Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter for $54.20 a share, saying the social media company needs to be transformed privately. Musk’s offer values Twitter at about $43 billion.

Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter for $43 billion

&nbsp;Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of&nbsp;Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;for word of his elderly father, who is&nbsp;missing&nbsp;in the besieged&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;city of&nbsp;Mariupol.

Stranded on vacation on&nbsp;Mexico's Caribbean coast when Russia invaded Ukraine, Gorpenko, 47, has now spent more than three weeks without hearing from the 72-year-old Vladimir Gorpenko.

He does know that bombs and shelling have destroyed much of&nbsp;Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, thousands of whom are trying to escape. Vladimir's home was not spared; a photo circulating online shows the multi-story building burned out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-significant-achievements-so-far-in-russia-ukraine-talks-kremlin-466309">No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin</a>

To find his father, Gorpenko posted a photo on Facebook showing a smiling&nbsp;man&nbsp;with thinning white hair. He is trying to get friends in Ukraine to rescue him.

"It's been impossible because&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;is under constant bombardment," Gorpenko told Reuters from the Mexican beach getaway of Playa del Carmen.

Reuters was unable to independently verify his account.

The hotel extended his stay at a tenth of the original price after he explained he could not go home, and has given him internet access to look for clues of his father.

"The first five days we were in touch ... I hope&nbsp;Dad&nbsp;is still alive and hiding in a bomb shelter."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-cites-russian-provocations-for-pausing-evacuations-of-civilians-466311">Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians</a>

'Out of this Hell'

As Russia keeps up air strikes to take the strategic port city that could help it link areas held by pro-Russian separatists in Crimea, Ukraine says 100,000 people in&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;are trapped - cut off from food, water, power and heat and blocked by fighting from being able to escape.

The Kremlin denies targeting civilians and says its forces are engaged in a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its neighbor. The West and Kyiv call that a false pretext to invade a democracy.

Russia and Ukraine have close historical ties, with family spread out across both nations.

Gorpenko's 21-year-old son, a Russian citizen, is finishing a university degree in Moscow, and Gorpenko fears he could be drafted into Russia's army.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-a-day-of-reckoning-uk-minister-thinks-war-crimes-committed-in-ukraine-466308">'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine</a>

Dozens of&nbsp;Ukrainians have fled to&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;in recent days with hopes of crossing into the United States, and&nbsp;many have been allowed by U.S. officials to enter the country and stay without fear of deportation for a year.

Gorpenko was already in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;when the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, having left Ukraine a week earlier for the beach vacation with seven friends. His companions, with children in Ukraine, went back to Europe.

With&nbsp;many friends still in&nbsp;Mariupol, Gorpenko knows he is not the only one trying to bring people to safety.

"Everyone is now searching, trying to somehow save their loved ones and get them out of this hell," he said.

More than 4,000 people fled&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;on Saturday. Ukraine and Russia on Sunday agreed to a humanitarian corridor for private cars to leave the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-join-fight-in-far-away-ukraine-466227">Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine</a>

Once he knows his father is safe, Gorpenko plans to go to the United States.

"I can't afford to go back to Europe," he said. "Besides, there's nothing left of my&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;and nothing to go back to in Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-466054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring social media for word of his elderly father, who is missing in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring social media for word of his elderly father, who is missing in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Stranded on vacation on Mexico's Caribbean coast when Russia invaded Ukraine, Gorpenko, 47, has now spent more than three weeks without hearing from the 72-year-old Vladimir Gorpenko. He does know that bombs and shelling have destroyed much of Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, thousands of whom are trying to escape. Vladimir's home was not spared; a photo circulating online shows the multi-story building burned out. Also read | No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin To find his father, Gorpenko posted a photo on Facebook showing a smiling man with thinning white hair. He is trying to get friends in Ukraine to rescue him. "It's been impossible because Mariupol is under constant bombardment," Gorpenko told Reuters from the Mexican beach getaway of Playa del Carmen. Reuters was unable to independently verify his account. The hotel extended his stay at a tenth of the original price after he explained he could not go home, and has given him internet access to look for clues of his father. "The first five days we were in touch ... I hope Dad is still alive and hiding in a bomb shelter." Also read | Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians 'Out of this Hell' As Russia keeps up air strikes to take the strategic port city that could help it link areas held by pro-Russian separatists in Crimea, Ukraine says 100,000 people in Mariupol are trapped - cut off from food, water, power and heat and blocked by fighting from being able to escape. The Kremlin denies targeting civilians and says its forces are engaged in a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its neighbor. The West and Kyiv call that a false pretext to invade a democracy. Russia and Ukraine have close historical ties, with family spread out across both nations. Gorpenko's 21-year-old son, a Russian citizen, is finishing a university degree in Moscow, and Gorpenko fears he could be drafted into Russia's army. Also read | 'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine Dozens of Ukrainians have fled to Mexico in recent days with hopes of crossing into the United States, and many have been allowed by U.S. officials to enter the country and stay without fear of deportation for a year. Gorpenko was already in Mexico when the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, having left Ukraine a week earlier for the beach vacation with seven friends. His companions, with children in Ukraine, went back to Europe. With many friends still in Mariupol, Gorpenko knows he is not the only one trying to bring people to safety. "Everyone is now searching, trying to somehow save their loved ones and get them out of this hell," he said. More than 4,000 people fled Mariupol on Saturday. Ukraine and Russia on Sunday agreed to a humanitarian corridor for private cars to leave the city. Also read | Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine Once he knows his father is safe, Gorpenko plans to go to the United States. "I can't afford to go back to Europe," he said. "Besides, there's nothing left of my Mariupol and nothing to go back to in Ukraine." Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukraine War: Stuck in Mexico, Ukrainian man scours social media for missing dad in Mariupol

Facing heat from Russia for allowing users to post ‘threats of violence against Moscow’, Meta on Monday tightened its content moderation policy to restrict calls for the death of a head of state, according to Reuters.

