According to a new report by WHO, HIV drug resistance is on the rise. The report has also found that the number of people with the virus being treated with antiretrovirals has also increased to 27.5 million. It has witnessed an annual increase of two million. &nbsp;

The HIV drug-resistance report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) said four out of five nations with high rates have seen success in suppressing the virus with antiretroviral treatments. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-mutated-new-covid-variant-uk-bans-6-african-nations-flights-who-calls-special-meeting-432019" hreflang="en">Highly mutated new Covid variant: UK bans 6 African nations' flights, WHO calls special meeting</a>

The study also found a rise in nations reaching a 10 per cent threshold of resistance to a class of drugs. The WHO said, it underlined the need for a move to an alternative treatment, which was recommended since 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 21 out of 30 nations surveyed in the study, the resistance exceeding the 10% threshold was reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-weeks-to-understand-new-virus-variant-says-who-432124" hreflang="en">Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO</a>

The surveys in 10 sub-Saharan African nations showed that switching from non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was important for children. Nearly half of infants were diagnosed with carrying the drug-resistant HIV. &nbsp;

Meg Doherty, director, WHO’s global HIV, hepatitis and STI programmes, said the report holds nations accountable for monitoring drug resistance and ensuring effective treatment for patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a new report by WHO, HIV drug resistance is on the rise. The report has also found that the number of people with the virus being treated with antiretrovirals has also increased to 27.

According to a new report by WHO, HIV drug resistance is on the rise. The report has also found that the number of people with the virus being treated with antiretrovirals has also increased to 27.5 million. It has witnessed an annual increase of two million. The HIV drug-resistance report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) said four out of five nations with high rates have seen success in suppressing the virus with antiretroviral treatments. Also Read: Highly mutated new Covid variant: UK bans 6 African nations' flights, WHO calls special meeting The study also found a rise in nations reaching a 10 per cent threshold of resistance to a class of drugs. The WHO said, it underlined the need for a move to an alternative treatment, which was recommended since 2019. In 21 out of 30 nations surveyed in the study, the resistance exceeding the 10% threshold was reported. Also Read: Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO The surveys in 10 sub-Saharan African nations showed that switching from non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was important for children. Nearly half of infants were diagnosed with carrying the drug-resistant HIV. Meg Doherty, director, WHO’s global HIV, hepatitis and STI programmes, said the report holds nations accountable for monitoring drug resistance and ensuring effective treatment for patients. (With inputs from agencies)

Resistance to HIV drug on rise, finds WHO report

If a report is to be believed, Pakistan government is coming up with a policy through which foreigners, who have been living in the country for seven consecutive years, may get citizenship. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The policy in this regard seems to be on the cards and will come out soon, said a report by newspaper ‘Daily Times’ in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/schools-offices-in-pakistans-lahore-to-remain-shut-three-days-a-week-as-air-turns-toxic-431960" hreflang="en">Schools, offices in Lahore to remain shut three days a week as air turns toxic</a>

This remark came from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik while he was addressing the 8th annual National Data Privacy Conference, which was organised by Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) in Islamabad. &nbsp;

Malik said that a policy is under formulation to grant citizenship to foreigners, who have been living in Pakistan for over seven years consecutively. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-petroleum-dealers-launch-nationwide-strike-against-lower-profit-margins-431887" hreflang="en">Pakistan petrol dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins</a>

The chairman also said that another policy, where citizens will get the right to check their data, is being made. When this comes into effect, the citizens will be able to check whether a bank or FBR has checked their data in one year or not. &nbsp;

NADRA Chairman, while addressing the conference, also claimed that the data of the agency is completely secure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a report is to be believed, Pakistan government is coming up with a policy through which foreigners, who have been living in the country for seven consecutive years, may get citizenship.

If a report is to be believed, Pakistan government is coming up with a policy through which foreigners, who have been living in the country for seven consecutive years, may get citizenship. The policy in this regard seems to be on the cards and will come out soon, said a report by newspaper ‘Daily Times’ in Pakistan. Also Read: Schools, offices in Lahore to remain shut three days a week as air turns toxic This remark came from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik while he was addressing the 8th annual National Data Privacy Conference, which was organised by Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) in Islamabad. Malik said that a policy is under formulation to grant citizenship to foreigners, who have been living in Pakistan for over seven years consecutively. Also Read: Pakistan petrol dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins The chairman also said that another policy, where citizens will get the right to check their data, is being made. When this comes into effect, the citizens will be able to check whether a bank or FBR has checked their data in one year or not. NADRA Chairman, while addressing the conference, also claimed that the data of the agency is completely secure. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak may give citizenship to foreigners living for 7 consecutive years, says report

In a bizarre move, a high school in the United States has removed washroom doors citing safety concerns. But the development has in turn led to privacy issues. &nbsp;

The high school is located in Austin, Texas. The principal of the educational institution decided to remove restroom doors to check drug use and other "significant behavioural events" that occurred this year, said a report. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-americans-are-cutting-ties-with-anti-vaxxer-family-members-survey-429470" hreflang="en">Majority of Americans are cutting ties with anti-vaxxer family members: Survey</a>

In a letter to parents explaining her decision, Christina Steele Hantgin, principal, Austin ISD’s Travis Early College High School, admitted that she could have done a better job by communicating about her plans, said a CBS Austin report. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the letter, Hantgin said that there have been behavioural events and "conduct violations" inside restrooms, which include around 90% of drug offenses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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In Austin, Texas there have been doors in the bathroom removed. This happened due to drug offenses. The incidents have decreased, but is this the right way to go? Where does the privacy go? How do we stop drug offenses in schools? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWO332?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWO332</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2021SWO332?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2021SWO332</a>
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Since the removal of the doors, there have been no incidents, added Hantgin.&nbsp;Another report said that no stall in the washroom can be viewed from the hallway outside. &nbsp;

The move has not gone down well with several netizens, who raised privacy issues.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-catch-44-million-worth-cocaine-found-in-onion-ring-cargo-at-uk-border-429524" hreflang="en">Huge catch: $44 million worth cocaine found in onion ring cargo at UK border</a>

As per KXAN.com, the school seems to have exhausted other methods in dealing with the safety issues. &nbsp;

Another strategy could have been locking bathroom doors, which could not be monitored. But as per the report, the process was taking up a lot of time. &nbsp;

"My number one priority is safety. Removing the doors is one of many strategies we are planning or implementing to keep our campus a safe learning environment," added Hantgin, in the letter, as per the report. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bizarre move, a high school in the United States has removed washroom doors citing safety concerns. But the development has in turn led to privacy issues. The high school is located in Austin, Texas.

In a bizarre move, a high school in the United States has removed washroom doors citing safety concerns. But the development has in turn led to privacy issues. The high school is located in Austin, Texas. The principal of the educational institution decided to remove restroom doors to check drug use and other "significant behavioural events" that occurred this year, said a report. Also Read | Majority of Americans are cutting ties with anti-vaxxer family members: Survey In a letter to parents explaining her decision, Christina Steele Hantgin, principal, Austin ISD’s Travis Early College High School, admitted that she could have done a better job by communicating about her plans, said a CBS Austin report. In the letter, Hantgin said that there have been behavioural events and "conduct violations" inside restrooms, which include around 90% of drug offenses. In Austin, Texas there have been doors in the bathroom removed. This happened due to drug offenses. The incidents have decreased, but is this the right way to go? Where does the privacy go? How do we stop drug offenses in schools? #SWO332 #2021SWO332 — SWO332 (@swo332sophomore) November 15, 2021 × Since the removal of the doors, there have been no incidents, added Hantgin. Another report said that no stall in the washroom can be viewed from the hallway outside. The move has not gone down well with several netizens, who raised privacy issues. Also Read | Huge catch: $44 million worth cocaine found in onion ring cargo at UK border As per KXAN.com, the school seems to have exhausted other methods in dealing with the safety issues. Another strategy could have been locking bathroom doors, which could not be monitored. But as per the report, the process was taking up a lot of time. "My number one priority is safety. Removing the doors is one of many strategies we are planning or implementing to keep our campus a safe learning environment," added Hantgin, in the letter, as per the report. (With inputs from agencies)

For ‘safety concerns’, high school in US removes washroom doors: Report

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has long played an active and, by many accounts, disruptive and destabilising role in Afghan affairs, including through the provision of active and passive support to the Taliban. Many observers see the Taliban's takeover (of Afghanistan) as a substantive triumph for Pakistan, bolstering its influence in Afghanistan and advancing its decades-long efforts to limit Indian influence there," the report read.&nbsp;

Prepared by independent subject area experts, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service said that if other countries such as Pakistan, Russia, China, or US partners such as Qatar begin to accept the Taliban, it could lead to the isolation of US.

This could further weaken its leverage and give the Taliban greater opportunities to evade US pressure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-and-local-taliban-terror-group-on-road-to-peace-agree-to-one-month-ceasefire-427875">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire</a>

Pakistani officials have claimed that their influence over the Taliban is 'limited.'&nbsp;

"More broadly, despite some implicitly pro-Taliban statements from top Pakistani officials, the Taliban's takeover may present challenges and complications for Pakistan," states the report.

