The U.S. has been Israel's most consistent and important ally, but it has now opened an investigation into the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The move has irked Israel.

Israel: Will not cooperate with U.S. probe into Abu Akleh's death

The U.S. has been Israel's most consistent and important ally, but it has now opened an investigation into the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The move has irked Israel. Can Biden afford to anger its ally?

WION Fineprint | US to probe Shireen Abu Akleh's killing?

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures. Criticisms increased after news reports showed that the firm handed over the texts of a woman charged with assisting her daughter in getting an abortion.

Jessica Burgess, 41, faces five charges, including violation of a 2010 law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks after fertilisation. Burgess’s daughter faces three charges including one for abandoning a corpse.

During the hearing, the police in Nebraska court&nbsp;asked to not let Burgess’s daughter know about the search warrant as it might lead to&nbsp;destroying&nbsp;of evidence. In court, the police officer said that he began investigating the case in late April when Burgess’s daughter gave birth to a "stillborn" child, which they reportedly buried together.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-mother-and-teen-daughter-charged-after-illegal-abortion-505590">American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion</a>

However, Facebook owner Meta, however, defended itself by saying the Nebraska court order didn’t mention "abortion" at all. It further clarified that it was issued before the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade. The firm, in conversation with AFP, pointed to its policy of granting government demands whenever it is required, when queried about handing over the data.

According to Logan Koepe, a researcher who examines how technology affects criminal justice, the statement seems to indicate that the outcome would have been different if the search warrants mentioned abortion. As per tech observers, the Nebraska case won't be the only case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-map-how-access-to-abortion-has-changed-globally-504642">Data Map: How access to Abortion has changed globally</a>

Alexandra Given, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Technology, said, "This is going to keep happening to companies that have vast amounts of data about people across the country and around the world." She continued that there are many reasons that compel businesses to cooperate with legal requests and should insist on specific and full legal processes.

Advocates pointed out that a sure way to keep users’ information safe&nbsp;can be by automatically encrypting messages from the government. In Meta-owned WhatsApp, the business has a default setting of end-to-end encryption, which means the company doesn’t have access to information. It's not a default option&nbsp;in Facebook Messenger.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures.

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures. Criticisms increased after news reports showed that the firm handed over the texts of a woman charged with assisting her daughter in getting an abortion. Jessica Burgess, 41, faces five charges, including violation of a 2010 law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks after fertilisation. Burgess’s daughter faces three charges including one for abandoning a corpse. During the hearing, the police in Nebraska court asked to not let Burgess’s daughter know about the search warrant as it might lead to destroying of evidence. In court, the police officer said that he began investigating the case in late April when Burgess’s daughter gave birth to a "stillborn" child, which they reportedly buried together. Also read | American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion However, Facebook owner Meta, however, defended itself by saying the Nebraska court order didn’t mention "abortion" at all. It further clarified that it was issued before the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade. The firm, in conversation with AFP, pointed to its policy of granting government demands whenever it is required, when queried about handing over the data. According to Logan Koepe, a researcher who examines how technology affects criminal justice, the statement seems to indicate that the outcome would have been different if the search warrants mentioned abortion. As per tech observers, the Nebraska case won't be the only case. Also read | Data Map: How access to Abortion has changed globally Alexandra Given, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Technology, said, "This is going to keep happening to companies that have vast amounts of data about people across the country and around the world." She continued that there are many reasons that compel businesses to cooperate with legal requests and should insist on specific and full legal processes. Advocates pointed out that a sure way to keep users’ information safe can be by automatically encrypting messages from the government. In Meta-owned WhatsApp, the business has a default setting of end-to-end encryption, which means the company doesn’t have access to information. It's not a default option in Facebook Messenger. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Facebook’s cooperation with US police in teen abortion case raises ‘new concerns’

Britain's royal family is now under the scanner again. In a latest update, a charity watchdog confirmed that it is investigating the transactions made by Havisham properties which is said to have bought 11 homes on an Ayrshire estate from a subsidiary of the Prince’s Foundation.

Prince's foundation under scanner: Investigation over purchase of 11 homes in Knockroon

Prince's foundation under scanner: Investigation over purchase of 11 homes

Investigation is underway in Palestinian-American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh 's death case. In a latest update, authorities in Palestine have handed over the bullet to the United States for forensic examination.

Abu Akleh death case probe continues, fatal bullet handed over to US

The British monarchy is caught in another storm, this time it is related to foreign funding involving Prince Charles. Reportedly, the Prince accepted three cash donations between 2011 and 2015.

Prince Charles caught in funding row, anti-monarchy campaign demands probe

News details have emerged on the Texas School shooting incident. US media reports that the police response was delayed and that they did not get clear instructions.

Texas school shooting probe: Role of police under the scanner

Former US president Donald Trump has failed to convince New York's highest court to halt deposition in a state investigation into his family's real estate business. This means that Trump will have to testify next month.

In a brief order, the state Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal because "no substantial constitutional question is directly involved."

Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump are scheduled to testify under oath starting on July 15, and continuing the following week, in state Attorney General Letitia James three-year-old civil probe.

No immediate comments from Trump's and James' office were forthcoming, said Reuters.

Attorey Geneal James is investigating whether Trump Organization misled lenders and tax authorities, by inflating real estate values to get better loan terms and lowering those values to save on taxes.

Trumps argued before the court that testifying would result in violation of their constitutional rights. They said that their words could be used against them in a related criminal investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

They had agreed to testify so long as the Court of Appeals did not issue a stay.

Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He has also called James' probe a politically motivated witch hunt, and James a racist. James is a Democrat, and is Black.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump has failed to convince New York's highest court to halt deposition in a state investigation into his family's real estate business.

Former US president Donald Trump has failed to convince New York's highest court to halt deposition in a state investigation into his family's real estate business. This means that Trump will have to testify next month. In a brief order, the state Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal because "no substantial constitutional question is directly involved." Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump are scheduled to testify under oath starting on July 15, and continuing the following week, in state Attorney General Letitia James three-year-old civil probe. No immediate comments from Trump's and James' office were forthcoming, said Reuters. Attorey Geneal James is investigating whether Trump Organization misled lenders and tax authorities, by inflating real estate values to get better loan terms and lowering those values to save on taxes. Trumps argued before the court that testifying would result in violation of their constitutional rights. They said that their words could be used against them in a related criminal investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. They had agreed to testify so long as the Court of Appeals did not issue a stay. Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He has also called James' probe a politically motivated witch hunt, and James a racist. James is a Democrat, and is Black. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Trump will have to testify in New York probe, efforts to avoid fail

The US auto safety agency has opened an investigation into the fatal Tesla vehicle crash that killed three people.

US auto safety agency opens probe into fatal Tesla crash that killed three

UK Labour party leader Keir Starmer is facing a probe over lockdown breach claims. Watch this report to know more about the 'Beergate' Scandal.

UK Labour party leader Keir Starmer faces probe over lockdown breach claims

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported.

The explosive revelation was made by five whistleblowers who claimed that the Home Office contractors regularly paid sex workers on overnight stopovers over a period of 10 years after accompanying migrants on flights from the UK.

The whistleblowers have named at least a dozen colleagues from the firm Mitie who were indulging in such an act for over a decade.

They alleged that this happened in cities including Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg in South Africa, Hanoi in Vietnam, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Bucharest in Romania.

Following the reveal, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft has initiated a probe to look into the claims. He said that no incriminating evidence pertaining to such behaviour has been found so far.