"We are now narrowing the focus to make it explicitly clear in the guidance that it is never to be interpreted as condoning violence against Russians in general," Meta global affairs President Nick Clegg wrote in a post on the company's internal platform on Sunday that was seen by Reuters.

"We also do not permit calls to assassinate a head of state...So, in order to remove any ambiguity about our stance, we are further narrowing our guidance to make explicit that we are not allowing calls for the death of a head of state on our platforms," Clegg said.

The latest move comes a week after Facebook temporarily relaxed its policies,&nbsp;allowing&nbsp;Ukrainian users to post death threats on Facebook and Instagram against Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opening-pandoras-box-facebook-allows-calls-for-violence-and-death-against-russian-invaders-461123">Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders'</a>

Facebook had clarified that it was temporarily making changes to its content policy only for Ukrainian users only to condemn violent Russian attacks.

The move triggered an outrage in Russia which pressed criminal charges against the social media firm for allowing hate speech.

Clegg clarified that there would be no change to policies on hate speech as far as the Russian people are concerned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-censoring-domestic-media-russian-government-partially-limits-access-to-facebook-456624">For 'censoring' domestic media, Russian government partially limits access to Facebook</a>

"Meta stands against Russophobia. We have no tolerance for calls for genocide, ethnic cleansing, or any kind of discrimination, harassment, or violence towards Russians on our platform," he said.

Meanwhile, Instagram was no longer accessible in Russia, reported AFP.

Instagram's app was not refreshing without a VPN connection on Monday, AFP journalists said.

The social network also appeared on a list of online resources with "restricted access" published by Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia opens criminal case against Meta after Facebook eases rules on violent speech

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-opens-criminal-case-against-meta-after-facebook-eases-rules-on-violent-speech-461636/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Facing heat from Russia for allowing users to post ‘threats of violence against Moscow’, Meta on Monday tightened its content moderation policy to restrict calls for the death of a head of state, according to Reuters.

Facing heat from Russia for allowing users to post ‘threats of violence against Moscow’, Meta on Monday tightened its content moderation policy to restrict calls for the death of a head of state, according to Reuters. "We are now narrowing the focus to make it explicitly clear in the guidance that it is never to be interpreted as condoning violence against Russians in general," Meta global affairs President Nick Clegg wrote in a post on the company's internal platform on Sunday that was seen by Reuters. "We also do not permit calls to assassinate a head of state...So, in order to remove any ambiguity about our stance, we are further narrowing our guidance to make explicit that we are not allowing calls for the death of a head of state on our platforms," Clegg said. The latest move comes a week after Facebook temporarily relaxed its policies, allowing Ukrainian users to post death threats on Facebook and Instagram against Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Also read | Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders' Facebook had clarified that it was temporarily making changes to its content policy only for Ukrainian users only to condemn violent Russian attacks. The move triggered an outrage in Russia which pressed criminal charges against the social media firm for allowing hate speech. Clegg clarified that there would be no change to policies on hate speech as far as the Russian people are concerned. Also read | For 'censoring' domestic media, Russian government partially limits access to Facebook "Meta stands against Russophobia. We have no tolerance for calls for genocide, ethnic cleansing, or any kind of discrimination, harassment, or violence towards Russians on our platform," he said. Meanwhile, Instagram was no longer accessible in Russia, reported AFP. Instagram's app was not refreshing without a VPN connection on Monday, AFP journalists said. The social network also appeared on a list of online resources with "restricted access" published by Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor. Watch | Russia opens criminal case against Meta after Facebook eases rules on violent speech (With inputs from agencies)

Meta issues clarification after facing flak for ‘allowing death threats to Putin’

In 2006, Facebook was still in its infancy, Twitter had just debuted, and no one had an iPhone. After 10 years, world has changed dramatically, and so has the workplace. Jobs that we had never heard of a decade ago, suddenly exist.

A decade ago, these jobs were largely unheard of

From Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 cricketing superstars with most Instagram followers

In an effort to seek help, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a zoom call with US lawmakers on Saturday.

To ensure complete safety of the president, Ukraine's ambassador reportedly urged the lawmakers to not share anything on social media during the meeting. It was done to ensure that the exact location of Zelensky does not get revealed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But what happened was just the opposite. With just 15 minutes into the meeting, Republican senators Marco Rubio and Steve Daines shared the screenshot of the call on social media, showing Zelensky live. He could be seen in his trademark army-green shirt in front of a white wall with the Ukrainian flag. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-sought-fighter-jets-russian-oil-embargo-says-report-459441" hreflang="en">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report</a>

