agency AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The year is 2023, on social media and in most narratives, we have gender disparity, that men and women are equals. However, as per a UN report released on Monday, progress in gender equality has remained stagnant for the past decade.

The year is 2023, on social media and in most narratives, we have gender disparity, that men and women are equals. However, as per a UN report released on Monday, progress in gender equality has remained stagnant for the past decade. What's more, a disturbingly huge chunk of the world population — one in four people or 25 per cent of people — think it is justified for a man to beat his wife. Some other findings of the United Nations report The latest Gender Social Norms Index released by the United Nations has uncovered some startling findings. The index, which relies on data obtained from the World Values Survey (WVS), an international research programme, evaluated data from countries and territories that account for roughly 85 per cent of the world's population. Data collected between 2010-2014 and 2017-2022 revealed that "biased gender social norms are still prevalent" among both men and women. Almost 90 per cent of people have at least one gender bias. Also read | 44-year-old British woman sentenced to 14 months in prison for late lockdown abortion As per the report, 69 per cent of the world population still believes that compared to women, men make better political leaders. Only 29 per cent believe that it is essential for men and women to have the same rights in a democracy. A whopping 46 per cent of the people believe that "men should have more rights to a job than women". Around 43 per cent think that men make better business executives than women do. If we talk about education, 28 per cent of the people said that a university education is more important for men. Twenty-five per cent of the world population thinks men can beat their wives. 58 per cent deny women their physical integrity and say that they cannot opt for abortion in any case and that it is never "justifiable". Is it just the men that contain these biases? AFP reports that, as per the UN, these prejudices "are widespread among men and women, suggesting that these biases are deeply embedded and influence both men and women to similar degrees". What do these biases do? These biases or prejudices create "hurdles" for women. These then go on to dismantle "women's rights in many parts of the world with movements against gender equality gaining traction and, in some countries, a surge of human rights violations". But it is just women who lose out? The report poses several questions. "What are we missing out on as societies because we have so few women leaders? Would the world look different if we had gender parity in leadership? Could equal participation of women in key decision-making areas better equip us to deal with challenges such as pandemics, climate change and conflict? What do we stand to lose if we continue to exclude women in decision-making?" Also read | Harvard study finds implicit racial bias highest among white people As per Pedro Conceicao, director of the UNDP's Human Development Report Office, "Social norms that impair women's rights are also detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development." "Everyone stands to gain from ensuring freedom and agency for women," said Conceicao, as reported by news agency AFP. (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.

UN survey makes shocking revelation: 25% people think husband beating wife is justified

Asia Cup 2023: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently announced the dates for Asia Cup 2023. The organisation further announced the hybrid model for the cricket tournament. This means that the continental championship will be held in two countries - Pakistan and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Asia Cup 2023 will begin on August 31 and will have its final on September 17. Six countries will be participating in the tournament including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Jagran reported.&nbsp;

The press release by ACC stated, "We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from August 31 to September 17, and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches. The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka."

India has accepted playing the game in a hybrid model. The news was shared in a tweet. It read, "ACC President Jay Shah accepted the Hybrid Model proposed by PCB for the Asia Cup 2023. Matches of India and Super Fours are likely to be played in Sri Lanka &amp; the rest of the group stage matches including 'Nepal vs Pakistan' will be played in Pakistan."

There will be 13 ODI matches, Pakistan will host four games and Sri Lanka will host the remaining nine.&nbsp;

<h3>What is Hybrid Model in Cricket?</h3>

This is a relatively new rule set in cricket and has been discussed in the past year due to the Asia Cup 2023 controversy between India and Pakistan. The controversy was that India refused to travel to Pakistan, which will be hosting the Asia Cup over diplomatic and security issues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed this hybrid model in which the games involving India will be played outside Pakistan.

Both countries refused the hybrid model initially but after consideration, Sri Lanka agreed to host India's Asia Cup games. The UAE was also spotted as a possible venue for India's matches, but India wasn't too keen on it.

Now Pakistan retains the hosting rights for Asia Cup, while India will be playing games in Sri Lanka, a neutral venue for both countries. The final will also be played in Sri Lanka. Lahore has been chosen as the venue for the Pakistan leg of the championship.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Asia Cup 2023: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently announced the dates for Asia Cup 2023. The organisation further announced the hybrid model for the cricket tournament.

Asia Cup 2023: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently announced the dates for Asia Cup 2023. The organisation further announced the hybrid model for the cricket tournament. This means that the continental championship will be held in two countries - Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Asia Cup 2023 will begin on August 31 and will have its final on September 17. Six countries will be participating in the tournament including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Jagran reported. The press release by ACC stated, "We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from August 31 to September 17, and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches. The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka." India has accepted playing the game in a hybrid model. The news was shared in a tweet. It read, "ACC President Jay Shah accepted the Hybrid Model proposed by PCB for the Asia Cup 2023. Matches of India and Super Fours are likely to be played in Sri Lanka & the rest of the group stage matches including 'Nepal vs Pakistan' will be played in Pakistan." There will be 13 ODI matches, Pakistan will host four games and Sri Lanka will host the remaining nine. What is Hybrid Model in Cricket? This is a relatively new rule set in cricket and has been discussed in the past year due to the Asia Cup 2023 controversy between India and Pakistan. The controversy was that India refused to travel to Pakistan, which will be hosting the Asia Cup over diplomatic and security issues. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed this hybrid model in which the games involving India will be played outside Pakistan. Both countries refused the hybrid model initially but after consideration, Sri Lanka agreed to host India's Asia Cup games. The UAE was also spotted as a possible venue for India's matches, but India wasn't too keen on it. Now Pakistan retains the hosting rights for Asia Cup, while India will be playing games in Sri Lanka, a neutral venue for both countries. The final will also be played in Sri Lanka. Lahore has been chosen as the venue for the Pakistan leg of the championship. (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.

Asia Cup 2023 to be held in HYBRID MODEL in Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Here's everything you need to know

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Manilla, Philippines this morning. The&nbsp;earthquake was felt at 10:19 am local time (2:19 am GMT).&nbsp;The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned that damage and aftershocks are expected. In other news, Elon Musk's popular social media platform Twitter has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit. 17 music publishers, including&nbsp;Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, have accused Twitter of completely refusing to license the millions of songs available on its service. Meanwhile, with a 0.1 per cent dip in GDP, New Zealand has slipped into recession. Finally, Microsoft's co-founder is in China. During his visit, he is expected to meet&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-hit-by-major-earthquake-tremors-felt-in-manila-and-nearby-provinces-604589">Philippines hit by major earthquake, tremors felt in Manila and nearby provinces</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/15/359596-untitled-design-2023-06-15t084128871.png?imwidth=1920" />

Philippines was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 on Thursday,&nbsp;the German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter is reported to be at Mindoro island about 160 km south of the capital Manila.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/music-publishers-sue-musks-twitter-for-copyright-infringement-and-fueling-its-business-with-stolen-content-604602">Music publishers sue Musk's Twitter for copyright infringement, and 'fueling its business' with stolen content</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/15/359605-new-wion-22.png?imwidth=1920" />A group of music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Twitter. The case filed in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, accuses the social media giant of fueling its business with numerous copyright music infringements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slips-into-recession-as-gdp-fell-01-per-cent-in-the-march-quarter-604574">New Zealand slips into recession as GDP falls 0.1 per cent in March quarter</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/15/359585-960x0-2.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

New Zealand’s economy slipped into recession on Thursday with first quarter Gross Domestic Product falling 0.1 per cent. This follows a revised 0.7 per cent drop in GDP in the fourth quarter of 2022, technically pushing the country into recession following two consecutive quarters of contraction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-to-meet-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-friday-604572">Bill Gates to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/15/359584-1200x800.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday arrived in China first time since 2019 and is expected to have a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting could take place on Friday, and the agenda of the meeting is still unknown.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Great Wall of Doubt: China's Real Estate sector on shaky ground

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A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Manilla, Philippines this morning. The earthquake was felt at 10:19 am local time (2:19 am GMT). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned that damage and aftershocks are expected.

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Manilla, Philippines this morning. The earthquake was felt at 10:19 am local time (2:19 am GMT). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned that damage and aftershocks are expected. In other news, Elon Musk's popular social media platform Twitter has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit. 17 music publishers, including Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, have accused Twitter of completely refusing to license the millions of songs available on its service. Meanwhile, with a 0.1 per cent dip in GDP, New Zealand has slipped into recession. Finally, Microsoft's co-founder is in China. During his visit, he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Click on the headlines to read more Philippines hit by major earthquake, tremors felt in Manila and nearby provinces Philippines was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter is reported to be at Mindoro island about 160 km south of the capital Manila. Music publishers sue Musk's Twitter for copyright infringement, and 'fueling its business' with stolen content A group of music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Twitter. The case filed in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, accuses the social media giant of fueling its business with numerous copyright music infringements. New Zealand slips into recession as GDP falls 0.1 per cent in March quarter New Zealand’s economy slipped into recession on Thursday with first quarter Gross Domestic Product falling 0.1 per cent. This follows a revised 0.7 per cent drop in GDP in the fourth quarter of 2022, technically pushing the country into recession following two consecutive quarters of contraction. Bill Gates to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday arrived in China first time since 2019 and is expected to have a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting could take place on Friday, and the agenda of the meeting is still unknown. Watch | Great Wall of Doubt: China's Real Estate sector on shaky ground

Morning news brief: New Zealand in recession, Twitter hit with copyright lawsuit, and more

A group of music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Twitter. The case filed in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, accuses the social media giant of fueling its business with numerous copyright music infringements.