Meanwhile, the government is facing heat from charities for allowing taxpayers’ “hard earned money” to be used for “predatory sex tourism”.

One Home Office contractor told the Guardian tht they had been shocked at what they had seen while escorting people overseas.

“On one job, two of us sat in the bar while three of the others in the team went off with [sex workers],” they said. “One had a phone which he called his ‘little black book’ specially for jobs abroad to arrange these liaisons.”

Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds called on the Home Office to critically reassess its use of private contractors to carry out immigration tasks.

Meanwhile, Labour’s immigration spokesperson Stephen Kinnock described the reports as deeply disturbing and called on the Home Office to investigate the allegations immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported.

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported. The explosive revelation was made by five whistleblowers who claimed that the Home Office contractors regularly paid sex workers on overnight stopovers over a period of 10 years after accompanying migrants on flights from the UK. The whistleblowers have named at least a dozen colleagues from the firm Mitie who were indulging in such an act for over a decade. They alleged that this happened in cities including Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg in South Africa, Hanoi in Vietnam, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Bucharest in Romania. Following the reveal, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft has initiated a probe to look into the claims. He said that no incriminating evidence pertaining to such behaviour has been found so far. Meanwhile, the government is facing heat from charities for allowing taxpayers’ “hard earned money” to be used for “predatory sex tourism”. One Home Office contractor told the Guardian tht they had been shocked at what they had seen while escorting people overseas. “On one job, two of us sat in the bar while three of the others in the team went off with [sex workers],” they said. “One had a phone which he called his ‘little black book’ specially for jobs abroad to arrange these liaisons.” Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds called on the Home Office to critically reassess its use of private contractors to carry out immigration tasks. Meanwhile, Labour’s immigration spokesperson Stephen Kinnock described the reports as deeply disturbing and called on the Home Office to investigate the allegations immediately. (With inputs from agencies)

UK firm handling immigration for govt accused of paying for sex while deporting migrants

After being hit by a probe, electric car maker Tesla will now stop allowing playing video games inside its moving vehicles.

Probe-hit Tesla disallows video games inside its moving vehicles

Probe-hit Tesla disallows video games inside moving vehicles

At least two investigations, one of them criminal, were underway on Sunday into the deadly stampede during rap star Travis Scott`s Astroworld music festival that killed at least eight people and injured dozens in Houston. 
 
Two of the victims were teenagers, aged 14 and 16, caught in the crushing surge of the crowd as Scott continued to perform, completing his set even after noticing fans were receiving medical treatment. Scott, the headline act and a hometown star who founded the Astroworld festival in 2018, later said he was unaware of the severity of the situation. 
 
Houston city police chief Troy Finner said his department had opened a criminal investigation by homicide and narcotics detectives, following reports that somebody in the audience had been injecting people with drugs. 
 
One security guard felt a prick on his neck, passed out, and was revived after being injected with Narcan, a drug used to treat opioid overdoses, Finner said. Several others were treated with Narcan, according to the city`s fire chief, Samuel Pena. 
 
Harris County Judge Lina Hildago also called for an "objective, independent" investigation of the rap festival attended by 50,000 people. 
 
"Perhaps the plans were inadequate. Perhaps the plans were good but they weren`t followed," Hildago said. "The families of those who died, everybody affected, deserves answers." 
 
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also called for a briefing from all the parties including first responders, concert promoter Live Nation, and officials of the venue, NRG Park. 
 
The victims were killed near the stage when the crowd surged forward, with some suffering cardiac arrests and other medical trauma, officials said. 
 
The dead ranged in age from 14 to 27, with one victim`s age to be determined, Turner said. Officials had yet to identify them but some details emerged in the media. 
 
The Houston Chronicle identified the youngest victim as John Hilgert, a high school freshman who played football and baseball and arrived early to get a good spot to watch the show. 
 
He went with a 15-year-old friend, the Chronicle reported, citing an interview with the friend`s mother, Tracy Faulkner. She bought her son his ticket as a birthday present, a decision she now regrets, the Chronicle said. 
 
"They were both in the same place at the same time and one came home and one we will never see," Faulkner said. 
 
"John was a good student and athlete and so polite. He was the sweetest and smartest young man," she said. 
 
The Chronicle identified another victim as Danish Baig, 27, who died trying to protect his fiance from the crush of the crowd, according to Baig`s younger brother, Basil Mirza Baig. 
 
"I lost my brother," Basil Mirza Baig said in tears. "He was trying to save her from the stampede." 
 
The second day of the two-day show was canceled. 
 
Trouble began some time after 9 p.m. on Friday when the crowd compressed near the stage, causing panic, Pena said. By 9:30 p.m., it was clear people needed medical attention, and Scott acknowledged an ambulance moving through the crowd, pausing and encouraging the crowd to make room. 
 
But Scott returned to performing, telling the crowd he wanted to "hear the ground shake." 
 
At some point concertgoers approached the stage crew and pleaded with them to stop the show, according to social media video. 
 
Scott finished his set at 9:42 p.m., the Chronicle reported. 
 
Scott, a Grammy nominated singer and producer, said in a video posted on social media late on Saturday: "I could just not imagine the severity of the situation." 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Erwin Seba in Houston, Tim Reid in Los Angeles and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, Calif.; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) 
&nbsp;

At least two investigations, one of them criminal, were underway on Sunday into the deadly stampede during rap star Travis Scott`s Astroworld music festival that killed at least eight people and injured dozens in Houston.

At least two investigations, one of them criminal, were underway on Sunday into the deadly stampede during rap star Travis Scott`s Astroworld music festival that killed at least eight people and injured dozens in Houston. Two of the victims were teenagers, aged 14 and 16, caught in the crushing surge of the crowd as Scott continued to perform, completing his set even after noticing fans were receiving medical treatment. Scott, the headline act and a hometown star who founded the Astroworld festival in 2018, later said he was unaware of the severity of the situation. Houston city police chief Troy Finner said his department had opened a criminal investigation by homicide and narcotics detectives, following reports that somebody in the audience had been injecting people with drugs. One security guard felt a prick on his neck, passed out, and was revived after being injected with Narcan, a drug used to treat opioid overdoses, Finner said. Several others were treated with Narcan, according to the city`s fire chief, Samuel Pena. Harris County Judge Lina Hildago also called for an "objective, independent" investigation of the rap festival attended by 50,000 people. "Perhaps the plans were inadequate. Perhaps the plans were good but they weren`t followed," Hildago said. "The families of those who died, everybody affected, deserves answers." Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also called for a briefing from all the parties including first responders, concert promoter Live Nation, and officials of the venue, NRG Park. The victims were killed near the stage when the crowd surged forward, with some suffering cardiac arrests and other medical trauma, officials said. The dead ranged in age from 14 to 27, with one victim`s age to be determined, Turner said. Officials had yet to identify them but some details emerged in the media. The Houston Chronicle identified the youngest victim as John Hilgert, a high school freshman who played football and baseball and arrived early to get a good spot to watch the show. He went with a 15-year-old friend, the Chronicle reported, citing an interview with the friend`s mother, Tracy Faulkner. She bought her son his ticket as a birthday present, a decision she now regrets, the Chronicle said. "They were both in the same place at the same time and one came home and one we will never see," Faulkner said. "John was a good student and athlete and so polite. He was the sweetest and smartest young man," she said. The Chronicle identified another victim as Danish Baig, 27, who died trying to protect his fiance from the crush of the crowd, according to Baig`s younger brother, Basil Mirza Baig. "I lost my brother," Basil Mirza Baig said in tears. "He was trying to save her from the stampede." The second day of the two-day show was canceled. Trouble began some time after 9 p.m. on Friday when the crowd compressed near the stage, causing panic, Pena said. By 9:30 p.m., it was clear people needed medical attention, and Scott acknowledged an ambulance moving through the crowd, pausing and encouraging the crowd to make room. But Scott returned to performing, telling the crowd he wanted to "hear the ground shake." At some point concertgoers approached the stage crew and pleaded with them to stop the show, according to social media video. Scott finished his set at 9:42 p.m., the Chronicle reported. Scott, a Grammy nominated singer and producer, said in a video posted on social media late on Saturday: "I could just not imagine the severity of the situation." (Reporting by Erwin Seba in Houston, Tim Reid in Los Angeles and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, Calif.; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Multiple probes launched into deadly stampede at Houston rap festival

Eight people died on Thursday morning and several others fell ill after consuming suspected spurious liquor in West Champaran district of dry Bihar. 
 