At this time, Zelensky is Russia's target no. 1. Several eyes are looking for him. This makes it highly essential to take utmost precautions when he makes efforts to garner support to fend off Russian invasion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Ukraine asked the US Senate not to mention when it was doing a Zoom call with Zelensky, for security purposes. Guess which Senator tweeted it anyway? That’s right! The head Republican on the Intelligence Committee! 🤦‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/9agug1d7F4">https://t.co/9agug1d7F4</a>
— Garrett M. Graff (@vermontgmg) <a href="https://twitter.com/vermontgmg/status/1500255885611913217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I don’t think <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveDaines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteveDaines</a> is getting the righteous hell he deserves for tweeting during his zoom call w/ Zelensky. His stupidity is as bad &amp; dangerous as <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcorubio</a> ‘s right? Guess it’s cuz unlike Rubio Daines isn’t up for re-election until 2026. Good luck Montana. 🌻🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/WIpGxDsKLO">pic.twitter.com/WIpGxDsKLO</a>
— Rachel Maria 🇺🇸 I stand with Ukraine 🌻 (@rachel_maria65) <a href="https://twitter.com/rachel_maria65/status/1500294790952349704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When he joined the call, Zelensky told the lawmakers that this might be the last time they see him alive. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weekend-special-who-is-a-russian-oligarch-heres-what-you-need-to-know-459198" hreflang="en">Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know</a>

These senators were slammed by Democratic representative Dean Phillips. He said their ignorance was appalling and reckless. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> releases photo of his view of the Zoom call with US Senators and Representatives. Repeats calls for no-fly zone and jets, and blocks on Russian oil exports. <a href="https://t.co/To8fa619bX">pic.twitter.com/To8fa619bX</a>
— Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) <a href="https://twitter.com/nickschifrin/status/1500162028723392512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"The Ukrainian Ambassador very intentionally asked each of us on the zoom to NOT share anything on social media during the meeting to protect President Zelensky,” Dean Phillips said on Twitter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an effort to seek help, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a zoom call with US lawmakers on Saturday. To ensure complete safety of the president, Ukraine's ambassador reportedly urged the lawmakers to not share anything on social media during the meeting.

In an effort to seek help, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a zoom call with US lawmakers on Saturday. To ensure complete safety of the president, Ukraine's ambassador reportedly urged the lawmakers to not share anything on social media during the meeting. It was done to ensure that the exact location of Zelensky does not get revealed. But what happened was just the opposite. With just 15 minutes into the meeting, Republican senators Marco Rubio and Steve Daines shared the screenshot of the call on social media, showing Zelensky live. He could be seen in his trademark army-green shirt in front of a white wall with the Ukrainian flag. Also Read: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report At this time, Zelensky is Russia's target no. 1. Several eyes are looking for him. This makes it highly essential to take utmost precautions when he makes efforts to garner support to fend off Russian invasion. Ukraine asked the US Senate not to mention when it was doing a Zoom call with Zelensky, for security purposes. Guess which Senator tweeted it anyway? That’s right! The head Republican on the Intelligence Committee! 🤦‍♂️ https://t.co/9agug1d7F4 — Garrett M. Graff (@vermontgmg) March 5, 2022 × I don’t think @SteveDaines is getting the righteous hell he deserves for tweeting during his zoom call w/ Zelensky. His stupidity is as bad & dangerous as @marcorubio ‘s right? Guess it’s cuz unlike Rubio Daines isn’t up for re-election until 2026. Good luck Montana. 🌻🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WIpGxDsKLO — Rachel Maria 🇺🇸 I stand with Ukraine 🌻 (@rachel_maria65) March 6, 2022 × When he joined the call, Zelensky told the lawmakers that this might be the last time they see him alive. Also Read | Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know These senators were slammed by Democratic representative Dean Phillips. He said their ignorance was appalling and reckless. .@ZelenskyyUa releases photo of his view of the Zoom call with US Senators and Representatives. Repeats calls for no-fly zone and jets, and blocks on Russian oil exports. pic.twitter.com/To8fa619bX — Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) March 5, 2022 × "The Ukrainian Ambassador very intentionally asked each of us on the zoom to NOT share anything on social media during the meeting to protect President Zelensky,” Dean Phillips said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Defying Ukraine's request, two US senators share Zelensky’s pics on social media during zoom call

TikTok&nbsp;on Monday began letting users upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to veteran titan&nbsp;YouTube.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded&nbsp;videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

"Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;up to 10 minutes long,"&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

TikTok&nbsp;more than tripling the length of&nbsp;videos&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences.

"YouTube&nbsp;is still ahead of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok&nbsp;effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP.

"The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and&nbsp;longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could help&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-temporarily-disables-google-maps-live-traffic-data-in-ukraine-457341">Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine</a>

Longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could also enable&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added.

YouTube&nbsp;recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals&nbsp;TikTok.

The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan.

"YouTube&nbsp;creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post.

"To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats."

Watch |&nbsp;YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/youtube-blocks-russia-backed-channels-as-russia-ukraine-conflict-rages-on-457303/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;are incredibly popular.&nbsp;YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan.

Short&nbsp;videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes.

Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year. "Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload videos up to 10 minutes long," TikTok said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world." Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips TikTok more than tripling the length of videos comes as YouTube and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences. "YouTube is still ahead of TikTok in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP. "The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and longer videos could help TikTok catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement." Also read | Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine Longer videos could also enable TikTok creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added. YouTube recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals TikTok. The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan. "YouTube creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post. "To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats." Watch | YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at TikTok are incredibly popular. YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan. Short videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok videos get longer in challenge to YouTube

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. 
 
Why do we migrate?

Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab&nbsp;to Canada, people from Kerala&nbsp;to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work.

We migrate for better opportunities, something that the local milieu does not provide us with.

Simply put, it's for a better life, to be what we would rather be, rather than be content with circumstances.

If you understand this, then you will understand why Indian students go to places like Ukraine to study medicine, engineering, etc.