The report further highlights how the acceptance of the Taliban could pose serious challenges for US policymakers.

"A less oppositional US approach towards the Taliban could allow for greater US access to, and perhaps influence over, the group and events in Afghanistan. Engagement with a Taliban government that acts in support of some US interests and against others could compel US policymakers to weigh and prioritise those interests, posing a difficult challenge," the report said.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August after the withdrawal of American forces which started on May 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban.

The latest Congressional report on Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan has for a long period played an active role in Afghan affairs. The report accuses Pakistan of playing a "disruptive and destabilising" role in offering support to the Taliban. "Pakistan has long played an active and, by many accounts, disruptive and destabilising role in Afghan affairs, including through the provision of active and passive support to the Taliban. Many observers see the Taliban's takeover (of Afghanistan) as a substantive triumph for Pakistan, bolstering its influence in Afghanistan and advancing its decades-long efforts to limit Indian influence there," the report read. Prepared by independent subject area experts, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service said that if other countries such as Pakistan, Russia, China, or US partners such as Qatar begin to accept the Taliban, it could lead to the isolation of US. This could further weaken its leverage and give the Taliban greater opportunities to evade US pressure. Also read | Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire Pakistani officials have claimed that their influence over the Taliban is 'limited.' "More broadly, despite some implicitly pro-Taliban statements from top Pakistani officials, the Taliban's takeover may present challenges and complications for Pakistan," states the report. The report further highlights how the acceptance of the Taliban could pose serious challenges for US policymakers. "A less oppositional US approach towards the Taliban could allow for greater US access to, and perhaps influence over, the group and events in Afghanistan. Engagement with a Taliban government that acts in support of some US interests and against others could compel US policymakers to weigh and prioritise those interests, posing a difficult challenge," the report said. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August after the withdrawal of American forces which started on May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congress report accuses Pakistan of playing 'disruptive and destabilising' role in Afghan affairs

North Korea can get all the uranium it needs for nuclear weapons through its existing Pyongsan mill, and satellite imagery of tailings piles suggests the country can produce far more nuclear fuel than it is, a new academic study concludes.

Despite a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons tests since 2017, North Korea has said it is continuing to build its arsenal, and this year it appeared to have restarted a reactor that is widely believed to have produced weapons-grade plutonium.

According to research published last month in the journal Science &amp; Global Security by researchers at Stanford University and an Arizona-based mining consulting company, North Korea may be able to increase production, and has no need for other uranium mills.

"It is clear that the DPRK appears to have substantially more milling capacity than it has been using to date," said the report, using the initials of North Korea`s official name, the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea. "This means that the DPRK could produce much greater quantities of milled natural uranium if desired."

The Pyongsan Uranium Concentration Plant and its associated mine are North Korea`s only publicly acknowledged source of yellowcake, or uranium ore, according to analysts.

The report comes as other satellite imagery shows North Korea is building a large expansion at its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, which analysts say may be used to produce weapons-grade uranium.

"Given the DPRK’s active nuclear program, it is of utmost importance to assess and understand its nuclear materials production capabilities," wrote the report`s authors, who submitted their findings in April.

These capabilities govern the rate at which North Korea might expand its nuclear arsenal, determine the magnitude of the threat to international security and the challenge of potential nuclear disarmament, and measure North Korea`s ability to fuel its future nuclear energy program, the report said.

GROWING NUCLEAR ARSENAL

The question over how many nuclear weapons North Korea possesses is a key issue for intelligence agencies in South Korea and the United States, as well as for any talks aimed at limiting or reducing North Korea’s arsenal.

The United States, which wants Pyongyang to surrender its nuclear arsenal, has said it is open to meeting with North Korea without preconditions. North Korea says talks are only possible after the United States and its allies drop hostile policies.

Intelligence on North Korean nuclear weapons is limited, but David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, has told Reuters he estimates the country has the capacity to produce material for four to six warheads a year.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in September that North Korea’s "nuclear programme goes full steam ahead with work on plutonium separation, uranium enrichment and other activities."

There have been no reported accounts of outside inspector access to the Pyongsan uranium mine after the IAEA visited in 1992, leaving details of the mill uncertain, the academic report said.

The authors used artificial intelligence algorithms developed by Orbital Insight, a California-based geospatial analytics company, to analyse satellite imagery for land use patterns around the Pyongsan facility.

Yellowcake from the mine and mill is a key component of North Korea`s nuclear fuel production, including its 5-megawatt (MW) reactor, which is seen as capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium.

The IAEA and other analysts reported over the summer that the reactor appeared to be operating for the first time since 2018.

North Korea can get all the uranium it needs for nuclear weapons through its existing Pyongsan mill, and satellite imagery of tailings piles suggests the country can produce far more nuclear fuel than it is, a new academic study concludes.

North Korea can get all the uranium it needs for nuclear weapons through its existing Pyongsan mill, and satellite imagery of tailings piles suggests the country can produce far more nuclear fuel than it is, a new academic study concludes. Despite a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons tests since 2017, North Korea has said it is continuing to build its arsenal, and this year it appeared to have restarted a reactor that is widely believed to have produced weapons-grade plutonium. According to research published last month in the journal Science & Global Security by researchers at Stanford University and an Arizona-based mining consulting company, North Korea may be able to increase production, and has no need for other uranium mills. "It is clear that the DPRK appears to have substantially more milling capacity than it has been using to date," said the report, using the initials of North Korea`s official name, the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea. "This means that the DPRK could produce much greater quantities of milled natural uranium if desired." The Pyongsan Uranium Concentration Plant and its associated mine are North Korea`s only publicly acknowledged source of yellowcake, or uranium ore, according to analysts. The report comes as other satellite imagery shows North Korea is building a large expansion at its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, which analysts say may be used to produce weapons-grade uranium. "Given the DPRK’s active nuclear program, it is of utmost importance to assess and understand its nuclear materials production capabilities," wrote the report`s authors, who submitted their findings in April. These capabilities govern the rate at which North Korea might expand its nuclear arsenal, determine the magnitude of the threat to international security and the challenge of potential nuclear disarmament, and measure North Korea`s ability to fuel its future nuclear energy program, the report said. GROWING NUCLEAR ARSENAL The question over how many nuclear weapons North Korea possesses is a key issue for intelligence agencies in South Korea and the United States, as well as for any talks aimed at limiting or reducing North Korea’s arsenal. The United States, which wants Pyongyang to surrender its nuclear arsenal, has said it is open to meeting with North Korea without preconditions. North Korea says talks are only possible after the United States and its allies drop hostile policies. Intelligence on North Korean nuclear weapons is limited, but David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, has told Reuters he estimates the country has the capacity to produce material for four to six warheads a year. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in September that North Korea’s "nuclear programme goes full steam ahead with work on plutonium separation, uranium enrichment and other activities." There have been no reported accounts of outside inspector access to the Pyongsan uranium mine after the IAEA visited in 1992, leaving details of the mill uncertain, the academic report said. The authors used artificial intelligence algorithms developed by Orbital Insight, a California-based geospatial analytics company, to analyse satellite imagery for land use patterns around the Pyongsan facility. Yellowcake from the mine and mill is a key component of North Korea`s nuclear fuel production, including its 5-megawatt (MW) reactor, which is seen as capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium. The IAEA and other analysts reported over the summer that the reactor appeared to be operating for the first time since 2018.

North Korea can produce more uranium for nukes than current rate: Report

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter. Yiming had said in May that he would step down as CEO. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-should-step-down-says-whistleblower-frances-haugen-426037" hreflang="en">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen</a>

Liang Rubo, who is the new CEO, has taken over as chairman of the company's five-person board. The board also includes General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, and Susquehanna International Group, the person said. The decision was made this year, added the source. &nbsp;

It seems to be unclear that why and when this change of guard occurred. And will these changes affect&nbsp;Yiming's&nbsp;more than 50% voting rights at the firm. Several questions like these are yet to be answered. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-me-on-earth-or-in-space-wfp-chief-fires-new-tweet-at-elon-musk-426140" hreflang="en">Meet me on Earth or in space: WFP chief fires new tweet at Elon Musk</a>

In May, ByteDance had announced that Zhang would move to a "key strategy" position at the end of the year. The source said that plan was unchanged. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The surprise announcement of Zhang saw his college roommate and co-founder Liang take the lead in navigating the company through a rising wave of new government regulations targeting big tech companies. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter.