Locals claimed that the victims, all residents of Telhua village, had consumed liquor in Chamartoli area on Wednesday evening, but the police did not quite confirm the same as yet. 
 
A senior police officer, however, said all eight deceased have been identified. 
 
Talking to reporters, Superintendent of Police Upendra Nath Verma said, "It is a case of unnatural death and more information will be available only after a preliminary investigation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-in-100-tonne-fertiliser-to-sri-lanka-amid-colombos-row-with-china-over-contamination-427106">Also read |&nbsp;India sends in 100 tonne fertiliser to Sri Lanka amid Colombo's row with China over contamination</a> 
 
Senior officials of the district administration and the police are camping in the village to find out details in the case, he added. 
 
A villager, on the condition of anonymity, said, After consuming liquor, people started complaining of uneasiness and were taken to a nearby hospital. All eight of them died this morning. There are others currently undergoing treatment in various local hospitals. 
 
Last month, in a similar incident, eight people died in Muzaffarpur. 
 
The Nitish Kumar government had on April 5, 2016 banned the manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, sale and consumption of liquor in the state. 
 
Kumar had said that "the ban on alcohol has been imposed in the interest of society".

Eight people died on Thursday morning and several others fell ill after consuming suspected spurious liquor in West Champaran district of dry Bihar. Locals claimed that the victims, all residents of Telhua village, had consumed liquor in Chamartoli area on Wednesday evening, but the police did not quite confirm the same as yet.

Eight people died on Thursday morning and several others fell ill after consuming suspected spurious liquor in West Champaran district of dry Bihar. Locals claimed that the victims, all residents of Telhua village, had consumed liquor in Chamartoli area on Wednesday evening, but the police did not quite confirm the same as yet. A senior police officer, however, said all eight deceased have been identified. Talking to reporters, Superintendent of Police Upendra Nath Verma said, "It is a case of unnatural death and more information will be available only after a preliminary investigation." Also read | India sends in 100 tonne fertiliser to Sri Lanka amid Colombo's row with China over contamination Senior officials of the district administration and the police are camping in the village to find out details in the case, he added. A villager, on the condition of anonymity, said, After consuming liquor, people started complaining of uneasiness and were taken to a nearby hospital. All eight of them died this morning. There are others currently undergoing treatment in various local hospitals. Last month, in a similar incident, eight people died in Muzaffarpur. The Nitish Kumar government had on April 5, 2016 banned the manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, sale and consumption of liquor in the state. Kumar had said that "the ban on alcohol has been imposed in the interest of society".

Suspected spurious liquor claims 8 more lives in Indian state, probe initiated

In coming years, Indian astronauts will be in space for the Gaganyaan mission, while Indian marine researchers will dive into the depths of the ocean (6kms), as a part of the Samudrayaan mission. Samudrayaan is India's ambitious deep-sea exploration mission, that will place the country in an elite list of about six nations that have operated manned, deep-sea probes for exploration, studies and research. Scientists had recently tested a basic version of the human-carrying shell of the Samudrayaan mission, off the Chennai coast. However, this was a steel hull meant for demonstration and had only been sent to a depth of 500m, as opposed to the original titanium hull that would have to dive 6km deep in the sea &nbsp;

Helmed by India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology, this initiative has roped in partners such as IITs, ISRO among others to fulfill various aspects of the design, testing and development within the country. The primary goal of the Samudrayaan Mission is to develop Matsya 6000, a manned deep-sea exploration vehicle that will be propelled by battery power and would be able to remain at a depth of 6 km for a duration of four hours.&nbsp;

The vehicle is a platform to carry devices, sensors and other equipment and to conduct experiments that would further enable deep-sea mineral exploration, improve understanding of mineral resources, investigation of tectonic activities and other deep-sea phenomena. This vehicle would be capable of carrying three persons, in a titanium-alloy sphere.

Regarding the technical specifications of the Samudrayaan manned vehicle, Dr Ramadass, Director, NIOT said that it would contain a thick hull that can withstand a pressure of 600 bar, at the depths of 6km. As a part of the initial testing of human capsule, it was submerged to a depth of 500 m

“This is a five year project, where the end goal is to get a titanium-alloy sphere of 80mm thickness and 2.1 metre diameter, which can carry humans. The components that go into the vehicle are being tested one by one. Many are being developed within India and some are being bought from the International market,” he said.&nbsp;

When asked about the budget allocated for the project, Dr Ramadass told WION that the whole deep ocean mission was cleared for funds of Rs 4077 crore, for a period of five years. However, the Samudrayaan vehicle alone would cost around Rs 350 crore.&nbsp;

On the rationale behind having a manned mission to such depths, instead of using unmanned vehicles, the director explained that electromagnetic waves would not penetrate water to great depths and that there were limitations in sending a tethered vehicle to the depths of the ocean.&nbsp;

“In a manned mission, we will be having a standalone probe that will have its own propulsion, oxygen generation, carbon dioxide removal, lights and cameras and other sensors. We can also have basic acoustic communication with the manned probe”, he explained.&nbsp;

Speaking at the launch event, union minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that missions like Gaganyaan human spaceflight and Samudrayaan manned deep-sea exploration gave Indians a sense of prestige and elevated India to a list of a few elite nations. He also touched upon the importance of industry and academia working together to attain such national missions.&nbsp;

In coming years, Indian astronauts will be in space for the Gaganyaan mission, while Indian marine researchers will dive into the depths of the ocean (6kms), as a part of the Samudrayaan mission.