The online, and often offline, chatter that I hear against Indian students who are stuck in Ukraine due to the war with Russia reminds me of the same outrage I heard when poor migrants made the arduous journey back home during the first COVID lockdown. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a> 
 
The 'Why did they migrate' preaching, looking down upon them without having walked a few steps in their shoes. 
 
More than 20,000 Indian students were in Ukraine before the start of this conflict. Why were they there in the first place? Because Ukraine offers good education at affordable rates, approximately INR 2 million for a 6-year course, whereas similar courses in India would set you back by INR 5 million or more.

Most of these colleges in Ukraine are good, recognised by WHO, Indian and other reputed agencies. 
 
Also, these doctors will have to pass the screening test administered by Medical Council of India (MCI) after their degree to practice medicine in India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-witness-account-indian-medical-student-sheltering-in-bunker-speaks-of-her-fears-456973">Also read | Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears</a> 
 
Every year, 14 million students in India sit for class 12 exams, with over 1.4 million students aspiring for a medical seat constituting even a good percentage of this total. This is an extremely consequential number. So, we have to scoff at the 20,000 or so students who have the privilege to go study abroad and add to medical professionals in India? On what basis? 
 
Indian colleges have approximately 1,18,316 MBBS seats per year. Where is the 1,18, 317th aspirant to go? 
 
Is she any less worthy than the 20-odd thousand aspirants above her in the merit list? I would say no, because if one in 10 is going to be selected, these exams are programmed as elimination tests, not selection tests. 
 
So where are these 'rejects', with perfectly decent intellects, supposed to go? 
 
If they are able to afford it, they go to places like Ukraine, if not much more expensive places. There is never an outrage if you hear someone go and attend an American college for any degree that will cost you way, way more than in places like Ukraine. Hence, students go there and will continue to go there even after this tragic war is over. 
 
So, why the hypocrisy? 
 
We see these students as the privileged lot. They are out there to buy their degrees, people think, with no proof whatsoever that they work any less hard than any medical student in India. Yes, their family money is paying for their education. That is true for most of our middle class and upper class households. Heck, even a poor migrant would rather send her daughter to an English-medium school if she could, and she should! What's criminal about this aspiration? What makes them the villains in our eyes? 
 
Oh, why did they not leave before the Russian attack on Ukraine?

Yes, of course, you expect that, when the whole world was caught off guard with this war, these 20 somethings should have been able to predict what was going to happen!

They may have had their exams, but they just believed when everyone said, "Arey, war nahi hogi." (There won't be any war).

But the government asked them to return!! Have you seen some of the advisories that western nations have given to India from time to time? When was the last time you checked the travel advisory when you planned a foreign trip?

The most legitimate criticism that I have seen is that this was the Indian "chalta hai, kuch nahi hoga" (nothing will happen) approach in full action. Then, by that standard, we are all guilty of so many things. 
 
So, stop this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble.

We, as Indians, should put an end to the poisonous culture of belittling individuals who are in difficulty.

Higher education needs to be democratised.

Higher fees and paid seats are the lifeblood of private colleges. Government intervention is required to make medical education more accessible. 
 
And what is this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble? Social media has empowered us, but we abuse that power by hiding behind Twitter handles and spreading hatred and ill-will. 
Most Indian families argue that meritorious students don't need to pay their way to a degree. That can be a principled stand or just the fact that most people can't afford a private version of such degrees, in India or anywhere.

This is not to say the poor can suck it. Let the rich study. No, no, no....I am just pointing out the fact that in India, PhDs and students with masters degrees would rather apply to be constables or janitors in the name of government service than actually make better use of the privilege they have had of a degree and education they have obtained.

The failure rates both in numbers and years lost by our young for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), many state PSCs, Railway jobs or any government job than doing something else is genocidal, that is where our population dividend has gone to die!

I would rather appreciate these 20,000 or so students who had the opportunity to do something better and took it, and for that I support them.

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. Why do we migrate? Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab to Canada, people from Kerala to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work.