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter. Yiming had said in May that he would step down as CEO. Also Read: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen Liang Rubo, who is the new CEO, has taken over as chairman of the company's five-person board. The board also includes General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, and Susquehanna International Group, the person said. The decision was made this year, added the source. It seems to be unclear that why and when this change of guard occurred. And will these changes affect Yiming's more than 50% voting rights at the firm. Several questions like these are yet to be answered. Also Read | Meet me on Earth or in space: WFP chief fires new tweet at Elon Musk In May, ByteDance had announced that Zhang would move to a "key strategy" position at the end of the year. The source said that plan was unchanged. The surprise announcement of Zhang saw his college roommate and co-founder Liang take the lead in navigating the company through a rising wave of new government regulations targeting big tech companies. (With inputs from agencies)

In shake up at ByteDance, founder Zhang Yiming steps down as chairman: Report   

According to data released by the Department of Homeland Security, the US government recorded more than 1.7 million interdictions of migrants along the southern border during the past 12 months. This is the highest figure of any fiscal year in history.

The numbers surged when there was a massive increase in migration to the US-Mexico border that peaked during the hot summer months.&nbsp;

Roughly 61 per cent of the migrants encountered during the past 12 months were immediately expelled to Mexico or their homeland. This was done under a pandemic-era emergency policy known as Title 42.

Various Rights groups have said that the measure is not based on science and it denies migrants the right to seek protection. Title 42 involves quick expulsions and not deportations. This means that the US officials do not retain records of those sent back.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-highlights-risk-of-myocarditis-in-review-of-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-5-11-423340">Also read |&nbsp;FDA highlights risk of myocarditis in review of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11</a>

Many of the arrests this fiscal year are believed to be repeat crossings.

Customs and Border Protection, in a statement, said, "The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a larger-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts, which means that total encounters somewhat overstate the number of unique individuals arriving at the border."

A total of 671,000 migrants and asylum-seekers were processed under immigration laws and placed in deportation proceedings during the fiscal year 2021. This can be halted if judges find they are fleeing persecution or torture.

Arrests of adults travelling without children formed the largest migrant demographic group. They made up more than 1.1 million, or 64 per cent, of all interdictions by border agents in the fiscal year 2021. Nearly 600,000 of those adults were from Mexico.

Nearly 480,000 migrant parents and children entered US custody as families. This is the second-largest tally of any fiscal year.&nbsp;

Approximately 57 per cent of families hailed from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which are collectively known as Central America's Northern Triangle.

According to data released by the Department of Homeland Security, the US government recorded more than 1.7 million interdictions of migrants along the southern border during the past 12 months.

According to data released by the Department of Homeland Security, the US government recorded more than 1.7 million interdictions of migrants along the southern border during the past 12 months. This is the highest figure of any fiscal year in history. The numbers surged when there was a massive increase in migration to the US-Mexico border that peaked during the hot summer months. Roughly 61 per cent of the migrants encountered during the past 12 months were immediately expelled to Mexico or their homeland. This was done under a pandemic-era emergency policy known as Title 42. Various Rights groups have said that the measure is not based on science and it denies migrants the right to seek protection. Title 42 involves quick expulsions and not deportations. This means that the US officials do not retain records of those sent back. Also read | FDA highlights risk of myocarditis in review of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 Many of the arrests this fiscal year are believed to be repeat crossings. Customs and Border Protection, in a statement, said, "The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a larger-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts, which means that total encounters somewhat overstate the number of unique individuals arriving at the border." A total of 671,000 migrants and asylum-seekers were processed under immigration laws and placed in deportation proceedings during the fiscal year 2021. This can be halted if judges find they are fleeing persecution or torture. Arrests of adults travelling without children formed the largest migrant demographic group. They made up more than 1.1 million, or 64 per cent, of all interdictions by border agents in the fiscal year 2021. Nearly 600,000 of those adults were from Mexico. Nearly 480,000 migrant parents and children entered US custody as families. This is the second-largest tally of any fiscal year. Approximately 57 per cent of families hailed from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which are collectively known as Central America's Northern Triangle.

US-Mexico border: Arrests reach record highs, reveals report

The US intelligence community has warned that climate change will lead to growing international tensions. The first-ever National Intelligence Estimate on Climate Change highlights the impact of climate on national security through to 2040. It warns of the risks if futuristic geo engineering technologies are deployed by some countries acting alone.

The assessment comes as a collective view of all 18 US intelligence agencies.&nbsp;

It talks about how the world is failing to co-operate and moving towards dangerous competition and instability. "A decline in fossil fuel revenue would further strain Middle Eastern countries that are projected to face more intense climate effects," says the report.

The report identifies 11 countries and two regions where energy, food, water and health security are at risk. This is because they tend to be poorer and less able to adapt. Five of the 11 countries are in South and East Asia, including Afghanistan, Burma, India, Pakistan and North Korea. Four countries are in Central America and the Caribbean, including Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua. Colombia and Iraq are the others.&nbsp;Central Africa and small states in the Pacific are also at risk.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fridays-for-future-activists-in-bern-demand-climate-strike-ahead-of-cop26-423112">Also read |&nbsp;'Fridays for Future': Activists in Bern demand climate strike ahead of COP26</a>

The Arctic is likely to be a major concern as it becomes more accessible because of reducing ice.&nbsp;

This may open new shipping routes and access to fish stocks but also create risks of miscalculation as militaries move in.

Access to water will also become a source of problems. In the Middle East and North Africa, about 60 per cent of surface water resources cross boundaries. Meanwhile, the Mekong River basin could cause problems between China and Cambodia and Vietnam, the report warns.

Another source of risk is that a country might decide to use geo engineering. This involves using futuristic technology.&nbsp;

However, if one country acts alone it could simply shift the problem to another region and create anger from other nations which have been impacted in a negative way.

Researchers in countries like, Australia, China, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as several EU members, are looking at these techniques. However, there are few rules or regulations.

The US intelligence community has warned that climate change will lead to growing international tensions. The first-ever National Intelligence Estimate on Climate Change highlights the impact of climate on national security through to 2040.

The US intelligence community has warned that climate change will lead to growing international tensions. The first-ever National Intelligence Estimate on Climate Change highlights the impact of climate on national security through to 2040. It warns of the risks if futuristic geo engineering technologies are deployed by some countries acting alone. The assessment comes as a collective view of all 18 US intelligence agencies. It talks about how the world is failing to co-operate and moving towards dangerous competition and instability. "A decline in fossil fuel revenue would further strain Middle Eastern countries that are projected to face more intense climate effects," says the report. The report identifies 11 countries and two regions where energy, food, water and health security are at risk. This is because they tend to be poorer and less able to adapt. Five of the 11 countries are in South and East Asia, including Afghanistan, Burma, India, Pakistan and North Korea. Four countries are in Central America and the Caribbean, including Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua. Colombia and Iraq are the others. Central Africa and small states in the Pacific are also at risk. Also read | 'Fridays for Future': Activists in Bern demand climate strike ahead of COP26 The Arctic is likely to be a major concern as it becomes more accessible because of reducing ice. This may open new shipping routes and access to fish stocks but also create risks of miscalculation as militaries move in. Access to water will also become a source of problems. In the Middle East and North Africa, about 60 per cent of surface water resources cross boundaries. Meanwhile, the Mekong River basin could cause problems between China and Cambodia and Vietnam, the report warns. Another source of risk is that a country might decide to use geo engineering. This involves using futuristic technology. However, if one country acts alone it could simply shift the problem to another region and create anger from other nations which have been impacted in a negative way. Researchers in countries like, Australia, China, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as several EU members, are looking at these techniques. However, there are few rules or regulations.

Climate change may lead to global tension, says US intelligence report

Joe Biden’s administration recently issued a 40-page report warning that the climate crisis “poses serious and systemic risks to the US economy and financial system." It further said that setting out steps for action as “climate impacts are already affecting American jobs, homes, families’ hard-earned savings, and businesses”.

As a part of the new plan, the federal government will weigh up climate risks for employee benefit and retirement plan investments. They will also incorporate climate disasters into lending and budgeting decisions. The building standards will also be revised for homes at risk of flooding.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden, in the report, said, "The intensifying impacts of climate change present physical risk to assets, publicly traded securities, private investments, and companies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-queen-finds-world-leaders-irritating-because-they-only-talk-and-dont-act-420982">Also read |&nbsp;COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'</a>

He further added that the climate crisis “threatens the competitiveness of US companies and markets, the life savings and pensions of US workers and families, and the ability of US financial institutions to serve communities."

The new White House plan has been welcomed by environmental groups .

Gina McCarthy, Biden’s top climate advisor, said that the climate crisis “poses a risk to our economy and to the lives and livelihoods of Americans, and we must act now”.&nbsp;

McCarthy further added, “This roadmap isn’t just about protecting our financial system – it’s about protecting people, their paychecks and their prosperity.”

The report comes in as the crucial Cop26 global climate talks are due to begin in Scotland at the end of the month.

Joe Biden’s administration recently issued a 40-page report warning that the climate crisis “poses serious and systemic risks to the US economy and financial system.

