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The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report.

Situated in Surat, known as the gem capital of the world and a major hub for diamond cutting, this newly constructed building will serve as a comprehensive centre&nbsp;for diamond professionals.

<h2>A hub for diamond trade</h2>

Spread across 35 acres of land, the Surat Diamond Bourse is a 15-storey complex consisting of nine interconnected rectangular structures.

Designed by the Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, the building offers over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. It aims to be a "one-stop destination" for the diamond industry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-and-scorpene-submarine-deals-didnt-figure-in-indo-french-joint-statement-heres-why-617080">Rafale and Scorpene submarine deals didn’t figure in Indo-French joint statement. Here’s why</a>

<h2>Inauguration and significance</h2>

The official inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse is scheduled for November this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony.

The construction of the building spanned four years, and its completion marks a significant milestone for the diamond industry, bringing a major trading hub to Surat and reducing the need for professionals to travel to Mumbai.

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<h2>Designed for efficiency and demand</h2>

The Surat Diamond Bourse was designed to meet the growing demand within the diamond industry. The architectural layout, featuring interconnected structures with a central spine, provides an optimal trading environment. All the office spaces within the building were already purchased by diamond companies before construction commenced, reflecting the high demand and market anticipation.

Also watch |&nbsp;India has expressed intentions of buying marine jets, says France

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<h2>Promoting convenience and economic growth</h2>

The establishment of the Surat Diamond Bourse is a not-for-profit initiative promoted by SDB Diamond Bourse, with the aim of developing and promoting the diamond trade in Surat, Gujarat.

The project is expected to save thousands of diamond professionals from the daily commute to Mumbai, enhancing convenience and potentially boosting the economic growth of the region.

&nbsp;

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The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report.

The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report. Situated in Surat, known as the gem capital of the world and a major hub for diamond cutting, this newly constructed building will serve as a comprehensive centre for diamond professionals. A hub for diamond trade Spread across 35 acres of land, the Surat Diamond Bourse is a 15-storey complex consisting of nine interconnected rectangular structures. Designed by the Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, the building offers over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. It aims to be a "one-stop destination" for the diamond industry. Also read | Rafale and Scorpene submarine deals didn’t figure in Indo-French joint statement. Here’s why Inauguration and significance The official inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse is scheduled for November this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony. The construction of the building spanned four years, and its completion marks a significant milestone for the diamond industry, bringing a major trading hub to Surat and reducing the need for professionals to travel to Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surat Diamond Bourse (@surat_diamond_bourse) × Designed for efficiency and demand The Surat Diamond Bourse was designed to meet the growing demand within the diamond industry. The architectural layout, featuring interconnected structures with a central spine, provides an optimal trading environment. All the office spaces within the building were already purchased by diamond companies before construction commenced, reflecting the high demand and market anticipation. Also watch | India has expressed intentions of buying marine jets, says France Promoting convenience and economic growth The establishment of the Surat Diamond Bourse is a not-for-profit initiative promoted by SDB Diamond Bourse, with the aim of developing and promoting the diamond trade in Surat, Gujarat. The project is expected to save thousands of diamond professionals from the daily commute to Mumbai, enhancing convenience and potentially boosting the economic growth of the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon

The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said. Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power during the previous presidential election by spreading false claims about the vulnerability of electronic voting machines to hacking and fraud.&nbsp;

The former president's actions were deemed detrimental to Brazilian democracy. Bolsonaro's legal team is anticipated to challenge the verdict, asserting that his statements did not impact the outcome of the election.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-600-people-arrested-200-cops-left-injured-as-violence-continues-on-third-night-610544">France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night</a>

In a decision reached by a majority vote of its seven judges, the Superior Electoral Court has convicted the&nbsp;68-year-old former president for abusing his power during the last presidential election which he narrowly lost to leftist candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.&nbsp;

The decision now opens up the opportunity for new leaders to emerge within the Brazilian right wing, which has been relatively inactive in opposition even after its success in congressional elections.

<h2>What was the trial?&nbsp;</h2>

The trial at the electoral court centred on Bolsonaro's actions regarding his hosting of foreign ambassadors in July of the election year. During the meeting, he expressed doubts about the reliability of Brazil's electronic voting machines.&nbsp;Opponents claimed that this gathering was a deliberate tactic to sow distrust in the electoral process.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/uk-environment-minister-zac-goldsmith-resigns-accuses-rishi-sunak-of-neglecting-climate-change-610540">UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change</a>

The meeting was broadcasted on live television and various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

<h2>Judge's statement&nbsp;</h2>

Benedito Goncalves, the judge overseeing the case, accused Bolsonaro of delivering a "deceitful monologue about electronic voting and the electoral justice system . . . using scraps of false information already so naturalised in his rhetoric”.

Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots

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The court also presented a draft document discovered in the home of Bolsonaro's justice minister, Anderson Torres, which outlined plans to overturn the election results. This document demonstrated a broader strategy to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral system.

<h2>Bolsonaro's response&nbsp;</h2>

Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and argued that the meeting with ambassadors had governmental, rather than electoral, purposes. He plans to appeal the court's decision at the Supreme Court. “I did not attack the voting system. I just showed its possible flaws," he said.&nbsp;

As a result of the verdict, Bolsonaro has been banned from participating in any elections, including local, state, and federal, for eight years. The ban applies retroactively from the first round of the 2022 presidential election, effectively barring him from contesting any polls until 2030.&nbsp;

However, he is still permitted to engage in political activities and expressed his intention to remain fully involved.

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&nbsp;

The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said.

The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said. Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power during the previous presidential election by spreading false claims about the vulnerability of electronic voting machines to hacking and fraud. The former president's actions were deemed detrimental to Brazilian democracy. Bolsonaro's legal team is anticipated to challenge the verdict, asserting that his statements did not impact the outcome of the election. Also Read | France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night In a decision reached by a majority vote of its seven judges, the Superior Electoral Court has convicted the 68-year-old former president for abusing his power during the last presidential election which he narrowly lost to leftist candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The decision now opens up the opportunity for new leaders to emerge within the Brazilian right wing, which has been relatively inactive in opposition even after its success in congressional elections. What was the trial? The trial at the electoral court centred on Bolsonaro's actions regarding his hosting of foreign ambassadors in July of the election year. During the meeting, he expressed doubts about the reliability of Brazil's electronic voting machines. Opponents claimed that this gathering was a deliberate tactic to sow distrust in the electoral process. Also Read | UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change The meeting was broadcasted on live television and various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Judge's statement Benedito Goncalves, the judge overseeing the case, accused Bolsonaro of delivering a "deceitful monologue about electronic voting and the electoral justice system . . . using scraps of false information already so naturalised in his rhetoric”. Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots × The court also presented a draft document discovered in the home of Bolsonaro's justice minister, Anderson Torres, which outlined plans to overturn the election results. This document demonstrated a broader strategy to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral system. Bolsonaro's response Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and argued that the meeting with ambassadors had governmental, rather than electoral, purposes. He plans to appeal the court's decision at the Supreme Court. “I did not attack the voting system. I just showed its possible flaws," he said. As a result of the verdict, Bolsonaro has been banned from participating in any elections, including local, state, and federal, for eight years. The ban applies retroactively from the first round of the 2022 presidential election, effectively barring him from contesting any polls until 2030. However, he is still permitted to engage in political activities and expressed his intention to remain fully involved. 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. ×

Brazil's Bolsonaro barred from office for eight years

The concept of a 9-5 job has greatly transformed, specifically in the corporate world where employees are working from almost any location at their convenience. The office working culture, a few years back, took a step forward when employers started recruiting and enabling employees to work from home. Now, as one more step forward, employees head to cafes to complete their work.

Co-working culture is brewing in cafes and restaurants

BBC tax raids saga, which started days after a controversy stirred by a documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has entered its third day. NDTV media outlet sources have now revealed that BBC senior employees are now spending their nights in the office as the "survey" continues at the company's India offices.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was reported that many BBC employees have been asked to work from home however, as per the latest reports, at least 10 senior employees have not left their workplace for the last two days as the Indian tax officials continue with their tax evasion probe.&nbsp;

The probe as per reports involves gathering the company's financial data from the staffers and collecting copies of the documents. But the operations at BBC offices are continuing without any hindrances, as per reports.