<h2>The lawsuit against Twitter</h2>

Seventeen publishers, including Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, have accused Twitter of facilitating numerous copyright violations by allowing users to post music without obtaining the necessary licenses.

As per an AFP report quoting&nbsp;National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) CEO David Israelite, Twitter is the only major social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs available on its service. He claims that Twitter is well aware that music is leaked, released, and streamed by billions of people daily on its platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-requests-musk-to-set-up-tesla-factory-in-country-weeks-after-threatening-twitter-with-ban-604542">France requests Musk to set up Tesla factory in country weeks after threatening Twitter with ban</a>

"Twitter stands alone as the largest social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs on its service," said Israelite in reply to AFP.

"Twitter knows full-well that music is leaked, launched, and streamed by billions of people every day on its platform."

<h2>What do the complainants want?</h2>

As per a Reuters report, the publishers are seeking more than $250 million in damages for the alleged infringement of almost 1,700 copyrights.

The lawsuit claims that Twitter's handling of copyright complaints has not improved since Elon Musk's acquisition of the company in late 2022 for $44 billion.&nbsp;

It further argues that Twitter's internal affairs related to this issue are in "disarray".

"On the contrary, Twitter's internal affairs regarding matters pertinent to this case are in disarray," argues the lawsuit.

<h2>Music infringement and other platforms</h2>

In contrast to Twitter, other major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube properly license music from the publishers.&nbsp;

The publishers argue that Twitter actively encourages user infringement, which in turn boosts engagement and advertising revenues for the platform, giving it an unfair advantage over competitors who pay for music licenses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-want-new-law-to-guard-tiktok-user-data-604492">US: Lawmakers want new law to guard TikTok user data</a>

"Twitter refuses to stop the rampant infringement of copyrighted music... because it knows that the Twitter platform is more popular and profitable if Twitter allows such infringement."

Allowing unlicensed music to be used in Twitter posts gives the platform an edge over competitors such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube that pay fees to music publishers, speculates the lawsuit.

"Twitter fuels its business with countless infringing copies of musical compositions," alleges the suit.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A group of music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Twitter. The case filed in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, accuses the social media giant of fueling its business with numerous copyright music infringements.

A group of music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's Twitter. The case filed in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, accuses the social media giant of fueling its business with numerous copyright music infringements. The lawsuit against Twitter Seventeen publishers, including Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, have accused Twitter of facilitating numerous copyright violations by allowing users to post music without obtaining the necessary licenses. As per an AFP report quoting National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) CEO David Israelite, Twitter is the only major social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs available on its service. He claims that Twitter is well aware that music is leaked, released, and streamed by billions of people daily on its platform. Also read | France requests Musk to set up Tesla factory in country weeks after threatening Twitter with ban "Twitter stands alone as the largest social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs on its service," said Israelite in reply to AFP. "Twitter knows full-well that music is leaked, launched, and streamed by billions of people every day on its platform." What do the complainants want? As per a Reuters report, the publishers are seeking more than $250 million in damages for the alleged infringement of almost 1,700 copyrights. The lawsuit claims that Twitter's handling of copyright complaints has not improved since Elon Musk's acquisition of the company in late 2022 for $44 billion. It further argues that Twitter's internal affairs related to this issue are in "disarray". "On the contrary, Twitter's internal affairs regarding matters pertinent to this case are in disarray," argues the lawsuit. Music infringement and other platforms In contrast to Twitter, other major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube properly license music from the publishers. The publishers argue that Twitter actively encourages user infringement, which in turn boosts engagement and advertising revenues for the platform, giving it an unfair advantage over competitors who pay for music licenses. Also read | US: Lawmakers want new law to guard TikTok user data "Twitter refuses to stop the rampant infringement of copyrighted music... because it knows that the Twitter platform is more popular and profitable if Twitter allows such infringement." Allowing unlicensed music to be used in Twitter posts gives the platform an edge over competitors such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube that pay fees to music publishers, speculates the lawsuit. "Twitter fuels its business with countless infringing copies of musical compositions," alleges the suit. (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.

Music publishers sue Musk's Twitter for copyright infringement, and 'fueling its business' with stolen content

Roger Payne, the scientist who discovered a worldwide environmental conservation movement with his discovery that whales could sing, passed away at the age of 88 on a weekend. Payne passed away due to pelvic cancer.&nbsp;

He was living in South Woodstock, Vermont, with his wife Lisa Harrow. The funeral arrangements have not been made yet.&nbsp;

After his demise, the chief executive officer, Lian Kerr of his organisation Ocean Alliance said that the world has lost a giant of environmental conservation with Payne's death, CBS News reported.&nbsp;

"He had a presence and a way of connecting to people that led them to dedicate their lives to protecting whales and our planet Earth," Kerr said.

<h3>Here's everything you need to know about the American biologist and environmentalist:</h3>

<h3>Roger Payne's Early Life:</h3>

Roger Payne was born on 29 January 1935 in New York City's Manhattan. He received BA degrees at Harvard University and his PhD at Cornell University.&nbsp;

Payne married actress Lisa Harrow and the couple share&nbsp;four kids.&nbsp;

<h3>Roger Payne's Career:</h3>

Payne made history in the world of science in 1967 during his research in Bermuda in which a Navy engineer provided him with some recordings of curious underwater sounds documented while listening for Russian submarines.&nbsp;

In 1970 he released "Songs of the Humpback Whale," which was a surprise hit and it galvanised a global movement to end the commercial practice of whale hunting and save the whales from extinction.&nbsp;

During a magazine interview, Payne said, "In spite of the racket, what I heard blew my mind. It seemed obvious that here, finally, was a chance to get the world interested in preventing the extinction of whales."

He described the song as an "exuberant, uninterrupted river of sound" with long repeated "themes." He added that each song lasted up to 30 minutes and was sung by an entire group of male humpbacks at once.

In 1975, a second LP was released and in 1987 Payne collaborated with musician Paul Winter putting whalesong to human music.&nbsp;

Four-year later, Frank Watlington released whale recordings with Roger's commentary on a Flexi disc sound sheet inside the National Geographic magazine. It has 10.5 million copies and became the largest single press run of any record at that time.&nbsp;

In 1971, he founded Ocean Alliance, a 501 (c)3 organisation working with whale and ocean conservation. The organisation is based in &nbsp;Gloucester, Massachusetts. Payne retired two years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Roger Payne, the scientist who discovered a worldwide environmental conservation movement with his discovery that whales could sing, passed away at the age of 88 on a weekend.

Roger Payne, the scientist who discovered a worldwide environmental conservation movement with his discovery that whales could sing, passed away at the age of 88 on a weekend. Payne passed away due to pelvic cancer. He was living in South Woodstock, Vermont, with his wife Lisa Harrow. The funeral arrangements have not been made yet. After his demise, the chief executive officer, Lian Kerr of his organisation Ocean Alliance said that the world has lost a giant of environmental conservation with Payne's death, CBS News reported. "He had a presence and a way of connecting to people that led them to dedicate their lives to protecting whales and our planet Earth," Kerr said. Here's everything you need to know about the American biologist and environmentalist: Roger Payne's Early Life: Roger Payne was born on 29 January 1935 in New York City's Manhattan. He received BA degrees at Harvard University and his PhD at Cornell University. Payne married actress Lisa Harrow and the couple share four kids. Roger Payne's Career: Payne made history in the world of science in 1967 during his research in Bermuda in which a Navy engineer provided him with some recordings of curious underwater sounds documented while listening for Russian submarines. In 1970 he released "Songs of the Humpback Whale," which was a surprise hit and it galvanised a global movement to end the commercial practice of whale hunting and save the whales from extinction. During a magazine interview, Payne said, "In spite of the racket, what I heard blew my mind. It seemed obvious that here, finally, was a chance to get the world interested in preventing the extinction of whales." He described the song as an "exuberant, uninterrupted river of sound" with long repeated "themes." He added that each song lasted up to 30 minutes and was sung by an entire group of male humpbacks at once. In 1975, a second LP was released and in 1987 Payne collaborated with musician Paul Winter putting whalesong to human music. Four-year later, Frank Watlington released whale recordings with Roger's commentary on a Flexi disc sound sheet inside the National Geographic magazine. It has 10.5 million copies and became the largest single press run of any record at that time. In 1971, he founded Ocean Alliance, a 501 (c)3 organisation working with whale and ocean conservation. The organisation is based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Payne retired two years ago. (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.

Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88

Results from a recent survey on same-sex contradict the claims made by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 53 per cent of adult Indians are in favour of legalising same-sex marriage. The results for India challenge the claim made by the Bar Council of India (BCI) that "more than 99.9 per cent of people in the country are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage".

<h2>India supports same-sex marriage</h2>

Of the 53 per cent in support of same-sex marriage, 28 per cent expressed strong support, while 25 per cent showed moderate support for the idea.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/he-said-she-said-outlandish-arguments-groundbreaking-statements-from-indias-same-sex-marriage-hearing-586946">'He said, she said': Outlandish arguments, groundbreaking statements from India's same-sex marriage hearing</a>

On the other hand, 43 per cent of Indian adults said they 'totally oppose' same-sex marriages, with 31&nbsp;per cent strongly opposing and 12 per cent moderately opposing such unions.