Joe Biden’s administration recently issued a 40-page report warning that the climate crisis “poses serious and systemic risks to the US economy and financial system." It further said that setting out steps for action as “climate impacts are already affecting American jobs, homes, families’ hard-earned savings, and businesses”. As a part of the new plan, the federal government will weigh up climate risks for employee benefit and retirement plan investments. They will also incorporate climate disasters into lending and budgeting decisions. The building standards will also be revised for homes at risk of flooding. US President Joe Biden, in the report, said, "The intensifying impacts of climate change present physical risk to assets, publicly traded securities, private investments, and companies." Also read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act' He further added that the climate crisis “threatens the competitiveness of US companies and markets, the life savings and pensions of US workers and families, and the ability of US financial institutions to serve communities." The new White House plan has been welcomed by environmental groups . Gina McCarthy, Biden’s top climate advisor, said that the climate crisis “poses a risk to our economy and to the lives and livelihoods of Americans, and we must act now”. McCarthy further added, “This roadmap isn’t just about protecting our financial system – it’s about protecting people, their paychecks and their prosperity.” The report comes in as the crucial Cop26 global climate talks are due to begin in Scotland at the end of the month.

Climate crisis poses ‘serious risks’ to US economy, warns 40-page report

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions.

The report says that the proportion of female executive directors across the FTSE 100 has flatlined at 13.7 per cent for the second consecutive year as only eight out of the city’s top 100 businesses are run by women. It includes&nbsp;NatWest’s Alison Rose and Aviva’s Amanda Blanc, and 15 chief financial officers or finance directors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointment-in-qatar-as-no-women-candidates-elected-417883">Also read |&nbsp;Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected</a>

However, the proportion of female non-executive directors on FTSE 100 boards was at an all-time high at 44 per cent. This includes 14 per cent of chairs and 35 per cent of those chairing board committees being women. Alison Kay, EY’s managing partner for client service in the UK and Ireland said that the research shows that progress in executive roles is “actually far more of an important metric than the number of women on boards as a whole”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646">Also read |&nbsp;France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</a>

Financial News, London, quoted Kay as saying, “The lack of female representation in executive roles is particularly striking, especially when the presence of women in senior positions, critically the role of CEO and chairperson, was noted to be a strong and influential driver."

As a solution, various firms have been urged to do more to tackle diversity issues. This comes as the Financial conduct authority and the Bank of England consider prioritising aims within regulation.

Also, policymakers have proposed that executives should be required to tie their pay to meeting inclusion targets. This will make people at the top directly accountable for falling short.

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions.

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions. The report says that the proportion of female executive directors across the FTSE 100 has flatlined at 13.7 per cent for the second consecutive year as only eight out of the city’s top 100 businesses are run by women. It includes NatWest’s Alison Rose and Aviva’s Amanda Blanc, and 15 chief financial officers or finance directors. Also read | Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected However, the proportion of female non-executive directors on FTSE 100 boards was at an all-time high at 44 per cent. This includes 14 per cent of chairs and 35 per cent of those chairing board committees being women. Alison Kay, EY’s managing partner for client service in the UK and Ireland said that the research shows that progress in executive roles is “actually far more of an important metric than the number of women on boards as a whole”. Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report Financial News, London, quoted Kay as saying, “The lack of female representation in executive roles is particularly striking, especially when the presence of women in senior positions, critically the role of CEO and chairperson, was noted to be a strong and influential driver." As a solution, various firms have been urged to do more to tackle diversity issues. This comes as the Financial conduct authority and the Bank of England consider prioritising aims within regulation. Also, policymakers have proposed that executives should be required to tie their pay to meeting inclusion targets. This will make people at the top directly accountable for falling short.

Only 8 out of top 100 companies in the UK headed by women: Report

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The Journal said about two-dozen US service members have trained Taiwanese ground and maritime forces "for at least a year," amid China's rising verbal threats against the island ally of the United States.

The report cited unnamed officials for the report. Taiwan's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report.

The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it. Spokesman John Supple said the US support for Taiwan's military is gauged on its defence needs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-abide-by-taiwan-agreement-says-biden-after-speaking-to-chinese-president-xi-418504">Also read |&nbsp;Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi</a>

"Our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China," Supple said in a statement.

"We urge Beijing to honour its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences."

The report appeared to confirm Taiwan media articles last November -- which cited Taiwan's Naval Command -- that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations.

Those reports were subsequently denied by US and Taiwanese officials, who emphasised the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation.

The United States supplies weapons to Taiwan, including missiles for defence and fighter jets, amid Beijing's threat to forcibly retake control of the island and reintegrate it with China.

The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking part in an exercise on the island dubbed "Balance Tamper."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-taiwan-about-existing-grim-situation-416172">Also read |&nbsp;China warns Taiwan about existing 'grim' situation</a>

Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea assault exercises and flying large sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace.

On Monday, Taiwan scrambled its own air force after a record 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defense zone.&nbsp;

US State Department Spokesman Ned Price called the Chinese activity "destabilising" and "provocative."

"We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," he said, calling US commitment to the island "rock-solid".

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The Journal said about two-dozen US service members have trained Taiwanese ground and maritime forces "for at least a year," amid China's rising verbal threats against the island ally of the United States. The report cited unnamed officials for the report. Taiwan's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report. The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it. Spokesman John Supple said the US support for Taiwan's military is gauged on its defence needs. Also read | Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi "Our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China," Supple said in a statement. "We urge Beijing to honour its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences." The report appeared to confirm Taiwan media articles last November -- which cited Taiwan's Naval Command -- that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations. Those reports were subsequently denied by US and Taiwanese officials, who emphasised the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation. The United States supplies weapons to Taiwan, including missiles for defence and fighter jets, amid Beijing's threat to forcibly retake control of the island and reintegrate it with China. The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking part in an exercise on the island dubbed "Balance Tamper." Also read | China warns Taiwan about existing 'grim' situation Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea assault exercises and flying large sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace. On Monday, Taiwan scrambled its own air force after a record 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defense zone. US State Department Spokesman Ned Price called the Chinese activity "destabilising" and "provocative." "We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," he said, calling US commitment to the island "rock-solid".

US troops secretly training Taiwanese since last year: Report

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. &nbsp;

The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. &nbsp;

Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-social-democrats-show-signs-of-life-but-france-poses-a-roadblock-417473" hreflang="en">Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock</a>

Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". &nbsp;

Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. &nbsp;

The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-rape-accusations-fraternities-face-protests-and-growing-anger-417471" hreflang="en">After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger</a>

In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. &nbsp;

The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report.

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. Also Read: Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. Also Read: After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. (With inputs from agencies)

Since 1950, 3,000 paedophiles operated in French Catholic Church, says report  

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

More than 100 countries face cuts to public spending on health, education and social protection as the pandemic compounds already high levels of debt, a new report says.

The International Monetary Fund believes that 35 to 40 countries are "debt distressed".&nbsp;This means that a country is experiencing difficulties in servicing its debt, such as when there are arrears or debt restructuring.

However, the study says that this figure is a “gross underestimation”.&nbsp;

Countries falling into debt distress include Tunisia, Zambia and Ghana, said Faiza Shaheen, lead author of the report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-pay-bonuses-of-up-to-1000-to-store-employees-415197">Also read |&nbsp;Apple to pay bonuses of up to $1,000 to store employees</a>

“We compiled a list of countries that are labelled as debt-distressed across a number of criteria, and estimate around 100 countries will have to reduce budget deficits in this period, even though the majority are still facing the third or fourth wave of the [Covid-19] pandemic,” the report said.

It added, “Furthermore, the ability to cancel this debt is complicated because many of these countries have taken on debt under non-concessional terms from private lenders. The trends in [the UN’s] Financing for Development (FFD) were entirely insufficient to meet the SDGs [sustainable development goals] even prior to Covid-19. Now there is a full-blown crisis.”

The researchers used a variety of indicators to identify countries deemed vulnerable due to rising levels of debts.&nbsp;

These indicators included their debt-to-GDP ratio, their debt-to-export ratio, as well as countries labelled as fiscally vulnerable by the UN Development Programme.

The country’s credit rating and growth trajectory were compared with its debt-service burden.

More than 100 countries face cuts to public spending on health, education and social protection as the pandemic compounds already high levels of debt, a new report says.

More than 100 countries face cuts to public spending on health, education and social protection as the pandemic compounds already high levels of debt, a new report says. The International Monetary Fund believes that 35 to 40 countries are "debt distressed". This means that a country is experiencing difficulties in servicing its debt, such as when there are arrears or debt restructuring. However, the study says that this figure is a “gross underestimation”. Countries falling into debt distress include Tunisia, Zambia and Ghana, said Faiza Shaheen, lead author of the report. Also read | Apple to pay bonuses of up to $1,000 to store employees “We compiled a list of countries that are labelled as debt-distressed across a number of criteria, and estimate around 100 countries will have to reduce budget deficits in this period, even though the majority are still facing the third or fourth wave of the [Covid-19] pandemic,” the report said. It added, “Furthermore, the ability to cancel this debt is complicated because many of these countries have taken on debt under non-concessional terms from private lenders. The trends in [the UN’s] Financing for Development (FFD) were entirely insufficient to meet the SDGs [sustainable development goals] even prior to Covid-19. Now there is a full-blown crisis.” The researchers used a variety of indicators to identify countries deemed vulnerable due to rising levels of debts. These indicators included their debt-to-GDP ratio, their debt-to-export ratio, as well as countries labelled as fiscally vulnerable by the UN Development Programme. The country’s credit rating and growth trajectory were compared with its debt-service burden.