In coming years, Indian astronauts will be in space for the Gaganyaan mission, while Indian marine researchers will dive into the depths of the ocean (6kms), as a part of the Samudrayaan mission. Samudrayaan is India's ambitious deep-sea exploration mission, that will place the country in an elite list of about six nations that have operated manned, deep-sea probes for exploration, studies and research. Scientists had recently tested a basic version of the human-carrying shell of the Samudrayaan mission, off the Chennai coast. However, this was a steel hull meant for demonstration and had only been sent to a depth of 500m, as opposed to the original titanium hull that would have to dive 6km deep in the sea Helmed by India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology, this initiative has roped in partners such as IITs, ISRO among others to fulfill various aspects of the design, testing and development within the country. The primary goal of the Samudrayaan Mission is to develop Matsya 6000, a manned deep-sea exploration vehicle that will be propelled by battery power and would be able to remain at a depth of 6 km for a duration of four hours. The vehicle is a platform to carry devices, sensors and other equipment and to conduct experiments that would further enable deep-sea mineral exploration, improve understanding of mineral resources, investigation of tectonic activities and other deep-sea phenomena. This vehicle would be capable of carrying three persons, in a titanium-alloy sphere. Regarding the technical specifications of the Samudrayaan manned vehicle, Dr Ramadass, Director, NIOT said that it would contain a thick hull that can withstand a pressure of 600 bar, at the depths of 6km. As a part of the initial testing of human capsule, it was submerged to a depth of 500 m “This is a five year project, where the end goal is to get a titanium-alloy sphere of 80mm thickness and 2.1 metre diameter, which can carry humans. The components that go into the vehicle are being tested one by one. Many are being developed within India and some are being bought from the International market,” he said. When asked about the budget allocated for the project, Dr Ramadass told WION that the whole deep ocean mission was cleared for funds of Rs 4077 crore, for a period of five years. However, the Samudrayaan vehicle alone would cost around Rs 350 crore. On the rationale behind having a manned mission to such depths, instead of using unmanned vehicles, the director explained that electromagnetic waves would not penetrate water to great depths and that there were limitations in sending a tethered vehicle to the depths of the ocean. “In a manned mission, we will be having a standalone probe that will have its own propulsion, oxygen generation, carbon dioxide removal, lights and cameras and other sensors. We can also have basic acoustic communication with the manned probe”, he explained. Speaking at the launch event, union minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that missions like Gaganyaan human spaceflight and Samudrayaan manned deep-sea exploration gave Indians a sense of prestige and elevated India to a list of a few elite nations. He also touched upon the importance of industry and academia working together to attain such national missions.

Samudrayaan: India's first manned deep-sea probe to travel 6 km under water

Despite an iron grip on domestic trophies, Barcelona have been haunted by their recent failures in the Champions League and there are concerning signs for the Catalans as they prepare for Tuesday's last-16 first leg away to Olympique Lyonnais.

Ernesto Valverde's side fly to France after an uninspiring 1-0 win at home to struggling Real Valladolid on Saturday which consolidated their lead at the top of La Liga but left plenty of doubts about their capabilities of winning Europe's top prize.

The drab victory over Valladolid, in which Lionel Messi scored a penalty and missed one, followed a goalless stalemate at Athletic Bilbao, a 2-2 draw with Valencia and a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

Coach Ernesto Valverde has played down the significance of his side's recent slack displays.

"Sometimes you cannot be brilliant in every game, but I think the team is ready to play at its very best," he said.

Defender Gerard Pique, however, was more scathing of Barca's performance and warned of the potential consequences of their lacklustre displays.

"We were not the Barca we wanted to be, the result was good, the sensations were not," he said.

"We must improve on Tuesday or we will suffer a lot. If we don't move the ball quickly, dominate the play and possession or create chances, we are a weaker team."

HUMILIATING ELIMINATION

Barca have fallen at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League each year since last winning it in 2015, suffering a particularly humiliating elimination to AS Roma last season after taking a 4-1 lead in the first leg of the tie.

They have looked on enviously as Real Madrid have won the last three editions of the big eared trophy, swelling their total number of European Cups to 13, which makes Barca's five look measly by comparison.

Despite winning three of the last four La Liga titles and collecting the Copa del Rey four years in a row, there is a widespread feeling that Barca should have fared better on the continent, especially while Messi has been at his peak.

The Argentine seems to think so too - in his first speech as captain back in August, he pledged to do "everything possible to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Nou Camp".

For that ambition to be realised, Barca must improve on a dismal away record which has seen them win only one of their last six visits in the Champions League knockout rounds, scoring three goals while conceding 13.

Barca will be boosted by the return of France's World Cup winning defender Samuel Umtiti after nearly three months out with a knee problem, while defender Thomas Vermaelen and midfielder Arthur Melo are injured.

Despite an iron grip on domestic trophies, Barcelona have been haunted by their recent failures in the Champions League and there are concerning signs for the Catalans as they prepare for Tuesday's last-16 first leg away to Olympique Lyonnais.

Despite an iron grip on domestic trophies, Barcelona have been haunted by their recent failures in the Champions League and there are concerning signs for the Catalans as they prepare for Tuesday's last-16 first leg away to Olympique Lyonnais. Ernesto Valverde's side fly to France after an uninspiring 1-0 win at home to struggling Real Valladolid on Saturday which consolidated their lead at the top of La Liga but left plenty of doubts about their capabilities of winning Europe's top prize. The drab victory over Valladolid, in which Lionel Messi scored a penalty and missed one, followed a goalless stalemate at Athletic Bilbao, a 2-2 draw with Valencia and a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Coach Ernesto Valverde has played down the significance of his side's recent slack displays. "Sometimes you cannot be brilliant in every game, but I think the team is ready to play at its very best," he said. Defender Gerard Pique, however, was more scathing of Barca's performance and warned of the potential consequences of their lacklustre displays. "We were not the Barca we wanted to be, the result was good, the sensations were not," he said. "We must improve on Tuesday or we will suffer a lot. If we don't move the ball quickly, dominate the play and possession or create chances, we are a weaker team." HUMILIATING ELIMINATION Barca have fallen at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League each year since last winning it in 2015, suffering a particularly humiliating elimination to AS Roma last season after taking a 4-1 lead in the first leg of the tie. They have looked on enviously as Real Madrid have won the last three editions of the big eared trophy, swelling their total number of European Cups to 13, which makes Barca's five look measly by comparison. Despite winning three of the last four La Liga titles and collecting the Copa del Rey four years in a row, there is a widespread feeling that Barca should have fared better on the continent, especially while Messi has been at his peak. The Argentine seems to think so too - in his first speech as captain back in August, he pledged to do "everything possible to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Nou Camp". For that ambition to be realised, Barca must improve on a dismal away record which has seen them win only one of their last six visits in the Champions League knockout rounds, scoring three goals while conceding 13. Barca will be boosted by the return of France's World Cup winning defender Samuel Umtiti after nearly three months out with a knee problem, while defender Thomas Vermaelen and midfielder Arthur Melo are injured.

WHO to revive probe into origins of ongoing pandemic, says report

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into&nbsp;Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday.

The incidents dating back to 2018 included one fatal crash and seven that resulted in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tesla's directions to drivers &nbsp;requires "active driver supervision" behind the wheel, but critics, including in Congress, have said Autopilot can be easily fooled and have called for NHTSA to take action.

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday.

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday. The incidents dating back to 2018 included one fatal crash and seven that resulted in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tesla's directions to drivers requires "active driver supervision" behind the wheel, but critics, including in Congress, have said Autopilot can be easily fooled and have called for NHTSA to take action.

US opens probe of Tesla Autopilot after 11 crashes: Agency

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.

The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, almost everything that Tesla has sold in the US since the start of the 2014 model year. Of the crashes identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the investigation, 17 people were injured and one was killed.

NHTSA says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles at scenes where first responders have used flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. The agency announced the action Monday in a posting on its website.

The investigation covers Tesla’s entire current model lineup, the Models Y, X, S and 3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which also has investigated some of the Tesla crashes, has recommended that NHTSA and Tesla limit Autopilot’s use to areas where it can safely operate. The NTSB also recommended that NHTSA require Tesla to have a better system to make sure drivers are paying attention. NHTSA has not taken action on any of the recommendations. The NTSB has no enforcement powers and can only make recommendations to other federal agencies such as NHTSA.

Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway.

The agency has sent investigative teams to 31 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems since June of 2016. Such systems can keep a vehicle centred in its lane and a safe distance from vehicles in front of it. Of those crashes, 25 involved Tesla Autopilot of which 10 deaths were reported, according to data released by the agency.