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The whole episode started Tuesday at around 11:30 AM at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai. As per reports quoting officials the operations has been carried out for over 45 hours now.&nbsp;

India's Supreme Court has already called a petition seeking to put a complete ban of the two-part documentary "India: The Modi Question" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots as "entirely misconceived".

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However, there are still some petitions left which have challenged the Indian government's decision to block the documentary's links on social media platforms. These petitions will be heard in the month of April.&nbsp;

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The opposition leaders in India are targeting the government and linking the raids to the controversy stoked following the release of a two-part BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots in 2002 and Modi.&nbsp;The UK's national broadcaster advised its staff to cooperate with the Income Tax officials and "answer questions comprehensively".&nbsp;

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BBC tax raids saga, which started days after a controversy stirred by a documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has entered its third day. NDTV media outlet sources have now revealed that BBC senior employees are now spending their nights in the office as the "survey" continues at the company's India offices.

BBC tax raids saga, which started days after a controversy stirred by a documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has entered its third day. NDTV media outlet sources have now revealed that BBC senior employees are now spending their nights in the office as the "survey" continues at the company's India offices. Earlier, it was reported that many BBC employees have been asked to work from home however, as per the latest reports, at least 10 senior employees have not left their workplace for the last two days as the Indian tax officials continue with their tax evasion probe. The probe as per reports involves gathering the company's financial data from the staffers and collecting copies of the documents. But the operations at BBC offices are continuing without any hindrances, as per reports. Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage? The whole episode started Tuesday at around 11:30 AM at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai. As per reports quoting officials the operations has been carried out for over 45 hours now. India's Supreme Court has already called a petition seeking to put a complete ban of the two-part documentary "India: The Modi Question" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots as "entirely misconceived". Also Read | War a military failure for Russia, Ukraine's tank count rising: Think tank However, there are still some petitions left which have challenged the Indian government's decision to block the documentary's links on social media platforms. These petitions will be heard in the month of April. Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers The opposition leaders in India are targeting the government and linking the raids to the controversy stoked following the release of a two-part BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots in 2002 and Modi. The UK's national broadcaster advised its staff to cooperate with the Income Tax officials and "answer questions comprehensively". 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.

BBC tax raids saga: Office becomes home for a dozen BBC senior employees

BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) offices in Delhi and Mumbai are being scrutinised for the second straight day on Wednesday by Income Tax officials, as part of a tax evasion probe, said multiple media reports.&nbsp;According to a report, BBC has instructed its employees by email to work from home and refrain from answering questions pertaining to their personal incomes. "Employees can refrain from answering questions on personal income if asked so. They should answer other salary-related queries," the email read.&nbsp;

The UK's national broadcaster advised its staff to cooperate with the Income Tax officials and "answer questions comprehensively". The Indian media outlet, NDTV while quoting sources said, that the latest survey will be centred around questions related to accounts. It added that the probe will be conducted on the BBC senior management.&nbsp;

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"The Income Tax Authorities remain at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Many staff have now left the building, but some have been asked to remain and are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiries," a BBC News Press Team tweeted at 10:26 pm on Tuesday night.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mexico-hundreds-including-same-sex-couples-wed-in-mass-ceremony-on-valentines-day-562152">Hundreds, including same-sex couples, wed in mass ceremony on Valentine's Day in Mexico</a>

"We are supporting our staff during this time and continue to hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible," it added.&nbsp;

This is the second straight day when BBC offices were searched in India. On Tuesday, a team of 60-70 personnel of the Income Tax department carried out the survey and the employees were asked not to use phones and also to not share details until the search is over.&nbsp;

The opposition leaders in India are targeting the government and linking the raids to the controversy stoked following the release of a two-part BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots in 2002 and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/designer-babies-how-far-is-too-far-562161">'Designer' babies: How far is too far?</a>

The last crucial development in&nbsp;the BBC saga was when last week, India's apex court rejected a request for a complete ban on BBC in India over the documentary. The Supreme Court termed the petition "entirely misconceived". UK has not made any official comments yet over the searches.

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BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) offices in Delhi and Mumbai are being scrutinised for the second straight day on Wednesday by Income Tax officials, as part of a tax evasion probe, said multiple media reports.

BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) offices in Delhi and Mumbai are being scrutinised for the second straight day on Wednesday by Income Tax officials, as part of a tax evasion probe, said multiple media reports. According to a report, BBC has instructed its employees by email to work from home and refrain from answering questions pertaining to their personal incomes. "Employees can refrain from answering questions on personal income if asked so. They should answer other salary-related queries," the email read. The UK's national broadcaster advised its staff to cooperate with the Income Tax officials and "answer questions comprehensively". The Indian media outlet, NDTV while quoting sources said, that the latest survey will be centred around questions related to accounts. It added that the probe will be conducted on the BBC senior management. Also Read | FDA approves a 'first-of-its-kind' vibrating pill to relieve chronic constipation "The Income Tax Authorities remain at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. Many staff have now left the building, but some have been asked to remain and are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiries," a BBC News Press Team tweeted at 10:26 pm on Tuesday night. Also Read | Hundreds, including same-sex couples, wed in mass ceremony on Valentine's Day in Mexico "We are supporting our staff during this time and continue to hope to have this situation resolved as soon as possible," it added. This is the second straight day when BBC offices were searched in India. On Tuesday, a team of 60-70 personnel of the Income Tax department carried out the survey and the employees were asked not to use phones and also to not share details until the search is over. The opposition leaders in India are targeting the government and linking the raids to the controversy stoked following the release of a two-part BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots in 2002 and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch | 'Designer' babies: How far is too far? The last crucial development in the BBC saga was when last week, India's apex court rejected a request for a complete ban on BBC in India over the documentary. The Supreme Court termed the petition "entirely misconceived". UK has not made any official comments yet over the searches. 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.

BBC offices searched for second day in tax evasion probe, employees asked to work from home: Reports

TJ Holmes and Amy Robach have been hosting the Good Morning America talk show GMA3 since 2020, and this week, paparazzi images of the couple were posted online, revealing their relationship. Although Holmes and Robach are both married, a spokesperson for the two claimed that they had just ended their marriages and had recently started dating.

What did the ABC News president say?

Holmes and Robach have been removed from GMA3, according to Kim Godwin, the president of ABC News. During an editorial call on Monday, Godwin said, “I’m going to talk about something that has become an internal and an external distraction: the relationship between two of our colleagues."

According to sources cited by multiple media outlets, she said that the relationship is not a violation of company policy and after taking few days to think about and work through what she thinks is best for the ABC News organisation, she is going to take Amy and TJ off the air, while figuring this out."

“These decisions are not easy, they are not knee-jerk, but they are necessary for the brand and for our priority which, you guys know, are all of us — the people here at ABC,” she added. She also asked staff to “stop the whispering in the hallways” about the matter. “We can’t operate with gossip, speculation and rumours. We need to stay focused on the work.”

How the love came to light?

Following the paparazzi photos of Holmes and Robach together while on vacation, their relationship was made public. Amid a barrage of tabloid coverage and social media comments, a spokesperson for Holmes and Robach stated that the duo had been close friends for many years, but their connection developed during the previous few months, when they split from their respective spouses in August. They were waiting until they were both divorced before telling anybody, not even ABC. Stephanie Ramos and Gio Benitez took the place of the two on Monday, and they will continue to do so till ABC News resolves the situation.

 
&nbsp;

TJ Holmes and Amy Robach have been hosting the Good Morning America talk show GMA3 since 2020, and this week, paparazzi images of the couple were posted online, revealing their relationship.