COVID-19 worsens debt crisis, 35 to 40 countries are 'debt distressed': Report

A new report reveals that people who are forced to leave their homes as an impact of climate crisis are at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in the coming times.

A new report reveals that people who are forced to leave their homes as an impact of climate crisis are at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in the coming times. The climate crisis and the increasing frequency of extreme weather disasters including floods, droughts and mega fires are having a devastating effect on the livelihoods of people already living in poverty and this is making them more vulnerable to slavery, says the report. Researchers from the International Institute for Environment and Development and Anti-Slavery International have found that drought in northern Ghana had led young men and women to migrate to major cities. The report further reveals that many women begin working as porters and are at risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation and debt bondage. A woman who migrated to Accra from northern Ghana, used to farm until the land was ruined by flooding. She was then forced to move. Also read | Police, anti-vaccine protesters clash in Melbourne For a period of seven years she has worked as a porter (kayayie), carrying items on her head. She was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “Working as a kayayie has not been easy for me. When I came here, I did not know anything about the work. I was told that the woman providing our pans will also feed us and give us accommodation. However, all my earnings go to her and only sometimes will she give me a small part of the money I’ve earned.” Fran Witt, a climate change and modern slavery adviser at Anti-Slavery International said that the research shows the domino effect of climate change on millions of people’s lives. "Extreme weather events contribute to environmental destruction, forcing people to leave their homes and leaving them vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and slavery.” As per an estimate by The World Bank estimates that by the year 2050, the impact of the climate crisis will force more than 216 million people across six regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America, from their homes.

Climate crisis may increase trafficking and slavery, says report

An attempted coup in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;"failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters.

"There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.&nbsp;

A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed".&nbsp;

A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended."&nbsp;

Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir&nbsp;in a palace coup two years ago.&nbsp;

Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman.&nbsp;

Sudan&nbsp;is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-urges-immediate-us-action-on-migration-causes-414538">Also read |&nbsp;Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes</a>

Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition.&nbsp;

In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for &nbsp;debt relief from the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp;

The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh.&nbsp;

Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating. A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed". A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended." Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir in a palace coup two years ago. Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman. Sudan is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule. Also read | Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition. In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for debt relief from the International Monetary Fund. The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh. Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

Sudan state media report 'failed' coup attempt

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. &nbsp;

This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea. &nbsp;

On Twitter last week, Minaj helped raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccines by claiming she would only get the shots once she'd "done enough research." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The idea may seem reasonable and even positive. It is also a favoured talking point echoed by many in the right-wing media. &nbsp;

The real issue is that not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense as there are loads of incorrect information on the internet. And especially when it comes to understanding the complexities of medical science, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-if-covid-19-were-10-times-deadlier-414234" hreflang="en">What if COVID-19 were 10 times deadlier?</a>

Renee DiResta, research manager, Stanford Internet Observatory, said, "The notion of doing your own research is not a bad idea in itself, as it's important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism about information being fed to you.”&nbsp;

“But in today's media environment fueled by clicks and engagement, it's all too easy to come across misleading data that confirms biases. Nobody's going to the library and looking up authoritative sources to do their own research," DiResta added.&nbsp;

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea.

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea. On Twitter last week, Minaj helped raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccines by claiming she would only get the shots once she'd "done enough research." Watch: × The idea may seem reasonable and even positive. It is also a favoured talking point echoed by many in the right-wing media. The real issue is that not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense as there are loads of incorrect information on the internet. And especially when it comes to understanding the complexities of medical science, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Also Read: What if COVID-19 were 10 times deadlier? Renee DiResta, research manager, Stanford Internet Observatory, said, "The notion of doing your own research is not a bad idea in itself, as it's important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism about information being fed to you.” “But in today's media environment fueled by clicks and engagement, it's all too easy to come across misleading data that confirms biases. Nobody's going to the library and looking up authoritative sources to do their own research," DiResta added.

'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report

Citing Communist Party guidelines, China seems to be looking to accelerate the drafting and implementation of laws to prevent online crimes and protect minors using the internet, reported Xinhua News Agency. &nbsp;

According to the report from the official news agency on Tuesday, the guidelines seek to enhance “internet civilisation”, with more regulation required to improve ethics and behaviour. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China's Jiangxi copper &amp; MCC to develop Mes Aynak Copper Mine

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The report said a nationwide platform will be established to curb online rumors and fake information, while targeted propaganda on the party’s achievements will be strengthened.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China also moved in August to ban under-18s from playing video games for more than three hours a week, saying this was needed to curb a growing addiction to what it once described as "spiritual opium". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-court-rules-against-metoo-plaintiff-413330" hreflang="en">Chinese court rules against MeToo plaintiff</a>

China has temporarily suspended approval for all new online games in a bid to curb a gaming addiction among young people, the South China Morning Post reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. &nbsp;

The decision was revealed at a meeting between Chinese authorities and industry giants Tencent Holdings Ltd and NetEase Inc, the report said, adding that it was not clear how long the suspension would last. &nbsp;

Beijing on Wednesday summoned gaming firms, including Tencent and NetEase. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Citing Communist Party guidelines, China seems to be looking to accelerate the drafting and implementation of laws to prevent online crimes and protect minors using the internet, reported Xinhua News Agency.

Citing Communist Party guidelines, China seems to be looking to accelerate the drafting and implementation of laws to prevent online crimes and protect minors using the internet, reported Xinhua News Agency. According to the report from the official news agency on Tuesday, the guidelines seek to enhance “internet civilisation”, with more regulation required to improve ethics and behaviour. Watch: China's Jiangxi copper & MCC to develop Mes Aynak Copper Mine × The report said a nationwide platform will be established to curb online rumors and fake information, while targeted propaganda on the party’s achievements will be strengthened. Meanwhile, China also moved in August to ban under-18s from playing video games for more than three hours a week, saying this was needed to curb a growing addiction to what it once described as "spiritual opium". Also Read: Chinese court rules against MeToo plaintiff China has temporarily suspended approval for all new online games in a bid to curb a gaming addiction among young people, the South China Morning Post reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The decision was revealed at a meeting between Chinese authorities and industry giants Tencent Holdings Ltd and NetEase Inc, the report said, adding that it was not clear how long the suspension would last. Beijing on Wednesday summoned gaming firms, including Tencent and NetEase. (With inputs from agencies)

For ‘protection’ of minors, China to come up with internet regulations: Report

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces.

The fighting near Gangaw township in the north-western Magway region started on Thursday.&nbsp;

This was two days after a call for a nationwide uprising was issued by the National Unity Government, which is an opposition organisation that seeks to coordinate resistance to military rule.

The fighting took place when more than 100 troops arrived in four military vehicles.

This was to secure the area in Myin Thar and five other nearby villages, a resident told the Associated Press by phone. 
Also, members of a lightly armed village self-defence militia fired warning shots.&nbsp;

However, they could not stop the soldiers from entering the area and clashes continued after that, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to safeguard his security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-capture-four-palestinian-jail-breakers-two-still-on-run-412251">Also read |&nbsp;Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run</a>

The National Unity Government’s call on Tuesday for a “people’s defensive war” has received an enthusiastic response on social media, but its actual impact on the ground is hard to measure.

The media sympathetic to the opposition reported an outburst of small-scale shootings and sabotage by the resistance, particularly the toppling of mobile phone transmission towers.

However, similar activities have been happening for several months and the details are difficult to independently verify.

The villager who have described the new fighting said that at least 11 members of the self-defence group were killed, according to what others in his village told him.&nbsp;

Photos of what has been described to be their bodies circulated widely Friday on the internet, and were clear enough to be identifiable to those familiar with them.

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces.

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces. The fighting near Gangaw township in the north-western Magway region started on Thursday. This was two days after a call for a nationwide uprising was issued by the National Unity Government, which is an opposition organisation that seeks to coordinate resistance to military rule. The fighting took place when more than 100 troops arrived in four military vehicles. This was to secure the area in Myin Thar and five other nearby villages, a resident told the Associated Press by phone. Also, members of a lightly armed village self-defence militia fired warning shots. However, they could not stop the soldiers from entering the area and clashes continued after that, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to safeguard his security. Also read | Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run The National Unity Government’s call on Tuesday for a “people’s defensive war” has received an enthusiastic response on social media, but its actual impact on the ground is hard to measure. The media sympathetic to the opposition reported an outburst of small-scale shootings and sabotage by the resistance, particularly the toppling of mobile phone transmission towers. However, similar activities have been happening for several months and the details are difficult to independently verify. The villager who have described the new fighting said that at least 11 members of the self-defence group were killed, according to what others in his village told him. Photos of what has been described to be their bodies circulated widely Friday on the internet, and were clear enough to be identifiable to those familiar with them.