<h2>The Pew Research Center survey&nbsp;</h2>

Pew Research Center's latest survey was conducted in 24 countries across the world. The survey conducted between February 20 and May 22 evaluated how people across the globe viewed same-sex marriage.

It came up with results that&nbsp;can be seen as encouraging for same-sex couples and their advocates in India.

<h2>India and same-sex marriages</h2>

Currently, the issue of the legalisation of same-sex marriages is being deliberated in the Indian Supreme Court; a five-judge bench is hearing the case.&nbsp;However, the Union government has voiced opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriages, citing cultural and traditional norms.&nbsp;

While homosexuality is legal in India, marriage between two individuals of the same sex is still considered illegal.

As per the Wire, the survey results for India challenge the claim made by the Bar Council of India (BCI) that "more than 99.9 per cent of people in the country are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-rights-activist-says-same-sex-marriage-denies-kids-one-parents-love-585347">Indian child rights activist claims same-sex marriage denies kids one parent's love</a>

Reportedly, the BCI had based its claim on its own survey but had not released any detailed methodology, sample size, or other data points.&nbsp;

The BCI even passed a resolution opposing the legalisation of same-sex marriage and called on the Supreme Court to refrain from adjudicating on the issue, stating that it should be left to the legislative process.

<h2>Global opinion on same-sex marriage</h2>

Globally, the survey revealed that support for legalising same-sex marriage is highest in Sweden, with 92 per cent of adults in favour, and lowest in Nigeria, with only two&nbsp;per cent supporting it.&nbsp;

The survey also examined attitudes across various demographic factors such as age, gender, political ideology, and religious beliefs.

In Western Europe, a strong majority of adults in countries such as Sweden (92 per cent), the Netherlands (89 per cent), Spain (87 per cent), France (82 per cent), and Germany (80 per cent) support same-sex marriage. These countries have already legalised such unions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="A map and bar chart that shows same-sex marriage attitudes and legality across 24 countries." src="https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SR_2023.06.14_LGBTQ.global_2.png?w=640" />

Acceptance of same-sex marriage around the world. Image courtesy: Pew Research Centre.

However, in Poland, only 41 per cent of adults support same-sex marriages, while in Hungary, the figure is even lower at 31 per cent. Same-sex marriages are not legal in these countries, and LGBTQ+ rights activists often face state repression.

In North America, 79 per cent of Canadians support same-sex marriage, while the figures stand at 63 per cent in both the United States and Mexico. All three countries have legalised same-sex marriage. In South America, 67 per cent of Argentinians and 52 per cent of Brazilians are in favour. These countries have also legalised same-sex marriage.

In the Asia-Pacific region, approximately three-quarters of adults in Australia (75 per cent) and Japan (74 per cent) support legalising same-sex marriage. While Australia has already legalised it, Japan has yet to do so.&nbsp;

South Korea is currently debating the issue, and 40 per cent of South Koreans support legalising same-sex marriage, while 59 per cent oppose it. Indonesians showed strong opposition, with only five&nbsp;per cent supporting same-sex marriage.

The survey also found that in 12 countries, adults under 40 are more likely than older individuals to support same-sex marriage. Similarly, women in 14 countries expressed more support for legalising same-sex marriage compared to men. In 17 of the surveyed countries, individuals with higher levels of formal education were more likely to support allowing gays and lesbians to marry.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Results from a recent survey on same-sex contradict the claims made by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 53 per cent of adult Indians are in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.

Results from a recent survey on same-sex contradict the claims made by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 53 per cent of adult Indians are in favour of legalising same-sex marriage. The results for India challenge the claim made by the Bar Council of India (BCI) that "more than 99.9 per cent of people in the country are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage". India supports same-sex marriage Of the 53 per cent in support of same-sex marriage, 28 per cent expressed strong support, while 25 per cent showed moderate support for the idea. Also read | 'He said, she said': Outlandish arguments, groundbreaking statements from India's same-sex marriage hearing On the other hand, 43 per cent of Indian adults said they 'totally oppose' same-sex marriages, with 31 per cent strongly opposing and 12 per cent moderately opposing such unions. The Pew Research Center survey Pew Research Center's latest survey was conducted in 24 countries across the world. The survey conducted between February 20 and May 22 evaluated how people across the globe viewed same-sex marriage. It came up with results that can be seen as encouraging for same-sex couples and their advocates in India. India and same-sex marriages Currently, the issue of the legalisation of same-sex marriages is being deliberated in the Indian Supreme Court; a five-judge bench is hearing the case. However, the Union government has voiced opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriages, citing cultural and traditional norms. While homosexuality is legal in India, marriage between two individuals of the same sex is still considered illegal. As per the Wire, the survey results for India challenge the claim made by the Bar Council of India (BCI) that "more than 99.9 per cent of people in the country are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage." Also read | Indian child rights activist claims same-sex marriage denies kids one parent's love Reportedly, the BCI had based its claim on its own survey but had not released any detailed methodology, sample size, or other data points. The BCI even passed a resolution opposing the legalisation of same-sex marriage and called on the Supreme Court to refrain from adjudicating on the issue, stating that it should be left to the legislative process. Global opinion on same-sex marriage Globally, the survey revealed that support for legalising same-sex marriage is highest in Sweden, with 92 per cent of adults in favour, and lowest in Nigeria, with only two per cent supporting it. The survey also examined attitudes across various demographic factors such as age, gender, political ideology, and religious beliefs. In Western Europe, a strong majority of adults in countries such as Sweden (92 per cent), the Netherlands (89 per cent), Spain (87 per cent), France (82 per cent), and Germany (80 per cent) support same-sex marriage. These countries have already legalised such unions. Acceptance of same-sex marriage around the world. Image courtesy: Pew Research Centre. However, in Poland, only 41 per cent of adults support same-sex marriages, while in Hungary, the figure is even lower at 31 per cent. Same-sex marriages are not legal in these countries, and LGBTQ+ rights activists often face state repression. In North America, 79 per cent of Canadians support same-sex marriage, while the figures stand at 63 per cent in both the United States and Mexico. All three countries have legalised same-sex marriage. In South America, 67 per cent of Argentinians and 52 per cent of Brazilians are in favour. These countries have also legalised same-sex marriage. In the Asia-Pacific region, approximately three-quarters of adults in Australia (75 per cent) and Japan (74 per cent) support legalising same-sex marriage. While Australia has already legalised it, Japan has yet to do so. South Korea is currently debating the issue, and 40 per cent of South Koreans support legalising same-sex marriage, while 59 per cent oppose it. Indonesians showed strong opposition, with only five per cent supporting same-sex marriage. The survey also found that in 12 countries, adults under 40 are more likely than older individuals to support same-sex marriage. Similarly, women in 14 countries expressed more support for legalising same-sex marriage compared to men. In 17 of the surveyed countries, individuals with higher levels of formal education were more likely to support allowing gays and lesbians to marry. (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.

Global survey finds broad acceptance of same-sex marriage in India

Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, on Wednesday, announced that the country will suspend the planned deportation of dozens of students who had entered Canada using fraudulent university acceptance letters. However, organisations advocating for the affected students call the announcement "a temporary step in the right direction" and&nbsp;stressed the urgent need for a permanent solution through regularisation.&nbsp;

Wednesday's decision comes after reports by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) revealed that a group of students from India had received deportation notices for using counterfeit documents as part of an alleged immigration scheme.

<h2>Fraudulent University letters</h2>

In March, a CBC report revealed that the students entered Canada using acceptance letters from universities that appear to be authentic.&nbsp;

However, as per the Canada Border Services Agency, the documents were fake. The Indian students were warned that they face potential deportation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-students-not-to-be-deported-immediately-task-force-to-investigate-canadian-minister-604530">Indian students not to be deported immediately, task force to investigate: Canadian minister</a>

The students claim they were unaware of the forgery and have attributed the alleged fraud to immigration agents based in India who assisted them in the application process. Advocates and the affected students have since requested a halt to the deportations.

<h2>Planned deportations and a special task force</h2>

As per a Reuters report, without specifying the exact number of individuals involved, Fraser said that a special task force will review each case of the&nbsp;students facing deportation.&nbsp;

He added that "any pending removals will be halted in the interim, and there will be a temporary permission to stay over the course of this period of consideration."

<h2>A temporary step</h2>

Supporting the affected students, the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change has been advocating for their cause, highlighting the years they have spent in Canada.&nbsp;

Sarom Rho, an organiser, expressed cautious approval of the recent announcement, calling it a temporary step in the right direction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-students-launch-indefinite-protests-in-canada-amid-growing-threat-of-deportation-599778">Duped students launch indefinite protests in Canada amid looming threat of deportation</a>

"Today's announcement seems like a temporary step in the right direction. What is urgently needed is a permanent solution through regularisation of these students and all undocumented people who through no fault of their own have been deprived of their rights."

<h2>Canada and foreign students</h2>

Reuters reports that as per official data in 2022, Canada hosted over 800,000 foreign students with active visas. Approximately 320,000 of these students hailed from India.

Canada is a popular choice for international students due to the relatively straightforward and easy process of obtaining a work permit.