Tesla and other manufacturers warn that drivers using the systems must be ready to intervene at all times. Teslas using the system have crashed into semis crossing in front of them, stopped emergency vehicles and a roadway barrier.

A message was left early Monday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations office.

The crashes into emergency vehicles cited by NHTSA began on Jan. 22, 2018, in Culver City, California, near Los Angeles when a Tesla using Autopilot struck a parked firetruck that was parked partially in the travel lanes with its lights flashing. Crews were handling another crash at the time.

Since then, the agency said there were crashes in Laguna Beach, California; Norwalk, Connecticut; Cloverdale, Indiana; West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Cochise County, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina, Montgomery County, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; and Miami, Florida.

“The investigation will assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist and enforce the driver’s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation,” NHTSA said in its investigation documents.

In addition, the probe will cover object and event detection by the system, as well as where it is allowed to operate. NHTSA says it will examine “contributing circumstances” to the crashes, as well as similar crashes.

An investigation could lead to a recall or other enforcement action by NHTSA.

“NHTSA reminds the public that no commercially available motor vehicles today are capable of driving themselves,” the agency said in a statement. “Every available vehicle requires a human driver to be in control at all times, and all state laws hold human drivers responsible for the operation of their vehicles.”

The agency said it has “robust enforcement tools” to protect the public and investigate potential safety issues, and it will act when it finds evidence “of noncompliance or an unreasonable safety risk.”

In June NHTSA ordered all automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver-assist systems.

The measures show the agency has started to take a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. It has been reluctant to issue any regulations of the new technology for fear of hampering the adoption of the potentially life-saving systems.

Shares of Tesla Inc., based in Palo Alto, California, fell nearly 2% before the opening bell.

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles. The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, almost everything that Tesla has sold in the US since the start of the 2014 model year. Of the crashes identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the investigation, 17 people were injured and one was killed. NHTSA says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles at scenes where first responders have used flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. The agency announced the action Monday in a posting on its website. The investigation covers Tesla’s entire current model lineup, the Models Y, X, S and 3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years. The National Transportation Safety Board, which also has investigated some of the Tesla crashes, has recommended that NHTSA and Tesla limit Autopilot’s use to areas where it can safely operate. The NTSB also recommended that NHTSA require Tesla to have a better system to make sure drivers are paying attention. NHTSA has not taken action on any of the recommendations. The NTSB has no enforcement powers and can only make recommendations to other federal agencies such as NHTSA. Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway. The agency has sent investigative teams to 31 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems since June of 2016. Such systems can keep a vehicle centred in its lane and a safe distance from vehicles in front of it. Of those crashes, 25 involved Tesla Autopilot of which 10 deaths were reported, according to data released by the agency. Tesla and other manufacturers warn that drivers using the systems must be ready to intervene at all times. Teslas using the system have crashed into semis crossing in front of them, stopped emergency vehicles and a roadway barrier. A message was left early Monday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations office. The crashes into emergency vehicles cited by NHTSA began on Jan. 22, 2018, in Culver City, California, near Los Angeles when a Tesla using Autopilot struck a parked firetruck that was parked partially in the travel lanes with its lights flashing. Crews were handling another crash at the time. Since then, the agency said there were crashes in Laguna Beach, California; Norwalk, Connecticut; Cloverdale, Indiana; West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Cochise County, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina, Montgomery County, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; and Miami, Florida. “The investigation will assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist and enforce the driver’s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation,” NHTSA said in its investigation documents. In addition, the probe will cover object and event detection by the system, as well as where it is allowed to operate. NHTSA says it will examine “contributing circumstances” to the crashes, as well as similar crashes. An investigation could lead to a recall or other enforcement action by NHTSA. “NHTSA reminds the public that no commercially available motor vehicles today are capable of driving themselves,” the agency said in a statement. “Every available vehicle requires a human driver to be in control at all times, and all state laws hold human drivers responsible for the operation of their vehicles.” The agency said it has “robust enforcement tools” to protect the public and investigate potential safety issues, and it will act when it finds evidence “of noncompliance or an unreasonable safety risk.” In June NHTSA ordered all automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver-assist systems. The measures show the agency has started to take a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. It has been reluctant to issue any regulations of the new technology for fear of hampering the adoption of the potentially life-saving systems. Shares of Tesla Inc., based in Palo Alto, California, fell nearly 2% before the opening bell.

US opens formal probe into Tesla Autopilot system

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. 
 
Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. 
 
Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. 
 
The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. 
 
The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. 
 
Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. 
 
Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. 
 
Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. 
 
"Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. 
 
"The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. 
 
The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. 
 
A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. 
 
The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. "Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. "The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system

Hundreds of&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in&nbsp;Canada's capital called on Saturday for a&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into&nbsp;a boarding&nbsp;school&nbsp;system for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Until the 1990s, some 150,000&nbsp;indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the&nbsp;schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

"Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram.

"That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present,&nbsp;into&nbsp;Canada's crimes against&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a&nbsp;probe.

The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Also read |&nbsp;Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>

The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;the country's painful history of residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;for&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;children.

"People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC.

Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential&nbsp;schools&nbsp;-- discoveries that have outraged the country.

Thousands died at the&nbsp;schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide."

More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the&nbsp;schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;had committed "cultural genocide

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities.

Hundreds of protesters in Canada's capital called on Saturday for a probe into a boarding school system for indigenous children, as outrage built after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several of the facilities. Until the 1990s, some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youths were forcibly enrolled in the schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. "Indigenous Peoples need truth and justice," MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq wrote on Instagram. "That means a special prosecutor and a fully-funded independent investigation, with international observers present, into Canada's crimes against Indigenous Peoples," she added, calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti "to stop making excuses" and launch a probe. The demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa after two lawmakers from the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) called for a protest. Also read | Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada The NDP called on Trudeau's government in early July to appoint a special prosecutor to lead an independent investigation into the country's painful history of residential schools for indigenous children. "People have been shocked by the number of graves that have been found... These are not accidents, these are not tragedies they represent a policy that was about the destruction of a people," NDP lawmaker Charlie Angus told public broadcaster CBC. Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former residential schools -- discoveries that have outraged the country. Thousands died at the schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in "cultural genocide." More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide

Protesters demand probe into Canada indigenous schools

Taiwan's police on Wednesday said they had launched an investigation after local media&nbsp;reported&nbsp;more than 100 LINE&nbsp;messaging&nbsp;app&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;used by&nbsp;officials&nbsp;had been hacked and the company admitted "abnormal activities" had been detected.

The hacked&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;belong to "high ranking&nbsp;officials" in the presidential office, the cabinet, the military, members of the ruling and opposition parties, and regional government chiefs, the Liberty Times&nbsp;reported, citing unnamed sources.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau confirmed it had begun investigating after LINE formally&nbsp;reported&nbsp;the case to authorities on Tuesday, but did not provide further details.&nbsp;

Taiwan's cybersecurity agency says the island faces an estimated 30 million cyber attacks every month, around half of them believed to originate from China.

In a statement, LINE said it had "taken necessary measures to protect users as soon as abnormal account activities were detected".

"We will continue to take necessary responsive measures," the company added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">Also read |&nbsp;'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

The Liberty Times report said LINE had briefed&nbsp;Taiwan's National Security Council on the matter.&nbsp;The council could not be immediately reached for comment.