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. Why do we migrate? Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab to Canada, people from Kerala to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work. We migrate for better opportunities, something that the local milieu does not provide us with. Simply put, it's for a better life, to be what we would rather be, rather than be content with circumstances. If you understand this, then you will understand why Indian students go to places like Ukraine to study medicine, engineering, etc. The online, and often offline, chatter that I hear against Indian students who are stuck in Ukraine due to the war with Russia reminds me of the same outrage I heard when poor migrants made the arduous journey back home during the first COVID lockdown. Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? The 'Why did they migrate' preaching, looking down upon them without having walked a few steps in their shoes. More than 20,000 Indian students were in Ukraine before the start of this conflict. Why were they there in the first place? Because Ukraine offers good education at affordable rates, approximately INR 2 million for a 6-year course, whereas similar courses in India would set you back by INR 5 million or more. Most of these colleges in Ukraine are good, recognised by WHO, Indian and other reputed agencies. Also, these doctors will have to pass the screening test administered by Medical Council of India (MCI) after their degree to practice medicine in India. Also read | Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears Every year, 14 million students in India sit for class 12 exams, with over 1.4 million students aspiring for a medical seat constituting even a good percentage of this total. This is an extremely consequential number. So, we have to scoff at the 20,000 or so students who have the privilege to go study abroad and add to medical professionals in India? On what basis? Indian colleges have approximately 1,18,316 MBBS seats per year. Where is the 1,18, 317th aspirant to go? Is she any less worthy than the 20-odd thousand aspirants above her in the merit list? I would say no, because if one in 10 is going to be selected, these exams are programmed as elimination tests, not selection tests. So where are these 'rejects', with perfectly decent intellects, supposed to go? If they are able to afford it, they go to places like Ukraine, if not much more expensive places. There is never an outrage if you hear someone go and attend an American college for any degree that will cost you way, way more than in places like Ukraine. Hence, students go there and will continue to go there even after this tragic war is over. So, why the hypocrisy? We see these students as the privileged lot. They are out there to buy their degrees, people think, with no proof whatsoever that they work any less hard than any medical student in India. Yes, their family money is paying for their education. That is true for most of our middle class and upper class households. Heck, even a poor migrant would rather send her daughter to an English-medium school if she could, and she should! What's criminal about this aspiration? What makes them the villains in our eyes? Oh, why did they not leave before the Russian attack on Ukraine? Yes, of course, you expect that, when the whole world was caught off guard with this war, these 20 somethings should have been able to predict what was going to happen! They may have had their exams, but they just believed when everyone said, "Arey, war nahi hogi." (There won't be any war). But the government asked them to return!! Have you seen some of the advisories that western nations have given to India from time to time? When was the last time you checked the travel advisory when you planned a foreign trip? The most legitimate criticism that I have seen is that this was the Indian "chalta hai, kuch nahi hoga" (nothing will happen) approach in full action. Then, by that standard, we are all guilty of so many things. So, stop this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble. We, as Indians, should put an end to the poisonous culture of belittling individuals who are in difficulty. Higher education needs to be democratised. Higher fees and paid seats are the lifeblood of private colleges. Government intervention is required to make medical education more accessible. And what is this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble? Social media has empowered us, but we abuse that power by hiding behind Twitter handles and spreading hatred and ill-will. Most Indian families argue that meritorious students don't need to pay their way to a degree. That can be a principled stand or just the fact that most people can't afford a private version of such degrees, in India or anywhere. This is not to say the poor can suck it. Let the rich study. No, no, no....I am just pointing out the fact that in India, PhDs and students with masters degrees would rather apply to be constables or janitors in the name of government service than actually make better use of the privilege they have had of a degree and education they have obtained. The failure rates both in numbers and years lost by our young for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), many state PSCs, Railway jobs or any government job than doing something else is genocidal, that is where our population dividend has gone to die! I would rather appreciate these 20,000 or so students who had the opportunity to do something better and took it, and for that I support them.

Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated

In an attempt to keep her son away from social media, a US-based mother promised that she will give him a good reward for his 18th birthday if he refrained from using social media.&nbsp;

In a challenge that began in 2016, Lorna Goldstrand Klefsaas from Minnesota offered her son Sivert Klefsaas $1,800. Keeping up to his promise, the son somehow managed to stay away from social media and was given $1,800 on his 18th birthday.&nbsp;

The mother shared a post documenting the entire challenge.&nbsp;

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“Six years ago I offered Sivert $1800 to stay off social media until he was 18. Even though $1800 is a lot more to a 12 year old than it is to an 18 year old, he has stuck to our deal. He turns 18 tomorrow. He will have $1800 in his pocket and new accounts on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter! FYI—it’s some of the best money I have ever spent!!!” she wrote and shared an image of her son.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-former-south-african-president-nelson-mandelas-artwork-to-be-sold-as-nfts-soon-456754">Also read |&nbsp;In a first, former South African president Nelson Mandela’s artwork to be sold as NFTs soon</a>

Lorna while speaking to People said that she is proud of his son. "He was like 'I'm not breaking this.' I'm proud of him because there were a few times where it was harder," she said.&nbsp;

She decided about this challenge after hearing about it on the radio. Also, she had seen her daughter struggle during her teenage years. "She got so obsessed with keeping up her Snapchat streaks that really it was affecting her mood. It was affecting her friendships," the mother told.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an attempt to keep her son away from social media, a US-based mother promised that she will give him a good reward for his 18th birthday if he refrained from using social media.

In an attempt to keep her son away from social media, a US-based mother promised that she will give him a good reward for his 18th birthday if he refrained from using social media. In a challenge that began in 2016, Lorna Goldstrand Klefsaas from Minnesota offered her son Sivert Klefsaas $1,800. Keeping up to his promise, the son somehow managed to stay away from social media and was given $1,800 on his 18th birthday. The mother shared a post documenting the entire challenge. × “Six years ago I offered Sivert $1800 to stay off social media until he was 18. Even though $1800 is a lot more to a 12 year old than it is to an 18 year old, he has stuck to our deal. He turns 18 tomorrow. He will have $1800 in his pocket and new accounts on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter! FYI—it’s some of the best money I have ever spent!!!” she wrote and shared an image of her son. Also read | In a first, former South African president Nelson Mandela’s artwork to be sold as NFTs soon Lorna while speaking to People said that she is proud of his son. "He was like 'I'm not breaking this.' I'm proud of him because there were a few times where it was harder," she said. She decided about this challenge after hearing about it on the radio. Also, she had seen her daughter struggle during her teenage years. "She got so obsessed with keeping up her Snapchat streaks that really it was affecting her mood. It was affecting her friendships," the mother told. (With inputs from agencies)

Teenage son gets $1,800 reward from mom for staying away from social media for 6 years

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Virat Kohli: Top 5 sporting stars with STAGGERING number of Instagram followers

In a major blow for Facebook, Texas attorney general has filed a lawsuit against the social media giant's parent company Meta for allegedly violating state privacy protections with facial recognition technology.