Students interviewed by the CBC recounted that after arriving in Canada, the agents informed them that they could not attend the institution mentioned in the acceptance letter. Instead, they were redirected to private colleges. The fraudulent scheme was uncovered when the students completed their studies and subsequently applied for work permits or permission to remain in Canada.

<h2>What will now happen to these students?</h2>

Fraser assured that "those international students who are genuine applicants that came to Canada to study and were victimised by fraudsters will be permitted to remain in Canada."&nbsp;

He further emphasised that those complicit in the fraudulent scheme would be held accountable, with authorities investigating individuals who arrived in Canada and immediately started working rather than pursuing their studies.&nbsp;"Those who are complicit in a fraudulent scheme will be held accountable."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, on Wednesday, announced that the country will suspend the planned deportation of dozens of students who had entered Canada using fraudulent university acceptance letters.

Canada's Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, on Wednesday, announced that the country will suspend the planned deportation of dozens of students who had entered Canada using fraudulent university acceptance letters. However, organisations advocating for the affected students call the announcement "a temporary step in the right direction" and stressed the urgent need for a permanent solution through regularisation. Wednesday's decision comes after reports by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) revealed that a group of students from India had received deportation notices for using counterfeit documents as part of an alleged immigration scheme. Fraudulent University letters In March, a CBC report revealed that the students entered Canada using acceptance letters from universities that appear to be authentic. However, as per the Canada Border Services Agency, the documents were fake. The Indian students were warned that they face potential deportation. Also read | Indian students not to be deported immediately, task force to investigate: Canadian minister The students claim they were unaware of the forgery and have attributed the alleged fraud to immigration agents based in India who assisted them in the application process. Advocates and the affected students have since requested a halt to the deportations. Planned deportations and a special task force As per a Reuters report, without specifying the exact number of individuals involved, Fraser said that a special task force will review each case of the students facing deportation. He added that "any pending removals will be halted in the interim, and there will be a temporary permission to stay over the course of this period of consideration." A temporary step Supporting the affected students, the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change has been advocating for their cause, highlighting the years they have spent in Canada. Sarom Rho, an organiser, expressed cautious approval of the recent announcement, calling it a temporary step in the right direction. Also read | Duped students launch indefinite protests in Canada amid looming threat of deportation "Today's announcement seems like a temporary step in the right direction. What is urgently needed is a permanent solution through regularisation of these students and all undocumented people who through no fault of their own have been deprived of their rights." Canada and foreign students Reuters reports that as per official data in 2022, Canada hosted over 800,000 foreign students with active visas. Approximately 320,000 of these students hailed from India. Canada is a popular choice for international students due to the relatively straightforward and easy process of obtaining a work permit. Students interviewed by the CBC recounted that after arriving in Canada, the agents informed them that they could not attend the institution mentioned in the acceptance letter. Instead, they were redirected to private colleges. The fraudulent scheme was uncovered when the students completed their studies and subsequently applied for work permits or permission to remain in Canada. What will now happen to these students? Fraser assured that "those international students who are genuine applicants that came to Canada to study and were victimised by fraudsters will be permitted to remain in Canada." He further emphasised that those complicit in the fraudulent scheme would be held accountable, with authorities investigating individuals who arrived in Canada and immediately started working rather than pursuing their studies. "Those who are complicit in a fraudulent scheme will be held accountable." (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.

Canada: Migrant advocacy group calls Indian students' deportation halt 'temporary step in the right direction'

The Hatch Act has once again come under scrutiny after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently violated the act&nbsp;by using the term "mega MAGA" during a briefing on Tuesday (June 13).&nbsp;Joining&nbsp;the&nbsp;growing list of high-profile offenders, Karine during the press conference said, "So as we've made very clear throughout our time in this administration, we do everything that we can to uphold, certainly the Hatch Act, and take the law very seriously."

Later, Michael Chamberlain, director of the conservative watchdog group Protect the People's Trust, said in a letter addressed to the US Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and White House counsel that Jean-Pierre violated the Hatch Act for comments she made during a White House briefing the day before in the lead-up to the midterms, CBS News reported.&nbsp;

The term was introduced by New York Senator William L Marcy and is derived from the phrase "to the victor belong the spoils," referring to the victory of Andrew Jackson in the election of 1828. The act imposes restrictions on political activities for government workers.

<h2>Here's everything you need to know about the 'Hatch Act</h2>

The Hatch Act of 1939 is an act to prevent pernicious political activities under US federal law. The act prohibits civil-service employees in the executive branch of the federal government, excluding the president and vice president, from engaging in any sort of political activity.&nbsp;

The 1939 Act forbids the intimation of "bribery" and restricts political campaign activities to federal activities. It also prohibits using any public funds designated for belief or public works for electoral purposes.&nbsp;

The act also excludes all federal employees from membership in "any political organisation that advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government." It is also a provision meant to prohibit membership in organisations on the far left and far right, such as the Communist Party USA and the German-American Bund.

<h2>Role of the Hatch Act</h2>

The Hatch Act functions as a workplace guideline rather than a criminal offence. If violated, it can result in a range of responses, from minor reprimands to job loss.&nbsp;

The Office of Special Counsel is a government body responsible for enforcing various rules, including the Hatch Act. The council investigation is led by Jack Smith.

This legislation prevents the federal government from engaging in any partisan activities or influencing elections.&nbsp;

This applies to all federal employees and extends to state and local employees that are involved in federally funded programmes.

<h2>History of Violations of the Hatch Act</h2>

The OSC earlier revealed that US President Joe Biden's former chief of staff, Ron Klain, and former press secretary, Jen Psaki, violated the Hatch Act.&nbsp;

In 2021, the agency found that 13 senior members of Trump's administration had violated the act.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Hatch Act has once again come under scrutiny after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently violated the act by using the term "mega MAGA" during a briefing on Tuesday (June 13).

The Hatch Act has once again come under scrutiny after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently violated the act by using the term "mega MAGA" during a briefing on Tuesday (June 13). Joining the growing list of high-profile offenders, Karine during the press conference said, "So as we've made very clear throughout our time in this administration, we do everything that we can to uphold, certainly the Hatch Act, and take the law very seriously." Later, Michael Chamberlain, director of the conservative watchdog group Protect the People's Trust, said in a letter addressed to the US Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and White House counsel that Jean-Pierre violated the Hatch Act for comments she made during a White House briefing the day before in the lead-up to the midterms, CBS News reported. The term was introduced by New York Senator William L Marcy and is derived from the phrase "to the victor belong the spoils," referring to the victory of Andrew Jackson in the election of 1828. The act imposes restrictions on political activities for government workers. Here's everything you need to know about the 'Hatch Act The Hatch Act of 1939 is an act to prevent pernicious political activities under US federal law. The act prohibits civil-service employees in the executive branch of the federal government, excluding the president and vice president, from engaging in any sort of political activity. The 1939 Act forbids the intimation of "bribery" and restricts political campaign activities to federal activities. It also prohibits using any public funds designated for belief or public works for electoral purposes. The act also excludes all federal employees from membership in "any political organisation that advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government." It is also a provision meant to prohibit membership in organisations on the far left and far right, such as the Communist Party USA and the German-American Bund. Role of the Hatch Act The Hatch Act functions as a workplace guideline rather than a criminal offence. If violated, it can result in a range of responses, from minor reprimands to job loss. The Office of Special Counsel is a government body responsible for enforcing various rules, including the Hatch Act. The council investigation is led by Jack Smith. This legislation prevents the federal government from engaging in any partisan activities or influencing elections. This applies to all federal employees and extends to state and local employees that are involved in federally funded programmes. History of Violations of the Hatch Act The OSC earlier revealed that US President Joe Biden's former chief of staff, Ron Klain, and former press secretary, Jen Psaki, violated the Hatch Act. In 2021, the agency found that 13 senior members of Trump's administration had violated the act. (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.

Did US White House press secretary Karine violate Hatch Act? Here's all you need to know about it

The Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a rainfall warning for 11 Indian states. As per the weather agency, heavy rain is expected to begin in Gujarat today (June 15) due to the red alert that was issued earlier for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts.&nbsp;

The Twitter post read, “VSCS Biparjoy over the Northeast Arabian Sea at 0530 hours IST on June 15, 2023, about 180km west-southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat). To cross Saurashtra, Kutch, and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by evening of June 15 as a VSVS.”

The weather department on Wednesday also issued heavy&nbsp;rain warning in its press release stating, light to moderate rainfall at most places, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated areas very likely over Devbhumi Dwarka, and heavy to very heavy at isolated places over Kutch, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from&nbsp;June 14.

In a tweet shared by the IMD, the post said that cyclone "Biparjoy" would cause rain to fall in Delhi during the next few days. The storm will provide significant relief from the heat because the temperature in certain city areas was over 45 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the mercury on Tuesday almost reached 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.&nbsp;

The national capital might experience a little rain or drizzle beginning Thursday (June 15), but the IMD predicted that the capital might witness heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday (June 18). It added that similar rain portions are expected in Haryana, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, and south Karnataka.&nbsp;

<h3>Here's the IMD list shared of states where moderate to extremely heavy rainfall might occur:</h3>

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: June 14

Gujarat: June 15

Sub-Himalayan, West Bengal, and Sikkim: June 14 to June 16

Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura: June 14 to June 18

Arunachal Pradesh: June 17 and June 18

Uttarakhand, South Haryana, South-West Rajasthan, East Rajasthan, West &nbsp;Madhya Pradesh, Central Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka: June 18

<h3>Heavy to very heavy rainfall might occur in these isolated places:</h3>

Arunachal Pradesh: June 14 to June 16

East Rajasthan: June 16

Assam and Meghalaya: June 14 to June 18

<h3>Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy fall&nbsp;might occur in these places:</h3>

Meghalaya: June 14 to June 16

Saurashtra and Kutch- June 15 and 16

Gujarat- June 16

West Rajasthan: June 16 and June 17

East Rajasthan: June 17 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a rainfall warning for 11 Indian states. As per the weather agency, heavy rain is expected to begin in Gujarat today (June 15) due to the red alert that was issued earlier for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts.

The Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a rainfall warning for 11 Indian states. As per the weather agency, heavy rain is expected to begin in Gujarat today (June 15) due to the red alert that was issued earlier for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts. The Twitter post read, “VSCS Biparjoy over the Northeast Arabian Sea at 0530 hours IST on June 15, 2023, about 180km west-southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat). To cross Saurashtra, Kutch, and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by evening of June 15 as a VSVS.” The weather department on Wednesday also issued heavy rain warning in its press release stating, light to moderate rainfall at most places, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated areas very likely over Devbhumi Dwarka, and heavy to very heavy at isolated places over Kutch, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from June 14. In a tweet shared by the IMD, the post said that cyclone "Biparjoy" would cause rain to fall in Delhi during the next few days. The storm will provide significant relief from the heat because the temperature in certain city areas was over 45 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the mercury on Tuesday almost reached 50 degrees Celsius in some areas. The national capital might experience a little rain or drizzle beginning Thursday (June 15), but the IMD predicted that the capital might witness heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday (June 18). It added that similar rain portions are expected in Haryana, Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh, and south Karnataka. Here's the IMD list shared of states where moderate to extremely heavy rainfall might occur: Andaman and Nicobar Islands: June 14 Gujarat: June 15 Sub-Himalayan, West Bengal, and Sikkim: June 14 to June 16 Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura: June 14 to June 18 Arunachal Pradesh: June 17 and June 18 Uttarakhand, South Haryana, South-West Rajasthan, East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Central Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka: June 18 Heavy to very heavy rainfall might occur in these isolated places: Arunachal Pradesh: June 14 to June 16 East Rajasthan: June 16 Assam and Meghalaya: June 14 to June 18 Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy fall might occur in these places: Meghalaya: June 14 to June 16 Saurashtra and Kutch- June 15 and 16 Gujarat- June 16 West Rajasthan: June 16 and June 17 East Rajasthan: June 17 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 Biparjoy update: IMD issues 'red alert' in Gujarat, heavy rainfall warning for these 11 states

A British woman on Monday (June 12) was sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying about her pregnancy to secure abortion-causing drugs during the pandemic lockdown. The 44-year-old woman pleaded guilty in March under the Offences Against the Person Act, and will serve half of her 28-month sentence in custody and the remaining under licence. However, she originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of an offence of child destruction.

The abortion limit set in England, Scotland, and Wales is 23 weeks and six days, AFP reported.&nbsp;

According to the pregnancy advisory service, it sent the woman the drugs in May 2020, believing her to be seven weeks pregnant. However, the court later said that it was informed that she had lied and was in fact between 32 and 34 weeks pregnant.&nbsp;

The prosecutors said her internet search history between February and May 2020 included "how to lose a baby at six months", "I need to have an abortion but I’m past 24 weeks" and "how to have an abortion without going to the doctor."

Prosecutor Robert Price told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in central England, "She lied to BPAS about how pregnant she was, so they sent the tablets to her. She said she had not seen a doctor about her pregnancy because she was embarrassed."

He added that while the baby was not full term, she was approaching the stage of development, and multiple-prolonged internet searches show the level of "planning."

After the sentence was announced, BPAS's chief executive said that they were shocked and appalled by the sentence and said that 19th-century laws were used to prosecute her.

She added that there has never been a clearer mandate for parliamentary action, and the need has never been so urgent. She also mentioned that over the last three years, there has been a significant&nbsp;increase in the number of females facing the trauma of lengthy police investigations and treatment with up to life imprisonment under the abortion law.&nbsp;

MPs and Campaigners disappointed with the sentence

Campaigners and UK MPs were outraged after the woman was sentenced to over two years in prison, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

A mitigation plea sent to the judge in April 2023 which was signed by groups including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

It read, "We plead to Your Honour to consider leniency in this case … we are fearful that if the case before you receives a custodial sentence it may signal to other women who access tele-medical abortion services, or who experience later gestation deliveries, that they risk imprisonment if they seek medical care."

The leader of the Women's Equality party, Manu Reid said, "I am devastated for the woman at the centre of this case, and for her children, who have been forcibly separated from their mum …This conviction serves no one, not her, not her children, not the public interest. All it does is punish a woman for seeking healthcare in the middle of a pandemic and risk deterring women who want or need an abortion from seeking that care in future. No one deserves to be criminalised for seeking healthcare, which is a human right."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A British woman on Monday (June 12) was sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying about her pregnancy to secure abortion-causing drugs during the pandemic lockdown.

A British woman on Monday (June 12) was sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying about her pregnancy to secure abortion-causing drugs during the pandemic lockdown. The 44-year-old woman pleaded guilty in March under the Offences Against the Person Act, and will serve half of her 28-month sentence in custody and the remaining under licence. However, she originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of an offence of child destruction. The abortion limit set in England, Scotland, and Wales is 23 weeks and six days, AFP reported. According to the pregnancy advisory service, it sent the woman the drugs in May 2020, believing her to be seven weeks pregnant. However, the court later said that it was informed that she had lied and was in fact between 32 and 34 weeks pregnant. The prosecutors said her internet search history between February and May 2020 included "how to lose a baby at six months", "I need to have an abortion but I’m past 24 weeks" and "how to have an abortion without going to the doctor." Prosecutor Robert Price told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in central England, "She lied to BPAS about how pregnant she was, so they sent the tablets to her. She said she had not seen a doctor about her pregnancy because she was embarrassed." He added that while the baby was not full term, she was approaching the stage of development, and multiple-prolonged internet searches show the level of "planning." After the sentence was announced, BPAS's chief executive said that they were shocked and appalled by the sentence and said that 19th-century laws were used to prosecute her. She added that there has never been a clearer mandate for parliamentary action, and the need has never been so urgent. She also mentioned that over the last three years, there has been a significant increase in the number of females facing the trauma of lengthy police investigations and treatment with up to life imprisonment under the abortion law. MPs and Campaigners disappointed with the sentence Campaigners and UK MPs were outraged after the woman was sentenced to over two years in prison, Guardian reported. A mitigation plea sent to the judge in April 2023 which was signed by groups including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It read, "We plead to Your Honour to consider leniency in this case … we are fearful that if the case before you receives a custodial sentence it may signal to other women who access tele-medical abortion services, or who experience later gestation deliveries, that they risk imprisonment if they seek medical care." The leader of the Women's Equality party, Manu Reid said, "I am devastated for the woman at the centre of this case, and for her children, who have been forcibly separated from their mum …This conviction serves no one, not her, not her children, not the public interest. All it does is punish a woman for seeking healthcare in the middle of a pandemic and risk deterring women who want or need an abortion from seeking that care in future. No one deserves to be criminalised for seeking healthcare, which is a human right." (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.

British woman sentenced to 14 months in prison for abortion during Covid lockdown

Insecurity is high in the altcoin world ever since the US Market regulator began tightening its noose around cryptocurrencies. Over 50 cryptocurrencies worth over $100 billion and making up about 10% of the crypto market, are now viewed by the US watchdog as securities. This classification is going to have a major impact on their futures.

Altcoins worth $100 bn now viewed as securities

TikTok&nbsp;influencers&nbsp;and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people, according to a report published Wednesday by the Britain-based Reuters Institute.&nbsp;

The report found that 55 percent of TikTok and Snapchat users and 52 percent of Instagram users get their news from "personalities" -- compared to 33-42 percent who get it from mainstream media and journalists on those platforms, which are most popular among the young.

The figures were based on interviews with some 94,000 people across 46 countries, conducted for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, part of Britain's University of Oxford.&nbsp;

"While mainstream journalists often lead conversations around news in Twitter and Facebook, they struggle to get attention in newer networks like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok," the report said.&nbsp;

Lead author Nic Newman highlighted people like Britain's Matt Welland, who discusses current affairs and daily life on TikTok for his 2.8 million subscribers.&nbsp;

"Or it could be a celebrity like a footballer talking about a topical news event," he told AFP, such as footballer Marcus Rashford's 2020 campaign to get free school meals for children from poor families.&nbsp;

For young people, "news" is not just the traditional focus on politics and international relations, but "anything new that is happening in any walk of life: sports, entertainment, celebrity gossip, current affairs, culture, arts, technology..." he added.