TJ Holmes and Amy Robach have been hosting the Good Morning America talk show GMA3 since 2020, and this week, paparazzi images of the couple were posted online, revealing their relationship. Although Holmes and Robach are both married, a spokesperson for the two claimed that they had just ended their marriages and had recently started dating. What did the ABC News president say? Holmes and Robach have been removed from GMA3, according to Kim Godwin, the president of ABC News. During an editorial call on Monday, Godwin said, “I’m going to talk about something that has become an internal and an external distraction: the relationship between two of our colleagues." According to sources cited by multiple media outlets, she said that the relationship is not a violation of company policy and after taking few days to think about and work through what she thinks is best for the ABC News organisation, she is going to take Amy and TJ off the air, while figuring this out." “These decisions are not easy, they are not knee-jerk, but they are necessary for the brand and for our priority which, you guys know, are all of us — the people here at ABC,” she added. She also asked staff to “stop the whispering in the hallways” about the matter. “We can’t operate with gossip, speculation and rumours. We need to stay focused on the work.” How the love came to light? Following the paparazzi photos of Holmes and Robach together while on vacation, their relationship was made public. Amid a barrage of tabloid coverage and social media comments, a spokesperson for Holmes and Robach stated that the duo had been close friends for many years, but their connection developed during the previous few months, when they split from their respective spouses in August. They were waiting until they were both divorced before telling anybody, not even ABC. Stephanie Ramos and Gio Benitez took the place of the two on Monday, and they will continue to do so till ABC News resolves the situation.

'Good Morning America' anchors Amy Robach, TJ Holmes caught having office romance, see how ABC News tackles it

4 Indian-Americans have been elected to U.S. House of Representatives following the mid-term polls. Who are they? And what should Indians be expecting from these American lawmakers? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: U.S. Midterms: 4 Indian-Americans elected to office

A Twitter employee shared an image of his boss, the company’s director of product management, Esther Crawford, who was seen sleeping on the office floor, days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over. The image shared shows Crawford with a sleeping bag and an eye mask behind some chairs.&nbsp;

The image was shared by Evan Jones, a product manager for Twitter Spaces with the caption, “When you need something from your boss at elon twitter.” Subsequently, Crawford retweeted the image and said, “When your team is pushing round the clock to make deadlines sometimes you #SleepWhereYouWork”.&nbsp;

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When your team is pushing round the clock to make deadlines sometimes you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepWhereYouWork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepWhereYouWork</a> <a href="https://t.co/UBGKYPilbD">https://t.co/UBGKYPilbD</a>
— Esther Crawford ✨ (@esthercrawford) <a href="https://twitter.com/esthercrawford/status/1587709705488830464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The post has since gone viral on social media making some users concerned.

However, addressing the alarmed responses, Crawford wrote, “Since some people are losing their minds I'll explain: doing hard things requires sacrifice (time, energy, etc). I have teammates around the world who are putting in the effort to bring something new to life so it's important to me to show up for them &amp; keep the team unblocked.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-slams-twitters-current-lords-and-peasants-system-says-blue-for-8month-530344">Elon Musk slams Twitter's current 'lords and peasants' system, says 'Blue for $8/month'</a>

This comes after reports of an internal message that told the Twitter staff working on changing the micro-blogging app’s verification process that “the expectation is literally to work 24/7” to meet Musk’s deadline, said a report by Insider. It added that the workers feared that they would be fired if they are unable to meet the end-of-the-week deadline.&nbsp;

Crawford also said how she works with “amazingly talented &amp; ambitious people here at Twitter” who are less than a week into a “massive business &amp; cultural transition” and that people there are “giving it their all across all functions”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-elon-musk-buys-twitter-529238">Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk</a>

She added, “We are #OneTeam and we use the hashtag #LoveWhereYouWork to show it, which is why I retweeted with #SleepWhereYouWork -- a cheeky nod to fellow Tweeps. We've been in the midst of a crazy public acquisition for months but we keep going &amp; I'm so proud of our strength &amp; resilience.”&nbsp;

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A Twitter employee shared an image of his boss, the company’s director of product management, Esther Crawford, who was seen sleeping on the office floor, days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over.

A Twitter employee shared an image of his boss, the company’s director of product management, Esther Crawford, who was seen sleeping on the office floor, days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk took over. The image shared shows Crawford with a sleeping bag and an eye mask behind some chairs. The image was shared by Evan Jones, a product manager for Twitter Spaces with the caption, “When you need something from your boss at elon twitter.” Subsequently, Crawford retweeted the image and said, “When your team is pushing round the clock to make deadlines sometimes you #SleepWhereYouWork”. When your team is pushing round the clock to make deadlines sometimes you #SleepWhereYouWork https://t.co/UBGKYPilbD — Esther Crawford ✨ (@esthercrawford) November 2, 2022 × The post has since gone viral on social media making some users concerned. However, addressing the alarmed responses, Crawford wrote, “Since some people are losing their minds I'll explain: doing hard things requires sacrifice (time, energy, etc). I have teammates around the world who are putting in the effort to bring something new to life so it's important to me to show up for them & keep the team unblocked.” ALSO READ: Elon Musk slams Twitter's current 'lords and peasants' system, says 'Blue for $8/month' This comes after reports of an internal message that told the Twitter staff working on changing the micro-blogging app’s verification process that “the expectation is literally to work 24/7” to meet Musk’s deadline, said a report by Insider. It added that the workers feared that they would be fired if they are unable to meet the end-of-the-week deadline. Crawford also said how she works with “amazingly talented & ambitious people here at Twitter” who are less than a week into a “massive business & cultural transition” and that people there are “giving it their all across all functions”. ALSO WATCH: Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk She added, “We are #OneTeam and we use the hashtag #LoveWhereYouWork to show it, which is why I retweeted with #SleepWhereYouWork -- a cheeky nod to fellow Tweeps. We've been in the midst of a crazy public acquisition for months but we keep going & I'm so proud of our strength & resilience.” 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.

Image shows Twitter employee sleeping on office floor after Musk takeover

A new study says Indian employees feel guilty about taking leave. Why? Due to the fear of missing out. How does this affect one's mental health? What can be done to fix the feeling? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: 'Indians feel guilty about taking a leave,' says new study

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

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

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

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

Are you being left out of office meetings that you were once a part of? Are you not being marked on mails that you would previously being looped into? Are you being left out of decision-making? Your boss might be quiet-firing you. Here are all the signs of quiet-firing.

Gravitas Plus: Is your manager quiet-firing you? Find out

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned from office, but he wants to stay till a replacement leader is named. Senior Conservatives want Johnson to step down immediately and make way for a caretaker PM, but Johnson has refused.

Gravitas: Boris Johnson wants to stay in office till October

On Friday, the Sri Lankan authorities declared a shutdown of government offices and schools for two weeks, given the public transport ground that is almost completely halted due to a lack of dollars to make payments and import fuel, reported AFP.

As a result of the acute shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, the Public Administration Ministry of Sri Lanka has instructed all departments, public institutions, and local councils to maintain the bare minimum services starting Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-sri-lankan-tamils-flee-home-country-to-arrive-on-indian-shores-exodus-grows-to-90-489201">Seven Sri Lankan Tamils flee home country to arrive on Indian shores; exodus grows to 90</a>

"Due to scarce public transport as well as the inability to arrange private vehicles, it is decided to drastically curtail the number of employees reporting to work," AFP reported quoting the ministry order.

The education ministry in Sri Lanka has also asked schools to remain closed from Monday for two weeks and continue with online classes if students and teachers have access to electricity.

The authorities also declared Friday a holiday in order to conserve fuel.

Even with several such measures, the country is still witnessing long queues at the gas stations, with people claiming to have waited for several days to fill their tanks.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lankan govt issues new circular: Govt to close offices, schools for two weeks amid economic crisis

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Since its Independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has been going through one of the worst economic crises with no capacity to finance the import of basic necessities like food, medicines, and fuel from the end of last year. The country has already defaulted on its 51 billion dollars foreign debt and is presently in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) requesting a bailout.

The country also suffers from a record high inflation along with continuous and prolonged power blackouts. These factors have contributed to the months of protests and violence calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.&nbsp;

The shutdown came one day after United Nations launched an emergency response to the country's economic crisis by providing food to thousands of pregnant women suffering from food shortages.

The UN said that four out of five people in Sri Lanka are skipping meals as they cannot afford to eat, which they referred to as a "dire humanitarian crisis" with millions of people in need of aid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-cabinet-approves-several-measures-to-facilitate-economic-recovery-488156">Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery</a>

The World Food Programme told AFP on Thursday that it had started distributing food vouchers to nearly 2,000 pregnant women in Colombo's "underserved" areas as part of their "life-saving assistance."

The WFP is also currently trying to raise about 60 million dollars for a food relief effort from June to December.

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On Friday, the Sri Lankan authorities declared a shutdown of government offices and schools for two weeks, given the public transport ground that is almost completely halted due to a lack of dollars to make payments and import fuel, reported AFP.