Myanmar: Reports of 15 or more killed after nationwide uprising

A smoke alarm was activated in a Russian service module on the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday, and Russian news agencies reported that cosmonauts had smelled burning plastic.

The RIA news agency quoted Roscosmos as saying all systems were later working properly. Plans for a space walk later on Thursday were still in force, the space agency said.

Roscosmos said a smoke detector and an alarm were set off on the Zvezda service module, which provides living quarters for crew members on the ISS, when batteries were being recharged overnight.

RIA, citing audio communications broadcast by the U.S. space agency NASA, reported that Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky had seen and smelled smoke and that French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said the smell of burnt plastic or electronics had spread from the Russian segment to the U.S. section.

The space station has suffered a number of recent mishaps.

Russian space officials said a software glitch and a possible human attention lapse caused the entire space station to pitch out of its normal flight position 250 miles (400 km) above Earth with seven crew members aboard in July.

A smoke alarm was activated in a Russian service module on the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday, and Russian news agencies reported that cosmonauts had smelled burning plastic.

A smoke alarm was activated in a Russian service module on the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday, and Russian news agencies reported that cosmonauts had smelled burning plastic. The RIA news agency quoted Roscosmos as saying all systems were later working properly. Plans for a space walk later on Thursday were still in force, the space agency said. Roscosmos said a smoke detector and an alarm were set off on the Zvezda service module, which provides living quarters for crew members on the ISS, when batteries were being recharged overnight. RIA, citing audio communications broadcast by the U.S. space agency NASA, reported that Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky had seen and smelled smoke and that French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said the smell of burnt plastic or electronics had spread from the Russian segment to the U.S. section. The space station has suffered a number of recent mishaps. Russian space officials said a software glitch and a possible human attention lapse caused the entire space station to pitch out of its normal flight position 250 miles (400 km) above Earth with seven crew members aboard in July.

Smoke detected in Russian module on international space station: Report 

After being passed from one collector to another for decades, a Bible belonging to a Jewish family in Nazi Germany has finally made its way back to its descendants.&nbsp;

The original owners of the Bible, Eduard and Ernestine Leiter, had to leave their home due to the growing persecution in Nazi Germany. They later died in a concentration camp in Poland. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Diving among ancient ruins where Romans used to party

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Over 80 years later, the researchers and historians have traced the couple's lineage and returned the book to the family, a Washington Post report said.&nbsp;

In 2017, the Bible was put up for sale on eBay. Artist and historian Gerhard Roese noticed, the book contained illustrations from a late 19th century famous artist, Gustave Dore. Dore's illustrations implied that the Bible may have belonged to a family during the Holocaust.&nbsp;

The search for the descendants of the original owners was made by the historian along with the support of the researchers at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-year-old-kathy-hochul-becomes-first-female-governor-of-new-york-state-in-us-408267" hreflang="en">62-year-old Kathy Hochul becomes first female governor of New York state in US</a>

Putting in hard labour, the team took around four years to find the descendants. Finally, the owner's great-great-grandson was found living in New York City.&nbsp;

The descendants were overjoyed to have a piece of their family's history returned to them. It allowed the family to learn more about its ancestors.&nbsp;

After being passed from one collector to another for decades, a Bible belonging to a Jewish family in Nazi Germany has finally made its way back to its descendants.

After being passed from one collector to another for decades, a Bible belonging to a Jewish family in Nazi Germany has finally made its way back to its descendants. The original owners of the Bible, Eduard and Ernestine Leiter, had to leave their home due to the growing persecution in Nazi Germany. They later died in a concentration camp in Poland. Watch: Diving among ancient ruins where Romans used to party × Over 80 years later, the researchers and historians have traced the couple's lineage and returned the book to the family, a Washington Post report said. In 2017, the Bible was put up for sale on eBay. Artist and historian Gerhard Roese noticed, the book contained illustrations from a late 19th century famous artist, Gustave Dore. Dore's illustrations implied that the Bible may have belonged to a family during the Holocaust. The search for the descendants of the original owners was made by the historian along with the support of the researchers at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Also Read: 62-year-old Kathy Hochul becomes first female governor of New York state in US Putting in hard labour, the team took around four years to find the descendants. Finally, the owner's great-great-grandson was found living in New York City. The descendants were overjoyed to have a piece of their family's history returned to them. It allowed the family to learn more about its ancestors.

Bible returned to Jewish family’s descendants after 80 years: Report 

Even as several new cases of violence against women have come up, a news report says Pakistan has seen a significant decline in the number of cases of violence against women registered in three years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report by ‘The News’ cited the statistics issued by the Federal Ministry of Human Rights. The ministry said, the cases of violence against women in Pakistan fell over 70% in three years. &nbsp;

However, the data from provincial helplines for women shows a horrific state of women’s rights, especially in Sindh and Punjab. &nbsp;

Recently, the Pakistan government has been under fire over the spike in cases of violence against women, several of them have occurred in public places. &nbsp; &nbsp;

From the case of Noor Mukadam's murder to Tiktoker, who was assaulted by around 400 men on Pakistan’s Independence Day, several cases of violence against women have surfaced. &nbsp;

A new case of a woman getting harassed while travelling in a rickshaw in Lahore on Independence Day has also come up. In a video, a man can be seen jumping onto her rickshaw to kiss the woman forcibly. &nbsp;

These recent cases have depicted the state's failure to protect women and brought to light the culture of impunity and the society's tendency to curtail women's independence and inflict pain on them. These incidents have also drawn outrage from citizens, who call for immediate action.&nbsp;

Even as several new cases of violence against women have come up, a news report says Pakistan has seen a significant decline in the number of cases of violence against women registered in three years.

Even as several new cases of violence against women have come up, a news report says Pakistan has seen a significant decline in the number of cases of violence against women registered in three years. The report by ‘The News’ cited the statistics issued by the Federal Ministry of Human Rights. The ministry said, the cases of violence against women in Pakistan fell over 70% in three years. However, the data from provincial helplines for women shows a horrific state of women’s rights, especially in Sindh and Punjab. Recently, the Pakistan government has been under fire over the spike in cases of violence against women, several of them have occurred in public places. From the case of Noor Mukadam's murder to Tiktoker, who was assaulted by around 400 men on Pakistan’s Independence Day, several cases of violence against women have surfaced. A new case of a woman getting harassed while travelling in a rickshaw in Lahore on Independence Day has also come up. In a video, a man can be seen jumping onto her rickshaw to kiss the woman forcibly. These recent cases have depicted the state's failure to protect women and brought to light the culture of impunity and the society's tendency to curtail women's independence and inflict pain on them. These incidents have also drawn outrage from citizens, who call for immediate action.

Violence against women in Pak: Report claims 70% drop in 3 years even as new cases emerge  

Business Efficiency Solutions, a small contractor based in the US, has alleged that Huawei Technologies Co&nbsp;stole trade secrets, and spied on Pakistan using the same.

In a lawsuit filed at a Federal Court in California, the company has said that Huawei had directed it to create a system locally in China as this would allow it to get its hands on sensitive information about governments officials and citizens in Lahore.

This could be done by gaining access to a safe-cities surveillance project.

In the lawsuit, BES said that Huawei's alleged back door was located in a database that consolidated sensitive information. This also included national ID card records, foreigner registrations, tax records and criminal records, for law enforcement.&nbsp;

As per the Wall Street Journal, “Huawei-China uses the proprietary DES (Data Exchange System) system as a back door from

China into Lahore to gain access, manipulate, and extract sensitive data important to Pakistan’s national security."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sex-workers-fighting-for-human-rights-are-worlds-most-at-risk-activists-405755">Also read |&nbsp;Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’</a>

The California-based software company said that after it installed the DES in Lahore, Huawei demanded in 2017 that it install a duplicate DES in China’s Suzhou.

BES said it would give Huawei direct access to the data being gathered in Pakistan.

Muhammad Kamran Khan, chief operating officer of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, which oversees the Lahore project said that they have begun looking into BES’s allegations.

He was quoted by the WSJ as saying, "Our team is examining the accusations and sought an explanation from Huawei. We have also put a data security check on Huawei after this issue. So far, there has been no evidence of any data-stealing by Huawei".

However, a Huawei spokesperson said the company does not comment on ongoing legal cases. As per WSJ, she said, "Huawei respects the intellectual property of others, and there is no evidence Huawei ever implanted any back door in our products".

Business Efficiency Solutions, a small contractor based in the US, has alleged that Huawei Technologies Co stole trade secrets, and spied on Pakistan using the same.