<h2>'Fundamental change'</h2>

Facebook remains the leading source of news among social networks worldwide, but its influence is dropping, with 28 percent saying they use it to get news, compared with 42 percent in 2016.&nbsp;

This likely reflects Facebook's shift away from news-sharing towards a focus on friends and family, as well as young people's preference for more video-based apps like TikTok and YouTube.&nbsp;

TikTok now reaches 44 percent of 18-24-year-olds, and 20 percent get their news from the app, up five percent on last year.&nbsp;

The biggest challenge for traditional news outlets is the falling number who go direct to their websites -- just 22 percent, down 10 points since 2018 -- rather than relying on social media links.&nbsp;

In his foreword, Reuters Institute director Rasmus Kleis Nielsen said this shift presented "a much more fundamental change" for the news industry than even the shift from paper to digital a generation ago.&nbsp;

"Legacy media... now face a continual transformation of digital as generations come of age who eschew direct discovery for all but the most appealing brands, (and) have little interest in many conventional news offers oriented towards older generations' habits, interests, and values," he said.

These new audiences are aware of the risks of relying on algorithms, with only 30 percent thinking this is a good way to get a balanced diet of news -- but that is still considered better than relying on journalists, who scored just 27 percent.&nbsp;

None of this is good news for media firms reliant on subscribers and ad revenue.&nbsp;

The report found that 39 percent of subscribers had cancelled or renegotiated subscriptions, though the overall share of people paying for news across 20 countries surveyed remained stable compared with last year at 17 percent.&nbsp;

TikTok influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people, according to a report published Wednesday by the Britain-based Reuters Institute.

TikTok influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people, according to a report published Wednesday by the Britain-based Reuters Institute. The report found that 55 percent of TikTok and Snapchat users and 52 percent of Instagram users get their news from "personalities" -- compared to 33-42 percent who get it from mainstream media and journalists on those platforms, which are most popular among the young. The figures were based on interviews with some 94,000 people across 46 countries, conducted for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, part of Britain's University of Oxford. "While mainstream journalists often lead conversations around news in Twitter and Facebook, they struggle to get attention in newer networks like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok," the report said. Lead author Nic Newman highlighted people like Britain's Matt Welland, who discusses current affairs and daily life on TikTok for his 2.8 million subscribers. "Or it could be a celebrity like a footballer talking about a topical news event," he told AFP, such as footballer Marcus Rashford's 2020 campaign to get free school meals for children from poor families. For young people, "news" is not just the traditional focus on politics and international relations, but "anything new that is happening in any walk of life: sports, entertainment, celebrity gossip, current affairs, culture, arts, technology..." he added. 'Fundamental change' Facebook remains the leading source of news among social networks worldwide, but its influence is dropping, with 28 percent saying they use it to get news, compared with 42 percent in 2016. This likely reflects Facebook's shift away from news-sharing towards a focus on friends and family, as well as young people's preference for more video-based apps like TikTok and YouTube. TikTok now reaches 44 percent of 18-24-year-olds, and 20 percent get their news from the app, up five percent on last year. The biggest challenge for traditional news outlets is the falling number who go direct to their websites -- just 22 percent, down 10 points since 2018 -- rather than relying on social media links. In his foreword, Reuters Institute director Rasmus Kleis Nielsen said this shift presented "a much more fundamental change" for the news industry than even the shift from paper to digital a generation ago. "Legacy media... now face a continual transformation of digital as generations come of age who eschew direct discovery for all but the most appealing brands, (and) have little interest in many conventional news offers oriented towards older generations' habits, interests, and values," he said. These new audiences are aware of the risks of relying on algorithms, with only 30 percent thinking this is a good way to get a balanced diet of news -- but that is still considered better than relying on journalists, who scored just 27 percent. None of this is good news for media firms reliant on subscribers and ad revenue. The report found that 39 percent of subscribers had cancelled or renegotiated subscriptions, though the overall share of people paying for news across 20 countries surveyed remained stable compared with last year at 17 percent.

Report suggests that influencers are overtaking journalists as news source

Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models.

The model, I-JEPA, uses background knowledge about the world to fill in missing pieces of images, rather than looking only at nearby pixels like other generative AI models, the company said.

That approach incorporates the kind of human-like reasoning advocated by Meta's top AI scientist Yann LeCun and helps the technology to avoid errors that are common to AI-generated images, like hands with extra fingers, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-teases-ai-features-into-facebook-instagram-whatsapp-for-billions-of-users-602535">Also read |&nbsp;Meta teases AI features in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp for billions of users</a>

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is a prolific publisher of open-sourced AI research via its in-house research lab. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has said that sharing models developed by Meta's researchers can help the company by spurring innovation, spotting safety gaps and lowering costs.

"For us, it's way better if the industry standardises on the basic tools that we're using and therefore we can benefit from the improvements that others make," he told investors in April.

The company's executives have dismissed warnings from others in the industry about the potential dangers of the technology, declining to sign a statement last month backed by top executives from OpenAI, DeepMind, Microsoft and Google that equated its risks with pandemics and wars.

Also watch |&nbsp;Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz

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Lecun, considered one of the "godfathers of AI",&nbsp;has railed against "AI doomerism" and argued in favour of building safety checks into AI systems.

Meta is also starting to incorporate generative AI features into its consumer products, like ad tools that can create image backgrounds and an Instagram product that can modify user photos, both based on text prompts.

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Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models.

Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models. The model, I-JEPA, uses background knowledge about the world to fill in missing pieces of images, rather than looking only at nearby pixels like other generative AI models, the company said. That approach incorporates the kind of human-like reasoning advocated by Meta's top AI scientist Yann LeCun and helps the technology to avoid errors that are common to AI-generated images, like hands with extra fingers, it said. Also read | Meta teases AI features in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp for billions of users Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is a prolific publisher of open-sourced AI research via its in-house research lab. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has said that sharing models developed by Meta's researchers can help the company by spurring innovation, spotting safety gaps and lowering costs. "For us, it's way better if the industry standardises on the basic tools that we're using and therefore we can benefit from the improvements that others make," he told investors in April. The company's executives have dismissed warnings from others in the industry about the potential dangers of the technology, declining to sign a statement last month backed by top executives from OpenAI, DeepMind, Microsoft and Google that equated its risks with pandemics and wars. Also watch | Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz × Lecun, considered one of the "godfathers of AI", has railed against "AI doomerism" and argued in favour of building safety checks into AI systems. Meta is also starting to incorporate generative AI features into its consumer products, like ad tools that can create image backgrounds and an Instagram product that can modify user photos, both based on text prompts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta releases 'human-like' AI model for image creation. Know all about it

The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes.&nbsp;

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight&nbsp;in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-13-wounded-after-russia-missiles-strike-civilian-buildings-in-odesa-604213">Also read |&nbsp;Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa</a>

The UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi, during a press conference, said, "We have 110 million people that have fled because of conflict, persecution, discrimination and violence, often mixed with other motives -- in particular the impact of climate change." He added that it's quite an indictment of the state of our world.&nbsp;

Last year, the agency in its Global Trends in Forced Displacement report&nbsp;stated that 108.4 million people were displaced. It&nbsp;added that recent Sudan's conflict triggered further displacement reaching 110 million.&nbsp;

The number was 19.1 million up from 2021, making it to be the biggest increase since the records began in 1975. Stating data for 2022, Grandi said that globally 35.3 million refugees fled abroad, with 62.5 million displaced internally.

<h2>Numbers likely to increase</h2>

The UNHCR chief Grandi expressed his fear that the numbers might increase in the coming months and years.&nbsp;

He said that the swelling displacement this year might increase but they'll ensure a "more hostile" environment for refugees. "Leadership is about convincing your public opinion that there are people that deserve international protection."

The chief added that countries need to remain open so that people can seek shelter and asylum to feel safe.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Putin tells west to stop arming Ukraine

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<h2>Sudan continues to pose fear</h2>

Grandi said that the refugee agency is not in a good financial situation this year. He said that it has only 16 per cent fund needed for Sudan&nbsp;and&nbsp;added that the fight in Sudan might continue for a while.&nbsp;

Officials predict that some 467,000 people have fled Sudan since the fighting between parties broke out in April, while over 1.4 million have become internally displaced.&nbsp;

The countries hosting the most refugees are Turkey (3.6 million), Iran (3.4 million), Colombia (2.5 million), Germany (2.1 million) and Pakistan (1.7 million).&nbsp;

However, last year, over 390,000 refugees returned back to 38 countries, while some 5.7 million internally displaced people returned home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported.

The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday (June 14) said that a record 110 million people across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fight in Sudan have pushed hundreds and thousands of people to seek shelter abroad and those displaced within their own country to an unprecedented level, AFP reported. Also read | Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa The UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi, during a press conference, said, "We have 110 million people that have fled because of conflict, persecution, discrimination and violence, often mixed with other motives -- in particular the impact of climate change." He added that it's quite an indictment of the state of our world. Last year, the agency in its Global Trends in Forced Displacement report stated that 108.4 million people were displaced. It added that recent Sudan's conflict triggered further displacement reaching 110 million. The number was 19.1 million up from 2021, making it to be the biggest increase since the records began in 1975. Stating data for 2022, Grandi said that globally 35.3 million refugees fled abroad, with 62.5 million displaced internally. Numbers likely to increase The UNHCR chief Grandi expressed his fear that the numbers might increase in the coming months and years. He said that the swelling displacement this year might increase but they'll ensure a "more hostile" environment for refugees. "Leadership is about convincing your public opinion that there are people that deserve international protection." The chief added that countries need to remain open so that people can seek shelter and asylum to feel safe. Watch | Putin tells west to stop arming Ukraine Sudan continues to pose fear Grandi said that the refugee agency is not in a good financial situation this year. He said that it has only 16 per cent fund needed for Sudan and added that the fight in Sudan might continue for a while. Officials predict that some 467,000 people have fled Sudan since the fighting between parties broke out in April, while over 1.4 million have become internally displaced. The countries hosting the most refugees are Turkey (3.6 million), Iran (3.4 million), Colombia (2.5 million), Germany (2.1 million) and Pakistan (1.7 million). However, last year, over 390,000 refugees returned back to 38 countries, while some 5.7 million internally displaced people returned home. (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.