On Friday, the Sri Lankan authorities declared a shutdown of government offices and schools for two weeks, given the public transport ground that is almost completely halted due to a lack of dollars to make payments and import fuel, reported AFP. As a result of the acute shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, the Public Administration Ministry of Sri Lanka has instructed all departments, public institutions, and local councils to maintain the bare minimum services starting Monday. Also read | Seven Sri Lankan Tamils flee home country to arrive on Indian shores; exodus grows to 90 "Due to scarce public transport as well as the inability to arrange private vehicles, it is decided to drastically curtail the number of employees reporting to work," AFP reported quoting the ministry order. The education ministry in Sri Lanka has also asked schools to remain closed from Monday for two weeks and continue with online classes if students and teachers have access to electricity. The authorities also declared Friday a holiday in order to conserve fuel. Even with several such measures, the country is still witnessing long queues at the gas stations, with people claiming to have waited for several days to fill their tanks. Watch | Sri Lankan govt issues new circular: Govt to close offices, schools for two weeks amid economic crisis Since its Independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has been going through one of the worst economic crises with no capacity to finance the import of basic necessities like food, medicines, and fuel from the end of last year. The country has already defaulted on its 51 billion dollars foreign debt and is presently in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) requesting a bailout. The country also suffers from a record high inflation along with continuous and prolonged power blackouts. These factors have contributed to the months of protests and violence calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down. The shutdown came one day after United Nations launched an emergency response to the country's economic crisis by providing food to thousands of pregnant women suffering from food shortages. The UN said that four out of five people in Sri Lanka are skipping meals as they cannot afford to eat, which they referred to as a "dire humanitarian crisis" with millions of people in need of aid. Also read | Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery The World Food Programme told AFP on Thursday that it had started distributing food vouchers to nearly 2,000 pregnant women in Colombo's "underserved" areas as part of their "life-saving assistance." The WFP is also currently trying to raise about 60 million dollars for a food relief effort from June to December. 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.

Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt

Living from one weekend to the next has become the norm for most of us. We thank god it's Friday and dread a manic Monday. We cram all our hobbies, social events, chores, meal planning, workouts and getaways in a two-day window. The result? We feel exhausted and drained even before the week begins.

But what if your weekend was longer? What if you had more time to unwind, to spend with your family and plan all those getaways on your bucket list?

What if you were told that you could enjoy a three-day weekend? Deleting one working day and adding an extra holiday with no loss of pay, sounds like the perfect equation, doesn't it?

It's not a utopian concept anymore. It is becoming the norm in a lot of countries.&nbsp;

Iceland, Sweden, Japan, Scotland are all experimenting with a shorter work week -- four days to be exact. In Spain, big companies are agreeing to a 32-hour week without affecting employees' salaries.&nbsp;

In fact Iceland conducted the world's largest trial of a shorter working week from 2015 to 2019 and found that a majority of working professionals were happier and healthier.

Employers say it boosts productivity and employee well-being. In Japan where big companies take pride in driving an efficient workforce, there is a conscious effort to try and break away from a toxic, workaholic culture.

But is a shorter work week the best way to achieve that work-life balance that we all aspire for?

Many professionals feel that cramming the same amount of work in a shorter period of time may have an impact on their health in the long run. While a compressed work schedule has its benefits with claims of increased productivity, decreased overhead costs for companies and more "me time" for employees, there is a price to pay for this longer weekend.&nbsp;

Why, you ask? Consider another mathematical equation. You will either be working for five eight-hour shifts a week or four 10-hour shifts in a week. Longer hours every week, month on month, year on year, will lead to more stress and fatigue over a period of time.

Speak to working professionals and they will tell you that the scheduling challenges, deadlines and tasks keep adding up and one ends up taking the work -- and the added stress -- back home.

While on paper, you are working less, you are still cramming more work in a shorter period of time.

So, does that mean the four-day workweek is a failure? Not really. It is simply a metaphor for flexible working model which will be the future of workplaces. The pandemic has taught us that rigid working schedules are not in the interest of employers or employees.

Just like diets, nutrition plans, workout and clothes are tailored for us, working models need to be customised. A recent survey conducted by LinkedIn in India found that 7 in 10 Indian women are either quitting their jobs or considering the same due to a lack of flexible working models.

So simply deleting a day from our work week will not help us work more efficiently or enjoy more on our days off. &nbsp;

We need to look at the big picture and ask ourselves, is long-term fatigue worth a three-day weekend?

Living from one weekend to the next has become the norm for most of us. We thank god it's Friday and dread a manic Monday. We cram all our hobbies, social events, chores, meal planning, workouts and getaways in a two-day window.

Living from one weekend to the next has become the norm for most of us. We thank god it's Friday and dread a manic Monday. We cram all our hobbies, social events, chores, meal planning, workouts and getaways in a two-day window. The result? We feel exhausted and drained even before the week begins. But what if your weekend was longer? What if you had more time to unwind, to spend with your family and plan all those getaways on your bucket list? What if you were told that you could enjoy a three-day weekend? Deleting one working day and adding an extra holiday with no loss of pay, sounds like the perfect equation, doesn't it? It's not a utopian concept anymore. It is becoming the norm in a lot of countries. Iceland, Sweden, Japan, Scotland are all experimenting with a shorter work week -- four days to be exact. In Spain, big companies are agreeing to a 32-hour week without affecting employees' salaries. In fact Iceland conducted the world's largest trial of a shorter working week from 2015 to 2019 and found that a majority of working professionals were happier and healthier. Employers say it boosts productivity and employee well-being. In Japan where big companies take pride in driving an efficient workforce, there is a conscious effort to try and break away from a toxic, workaholic culture. But is a shorter work week the best way to achieve that work-life balance that we all aspire for? Many professionals feel that cramming the same amount of work in a shorter period of time may have an impact on their health in the long run. While a compressed work schedule has its benefits with claims of increased productivity, decreased overhead costs for companies and more "me time" for employees, there is a price to pay for this longer weekend. Why, you ask? Consider another mathematical equation. You will either be working for five eight-hour shifts a week or four 10-hour shifts in a week. Longer hours every week, month on month, year on year, will lead to more stress and fatigue over a period of time. Speak to working professionals and they will tell you that the scheduling challenges, deadlines and tasks keep adding up and one ends up taking the work -- and the added stress -- back home. While on paper, you are working less, you are still cramming more work in a shorter period of time. So, does that mean the four-day workweek is a failure? Not really. It is simply a metaphor for flexible working model which will be the future of workplaces. The pandemic has taught us that rigid working schedules are not in the interest of employers or employees. Just like diets, nutrition plans, workout and clothes are tailored for us, working models need to be customised. A recent survey conducted by LinkedIn in India found that 7 in 10 Indian women are either quitting their jobs or considering the same due to a lack of flexible working models. So simply deleting a day from our work week will not help us work more efficiently or enjoy more on our days off. We need to look at the big picture and ask ourselves, is long-term fatigue worth a three-day weekend?

A four-day work week: The future of workplaces?

From his office at No. 10 Downing St., Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain places urgent daily calls to Ukraine’s wartime leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Next door, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, officials draw up new sanctions against the Russian oligarchs who have turned London into a turnkey haven to hide their assets and house their extended families.

Yet just across Whitehall, a billionaire property developer is close to completing an extravagant conversion of the Old War Office, an Edwardian-era monument to Britain’s imperial past. The new property will be a five-star Raffles Hotel, with lavish residential apartments that would until recently have catered to the same ultrawealthy Russians who have abruptly fallen out of favor.

“We had a glut of Russian inquiries about six weeks ago, none of which materialized,” said Charlie Walsh, head of residential sales for the project. “The Russian market would have been quite significant. For obvious reasons, that has been completely nonexistent. Thankfully, from that point of view, as well.”

To say the project has strange timing understates its sheer incongruity. Opening at a time of war in Europe, the OWO — as the Old War Office has been delicately rebranded — is an evocative reminder of Britain’s wartime history. In the midst of a crackdown on rampant foreign money, it is also a baroque example of what postwar Britain has become and what the government is belatedly trying to clean up.

Rarely has a building been both so emblematic and yet so out of step with the times — a bricks-and-mortar manifestation of how London has, and hasn’t, changed.