Social media giant Facebook sued over biometric data use

After serving less than six years in jail, a Pakistani social media star’s brother, who has been accused of killing her, was acquitted on Monday, the lawyers said. &nbsp;

It is one of the country's most notorious "honour killings". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Before death in 2016, 26-year-old Qandeel Baloch became famous for suggestive and defiant posts. Baloch seems to have been challenging the nation's deep patriarchal mores for some time.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-pm-imran-khan-defends-ally-china-says-xinjiang-situation-not-what-western-media-portrays-453147" hreflang="en">Imran defends China, says ‘Xinjiang situation not what Western media portrays'</a>

For strangling her, her brother Muhammad Waseem was held and later sentenced to life in jail. &nbsp;

Not just this, Waseem had also told the press that he had no remorse for the killing as her behaviour was "intolerable". &nbsp;

Without giving details, his lawyer Sardar Mehboob told AFP that "he has been fully acquitted" by a court in the eastern city of Multan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-irked-with-low-rank-in-pakistans-top-performing-ministries-452646" hreflang="en">FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi irked with low rank in Pak’s top-performing ministries</a>

The order of the court is yet to be made public. &nbsp;

In Baloch's case, her parents earlier insisted their son would be given no absolution. But later, they changed their minds and said they wanted him to be forgiven for the crime. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, Waseem is expected to be released later this week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After serving less than six years in jail, a Pakistani social media star’s brother, who has been accused of killing her, was acquitted on Monday, the lawyers said.

After serving less than six years in jail, a Pakistani social media star’s brother, who has been accused of killing her, was acquitted on Monday, the lawyers said. It is one of the country's most notorious "honour killings". Before death in 2016, 26-year-old Qandeel Baloch became famous for suggestive and defiant posts. Baloch seems to have been challenging the nation's deep patriarchal mores for some time. Also Read: Imran defends China, says ‘Xinjiang situation not what Western media portrays' For strangling her, her brother Muhammad Waseem was held and later sentenced to life in jail. Not just this, Waseem had also told the press that he had no remorse for the killing as her behaviour was "intolerable". Without giving details, his lawyer Sardar Mehboob told AFP that "he has been fully acquitted" by a court in the eastern city of Multan. Also Read: FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi irked with low rank in Pak’s top-performing ministries The order of the court is yet to be made public. In Baloch's case, her parents earlier insisted their son would be given no absolution. But later, they changed their minds and said they wanted him to be forgiven for the crime. Now, Waseem is expected to be released later this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch’s brother acquitted in her 'honour killing' case

French President Emmanuel Macron met Russian Vladimir Putin in Moscow in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine standoff.

Ever since reports have come out that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, hectic diplomatic parlays have been taking place to defuse the tense situation.

Even though the meeting took place in the backdrop of a war-like situation with the US and Russia exchanging warnings over the Ukraine crisis, an image of the two released by the state media certainly raised eyebrows of the netizens.

The image drew a lot of attention.&nbsp;Not because of the issues discussed during the meeting, rather the way they were seated left the twitteraits in splits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The netizens couldn’t help but notice how far Macron was sitting over a gigantic table from Putin.

Soon, memes started to pour in on how two were “committed” to keep their distance.

&nbsp;

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Will Putin and Macron do face painting after? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pointless?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pointless</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lipservice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lipservice</a> <a href="https://t.co/hi9agrWzmZ">pic.twitter.com/hi9agrWzmZ</a>
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ये दूरियाँ… 
video call ही कर लेते 😐 <a href="https://t.co/1Xmvgs2GUm">pic.twitter.com/1Xmvgs2GUm</a>
— Palki Sharma (@palkisu) <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu/status/1490788275929370629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Putin VS Macron... <a href="https://t.co/ZhXkBvmrTN">pic.twitter.com/ZhXkBvmrTN</a>
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Macron flew into Moscow at the start of a week of&nbsp;intense Western diplomacy aimed at easing fears of a Russian invasion&nbsp;of its pro-Western neighbour.

Sitting across a long table from Putin at the Kremlin, Macron said he was in Moscow to address the "critical situation" in Europe.

Macron told reporters the coming days would be "decisive" and "require intensive discussions which we will pursue together".

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron met Russian Vladimir Putin in Moscow in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine standoff. Ever since reports have come out that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, hectic diplomatic parlays have been taking place to defuse the tense situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Russian Vladimir Putin in Moscow in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine standoff. Ever since reports have come out that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, hectic diplomatic parlays have been taking place to defuse the tense situation. Even though the meeting took place in the backdrop of a war-like situation with the US and Russia exchanging warnings over the Ukraine crisis, an image of the two released by the state media certainly raised eyebrows of the netizens. The image drew a lot of attention. Not because of the issues discussed during the meeting, rather the way they were seated left the twitteraits in splits. The netizens couldn’t help but notice how far Macron was sitting over a gigantic table from Putin. Soon, memes started to pour in on how two were “committed” to keep their distance. Will Putin and Macron do face painting after? #Ukraine #pointless #lipservice pic.twitter.com/hi9agrWzmZ — Tarquin (@Tarquin_Helmet) February 7, 2022 × ये दूरियाँ… video call ही कर लेते 😐 pic.twitter.com/1Xmvgs2GUm — Palki Sharma (@palkisu) February 7, 2022 × pic.twitter.com/6FVXFQ4prU — Ed Pogue 🖖🏻 (@Buttwasted) February 8, 2022 × pic.twitter.com/iCoaEdj53s — Credo MacKenzie (@CredoMacKenzie) February 8, 2022 × Putin VS Macron... pic.twitter.com/ZhXkBvmrTN — Franjolittle (@Franjorodowski) February 7, 2022 × Macron flew into Moscow at the start of a week of intense Western diplomacy aimed at easing fears of a Russian invasion of its pro-Western neighbour. Sitting across a long table from Putin at the Kremlin, Macron said he was in Moscow to address the "critical situation" in Europe. Macron told reporters the coming days would be "decisive" and "require intensive discussions which we will pursue together". (With inputs from agencies)