Taipei has accused Beijing of stepping up a cyberattacks since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who rejects Beijing's stance that the island is part of "one China".&nbsp;

Beijing views democratic, self-ruled&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize the island, by force if needs.&nbsp;

"Cyberattacks and disinformation are threatening democracies worldwide," foreign minister Joseph Wu said in a tweet on Wednesday that linked to a Jerusalem Post column he had co-written with&nbsp;Taiwan's digital minister Audrey Tang.

The column did not mention the latest alleged hacking but it detailed how&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was being inundated with cyberattacks.

In his tweet, Wu called on allies "to form an unbreakable knot and crush the tools of authoritarianism".

The Liberty Times report said national security agencies will look into whether the hackers could have used the Israeli spyware programme Pegasus or have "help from insiders".&nbsp;

Pegasus, which can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, is at the centre of a storm after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets was leaked to human rights groups.

Last year, Taiwanese authorities said Chinese hackers infiltrated at least 10&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;government agencies and gained access to around 6,000 email&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;in an attempt to steal data.&nbsp;

They said two well-known Chinese hacking groups -- Blacktech and Taidoor -- have been targeting government departments and information service providers since 2018.

Taiwan's police on Wednesday said they had launched an investigation after local media reported more than 100 LINE messaging app accounts used by officials had been hacked and the company admitted "abnormal activities" had been detected.

Taiwan's police on Wednesday said they had launched an investigation after local media reported more than 100 LINE messaging app accounts used by officials had been hacked and the company admitted "abnormal activities" had been detected. The hacked accounts belong to "high ranking officials" in the presidential office, the cabinet, the military, members of the ruling and opposition parties, and regional government chiefs, the Liberty Times reported, citing unnamed sources. The Criminal Investigation Bureau confirmed it had begun investigating after LINE formally reported the case to authorities on Tuesday, but did not provide further details. Taiwan's cybersecurity agency says the island faces an estimated 30 million cyber attacks every month, around half of them believed to originate from China. In a statement, LINE said it had "taken necessary measures to protect users as soon as abnormal account activities were detected". "We will continue to take necessary responsive measures," the company added. Also read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit The Liberty Times report said LINE had briefed Taiwan's National Security Council on the matter. The council could not be immediately reached for comment. Taipei has accused Beijing of stepping up a cyberattacks since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who rejects Beijing's stance that the island is part of "one China". Beijing views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize the island, by force if needs. "Cyberattacks and disinformation are threatening democracies worldwide," foreign minister Joseph Wu said in a tweet on Wednesday that linked to a Jerusalem Post column he had co-written with Taiwan's digital minister Audrey Tang. The column did not mention the latest alleged hacking but it detailed how Taiwan was being inundated with cyberattacks. In his tweet, Wu called on allies "to form an unbreakable knot and crush the tools of authoritarianism". The Liberty Times report said national security agencies will look into whether the hackers could have used the Israeli spyware programme Pegasus or have "help from insiders". Pegasus, which can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, is at the centre of a storm after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets was leaked to human rights groups. Last year, Taiwanese authorities said Chinese hackers infiltrated at least 10 Taiwan government agencies and gained access to around 6,000 email accounts in an attempt to steal data. They said two well-known Chinese hacking groups -- Blacktech and Taidoor -- have been targeting government departments and information service providers since 2018.

Taiwan probes reported hack of officials' messaging accounts

All 96 passengers of the Philippine Air Force plane that crashed on Sunday killing 47 people have been accounted for, military chief Cirilito Sobejana said on Monday. 
 
Forty nine military personnel were injured in the crash, Sobejana said. 
 
The Department of National Defence said on Sunday three civilians on the ground were also killed, and four civilians were injured. 
 
The Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft, carrying troops bound for counter-insurgency operations, overshot the runway after it touched down at Jolo airport in southern Sulu province, according to a military spokesman, Colonel Edgard Arevalo. 
 
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he had ordered an investigation of the incident, which would begin after rescue and recovery operations had been completed. 
 
The military has not seen any sign of an attack on the plane. 
 
Sulu, about 950 km (600 miles) south of the capital, Manila, is a stronghold of the militant Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for banditry and piracy, which the military has clashed with. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

All 96 passengers of the Philippine Air Force plane that crashed on Sunday killing 47 people have been accounted for, military chief Cirilito Sobejana said on Monday.

All 96 passengers of the Philippine Air Force plane that crashed on Sunday killing 47 people have been accounted for, military chief Cirilito Sobejana said on Monday. Forty nine military personnel were injured in the crash, Sobejana said. The Department of National Defence said on Sunday three civilians on the ground were also killed, and four civilians were injured. The Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft, carrying troops bound for counter-insurgency operations, overshot the runway after it touched down at Jolo airport in southern Sulu province, according to a military spokesman, Colonel Edgard Arevalo. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he had ordered an investigation of the incident, which would begin after rescue and recovery operations had been completed. The military has not seen any sign of an attack on the plane. Sulu, about 950 km (600 miles) south of the capital, Manila, is a stronghold of the militant Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for banditry and piracy, which the military has clashed with. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines plane crash kills 47, injures 49; probe ordered

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Friday revoked the passport of former Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, who stepped down earlier this week amid an investigation into his alleged role in allowing illegal exports of timber from the Amazon rainforest. 
 
Justice Carmen Lucia said in a ruling that Salles was barred from leaving the country after federal prosecutors entered a motion that he be considered a flight risk. The former minister was given 24 hours to hand over his passport to police, according to court documents. 
 
Salles could not immediately be reached for comment. The former minister has denied any wrongdoing. 
 
In May, federal police disclosed that Salles and several other government officials were under investigation for allegations of possible corruption and other crimes in allowing illegal logged Amazon rainforest wood to be exported to the United States and Europe. 
 
Earlier this month, Lucia also launched an investigation into whether Salles had obstructed the police logging probe. 
 
Salles resigned on Wednesday, saying he wanted to allow for Brazil's international and domestic agenda to be carried out as smoothly as possible. 
 
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon surged during Salles' tenure, hitting a 12-year high in 2020 with an area seven times the size of London destroyed. 
 
(With the inputs from agencies)

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Friday revoked the passport of former Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, who stepped down earlier this week amid an investigation into his alleged role in allowing illegal exports of timber from the Amazon rainforest.

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Friday revoked the passport of former Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, who stepped down earlier this week amid an investigation into his alleged role in allowing illegal exports of timber from the Amazon rainforest. Justice Carmen Lucia said in a ruling that Salles was barred from leaving the country after federal prosecutors entered a motion that he be considered a flight risk. The former minister was given 24 hours to hand over his passport to police, according to court documents. Salles could not immediately be reached for comment. The former minister has denied any wrongdoing. In May, federal police disclosed that Salles and several other government officials were under investigation for allegations of possible corruption and other crimes in allowing illegal logged Amazon rainforest wood to be exported to the United States and Europe. Earlier this month, Lucia also launched an investigation into whether Salles had obstructed the police logging probe. Salles resigned on Wednesday, saying he wanted to allow for Brazil's international and domestic agenda to be carried out as smoothly as possible. Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon surged during Salles' tenure, hitting a 12-year high in 2020 with an area seven times the size of London destroyed. (With the inputs from agencies)

Brazil judge revokes passport of ex-environment minister under probe

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter. 
 
It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising. 
 
An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week. 
 
Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than&nbsp;any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits. 
 
About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. 
 
Both units are under fire. The US&nbsp;Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house. 
 
France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later. 
 
The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display. 
 
While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid. 
 
They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it. 
 
In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources. 
 
The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google. 
 
"From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter.