Business Efficiency Solutions, a small contractor based in the US, has alleged that Huawei Technologies Co stole trade secrets, and spied on Pakistan using the same. In a lawsuit filed at a Federal Court in California, the company has said that Huawei had directed it to create a system locally in China as this would allow it to get its hands on sensitive information about governments officials and citizens in Lahore. This could be done by gaining access to a safe-cities surveillance project. In the lawsuit, BES said that Huawei's alleged back door was located in a database that consolidated sensitive information. This also included national ID card records, foreigner registrations, tax records and criminal records, for law enforcement. As per the Wall Street Journal, “Huawei-China uses the proprietary DES (Data Exchange System) system as a back door from China into Lahore to gain access, manipulate, and extract sensitive data important to Pakistan’s national security." Also read | Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’ The California-based software company said that after it installed the DES in Lahore, Huawei demanded in 2017 that it install a duplicate DES in China’s Suzhou. BES said it would give Huawei direct access to the data being gathered in Pakistan. Muhammad Kamran Khan, chief operating officer of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, which oversees the Lahore project said that they have begun looking into BES’s allegations. He was quoted by the WSJ as saying, "Our team is examining the accusations and sought an explanation from Huawei. We have also put a data security check on Huawei after this issue. So far, there has been no evidence of any data-stealing by Huawei". However, a Huawei spokesperson said the company does not comment on ongoing legal cases. As per WSJ, she said, "Huawei respects the intellectual property of others, and there is no evidence Huawei ever implanted any back door in our products".

Huawei has spied, installed data ‘back door’ in Pakistan: Report

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continued&nbsp;developing&nbsp;its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programs&nbsp;during the first half of&nbsp;2021&nbsp;in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations&nbsp;report&nbsp;seen by Reuters on Friday.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the&nbsp;UN Security Council&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;sanctions committee said Pyongyang "continued to seek material and technology for these programmes overseas."

"Despite the country's focus on its worsening economic travails, the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;continued to maintain and develop its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programmes," the sanctions monitors concluded.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;(DPRK).&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the&nbsp;UN report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-announces-five-additions-to-global-terrorist-list-403595">Also read |&nbsp;US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list</a>

The isolated Asian nation imposed a strict lockdown last year amid the coronavirus pandemic that has slashed its trade and aid access, hurting an economy already burdened by international sanctions.

In June, leader Kim Jong Un said the country faced a "tense" food situation and much would depend on this year's harvests.

"Statements made by DPRK suggested a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country, although the COVID-19 blockade means that the relative impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation has probably decreased," the&nbsp;UN monitors wrote.

"With trade all but stopped by the blockade, and last year's harvest badly affected by floods, the current prospects of the wider DPRK population are poor," they said.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been subjected to&nbsp;UN sanctions since 2006 over its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programs. The Security Council has steadily strengthened sanctions in a bid to cut off funding for the&nbsp;programs.

Among the sanctions imposed are a ban on the export of coal and other commodities and the import of oil.

"Maritime exports from DPRK of coal and other sanctioned commodities continued, but at a much reduced level. The import of oil products&nbsp;reported to the panel fell substantially in the first half of the year," according to the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;report.

Pyongyang also continued to access international financial institutions and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean workers continued to earn money overseas for use in state programmes, said the&nbsp;UN sanctions monitors, adding: "Officials overseas continued to feel pressure to develop revenue streams."

The monitors said they were continuing to investigate&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's involvement in global cyber activity and collaboration by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean academics and universities with scientific institutes abroad, "focusing on studies with potential applications in WMD (weapons of mass destruction) programmes."

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;sanctions monitors have previously&nbsp;reported that&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars using cyberattacks.

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday.

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday. The report by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee said Pyongyang "continued to seek material and technology for these programmes overseas." "Despite the country's focus on its worsening economic travails, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continued to maintain and develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes," the sanctions monitors concluded. North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). North Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the UN report. Also read | US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list The isolated Asian nation imposed a strict lockdown last year amid the coronavirus pandemic that has slashed its trade and aid access, hurting an economy already burdened by international sanctions. In June, leader Kim Jong Un said the country faced a "tense" food situation and much would depend on this year's harvests. "Statements made by DPRK suggested a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country, although the COVID-19 blockade means that the relative impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation has probably decreased," the UN monitors wrote. "With trade all but stopped by the blockade, and last year's harvest badly affected by floods, the current prospects of the wider DPRK population are poor," they said. North Korea has been subjected to UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Security Council has steadily strengthened sanctions in a bid to cut off funding for the programs. Among the sanctions imposed are a ban on the export of coal and other commodities and the import of oil. "Maritime exports from DPRK of coal and other sanctioned commodities continued, but at a much reduced level. The import of oil products reported to the panel fell substantially in the first half of the year," according to the UN report. Pyongyang also continued to access international financial institutions and North Korean workers continued to earn money overseas for use in state programmes, said the UN sanctions monitors, adding: "Officials overseas continued to feel pressure to develop revenue streams." The monitors said they were continuing to investigate North Korea's involvement in global cyber activity and collaboration by North Korean academics and universities with scientific institutes abroad, "focusing on studies with potential applications in WMD (weapons of mass destruction) programmes." The UN sanctions monitors have previously reported that North Korea has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars using cyberattacks.

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021- UN Report

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.&nbsp;

The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death.&nbsp;

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare.&nbsp;

Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.&nbsp;

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said. The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare. Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma. The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people. Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.

Less than 1% fully vaccinated may get a ‘breakthrough’ Covid infection: Report

In a recent development, two UN agencies on Friday warned that hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots in the next three months with the highest alerts for “catastrophic" situations in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, southern Madagascar, Yemen, South Sudan and northern Nigeria.

The Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Program, in a new report on “Hunger Hotspots” between August and November said that “acute food insecurity is likely to further deteriorate.”

They have put Ethiopia at the top of the list as they say that the number of people facing starvation and death is expected to rise to 401,000. This is the highest number since the 2011 famine in Somalia, if humanitarian aid is not provided quickly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-has-pushed-100-million-more-people-into-poverty-un-report-reveals-389031">Also read |&nbsp;Covid pandemic has pushed 100 million more people into poverty, UN report reveals</a>

In southern Madagascar, which has been hit by the worst drought in the past 40 years, 14,000 people are expected to be pushed into “catastrophic” acute food insecurity. This will be further marked by starvation and death by September.&nbsp;

Also, this number is expected to double by the end of the year with 28,000 people needing urgent help, the two agencies said. 
FAO and WFP in the report said, "Acute hunger is increasing not only in scale but also severity".&nbsp;

The report further added, "Overall, over 41 million people worldwide are now at risk of falling into famine or famine-like conditions, unless they receive immediate life and livelihood-saving assistance".

In a recent development, two UN agencies on Friday warned that hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots in the next three months with the highest alerts for “catastrophic" situations in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, southern Madagascar, Yemen, South Sudan and northern Nigeria.

In a recent development, two UN agencies on Friday warned that hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots in the next three months with the highest alerts for “catastrophic" situations in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, southern Madagascar, Yemen, South Sudan and northern Nigeria. The Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Program, in a new report on “Hunger Hotspots” between August and November said that “acute food insecurity is likely to further deteriorate.” They have put Ethiopia at the top of the list as they say that the number of people facing starvation and death is expected to rise to 401,000. This is the highest number since the 2011 famine in Somalia, if humanitarian aid is not provided quickly. Also read | Covid pandemic has pushed 100 million more people into poverty, UN report reveals In southern Madagascar, which has been hit by the worst drought in the past 40 years, 14,000 people are expected to be pushed into “catastrophic” acute food insecurity. This will be further marked by starvation and death by September. Also, this number is expected to double by the end of the year with 28,000 people needing urgent help, the two agencies said. FAO and WFP in the report said, "Acute hunger is increasing not only in scale but also severity". The report further added, "Overall, over 41 million people worldwide are now at risk of falling into famine or famine-like conditions, unless they receive immediate life and livelihood-saving assistance".

New report warns hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim.&nbsp;

According to a gem trader, the stone, which is pale blue in colour, was found by labourers while digging a well in his home. Ratnapura, where he lives, is known to be the gem capital of the country. &nbsp;

The stone, which has been named the 'Serendipity Sapphire', has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. It weighs around 510 kg.&nbsp;

The owner Gamage, who didn't want to share full name due to security reasons, told the BBC, "The person, who was digging the well, alerted us about some rare stones. Later, we stumbled upon this huge specimen."&nbsp;

The third-generation gem trader informed authorities about the find. And it took more than a year to clean it by removing mud and other impurities before it could be analysed and certified. &nbsp;

In the cleaning, the owner said some stones also fell out. They seem to be found to be high quality star sapphires.&nbsp;

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim.

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim. According to a gem trader, the stone, which is pale blue in colour, was found by labourers while digging a well in his home. Ratnapura, where he lives, is known to be the gem capital of the country. The stone, which has been named the 'Serendipity Sapphire', has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. It weighs around 510 kg. The owner Gamage, who didn't want to share full name due to security reasons, told the BBC, "The person, who was digging the well, alerted us about some rare stones. Later, we stumbled upon this huge specimen." The third-generation gem trader informed authorities about the find. And it took more than a year to clean it by removing mud and other impurities before it could be analysed and certified. In the cleaning, the owner said some stones also fell out. They seem to be found to be high quality star sapphires.