Record 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, numbers might increase, says UN

World Blood Donor Day 2023: Every year on June 14, people across the world observe World Blood Donor Day. It aims to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank people who donate blood. Blood donation is a life-saving gesture that ensures the availability of safe blood and blood products during health emergencies. Regular blood donation in society helps create safe and sustainable blood that is always available for timely treatment. One such example happened a few days ago when hundreds of people in India's eastern state of Odisha gathered to donate blood for the injured victims of a major train crash.&nbsp;

Here are the theme, significance, and do's and don'ts for&nbsp;donating&nbsp;blood for World Blood Donor Day 2023:

<h3>World Blood Donor Day 2023: Theme</h3>

The theme for this year's World Blood Donor Day 2023 is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, and share often." The theme highlights the importance of giving blood or blood plasma regularly to create a sustainable and safe supply of blood and blood products so that every patient can receive life-saving treatment.&nbsp;

<h3>World Blood Donor Day 2023: History</h3>

The first World Blood Donor Day was recognised in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2005, the World Health Assembly in its 58th session declared it as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.&nbsp;

The history of blood donation goes back to ancient times. English physician Richard Lower is best remembered for his pioneering work on blood transfusion and the function &nbsp;of the cardiopulmonary system, which he also described in his book "Tractatus de Corde."

However, WHO decided to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian American immunologist and pathologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his works on blood groups and the development of the modern blood transfusion system.&nbsp;

<h3>World Blood Donor Day 2023: Significance</h3>

This day is not only important for donating blood to save lives but also to help people suffering from various diseases and numerous illnesses.&nbsp;

<h3>World Blood Donor Day 2023: WHO can donate blood?</h3>

If you want to donate blood, make sure you follow these rules and conditions. Guidelines issued by WHO state that a donor should do:

Weigh at least 50 kg (in some countries, it's 45 kg).

The age should be between 18 and 65 years.

You should not have a cold, flu, or any other infection.&nbsp;

Your haemoglobin should not be less than 12.5 g/dl.

<h3>World Blood Donor Day 2023: Individuals who CANNOT donate blood:</h3>

Pregnant or lactating women cannot donate blood. Even women who had their abortions recently can't donate blood.&nbsp;

If you recently had a tattoo or body piercing done, then you cannot donate blood for the next 6 months.

If you're HIV positive, then you can't donate blood in most countries.&nbsp;

Those individuals who have consumed alcohol for 48 hours before the donation or who have ever injected drugs cannot donate blood.

World Blood Donor Day 2023: Every year on June 14, people across the world observe World Blood Donor Day. It aims to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank people who donate blood.

World Blood Donor Day 2023: Every year on June 14, people across the world observe World Blood Donor Day. It aims to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank people who donate blood. Blood donation is a life-saving gesture that ensures the availability of safe blood and blood products during health emergencies. Regular blood donation in society helps create safe and sustainable blood that is always available for timely treatment. One such example happened a few days ago when hundreds of people in India's eastern state of Odisha gathered to donate blood for the injured victims of a major train crash. Here are the theme, significance, and do's and don'ts for donating blood for World Blood Donor Day 2023: World Blood Donor Day 2023: Theme The theme for this year's World Blood Donor Day 2023 is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, and share often." The theme highlights the importance of giving blood or blood plasma regularly to create a sustainable and safe supply of blood and blood products so that every patient can receive life-saving treatment. World Blood Donor Day 2023: History The first World Blood Donor Day was recognised in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2005, the World Health Assembly in its 58th session declared it as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. The history of blood donation goes back to ancient times. English physician Richard Lower is best remembered for his pioneering work on blood transfusion and the function of the cardiopulmonary system, which he also described in his book "Tractatus de Corde." However, WHO decided to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian American immunologist and pathologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his works on blood groups and the development of the modern blood transfusion system. World Blood Donor Day 2023: Significance This day is not only important for donating blood to save lives but also to help people suffering from various diseases and numerous illnesses. World Blood Donor Day 2023: WHO can donate blood? If you want to donate blood, make sure you follow these rules and conditions. Guidelines issued by WHO state that a donor should do: Weigh at least 50 kg (in some countries, it's 45 kg). The age should be between 18 and 65 years. You should not have a cold, flu, or any other infection. Your haemoglobin should not be less than 12.5 g/dl. World Blood Donor Day 2023: Individuals who CANNOT donate blood: Pregnant or lactating women cannot donate blood. Even women who had their abortions recently can't donate blood. If you recently had a tattoo or body piercing done, then you cannot donate blood for the next 6 months. If you're HIV positive, then you can't donate blood in most countries. Those individuals who have consumed alcohol for 48 hours before the donation or who have ever injected drugs cannot donate blood.

World Blood Donor Day 2023: Know theme, history, do's and don'ts of blood donations

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has admitted he has no evidence to back up his allegations against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s Major-General Faisal Naseer during a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) session in Islamabad, Pakistani media reported.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has admitted he has no evidence to back up his allegations against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s Major-General Faisal Naseer during a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) session in Islamabad, Pakistani media reported. During the JIT session, held at the Islamabad office on Monday, Imran, in a signed statement admitted he had no proof of evidence regarding allegations that the ISI DGC had concocted plans of killing him. During the hearing, Imran was shown clips where he was seen levelling the allegations against Major General Naseer. When quizzed if he owned the contents of the clip, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief replied in affirmative. When pressed why he levelled the allegations, Imran said someone had told him about it, adding that he had never met Major General Naseer. Imran, time and again has accused Naseer, alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, of carrying out an assassination attempt in November last year in Punjab province's Wazirabad, wherein he received three bullets in his leg. He has alleged that the ‘top ISI officer’, who tried to kill him twice, was also involved in the brutal murder of the journalist, Arshad Sharif. Imran Khan supporters say their businesses targeted in Pakistan Notably, moments before being arrested by Pakistani Rangers outside the Islamabad court on May 9, Imran talked about a person whom he referred to as 'brigadier' or 'Dirty Harry'. Experts say Imran was pointing towards General Naseer. Later in the day, Imran's legion of supporters, protesting his arrest set ablaze Major General Faisal Naseer's home. It was only last year that Major General Naseer was appointed DGC, the defacto second-in-command of ISI who handles internal security and counterintelligence-related matters. Since then, the two have been at loggerheads. Also read | Islamabad High Court rejects Imran Khan’s plea seeking change of court venue Imran fighting a lost battle Ever since taking on the Pakistani establishment head-on, Imran has had to pay a heavy price. His Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has been dismantled piece by piece. Last week, scores of disgruntled party leaders quit PTI and formed a new political outfit, allegedly having the backing of the powerful military. Speaking about the mass exodus and new faction emerging, Khan said he was 'backstabbed'. “The plan is clear, a new party has been formed (by the defectors). There makes no difference on whosoever comes or leaves. I don’t feel bad about people leaving the party, in reality they’ve damaged themselves. I am not a traitor, in reality my own party leaders backstabbed me,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Imran Khan admits he has no evidence against Major General Naseer: Reports

There is a lot going on in Ukraine, but we don't know enough about it. The counteroffensive is believed to be in progress, but Russia dismissed it before it ever got off the ground, and fighting has undoubtedly become worse across Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces

The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025.

In December, the coalition government agreed to raise some key taxes to fund the raising of the defence budget. However, stiff opposition fro.m lawmakers has reportedly delayed the decision regarding the implementation of the widely unpopular move.&nbsp;

<h2>Japan's defence budget increase</h2>

The tax increase plan follows through on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to raising taxes to double the nation's defence, spending to two per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2027.

This two per cent target, as per the Japan Times, will put the nation at par with other NATO nations.

Kishida's administration approved the move back in December of last year. As per them, a tax hike it will be put into motion "at an appropriate time" in 2024, or thereafter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-of-62-magnitude-jolts-japans-hokkaido-603117" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-of-62-magnitude-jolts-japans-hokkaido-603117&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz462Dm7__AhWvV2wGHRWbDpY4ChAWegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RE8KbTMEhiqthfuQ2ActY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-of-62-magnitude-jolts-japans-hokkaido-603117&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz462Dm7__AhWvV2wGHRWbDpY4ChAWegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RE8KbTMEhiqthfuQ2ActY" target="_blank">Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;Hokkaido</a>

However, speaking to Reuters, the source said that the Kishida government's upcoming long-term policy framework which is expected to be released this week, will include information about the delay. It is expected to include language that allows for a delay in the implementation of tax hikes until 2025 or later. Previously, the Kyodo news agency had published a similar report.

<h2>Problems Kishida administration faces in the implementation of the tax hike</h2>

The plan which ultimately aims to increase the nation's defence spending has, as per Reuters, become bogged down in wrangling among lawmakers who objected to near-term tax increases. They oppose that the tax hike could hurt Japan's fragile economy.