Alphabet unit Google could face its biggest regulatory threat, with EU antitrust regulators set to open a formal investigation into its lucrative digital advertising business before the end of the year, said people familiar with the matter. It would mark a new front by the EU competition enforcer against Google. It has in the last decade fined the company more than 8 billion euros ($9.8 billion) for blocking rivals in online shopping, Android smartphones and online advertising. An EU probe would focus on Google's position vis-a-vis advertisers, publishers, intermediaries and rivals, one of the people said, indicating deeper scrutiny than the French antitrust agency's case concluded last week. Google made $147 billion in revenue from online ads last year, more than any other company in the world. Ads on its properties, including search, YouTube and Gmail, accounted for the bulk of sales and profits. About 16% of revenue came from its display or network business, in which other media companies use Google technology to sell ads on their website and apps. Both units are under fire. The US Justice Department, joined by some states, sued Google last year for abusing its dominance in search ads. A group of states led by Texas in a later lawsuit focussed on anti-competitive behaviour on the network side of the house. France last week settled with Google for $268 million and various commitments over similar allegations related to the network business, and the unit also must work closely with Britain's competition regulator on upcoming software changes as part of a settlement reached days later. The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A new EU inquiry could end up targeting all of Google's ad empire. Market researcher eMarketer expects Google to control 27% of global online ad spending this year, including 57% for search ads and 10% of display. While the numbers may not look monopolistic at first blush, advertisers and rivals contend that Google's various software play a role in so many facets of the market that the company is impossible to avoid. They say Google takes advantage of the dependence buyers, sellers and intermediaries have on it to extract high fees from all sides and block rivals from fairly competing with it. In a questionnaire sent to Google rivals and third parties earlier this year and seen by Reuters, the EU watchdog asked if advertisers receive rebates when they use Google intermediaries, which allow advertisers or media agencies to buy advertising inventory from many sources. The Commission should conclude ongoing cases before starting new ones, said Thomas Hoppner, a partner at law firm Hausfeld, and who advises several complainants against Google. "From the practitioner's point of view and from the industry's point of view, it appears equally important to bring investigations into local search and Google's job search to an end when other authorities have opened investigations into Google's adtech," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Google's adtech business set to face formal EU probe by year-end: Sources

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday. 
 
Rights groups and critics of the drug killings have welcomed the step by the ICC, saying a full-scale investigation will bring justice closer for the thousands of people killed in Duterte's bloody war on drugs. 
 
"We will not cooperate because we are no longer a member," Harry Roque told a news conference. Duterte canceled the Philippines' membership of the ICC's founding treaty in March 2018. 
 
"We do not need foreigners to investigate killings in the drug war because the legal system is working in the Philippines," Roque said, adding he believed launching a formal probe was 'legally erroneous and politically motivated'. 
 
An ICC prosecutor sought authorisation on Monday to open a full investigation into the killings, saying crimes against humanity could have been committed. 
 
"The long arm of the law will soon catch up with Duterte and his accomplices," former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes said in a statement. 
 
Since Duterte took office in 2016 until the end of April this year, police have killed more than 6,100 suspected drug dealers in sting operations, government data show. 
 
Rights group say police were summarily executing suspects, but authorities say they were killed after violently resisting arrest.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday. Rights groups and critics of the drug killings have welcomed the step by the ICC, saying a full-scale investigation will bring justice closer for the thousands of people killed in Duterte's bloody war on drugs. "We will not cooperate because we are no longer a member," Harry Roque told a news conference. Duterte canceled the Philippines' membership of the ICC's founding treaty in March 2018. "We do not need foreigners to investigate killings in the drug war because the legal system is working in the Philippines," Roque said, adding he believed launching a formal probe was 'legally erroneous and politically motivated'. An ICC prosecutor sought authorisation on Monday to open a full investigation into the killings, saying crimes against humanity could have been committed. "The long arm of the law will soon catch up with Duterte and his accomplices," former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes said in a statement. Since Duterte took office in 2016 until the end of April this year, police have killed more than 6,100 suspected drug dealers in sting operations, government data show. Rights group say police were summarily executing suspects, but authorities say they were killed after violently resisting arrest.

Philippine President will not cooperate with ICC probe into killings

A top&nbsp;official&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;county that hosted a&nbsp;fatal&nbsp;ultramarathon&nbsp;last month has been&nbsp;found&nbsp;dead, authorities said Friday, as 27 people face punishment over the incident.

In May, extreme weather at an&nbsp;ultramarathon&nbsp;in northwestern Gansu province killed 21 runners when freezing rain, high winds, and hail hit competitors.

The deadly incident sparked calls for more regulation and raised questions over why organizers had apparently ignored the incoming weather.

On Friday, provincial authorities told a press conference that the Communist Party secretary of Jingtai county -- which hosted the event -- had been&nbsp;found&nbsp;dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-official-says-real-enemies-want-hong-kong-to-be-pawn-in-geopolitics-390985">Also Read |&nbsp;Beijing official says 'real enemies' want Hong Kong to be 'pawn in geopolitics'</a>

Li Zuobi was confirmed to have died after falling from the building where he lived. Police received the incident report on Wednesday, and have since ruled out homicide.

27 people, including municipal government officials, face criminal charges or disciplinary actions over the deadly&nbsp;ultramarathon.

Among those punished include the party secretary and mayor of Baiyin city -- which holds jurisdiction over Jingtai -- as well as the magistrate of the county, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Last month's incident also led to a suspension of sports competitions that lacked national safety standards, including events such as mountain trail running and ultra-long distance running.

A top official from the Chinese county that hosted a fatal ultramarathon last month has been found dead, authorities said Friday, as 27 people face punishment over the incident.

A top official from the Chinese county that hosted a fatal ultramarathon last month has been found dead, authorities said Friday, as 27 people face punishment over the incident. In May, extreme weather at an ultramarathon in northwestern Gansu province killed 21 runners when freezing rain, high winds, and hail hit competitors. The deadly incident sparked calls for more regulation and raised questions over why organizers had apparently ignored the incoming weather. On Friday, provincial authorities told a press conference that the Communist Party secretary of Jingtai county -- which hosted the event -- had been found dead. Also Read | Beijing official says 'real enemies' want Hong Kong to be 'pawn in geopolitics' Li Zuobi was confirmed to have died after falling from the building where he lived. Police received the incident report on Wednesday, and have since ruled out homicide. 27 people, including municipal government officials, face criminal charges or disciplinary actions over the deadly ultramarathon. Among those punished include the party secretary and mayor of Baiyin city -- which holds jurisdiction over Jingtai -- as well as the magistrate of the county, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Last month's incident also led to a suspension of sports competitions that lacked national safety standards, including events such as mountain trail running and ultra-long distance running.

Chinese official found dead amid probe into fatal ultramarathon

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation. 
 
The museum said in a statement that officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) entered its premises on Tuesday, claiming it had not obtained a public entertainment venue licence and was potentially in breach of regulations. 
 
FEHD said in a statement its probe was launched after it had received a complaint that the venue operated without a licence. 
 
The museum, opened a decade ago and run by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said it would seek legal advice, and close until further notice to protect the safety of staff and visitors. 
 
"Facing the current difficult political situation, the Alliance deeply believes that Hong Kongers will not forget June 4," the statement said. 
 
The Alliance "hopes Hong Kongers will continue to be wise, flexible and determined to commemorate June 4 legally, safely, peacefully, rationally in their own way, at a suitable time and place, such that the truth will not be forgotten." 
 
The inspection raises concerns over freedom of speech in Hong Kong, which traditionally holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world to commemorate the crackdown. Mainland China bans commemorations and heavily censors the topic. 
 