World's largest star sapphire cluster found in a Sri Lankan backyard: Report 

A diesel cargo sent by Mexico's state-run Pemex is due to arrive in Cuba's Havana port on Monday, according to Refinitiv Eikon data and sources, after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised humanitarian aid to the Communist-run island. 
 
The Jose Maria Morelos II, a tanker owned and managed by a Pemex unit, is on its way to the Caribbean island after Mexico's left-leaning government last week announced it would send two humanitarian shipments, including food and diesel, to Cuba. 
 
Authorities in Havana have long said that a decades-old US&nbsp;embargo on Cuba has caused widespread hardship on the island, where thousands took to the streets this month in protests. Cuba's vital tourism industry has also been hard hit by the slump in travel following the global coronavirus pandemic. 
 
The vessel departed from the Mexican port of Coatzacoalcos and is sailing with its transponder switched on, but has not updated its port of destination, according to Eikon. 
 
Monitoring service TankerTrackers.com and a shipping source said it is navigating half-loaded. A Pemex source told Reuters the cargo contains 20 million liters or about 126,000 barrels of diesel. 
 
Pemex declined to comment on the vessel's content and destination. The foreign affairs ministries of both Mexico and Cuba did not reply to requests for comment. 
 
A separate shipping source said the tanker departed last week from the Coatzacoalcos port's berth number four, after being given "priority," which is why it loaded immediately. 
 
The terminal is located nearby Pemex's Minatitlan refinery on the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
The US&nbsp;Treasury Department, which enforces sanctions, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. 
 
Mexico said it would assist Cuba after this month's rare protests by thousands of citizens against the dire economic conditions on the island and the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Mexico said its policy toward Cuba is a demonstration of international solidarity. 
 
López Obrador on Monday asked US&nbsp;President Joe Biden to make a decision about the embargo on Cuba to allow families in the island to receive remittances. 
 
Cuba's main fuel provider is Venezuela, whose own economy is mired in a deep recession that has sparked widespread shortages. Venezuela's oil production and refinery output has shrunk in recent years under lack of maintenance and tough US&nbsp;sanctions, reducing its exports to Cuba.

A diesel cargo sent by Mexico's state-run Pemex is due to arrive in Cuba's Havana port on Monday, according to Refinitiv Eikon data and sources, after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised humanitarian aid to the Communist-run island.

A diesel cargo sent by Mexico's state-run Pemex is due to arrive in Cuba's Havana port on Monday, according to Refinitiv Eikon data and sources, after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised humanitarian aid to the Communist-run island. The Jose Maria Morelos II, a tanker owned and managed by a Pemex unit, is on its way to the Caribbean island after Mexico's left-leaning government last week announced it would send two humanitarian shipments, including food and diesel, to Cuba. Authorities in Havana have long said that a decades-old US embargo on Cuba has caused widespread hardship on the island, where thousands took to the streets this month in protests. Cuba's vital tourism industry has also been hard hit by the slump in travel following the global coronavirus pandemic. The vessel departed from the Mexican port of Coatzacoalcos and is sailing with its transponder switched on, but has not updated its port of destination, according to Eikon. Monitoring service TankerTrackers.com and a shipping source said it is navigating half-loaded. A Pemex source told Reuters the cargo contains 20 million liters or about 126,000 barrels of diesel. Pemex declined to comment on the vessel's content and destination. The foreign affairs ministries of both Mexico and Cuba did not reply to requests for comment. A separate shipping source said the tanker departed last week from the Coatzacoalcos port's berth number four, after being given "priority," which is why it loaded immediately. The terminal is located nearby Pemex's Minatitlan refinery on the Gulf of Mexico. The US Treasury Department, which enforces sanctions, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Mexico said it would assist Cuba after this month's rare protests by thousands of citizens against the dire economic conditions on the island and the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Mexico said its policy toward Cuba is a demonstration of international solidarity. López Obrador on Monday asked US President Joe Biden to make a decision about the embargo on Cuba to allow families in the island to receive remittances. Cuba's main fuel provider is Venezuela, whose own economy is mired in a deep recession that has sparked widespread shortages. Venezuela's oil production and refinery output has shrunk in recent years under lack of maintenance and tough US sanctions, reducing its exports to Cuba.

Fuel tanker owned by Mexico's Pemex on its way to Cuba: Report

China's yet-to-be-announced new ambassador to the United States Qin Gang headed to Washington on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the matter, amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies. 
 
Qin left a day after rare high-level talks in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin between US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and senior Chinese diplomats ended with both sides reiterating existing positions and no specific outcomes reached. 
 
Relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated sharply under former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, and the Biden&nbsp;administration has maintained pressure on China in a stance that enjoys bipartisan support but threatens to deepen mistrust. 
 
Qin, 55, is replacing Cui Tiankai, who at 68 has passed the retirement age for senior Chinese ambassadors, the sources familiar with the matter said. When Cui ended his eight years at Washington last month, he was China's longest serving ambassador to the United States and is considered a seasoned and well-respected figure in Beijing and Washington. 
 
Qin, who is one of China's vice foreign minister and whose recent past portfolios have included European affairs and protocol, has no prior US-related experience, according to his biography on the foreign ministry website.

China's yet-to-be-announced new ambassador to the United States Qin Gang headed to Washington on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the matter, amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies.

China's yet-to-be-announced new ambassador to the United States Qin Gang headed to Washington on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the matter, amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies. Qin left a day after rare high-level talks in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin between US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and senior Chinese diplomats ended with both sides reiterating existing positions and no specific outcomes reached. Relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated sharply under former US President Donald Trump, and the Biden administration has maintained pressure on China in a stance that enjoys bipartisan support but threatens to deepen mistrust. Qin, 55, is replacing Cui Tiankai, who at 68 has passed the retirement age for senior Chinese ambassadors, the sources familiar with the matter said. When Cui ended his eight years at Washington last month, he was China's longest serving ambassador to the United States and is considered a seasoned and well-respected figure in Beijing and Washington. Qin, who is one of China's vice foreign minister and whose recent past portfolios have included European affairs and protocol, has no prior US-related experience, according to his biography on the foreign ministry website.

New Chinese ambassador Qin Gang heads to Washington: Sources

Even as the trip details are not yet&nbsp;finalised,&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp;may visit&nbsp;Vietnam and Singapore in&nbsp;coming&nbsp;August, a Reuters report said, citing&nbsp;a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

Harris agenda of the travel is highly likely to be&nbsp;the coronavirus pandemic, said&nbsp;the source on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Earlier, Harris visited a border patrol facility near the US-Mexico border and urged a focus on children and practical solutions to migration, in a trip meant to blunt Republican criticism of White House immigration policies.&nbsp;

The visit, her first since becoming vice president five months ago, came amid a rise in migrants caught crossing the border, which has sparked outrage from Republicans, who&nbsp;favour&nbsp;the stricter immigration policies implemented by former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, tasked Harris with spearheading his administration's handling of the broader issue of people fleeing Central American countries for the United States. She visited Guatemala and Mexico earlier this month.&nbsp;

"This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We're talking about children, we're talking about families, we're talking about suffering. And our approach has to be thoughtful and effective," Harris said at the conclusion of her short trip.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the trip details are not yet finalised, Vice President Kamala Harris may visit Vietnam and Singapore in coming August, a Reuters report said, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Even as the trip details are not yet finalised, Vice President Kamala Harris may visit Vietnam and Singapore in coming August, a Reuters report said, citing a source familiar with the matter. Harris agenda of the travel is highly likely to be the coronavirus pandemic, said the source on condition of anonymity. Earlier, Harris visited a border patrol facility near the US-Mexico border and urged a focus on children and practical solutions to migration, in a trip meant to blunt Republican criticism of White House immigration policies. The visit, her first since becoming vice president five months ago, came amid a rise in migrants caught crossing the border, which has sparked outrage from Republicans, who favour the stricter immigration policies implemented by former president Donald Trump. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, tasked Harris with spearheading his administration's handling of the broader issue of people fleeing Central American countries for the United States. She visited Guatemala and Mexico earlier this month. "This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We're talking about children, we're talking about families, we're talking about suffering. And our approach has to be thoughtful and effective," Harris said at the conclusion of her short trip. (With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris may visit Vietnam, Singapore in August: Report 

The British government will be&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;to financial&nbsp;risks&nbsp;from its 372 billion pound&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;spending for&nbsp;decades, according to lawmakers'&nbsp;reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

In two&nbsp;reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022.

"With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period&nbsp;of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said.

"The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new&nbsp;risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-is-letting-people-get-infected-by-covid-aide-claims-400358">Also read |&nbsp;UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims</a>

The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;as an example of the ongoing financial risk.

In a second&nbsp;report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money.

The government said only 0.84 per cent&nbsp;of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service.

"There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said.

The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;needed to start immediately.

&nbsp;

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment. In two reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19 pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022. "With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said. "The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage." Also read | UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the pandemic as an example of the ongoing financial risk. In a second report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money. The government said only 0.84 per cent of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service. "There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said. The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the pandemic needed to start immediately.

UK will be exposed to paying pandemic cost risks for decades: Report

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