Putin-Macron meet, sitting across long table, triggers meme fest, netizens have a field day

In recent times, mental health has become one of the worst-affected. Thanks to constant scrutiny on social media celebrities feel the burn even more, as their lives are 'out there' in public. In the latest, supermodel Bella Hadid sparked mental health anxiety debate after she posted crying selfies.

Social media anxiety is real: Celebs call out toxic culture

Can social media firms be treated as accused in criminal cases? It is the big question that is being posed by the Madras High Court to the state government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Madras High Court to government: Can social media firms be treated as accused in criminal cases?

Potholes and poor road conditions are rather prevalent in India, regardless of how inconvenient they are for residents.

However, a young girl felt compelled to speak up about the poor road conditions in her neighbourhood.

On social media, a video has gone viral in which a young Kashmiri girl transforms into a reporter to illustrate the poor state of lanes and bylanes.

The small girl can be seen in the video clutching a lapel mic and explaining how the state of the roadways has deteriorated significantly.

A Twitter user, Sajid Yousuf Shah, uploaded the footage. "Meet Kashmir Valley's Youngest Reporter," he captioned the video.

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Meet Youngest reporter from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> Valley. <a href="https://t.co/4H6mYkiDiI">pic.twitter.com/4H6mYkiDiI</a>
— Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSkandar/status/1480202389831385088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The young girl greets her audience at the start of the two-minute film.

She then remarks on how filthy the road in front of her is.

Her camera person navigates behind her while she talks about the roads, giving a clear view of each side of the lanes.

The little girl in the pink jacket follows all of the reporter's standards, including asking her camera guy to follow her and photograph the damaged roadways.

The animated child addresses the camera operator as'mom.'

The girl points to the crumbling condition and claims that mud and rainfall have made the situation worse. Kashmir has been experiencing significant snowfall for the past few days.

(With inputs from agencies)

Potholes and poor road conditions are rather prevalent in India, regardless of how inconvenient they are for residents. However, a young girl felt compelled to speak up about the poor road conditions in her neighbourhood.

Potholes and poor road conditions are rather prevalent in India, regardless of how inconvenient they are for residents. However, a young girl felt compelled to speak up about the poor road conditions in her neighbourhood. On social media, a video has gone viral in which a young Kashmiri girl transforms into a reporter to illustrate the poor state of lanes and bylanes. The small girl can be seen in the video clutching a lapel mic and explaining how the state of the roadways has deteriorated significantly. A Twitter user, Sajid Yousuf Shah, uploaded the footage. "Meet Kashmir Valley's Youngest Reporter," he captioned the video. Meet Youngest reporter from the #Kashmir Valley. pic.twitter.com/4H6mYkiDiI — Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) January 9, 2022 × The young girl greets her audience at the start of the two-minute film. She then remarks on how filthy the road in front of her is. Her camera person navigates behind her while she talks about the roads, giving a clear view of each side of the lanes. The little girl in the pink jacket follows all of the reporter's standards, including asking her camera guy to follow her and photograph the damaged roadways. The animated child addresses the camera operator as'mom.' The girl points to the crumbling condition and claims that mud and rainfall have made the situation worse. Kashmir has been experiencing significant snowfall for the past few days. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: A little Kashmiri girl turns reporter to highlight bad roads

In a latest video posted on social media, armed Taliban men are seen forcefully pushing three handcuffed men in car trunks.

Video posted on social media exposes Taliban's oppression

According to reports, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is set to device clear code of conduct rules for soldiers on social media.

The country's defence forces will set up a "task force" comprising of members of the military and social media experts to determine social media guidelines for soldiers.

The move is aimed at setting rules for on-duty personnel active on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/emma-watsons-pro-palestine-post-draws-criticism-from-israel-minister-442372">Also Read:&nbsp;Emma Watson's pro-Palestine post draws criticism from Israel minister</a>

Currently, IDF soldiers are barred from posting their photos on social media with their uniforms including those of military sites and bases.

The timeline for the new rules is still unclear as the IDF begins the task of setting new rules for its personnel in the digital space.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-women-combat-platoon-on-cards-in-israel-says-report-442173">Also Read:&nbsp;All-women combat platoon on cards in Israel, says report</a>

Reports claim the new rules are not aimed at curtailing the freedom of the soldiers but will be designed to streamline&nbsp;operations with the view to ensure national security.

Reports claim the army has already begun consultations with experts to formulate the new plan with the initiative currently in its initial stage.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is set to device clear code of conduct rules for soldiers on social media. The country's defence forces will set up a "task force" comprising of members of the military and social media experts to determine social media guidelines for soldiers.