After Beijing set the financial hub onto an authoritarian path with its imposition of a sweeping national security law last year, fears have grown that such vigils, which typically draw tens of thousands,&nbsp;would not be allowed any more. 
 
Police have cited coronavirus restrictions to ban the vigil for the second consecutive year this year. Authorities have warned the public that taking part in an unauthorised assembly raises the risk of up to five years in prison, while 'advertising or publicising'&nbsp;illegal rallies may lead to up to 12 months. 
 
Commemorations are particularly awkward for Beijing this year, as the Communist Party celebrates its 100th anniversary. 
 
Asked whether a vigil would violate the security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said only that it was important to show respect to the Party. 
 
The museum reopened on Sunday after closing for renovations for several weeks. 
 
The Alliance's chairman Lee Cheuk-Yan is in jail accused of participating in an unauthorised assembly. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation.

Hong Kong's June 4th Museum, dedicated to commemorating the victims of China's 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, said on Wednesday, it would temporarily close due to a licensing investigation. The museum said in a statement that officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) entered its premises on Tuesday, claiming it had not obtained a public entertainment venue licence and was potentially in breach of regulations. FEHD said in a statement its probe was launched after it had received a complaint that the venue operated without a licence. The museum, opened a decade ago and run by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said it would seek legal advice, and close until further notice to protect the safety of staff and visitors. "Facing the current difficult political situation, the Alliance deeply believes that Hong Kongers will not forget June 4," the statement said. The Alliance "hopes Hong Kongers will continue to be wise, flexible and determined to commemorate June 4 legally, safely, peacefully, rationally in their own way, at a suitable time and place, such that the truth will not be forgotten." The inspection raises concerns over freedom of speech in Hong Kong, which traditionally holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world to commemorate the crackdown. Mainland China bans commemorations and heavily censors the topic. After Beijing set the financial hub onto an authoritarian path with its imposition of a sweeping national security law last year, fears have grown that such vigils, which typically draw tens of thousands, would not be allowed any more. Police have cited coronavirus restrictions to ban the vigil for the second consecutive year this year. Authorities have warned the public that taking part in an unauthorised assembly raises the risk of up to five years in prison, while 'advertising or publicising' illegal rallies may lead to up to 12 months. Commemorations are particularly awkward for Beijing this year, as the Communist Party celebrates its 100th anniversary. Asked whether a vigil would violate the security law, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said only that it was important to show respect to the Party. The museum reopened on Sunday after closing for renovations for several weeks. The Alliance's chairman Lee Cheuk-Yan is in jail accused of participating in an unauthorised assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's June 4th museum temporarily closes over licensing probe

Britain's Serious Fraud Office is conducting a probe against tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's commodities empire. The probe encompasses the group's links to collapsed lender Greensill Capital.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said it was "investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering in relation to the financing and conduct of the business of companies within the Gupta Family Group Alliance (GFG), including its financing arrangements with Greensill Capital UK Ltd."

GFG said it would co-operate fully and would not comment further on the investigation. The SFO said it had no further comment.

Greensill Capital lent money to firms by buying their invoices at a discount, but it collapsed in March after one of its main insurers declined to renew its cover.

Its sudden failure has created waves around the world, drawing in Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse, German depositors and former British Prime Minister British Cameron, who was grilled in parliament this week over his lobbying efforts on behalf of Greensill.

Authorities are starting to home in on both Gupta and Greensill with Britain's Financial Conduct Authority on Tuesday saying it was formally investigating Greensill's UK operations as part of global probes.

Germany's financial regulator shuttered Greensill's Bremen-based bank and filed a criminal complaint against it earlier this year saying the lender could not provide evidence of receivables on its balance sheet.

GFG was Greensill's largest client. It said in February it would "collapse into insolvency" if the supply chain finance firm stopped providing it with working capital, Greensill said in its insolvency filing in March.

Greensill cited a $5 billion exposure to GFG Alliance when it filed for bankruptcy protection in Australia and Britain in March, a source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity.

(With inputs&nbsp;from&nbsp;agencies)

Britain's Serious Fraud Office is conducting a probe against tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's commodities empire. The probe encompasses the group's links to collapsed lender Greensill Capital.

Britain's Serious Fraud Office is conducting a probe against tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's commodities empire. The probe encompasses the group's links to collapsed lender Greensill Capital. In a statement, the anti-graft agency said it was "investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering in relation to the financing and conduct of the business of companies within the Gupta Family Group Alliance (GFG), including its financing arrangements with Greensill Capital UK Ltd." GFG said it would co-operate fully and would not comment further on the investigation. The SFO said it had no further comment. Greensill Capital lent money to firms by buying their invoices at a discount, but it collapsed in March after one of its main insurers declined to renew its cover. Its sudden failure has created waves around the world, drawing in Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse, German depositors and former British Prime Minister British Cameron, who was grilled in parliament this week over his lobbying efforts on behalf of Greensill. Authorities are starting to home in on both Gupta and Greensill with Britain's Financial Conduct Authority on Tuesday saying it was formally investigating Greensill's UK operations as part of global probes. Germany's financial regulator shuttered Greensill's Bremen-based bank and filed a criminal complaint against it earlier this year saying the lender could not provide evidence of receivables on its balance sheet. GFG was Greensill's largest client. It said in February it would "collapse into insolvency" if the supply chain finance firm stopped providing it with working capital, Greensill said in its insolvency filing in March. Greensill cited a $5 billion exposure to GFG Alliance when it filed for bankruptcy protection in Australia and Britain in March, a source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Serious Fraud Office launches probe into Sanjeev Gupta’s Greensill Capital

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday.

Kostas Vaxevanis, the owner of a weekly newspaper and website, reported the threats two weeks after Giorgos Karaivaz was shot dead outside his home in the southern Athens district of Alimos.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Was stripped naked, tortured at Imran Khan's party office': Pakistani Journalist">'Was stripped naked, tortured at Imran Khan's party office': Pakistani Journalist</a>

Vaxevanis, in a message posted to his Facebook page Sunday and on the front page of his weekly Documento, said two people had warned him in recent weeks that there was a price on his head.

Michalis Chryssochoidis, the minister for public order, said Saturday that security had been stepped up for Vaxevanis.

The journalist has specialised in covering corruption cases and built his reputation on his reports filed at the height of the Greek financial crisis in 2012.

After he published part of a list of 2,000 people purportedly under investigation for corruption, he was briefly arrested and threatened with prosecution for the illegal publication of public data. An Athens court cleared him a year later.

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday.

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday. Kostas Vaxevanis, the owner of a weekly newspaper and website, reported the threats two weeks after Giorgos Karaivaz was shot dead outside his home in the southern Athens district of Alimos. Also read | 'Was stripped naked, tortured at Imran Khan's party office': Pakistani Journalist Vaxevanis, in a message posted to his Facebook page Sunday and on the front page of his weekly Documento, said two people had warned him in recent weeks that there was a price on his head. Michalis Chryssochoidis, the minister for public order, said Saturday that security had been stepped up for Vaxevanis. The journalist has specialised in covering corruption cases and built his reputation on his reports filed at the height of the Greek financial crisis in 2012. After he published part of a list of 2,000 people purportedly under investigation for corruption, he was briefly arrested and threatened with prosecution for the illegal publication of public data. An Athens court cleared him a year later.

Greek prosecutors probe 'death threats' against journalist

probe

Probe, News on Probe, stories on Probe, articles on Probe, Probe stories at Wion, Probe news, Probe latest news