The crosscurrents are not lost on Walsh, who works for the Hinduja Group, an Anglo-Indian conglomerate controlled by the Hinduja brothers, which has holdings in automotive manufacturing, oil and gas, and health care. He is trying to sell the building’s rich history to a superrich clientele without overdoing the warlike theme.

Instead, Walsh recalls the famous figures who worked in the Old War Office, from Winston Churchill to T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia. He confides that John Profumo, secretary of state for war in the early 1960s, entertained his 19-year-old lover Christine Keeler in his wood-paneled office, which will be the centerpiece of a hotel suite. Their fling exploded into the “Profumo affair” after it emerged that Keeler had also had a sexual relationship with a Soviet diplomat.

Ian Fleming was in and out of the building during his time as a naval intelligence officer — a detail that is catnip to a salesman like Walsh, who hints that Fleming came up with the inspiration for his suave spy, James Bond, there. He shows a visitor the “Spies Entrance,” so-called because it is tucked discreetly at the rear of the building.

Numerous Bond films have used the Old War Office as a backdrop, most memorably at the end of the 2012 film “Skyfall,” when a brooding Daniel Craig gazes at its domed turrets from the roof of a neighboring building — Big Ben looming in the distance, framed by fluttering Union Jacks.

“Hate to waste a view,” Bond says, in words the developer has manifestly taken to heart.

The OWO is full of jaw-dropping vistas, with suites that look out to the Horse Guards Parade across the street or south to the Houses of Parliament. There is a three-story Champagne bar overlooking a courtyard and a glass-roofed restaurant. Two of the penthouse apartments have rooms built into the turrets.

All that splendor — the wood paneling, the intricately carved marble fireplaces, the original mosaic floors — isn’t cheap. The 85 apartments start at 5.8 million pounds ($7.6 million) and go up to 100 million pounds ($131 million). Walsh has sold about one-quarter of the units and said he was confident he would sell half by the time the OWO opens at the end of this year or early in 2023.

The war in Ukraine, and the stain of hidden, ill-gotten Russian wealth, is not even the biggest challenge to marketing these oligarch-scale apartments. Travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic have made it harder for prospective buyers from Asia and the Middle East to visit London. As a result, many of Walsh’s early sales have been to Americans and Europeans. The spike in oil prices, he said, would probably help lift the market for buyers in the Gulf countries.

Though he does not say so explicitly, Walsh is clearly relieved that Russian buyers have been sidelined. The threat of sanctions, which could lead to their assets being frozen, spares him a difficult choice. He insists that more stringent “know your customer” regulations in the last few years have made it “nigh on impossible for dirty money to come into these new projects.”

That seems optimistic: Transparency International, which campaigns against corruption, estimates that 6.7 billion pounds ($8.8 billion) of dubious foreign funds have poured into British property since 2016, including 1.5 billion pounds from Russians accused of corruption or links to the Kremlin. A new law aims to make it harder for wealthy foreigners to disguise their ownership of real estate or use it to launder money.

Despite this crackdown, and the complications of Brexit, Walsh predicted that London would remain an alluring destination for the superrich. Two years of pandemic — of “not being able to exercise their retail therapy,” he said — had generated pent-up demand for multithousand-dollar-a-night hotel rooms and multimillion-dollar apartments.

The Old War Office, which was completed in 1906, is not the only London landmark that is being converted into a luxury hotel. The Admiralty Arch, which sits between Trafalgar Square and The Mall, is being turned into a Waldorf Astoria. The former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square, a midcentury-modernist classic designed by Earo Saarinen, is being converted into a Rosewood Hotel.

For critics, private takeovers of public buildings have gone too far, particularly in the case of Admiralty Arch, a majestic edifice that has languished for years as a construction site, blighting the view toward Buckingham Palace.

“It’s an absolute scandal,” said Simon Jenkins, a columnist for the Guardian and author of “A Short History of London.” “It should be used for government offices. Are they going to do Downing Street next?” (A smart-aleck might note that the prime minister’s residence was regularly used as a party space during the pandemic — a violation of lockdown rules that has put Johnson into political peril).

Selling off distinguished public buildings for hotels or high-end apartments would be hard to imagine in a city like Paris. But in London, “a dispassionate approach to the great buildings of state is not as strange as it would seem,” said Tony Travers, an expert in urban affairs at the London School of Economics.

“Britain, which is a very traditional country in many ways, has the capacity to be very untraditional in other ways,” he said. “There’s a willingness to reject tradition when it is seen as pragmatically necessary.”

Travers pointed out that a fiscally strapped government was unlikely to take as good care of these buildings as private owners. The Palace of Westminster sits in a state of dangerous decay, with chunks of masonry tumbling off its walls, as Parliament bickers over a renovation that could take decades and cost more than $20 billion.

The Ministry of Defense, which moved into larger quarters in 1964, sold a 250-year lease to the Old War Office for 350 million pounds ($460 million) in 2016. The Hindujas have poured more than 1 billion pounds into it, with 1,200 workers laboring on the site.

“This is a very expensive capital-intensive project,” Walsh said, as he showed where a Versailles-scale chandelier will hang over the grand staircase. “Without private investment, very simply, these buildings would be left to rot and die.”

From his office at No. 10 Downing St., Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain places urgent daily calls to Ukraine’s wartime leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Next door, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, officials draw up new sanctions against the Russian oligarchs who have turned London into a turnkey haven to hide their assets and house their extended families.