As per Reuters, Japan is already struggling to secure funding sources for a planned defence spending of 43 trillion yen ($309 billion) over the next five years. This can potentially further complicate the nation's aim of balancing the budget - excluding new bond sales and debt servicing - by the fiscal year 2025.

<h2>People's opinion of the tax hike</h2>

In December of last year, following news of the tax hike, support for Kishida's Cabinet was 33.1 per cent, the lowest since its launch in 2021. The disapproval rate stood at 51.5 per cent.

A poll conducted by Japan's Kyodo News found that 64.9 per cent of the Japanese disapprove of the tax hike plan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-citizens-oppose-government-plans-to-increase-taxes-to-fund-320-billion-military-expansion-544216">Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion</a>

Now, a delay in the implementation is expected to highlight the challenges faced by Kishida. The leader, according to Reuters, is juggling the conflicting priorities of restoring Japan's tattered public finances and addressing geopolitical risks from an 'assertive' China and an 'unpredictable' North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025.

The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025. In December, the coalition government agreed to raise some key taxes to fund the raising of the defence budget. However, stiff opposition fro.m lawmakers has reportedly delayed the decision regarding the implementation of the widely unpopular move. Japan's defence budget increase The tax increase plan follows through on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to raising taxes to double the nation's defence, spending to two per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2027. This two per cent target, as per the Japan Times, will put the nation at par with other NATO nations. Kishida's administration approved the move back in December of last year. As per them, a tax hike it will be put into motion "at an appropriate time" in 2024, or thereafter. Also read | Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan's Hokkaido However, speaking to Reuters, the source said that the Kishida government's upcoming long-term policy framework which is expected to be released this week, will include information about the delay. It is expected to include language that allows for a delay in the implementation of tax hikes until 2025 or later. Previously, the Kyodo news agency had published a similar report. Problems Kishida administration faces in the implementation of the tax hike The plan which ultimately aims to increase the nation's defence spending has, as per Reuters, become bogged down in wrangling among lawmakers who objected to near-term tax increases. They oppose that the tax hike could hurt Japan's fragile economy. As per Reuters, Japan is already struggling to secure funding sources for a planned defence spending of 43 trillion yen ($309 billion) over the next five years. This can potentially further complicate the nation's aim of balancing the budget - excluding new bond sales and debt servicing - by the fiscal year 2025. People's opinion of the tax hike In December of last year, following news of the tax hike, support for Kishida's Cabinet was 33.1 per cent, the lowest since its launch in 2021. The disapproval rate stood at 51.5 per cent. A poll conducted by Japan's Kyodo News found that 64.9 per cent of the Japanese disapprove of the tax hike plan. Also read | Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion Now, a delay in the implementation is expected to highlight the challenges faced by Kishida. The leader, according to Reuters, is juggling the conflicting priorities of restoring Japan's tattered public finances and addressing geopolitical risks from an 'assertive' China and an 'unpredictable' North Korea. (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.

Japan to contemplate pushing back defence spending tax hike to 2025 or beyond

The Beatles haven't recorded a new song as a quartet in more than 50 years, but now that only two of the original four are still alive, the group is preparing a comeback. Any ideas on how well artificial intelligence will provide the solution? In order to construct the final Beatles recording, Paul McCartney disclosed that he is utilising AI to extract John Lennon's voice from an earlier demo.

The Beatles to release their final record

The term "transgender" is a catch-all for people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them biologically. Despite this, transgender people come from all walks of life and are still victims of systemic inequality. In a recent report, Global Trance Index has released a list of nations that are unsafe for the trans community in general. This list was compiled after more than 100 hours of research and review of transgender laws worldwide.

Top 10 worst countries for transgenders

In a few hours from now, former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at Miami's Federal Court. He is facing the charges of allegedly unlawfully keeping National Security documents after leaving office and then allegedly lying to the officials who tried to retrieve them. Local authorities and security outside the court are tight in anticipation of protestors and supporters.

US: Ex-President Donald Trump scrambles to find new lawyers for secret documents case

The bodies of 128 Spanish Civil War victims are being exhumed in Spain by forensic scientists from the General Francisco Franco Mausoleum near Madrid. The process is gruesome because it involves disturbing bodies of people who were moved from other parts of Spain after the 1936–1939 war and reburied without their families' permission.

Spain: Corpses exhumed from former mausoleum of dictator Franco

During a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) meeting in Islamabad, former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan admitted he had no proof to support his accusations against Major-General Faisal Naseer of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Is Imran Khan accusing the army without any basis?

Kylian Mbappe will not trigger a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe's current deal at PSG runs out in 2024 but the French Champions will not let him leave for free. Another long Mbappe transfer saga is set to unfold. Where will Mbappe be playing his club football next season?

Mbappe wants to leave PSG again

In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in.&nbsp;

The affected building, as per PTI, is located on a hill in front of the Madhya Pradesh State government secretariat, Vallabh Bhawan.

<h2>Indian Air Force and the massive Bhopal building fire</h2>

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reached out to the Indian Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking support from the IAF.&nbsp;

A special IAF aircraft will fly to Bhopal to help douse the fire.

The Indian Defence Minister has directed the Indian Air Force to make use of AN-32 aircraft and MI-15 choppers. They've been instructed to reach Bhopal tonight.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-massive-fire-breaks-out-in-indias-bhopal-at-satpura-bhawan-building-spreads-to-three-floors-603585">Watch | Massive fire breaks out in India’s Bhopal at Satpura Bhawan building</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been apprised of the situation,&nbsp;he has assured CM Chouhan of all possible assistance from the Centre for controlling the blaze.

Talking to PTI, Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said that the IAF aircraft would be reaching around 1.20 AM.&nbsp;

Citing the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the news agency reports that they would try to extinguish the fire by pouring water using buckets from above.

<h2>How did the blaze start?</h2>

Quoting Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, PTI reports that based on prima facie evidence it is believed to be set off by a&nbsp;short circuit in an air conditioner on the third floor of the building.

"As per prima facie information and people present at the spot informed that the blaze erupted on the third floor of the building due to a short circuit in an air conditioner and raged to other floors due to wind."

<h2>The damage&nbsp;</h2>

No casualties have been reported. However, as per officials, the fire destroyed furniture and documents in several departments located in the building.

The fire which started on the building's third floor around 4 pm quickly spread up to the sixth floor.

As per District Collector Ashish Singh, the many files stored in the various offices helped the fire spread. The blaze has affected the third, fourth, fifth and the top sixth floors of the building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-airport-for-delhi-to-have-indias-first-pod-taxi-service-603624">India's first pod taxi service will be available at upcoming Noida international airport</a>

"The fire is under control and is now confined to the building. It is not completely doused and efforts are on to completely douse it," one officer told the news agency.

Fire tenders and firefighters from the Army, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, Airports Authority of India, BHEL, and from Mandideep and Raisen are already pitching in to try and douse the fire, said the Chief Minister's Office said. Around 22 fire tenders and 30-40 tankers are involved in the dousing operation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in.

In India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire has been burning for over 15 hours. To put out the blaze in Satpura Bhawan, a multi-storied building housing various government offices in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been called in. The affected building, as per PTI, is located on a hill in front of the Madhya Pradesh State government secretariat, Vallabh Bhawan. Indian Air Force and the massive Bhopal building fire Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reached out to the Indian Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking support from the IAF. A special IAF aircraft will fly to Bhopal to help douse the fire. The Indian Defence Minister has directed the Indian Air Force to make use of AN-32 aircraft and MI-15 choppers. They've been instructed to reach Bhopal tonight. Also read | Watch | Massive fire breaks out in India’s Bhopal at Satpura Bhawan building Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been apprised of the situation, he has assured CM Chouhan of all possible assistance from the Centre for controlling the blaze. Talking to PTI, Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said that the IAF aircraft would be reaching around 1.20 AM. Citing the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the news agency reports that they would try to extinguish the fire by pouring water using buckets from above. How did the blaze start? Quoting Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, PTI reports that based on prima facie evidence it is believed to be set off by a short circuit in an air conditioner on the third floor of the building. "As per prima facie information and people present at the spot informed that the blaze erupted on the third floor of the building due to a short circuit in an air conditioner and raged to other floors due to wind." The damage No casualties have been reported. However, as per officials, the fire destroyed furniture and documents in several departments located in the building. The fire which started on the building's third floor around 4 pm quickly spread up to the sixth floor. As per District Collector Ashish Singh, the many files stored in the various offices helped the fire spread. The blaze has affected the third, fourth, fifth and the top sixth floors of the building. Also read | India's first pod taxi service will be available at upcoming Noida international airport "The fire is under control and is now confined to the building. It is not completely doused and efforts are on to completely douse it," one officer told the news agency. Fire tenders and firefighters from the Army, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL, Airports Authority of India, BHEL, and from Mandideep and Raisen are already pitching in to try and douse the fire, said the Chief Minister's Office said. Around 22 fire tenders and 30-40 tankers are involved in the dousing operation. (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.

Indian Air Force to aid in dousing of massive Bhopal building fire; PM Modi pledges 'all possible assistance'

Young Montana residents bring climate change case to court for the first time ever, say state violated rights to a ‘clean and healthful environment’.

Young Montana residents bring climate change to court

A new technology to fish for lobsters virtually rope-less to prevent whale entanglements has got conservationists excited, but the technology is getting a bitter reaction from lobster harvesters.

Ropeless fishing traps 'trap' lobster industry

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