From his office at No. 10 Downing St., Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain places urgent daily calls to Ukraine’s wartime leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Next door, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, officials draw up new sanctions against the Russian oligarchs who have turned London into a turnkey haven to hide their assets and house their extended families. Yet just across Whitehall, a billionaire property developer is close to completing an extravagant conversion of the Old War Office, an Edwardian-era monument to Britain’s imperial past. The new property will be a five-star Raffles Hotel, with lavish residential apartments that would until recently have catered to the same ultrawealthy Russians who have abruptly fallen out of favor. “We had a glut of Russian inquiries about six weeks ago, none of which materialized,” said Charlie Walsh, head of residential sales for the project. “The Russian market would have been quite significant. For obvious reasons, that has been completely nonexistent. Thankfully, from that point of view, as well.” To say the project has strange timing understates its sheer incongruity. Opening at a time of war in Europe, the OWO — as the Old War Office has been delicately rebranded — is an evocative reminder of Britain’s wartime history. In the midst of a crackdown on rampant foreign money, it is also a baroque example of what postwar Britain has become and what the government is belatedly trying to clean up. Rarely has a building been both so emblematic and yet so out of step with the times — a bricks-and-mortar manifestation of how London has, and hasn’t, changed. The crosscurrents are not lost on Walsh, who works for the Hinduja Group, an Anglo-Indian conglomerate controlled by the Hinduja brothers, which has holdings in automotive manufacturing, oil and gas, and health care. He is trying to sell the building’s rich history to a superrich clientele without overdoing the warlike theme. Instead, Walsh recalls the famous figures who worked in the Old War Office, from Winston Churchill to T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia. He confides that John Profumo, secretary of state for war in the early 1960s, entertained his 19-year-old lover Christine Keeler in his wood-paneled office, which will be the centerpiece of a hotel suite. Their fling exploded into the “Profumo affair” after it emerged that Keeler had also had a sexual relationship with a Soviet diplomat. Ian Fleming was in and out of the building during his time as a naval intelligence officer — a detail that is catnip to a salesman like Walsh, who hints that Fleming came up with the inspiration for his suave spy, James Bond, there. He shows a visitor the “Spies Entrance,” so-called because it is tucked discreetly at the rear of the building. Numerous Bond films have used the Old War Office as a backdrop, most memorably at the end of the 2012 film “Skyfall,” when a brooding Daniel Craig gazes at its domed turrets from the roof of a neighboring building — Big Ben looming in the distance, framed by fluttering Union Jacks. “Hate to waste a view,” Bond says, in words the developer has manifestly taken to heart. The OWO is full of jaw-dropping vistas, with suites that look out to the Horse Guards Parade across the street or south to the Houses of Parliament. There is a three-story Champagne bar overlooking a courtyard and a glass-roofed restaurant. Two of the penthouse apartments have rooms built into the turrets. All that splendor — the wood paneling, the intricately carved marble fireplaces, the original mosaic floors — isn’t cheap. The 85 apartments start at 5.8 million pounds ($7.6 million) and go up to 100 million pounds ($131 million). Walsh has sold about one-quarter of the units and said he was confident he would sell half by the time the OWO opens at the end of this year or early in 2023. The war in Ukraine, and the stain of hidden, ill-gotten Russian wealth, is not even the biggest challenge to marketing these oligarch-scale apartments. Travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic have made it harder for prospective buyers from Asia and the Middle East to visit London. As a result, many of Walsh’s early sales have been to Americans and Europeans. The spike in oil prices, he said, would probably help lift the market for buyers in the Gulf countries. Though he does not say so explicitly, Walsh is clearly relieved that Russian buyers have been sidelined. The threat of sanctions, which could lead to their assets being frozen, spares him a difficult choice. He insists that more stringent “know your customer” regulations in the last few years have made it “nigh on impossible for dirty money to come into these new projects.” That seems optimistic: Transparency International, which campaigns against corruption, estimates that 6.7 billion pounds ($8.8 billion) of dubious foreign funds have poured into British property since 2016, including 1.5 billion pounds from Russians accused of corruption or links to the Kremlin. A new law aims to make it harder for wealthy foreigners to disguise their ownership of real estate or use it to launder money. Despite this crackdown, and the complications of Brexit, Walsh predicted that London would remain an alluring destination for the superrich. Two years of pandemic — of “not being able to exercise their retail therapy,” he said — had generated pent-up demand for multithousand-dollar-a-night hotel rooms and multimillion-dollar apartments. The Old War Office, which was completed in 1906, is not the only London landmark that is being converted into a luxury hotel. The Admiralty Arch, which sits between Trafalgar Square and The Mall, is being turned into a Waldorf Astoria. The former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square, a midcentury-modernist classic designed by Earo Saarinen, is being converted into a Rosewood Hotel. For critics, private takeovers of public buildings have gone too far, particularly in the case of Admiralty Arch, a majestic edifice that has languished for years as a construction site, blighting the view toward Buckingham Palace. “It’s an absolute scandal,” said Simon Jenkins, a columnist for the Guardian and author of “A Short History of London.” “It should be used for government offices. Are they going to do Downing Street next?” (A smart-aleck might note that the prime minister’s residence was regularly used as a party space during the pandemic — a violation of lockdown rules that has put Johnson into political peril). Selling off distinguished public buildings for hotels or high-end apartments would be hard to imagine in a city like Paris. But in London, “a dispassionate approach to the great buildings of state is not as strange as it would seem,” said Tony Travers, an expert in urban affairs at the London School of Economics. “Britain, which is a very traditional country in many ways, has the capacity to be very untraditional in other ways,” he said. “There’s a willingness to reject tradition when it is seen as pragmatically necessary.” Travers pointed out that a fiscally strapped government was unlikely to take as good care of these buildings as private owners. The Palace of Westminster sits in a state of dangerous decay, with chunks of masonry tumbling off its walls, as Parliament bickers over a renovation that could take decades and cost more than $20 billion. The Ministry of Defense, which moved into larger quarters in 1964, sold a 250-year lease to the Old War Office for 350 million pounds ($460 million) in 2016. The Hindujas have poured more than 1 billion pounds into it, with 1,200 workers laboring on the site. “This is a very expensive capital-intensive project,” Walsh said, as he showed where a Versailles-scale chandelier will hang over the grand staircase. “Without private investment, very simply, these buildings would be left to rot and die.”

Amid war, a lavish hotel will open in Britain’s old war office

Anti-government protesters stormed the Sri Lankan President’s office over the worsening economic situation in the country. The protests have forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa to unveil new fiscal measures. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary | Lankan President's office stormed

Tensions sparked in Jerusalem where a controversial far-right Jewish lawmaker visited flashpoint neighbor of Sheikh Jarrah. Police stated that they arrested two people and claimed that they tried to contain "a violent riot".

Clashes erupt in Jerusalem as Jewish lawmaker sets up a 'tent office'

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing. &nbsp;

This decision was made after an employee tested positive for the Omicron variant. All of this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

The residential compound and the workplace of the infected person have been sealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-two-year-high-in-covid-cases-weeks-before-winter-olympics-445515">Also read |&nbsp;China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics</a>

China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Also, earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown

Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases.

Meanwhile, China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached the highest levels since March 2020. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing.

An office building in the west of Beijing was sealed off without advance warning while workers were still inside. Also, all these workers were subjected to compulsory Covid testing. This decision was made after an employee tested positive for the Omicron variant. All of this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities. The residential compound and the workplace of the infected person have been sealed. Also read | China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics China has imposed a lockdown in several cities including Xi'an and Henan province. Health officials had put Xi'an city under strict lockdown as the city registered over 2,000 Covid cases in a month. Also, earlier this week, the authorities moved to lockdown Anyang city after 58 coronavirus cases were reported including two Omicron cases. Meanwhile, China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached the highest levels since March 2020. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports &amp; WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

He further said that people who are working from the office will require face masks all the time, except for eating and drinking or being in a room alone. As per Zucker, the network made this decision out of an "abundance of caution."

Infections have grown by 40 per cent across the US in the last two weeks, and deaths have soared by more than a third, with more than 1,300 Americans dying every day from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-us-president-warns-of-winter-with-severe-illness-and-death-437546">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron: US President warns of winter with 'severe illness and death'</a>

Not just CNN, but many other organisations can be seen taking precautions. Many colleges have already declared a switch to online classes, while professional sports leagues and Broadway theatres have cancelled games and performances.&nbsp;

Keeping in mind the increasing cases, US President Biden warned of winter of "serious illness and death" for unvaccinated Americans. "For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death... for themselves, their families and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm," Biden said.&nbsp;

He added, "But there's good news. If you're vaccinated, and you have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death, period."

(With inputs from agencies)

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs.

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs." He further said that people who are working from the office will require face masks all the time, except for eating and drinking or being in a room alone. As per Zucker, the network made this decision out of an "abundance of caution." Infections have grown by 40 per cent across the US in the last two weeks, and deaths have soared by more than a third, with more than 1,300 Americans dying every day from the deadly virus. Also read | Omicron: US President warns of winter with 'severe illness and death' Not just CNN, but many other organisations can be seen taking precautions. Many colleges have already declared a switch to online classes, while professional sports leagues and Broadway theatres have cancelled games and performances. Keeping in mind the increasing cases, US President Biden warned of winter of "serious illness and death" for unvaccinated Americans. "For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death... for themselves, their families and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm," Biden said. He added, "But there's good news. If you're vaccinated, and you have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death, period." (With inputs from agencies)

'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases

Growing worries over the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant are derailing several companies' plans for a return to normalcy. Apple is delaying its return to office plans indefinitely, and it has temporarily closed three stores in the US And Canada.

Apple delays return to office indefinitely

Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan has been longing for international support or recognition of any sorts for a long time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A report in the Financial Times claiming that the European Union is looking to restart its political activities in a limited way in Kabul seems to have come as a sigh of relief in the government of war-torn country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Monday, the Islamic Emirate welcomed the reopening of the European Union’s office in Kabul. It said that the step could be the beginning of engagement with European countries. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-facing-food-crisis-warns-un-423948" hreflang="en">Afghanistan facing food crisis, warns UN</a>

Ahmadullah Wasiq, deputy spokesman, Islamic Emirate, said, “The decision of the European Union to reopen its office in the near future is a good step and it is in the interest of the people of Afghanistan. They will evaluate their work from the vicinity.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report, however, also said that the move is not intended to recognise Taliban regime in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Nabila Massarali, spokesperson, EU, said, “As we have repeatedly said, this is not a sign of recognition. We want to be able to better assist the Afghan people who need our help by being closer and, inevitably, we need to engage with the Taliban.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghan-governments-collapse-was-not-in-nations-interest-says-talibans-minister-zabiullah-mujahid-423693" hreflang="en">Former Afghan government’s collapse was not in nation’s interest, says Taliban's Minister Zabiullah Mujahid</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet on Monday, foreign ministry’s spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said that the Islamic Emirate would guarantee the security of the European countries’ embassies and personnel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

“Resumption of EU mission in Afghanistan is sound and positive step which we welcome. Just as security of other embassies in Kabul is guaranteed, the security of EU embassy &amp; personnel will also be guaranteed,” Balkhi said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan has been longing for international support or recognition of any sorts for a long time. A report in the Financial Times claiming that the European Union is looking to restart its political activities in a limited way in Kabul seems to have come as a sigh of relief in the government of war-torn country.

Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan has been longing for international support or recognition of any sorts for a long time. A report in the Financial Times claiming that the European Union is looking to restart its political activities in a limited way in Kabul seems to have come as a sigh of relief in the government of war-torn country. On Monday, the Islamic Emirate welcomed the reopening of the European Union’s office in Kabul. It said that the step could be the beginning of engagement with European countries. Also Read: Afghanistan facing food crisis, warns UN Ahmadullah Wasiq, deputy spokesman, Islamic Emirate, said, “The decision of the European Union to reopen its office in the near future is a good step and it is in the interest of the people of Afghanistan. They will evaluate their work from the vicinity.” The report, however, also said that the move is not intended to recognise Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Nabila Massarali, spokesperson, EU, said, “As we have repeatedly said, this is not a sign of recognition. We want to be able to better assist the Afghan people who need our help by being closer and, inevitably, we need to engage with the Taliban.” Also Read: Former Afghan government’s collapse was not in nation’s interest, says Taliban's Minister Zabiullah Mujahid In a tweet on Monday, foreign ministry’s spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said that the Islamic Emirate would guarantee the security of the European countries’ embassies and personnel. “Resumption of EU mission in Afghanistan is sound and positive step which we welcome. Just as security of other embassies in Kabul is guaranteed, the security of EU embassy & personnel will also be guaranteed,” Balkhi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban welcomes reopening of European Union’s office in Kabul  

70% of Britons don't expect to return to their offices in a post-pandemic world. Will bosses agree to extend work from home? What are the advantages of abandoning offices? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Will offices go extinct in a post-pandemic world?

Facebook’s facilities management firm has demanded the removal of a union activist leading to a campaign against “impossible workloads” imposed on exhausted cleaners at the US tech giant’s London offices.

Facebook’s facilities management firm has demanded the removal of a union activist leading to a campaign against “impossible workloads” imposed on exhausted cleaners at the US tech giant’s London offices. The emails seen by the Observer show JLL @ Facebook, which manages the social media firm’s London sites, asked Churchill Group to remove the workers’ elected union rep, Guillermo Camacho, from Facebook’s offices. This was because he helped organise protests against a doubling of cleaning duties in July. Also read | 9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record Camacho was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The number of floors we have to clean has gone up from five to 12 [at Facebook’s offices on Brock Street]. But they haven’t brought in more staff. It’s impossible – I was having to come before my shift and leave late to get it done." He further added, "It’s making us all really stressed and sick. That’s why we had to protest.” One of the cleaner claimed that she suffered from internal bleeding, after she was timed cleaning the Brock Street offices by a manager in June. Another cleaner says she had to take painkillers to work after developing excruciating back pain. Miriam Palencia, 42, who has cleaned Facebook’s Brock Street offices for more three years was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "A manager threatened me with a sanction if I didn’t clean one-and-a-half floors. He timed how long I took. It was hell. I had a haemorrhage on one of my shifts because of the stress.”

Facebook office cleaner who led protests at London scared for his job

Five people were detained on suspicion of publishing seditious material over a&nbsp;children's books comparing Hong Kong democracy activists to sheep being chased by wolves.

According to local media, the five arrested are members of the General Association of Hong Kong Speech Therapists. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-school-kids-among-nine-hong-kongers-arrested-for-bomb-plot-396124">Also read | Six school kids among nine Hong Kongers arrested for ‘bomb plot’</a> 
 
Authorities believe the group released three children's books that are metaphors for the current political situation.

The stories in the novels focus around a sheep hamlet that must deal with wolves from another settlement.

It's an obvious reference to the 12 Hong Kongers who attempted to flee to Taiwan by speedboat last year but were apprehended and imprisoned by the Chinese coastguard.

According to the synopses on the association's website, the sheep take actions such as going on strike or fleeing by boat. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-a-human-rights-emergency-amnesty-394852">Also read | Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty</a>

Police said that also froze 160,000 Hong Kong dollars ($20,600) in assets linked to the union.

Police and prosecutors are now regularly using it alongside the national security law to clamp down on political speech and views.

Most of those arrested for such crimes are denied bail.

"Residents must see the facts, must not condone or beautify violence and should not let the next generation be incited and misled by untrue and biased information," police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Five people were detained on suspicion of publishing seditious material over a children's books comparing Hong Kong democracy activists to sheep being chased by wolves.

Five people were detained on suspicion of publishing seditious material over a children's books comparing Hong Kong democracy activists to sheep being chased by wolves. According to local media, the five arrested are members of the General Association of Hong Kong Speech Therapists. Also read | Six school kids among nine Hong Kongers arrested for ‘bomb plot’ Authorities believe the group released three children's books that are metaphors for the current political situation. The stories in the novels focus around a sheep hamlet that must deal with wolves from another settlement. It's an obvious reference to the 12 Hong Kongers who attempted to flee to Taiwan by speedboat last year but were apprehended and imprisoned by the Chinese coastguard. According to the synopses on the association's website, the sheep take actions such as going on strike or fleeing by boat. Also read | Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty Police said that also froze 160,000 Hong Kong dollars ($20,600) in assets linked to the union. Police and prosecutors are now regularly using it alongside the national security law to clamp down on political speech and views. Most of those arrested for such crimes are denied bail. "Residents must see the facts, must not condone or beautify violence and should not let the next generation be incited and misled by untrue and biased information," police said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police arrest 5 for sedition over kid's books comparing cops to wolves

According to Washoe County police, a&nbsp;42-year-old&nbsp;US woman&nbsp;broke into a dentist’s office, stole money and pulled 13 teeth from an unconscious patient on two separate occasions.&nbsp;

Laurel Eich, who is not a dentist, broke into a dental office where she claimed to have&nbsp;worked earlier, said the police.&nbsp;

During the May 3 break-in, Eich&nbsp;allegedly stole $22,861 in cash and checks,&nbsp;the Washoe County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She also&nbsp;broke-in on&nbsp;a different date to perform the&nbsp;tooth extraction,&nbsp;Eich told&nbsp;the police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The accused woman was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of grand larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary and perform surgery on another without a medical&nbsp;licence.&nbsp;

As per a Daily Mail report, the woman, who is a&nbsp;resident of Reno, allegedly performed the extractions 'on her own time'.&nbsp;

Now, Eich is in custody in Washoe County jail on a $20,000 bond.&nbsp;

According to Washoe County police, a 42-year-old US woman broke into a dentist’s office, stole money and pulled 13 teeth from an unconscious patient on two separate occasions.

According to Washoe County police, a 42-year-old US woman broke into a dentist’s office, stole money and pulled 13 teeth from an unconscious patient on two separate occasions. Laurel Eich, who is not a dentist, broke into a dental office where she claimed to have worked earlier, said the police. During the May 3 break-in, Eich allegedly stole $22,861 in cash and checks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. She also broke-in on a different date to perform the tooth extraction, Eich told the police. The accused woman was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary and one count each of grand larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary and perform surgery on another without a medical licence. As per a Daily Mail report, the woman, who is a resident of Reno, allegedly performed the extractions 'on her own time'. Now, Eich is in custody in Washoe County jail on a $20,000 bond.

Nevada woman breaks into dentist's office, pulls 13 teeth from patient: Police

Hong Kong’s national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union. This comes after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer.

Police raided the office at the University of Hong Kong. No students were in the office at the time.

However, there is no information on any arrests as of now.

The police have confirmed that they are investigating the student union with cooperation from the university. The police further said that they collected evidence under a search warrant. They did not release any further details.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam earlier this week urged the university and police to take action after student leaders passed a motion expressing “deep sadness” and appreciating the “sacrifice” of the man who attacked the police officer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-pledge-to-redouble-pandemic-fight-at-special-apec-meeting-398599">Also read |&nbsp;World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting</a>

Identified as Leung Kin-fai, the man was described by police as a “lone wolf” domestic terrorist who was politically radicalized.&nbsp;

Leung, on July 1, stabbed a police officer with a knife before turning the weapon on himself.

Leaders of the student union later apologized for passing the motion and stepped down from their posts.

After that, the university issued a statement saying that it no longer recognized the student union and would investigate the incident and “take action against the students concerned.”

Hong Kong’s national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union. This comes after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer.

Hong Kong’s national security police on Friday raided the office of a university student union. This comes after student leaders last week commemorated a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer. Police raided the office at the University of Hong Kong. No students were in the office at the time. However, there is no information on any arrests as of now. The police have confirmed that they are investigating the student union with cooperation from the university. The police further said that they collected evidence under a search warrant. They did not release any further details. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam earlier this week urged the university and police to take action after student leaders passed a motion expressing “deep sadness” and appreciating the “sacrifice” of the man who attacked the police officer. Also read | World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting Identified as Leung Kin-fai, the man was described by police as a “lone wolf” domestic terrorist who was politically radicalized. Leung, on July 1, stabbed a police officer with a knife before turning the weapon on himself. Leaders of the student union later apologized for passing the motion and stepped down from their posts. After that, the university issued a statement saying that it no longer recognized the student union and would investigate the incident and “take action against the students concerned.”

Hong Kong national security police raid student union office

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday. 
 
Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has become another bone of contention between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing and began welcoming Hong Kongers to settle on the island. 
 
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly set unreasonable political conditions for staff visas for our Hong Kong office, demanding the signing of a 'One China Commitment Letter'. 
 
That has prevented staff for the office from staying there or taking up their posts, it added. 
 
"Starting from June 21, the Hong Kong office will adjust its business handling method," the council added, without giving details, though said the office will maintain 'necessary operations'. 
 
Taiwanese staff will not sign any such 'one China' letter, it added. 
 
China sees democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of 'one China' and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. 
 
Last month, Hong Kong suspended operations at its Taiwan representative office, blaming Taipei's 'gross' interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist 'violent' protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected. 
 
Macau's government followed suit on Wednesday, saying it would suspend operations at its representative office in Taiwan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday.

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday. Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has become another bone of contention between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing and began welcoming Hong Kongers to settle on the island. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly set unreasonable political conditions for staff visas for our Hong Kong office, demanding the signing of a 'One China Commitment Letter'. That has prevented staff for the office from staying there or taking up their posts, it added. "Starting from June 21, the Hong Kong office will adjust its business handling method," the council added, without giving details, though said the office will maintain 'necessary operations'. Taiwanese staff will not sign any such 'one China' letter, it added. China sees democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of 'one China' and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Last month, Hong Kong suspended operations at its Taiwan representative office, blaming Taipei's 'gross' interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist 'violent' protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected. Macau's government followed suit on Wednesday, saying it would suspend operations at its representative office in Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to 'adjust' Hong Kong office operations in 'one China' row

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning.

Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen.&nbsp;

The arrests are the latest in a series of police raids on the popular tabloid and its imprisoned owner, democracy activist and tycoon Jimmy Lai.

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BREAKING: Hong Kong police raided the HQ of local pro-democracy newspaper <a href="https://twitter.com/appledaily_hk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@appledaily_hk</a> again on Thurs morn &amp; arrested five senior executives under the security law. Among those arrested was Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law &amp; Next Digital CEO Cheung Kim-hung. <a href="https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp">https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp</a> <a href="https://t.co/uWdxaZMQbc">pic.twitter.com/uWdxaZMQbc</a>
— Tom Grundy (@tomgrundy) <a href="https://twitter.com/tomgrundy/status/1405327302452383745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The newspaper has long been a thorn in China's side, openly supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. 
 
The newspaper broadcast live footage of the police raid on its Facebook account. Officers could be seen cordoning off the complex and walking through the building. 
 
"They arrived around 7 am this morning, our building is besieged," an unnamed reporter said in a live commentary with the broadcast. "Now we can see those moving boxes of materials onto their truck."

"Police are restricting us from using quite a lot of our equipment. But we can still keep this live camera on and our website will keep updating," the voice added.

The National Security Department of Hong Kong arrested five directors of the media organisation on suspicion of cooperation with a foreign country, according to a statement released by the Hong Kong government on Thursday.

Four men and a woman, ages 47 to 63, were arrested, according to the statement. There were no more details offered.&nbsp;

Jimmy Lai, the publisher of Apple Daily, was jailed under the same law last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning. Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen.

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning. Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen. The arrests are the latest in a series of police raids on the popular tabloid and its imprisoned owner, democracy activist and tycoon Jimmy Lai. BREAKING: Hong Kong police raided the HQ of local pro-democracy newspaper @appledaily_hk again on Thurs morn & arrested five senior executives under the security law. Among those arrested was Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law & Next Digital CEO Cheung Kim-hung. https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp pic.twitter.com/uWdxaZMQbc — Tom Grundy (@tomgrundy) June 17, 2021 × The newspaper has long been a thorn in China's side, openly supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The newspaper broadcast live footage of the police raid on its Facebook account. Officers could be seen cordoning off the complex and walking through the building. "They arrived around 7 am this morning, our building is besieged," an unnamed reporter said in a live commentary with the broadcast. "Now we can see those moving boxes of materials onto their truck." "Police are restricting us from using quite a lot of our equipment. But we can still keep this live camera on and our website will keep updating," the voice added. The National Security Department of Hong Kong arrested five directors of the media organisation on suspicion of cooperation with a foreign country, according to a statement released by the Hong Kong government on Thursday. Four men and a woman, ages 47 to 63, were arrested, according to the statement. There were no more details offered. Jimmy Lai, the publisher of Apple Daily, was jailed under the same law last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, arrest editor and four other executives

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October&nbsp;1, 2019. 
 
A representative for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) said the presiding judge had received threatening phone calls, which the office said would not be tolerated. 
 
"This is a serious threat to the personal safety of judges, a flagrant challenge to the judicial system in Hong Kong and a gross violation of the rule of law and order in Hong Kong," Xinhua quoted a statement by HKMAO as saying late on Sunday. 
 
The statement followed one by Hong Kong's Department of Justice late on Friday that said a judge had been intimidated, without providing details. 
 
On Friday, judge Amanda Woodcock sentenced Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, to 14 months in jail, and nine others to up to 18 months for their roles in the rally. 
 
Hong Kong arrested more than 10,000 people over anti-government protests in 2019, and some of those cases are now making their way through the court system. 
 
The unrest led Beijing to impose a contentious national security law on its freest city in June 2020, and more than 100 people have been arrested under the law so far, including Lai. 
 
The law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, sedition, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail. 
 
Forty-seven democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion are set to appear in court on Monday, in a case that has drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups. 
 
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with a guarantee of a high degree of autonomy until 2047. Critics say authorities are chipping away at those freedoms, an assertion officials in Hong Kong and Beijing reject. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October 1, 2019.

Beijing's office that oversees matters in Hong Kong has warned of threats made to a judge, who sentenced media tycoon Jimmy Lai and other democracy activists for their roles in an unauthorised assembly on October 1, 2019. A representative for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) said the presiding judge had received threatening phone calls, which the office said would not be tolerated. "This is a serious threat to the personal safety of judges, a flagrant challenge to the judicial system in Hong Kong and a gross violation of the rule of law and order in Hong Kong," Xinhua quoted a statement by HKMAO as saying late on Sunday. The statement followed one by Hong Kong's Department of Justice late on Friday that said a judge had been intimidated, without providing details. On Friday, judge Amanda Woodcock sentenced Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, to 14 months in jail, and nine others to up to 18 months for their roles in the rally. Hong Kong arrested more than 10,000 people over anti-government protests in 2019, and some of those cases are now making their way through the court system. The unrest led Beijing to impose a contentious national security law on its freest city in June 2020, and more than 100 people have been arrested under the law so far, including Lai. The law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, sedition, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail. Forty-seven democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion are set to appear in court on Monday, in a case that has drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with a guarantee of a high degree of autonomy until 2047. Critics say authorities are chipping away at those freedoms, an assertion officials in Hong Kong and Beijing reject. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing's Hong Kong office slams intimidation of judge in tycoon Jimmy Lai's case

Hong Kong government on Tuesday&nbsp;suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.&nbsp;

Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan.&nbsp;

A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan.&nbsp;

"The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it.&nbsp;

"We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave.&nbsp;

In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims. Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan. A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan. "The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement. Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it. "We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave. In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan. Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year. Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise 

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