According to reports, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is set to device clear code of conduct rules for soldiers on social media. The country's defence forces will set up a "task force" comprising of members of the military and social media experts to determine social media guidelines for soldiers. The move is aimed at setting rules for on-duty personnel active on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms, reports said. Also Read: Emma Watson's pro-Palestine post draws criticism from Israel minister Currently, IDF soldiers are barred from posting their photos on social media with their uniforms including those of military sites and bases. The timeline for the new rules is still unclear as the IDF begins the task of setting new rules for its personnel in the digital space. Also Read: All-women combat platoon on cards in Israel, says report Reports claim the new rules are not aimed at curtailing the freedom of the soldiers but will be designed to streamline operations with the view to ensure national security. Reports claim the army has already begun consultations with experts to formulate the new plan with the initiative currently in its initial stage. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israel's defence force to create guidelines for soldiers on social media

Authorities in Bangladesh’s major tourist resort scrapped a dedicated beach section for women and children after a social media outcry over gender segregation.

Bangladesh scraps women-only beach zone after social media outcry

India's versatile paneer is trending on social media platforms. In the West, there is a sudden surge in demand for paneer. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Paneer is trending on social media. Here is why

When Jennifer Chen travelled back to her hometown in central China last winter for Lunar New Year, she thought little about Twitter. She had around 100 followers on an account she believed to be anonymous.

While living in China, she retweeted news and videos, and occasionally made comments censored on Chinese platforms, like voicing her support for Hong Kong’s protesters and her solidarity with minorities who have been interned.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough for the authorities to go after her. The police knocked on her parents’ door when she was visiting. She said they had summoned her to the station, questioned her and then commanded her to delete her Twitter posts and account. They continued to track her when she went overseas to study, calling her and her mother to ask if Chen had recently visited any human rights websites.

The Chinese government, which has built an extensive digital infrastructure and security apparatus to control dissent on its own platforms, is going to even greater lengths to extend its internet dragnet to unmask and silence those who criticize the country on Twitter, Facebook and other international social media.

These new investigations, targeting sites blocked inside China, are relying on sophisticated technological methods to expand the reach of Chinese authorities and the list of targets, according to a New York Times examination of government procurement documents and legal records, as well as interviews with one government contractor and six people pressured by the police.

To hunt people, security forces use advanced investigation software, public records and databases to find all their personal information and international social media presence. The operations sometimes target those living beyond China’s borders. Police officers are pursuing dissidents and minor critics like Chen, as well as Chinese people living overseas and even citizens of other nations.

The digital manhunt represents the punitive side of the government’s vast campaign to counter negative portrayals of China. In recent years, the Communist Party has raised bot armies, deployed diplomats and marshalled influencers to push its narratives and drown out criticism. The police have taken it a step further, hounding and silencing those who dare to talk back.

With growing frequency, the authorities are harassing critics both inside and outside China, as well as threatening relatives, in an effort to get them to delete content deemed criminal. One video recording, provided by a Chinese student living in Australia, showed how the police in her hometown had summoned her father, called her with his phone and pushed her to remove her Twitter account.

The new tactics raise questions about the spread of powerful investigative software and bustling data markets that can make it easy to track even the most cautious social media user on international platforms. U.S. regulators have repeatedly blocked Chinese deals to acquire American technology companies over the access they provide to personal data. They have done much less to control the widespread availability of online services that offer location data, social media records and personal information.

For Chinese security forces, the effort is a daring expansion of a remit that previously focused on Chinese platforms and the best-known overseas dissidents. Now, violations as simple as a post of a critical article on Twitter — or in the case of 23-year-old Chen, quoting, “I stand with Hong Kong” — can bring swift repercussions.

Actions against people for speaking out on Twitter and Facebook have increased in China since 2019, according to an online database aggregating them. The database, compiled by an anonymous activist, records cases based on publicly available verdicts, police notices and news reports, although information is limited in China.

“The net has definitely been cast wider overseas during the past year or so,” said Yaxue Cao, editor of ChinaChange.org, a website that covers civil society and human rights. The goal is to encourage already widespread self-censorship among Chinese people on global social media, she said, likening the purging of critics to an overactive lawn mower.

“They cut down the things that look spindly and tall — the most outspoken,” she said. “Then they look around, the taller pieces of grass no longer cover the lower ones. They say, ‘Oh these are problematic too, let’s mow them down again.’”

Chinese security authorities are bringing new technical expertise and funding to the process, according to publicly available procurement documents, police manuals and the government contractor, who is working on overseas internet investigations.

In 2020, when the police in the western province of Gansu sought companies to help monitor international social media, they laid out a grading system. One criterion included a company’s ability to analyze Twitter accounts, including tweets and lists of followers. The police in Shanghai offered $1,500 to a technology firm for each investigation into an overseas account, according to a May procurement document.

Such work often begins with a single tweet or Facebook post that has attracted official attention, according to the contractor, who declined to be named because he was not approved to speak publicly about the work. A specialist in tracking people living in the United States, he said he used voter registries, driver’s license records and hacked databases on the dark web to pinpoint the people behind the posts. Personal photos posted online can be used to infer addresses and friends.

A Chinese police manual and examination for online security professionals detailed and ranked the types of speech crimes that investigators seek out, labelling them with a one, two or three depending on the severity of the violation. One denotes criticism of top leadership or plans to politically organize or protest; two includes the promotion of liberal ideology and attacks on the government; and three, the least urgent, refers to content ranging from libel to pornography. The manual specifically called for monitoring activity on foreign websites.

The contractor said he used the rankings to classify infractions on dossiers he submitted to his bosses in China’s security apparatus. In a sample document reviewed by The Times, he listed key details about each person he looked into, including personal and career information and professional and family connections to China, as well as a statistical analysis of the reach of the person’s account. His approach was corroborated by procurement documents and guides for online security workers.

Over the past year, he said, he had been assigned to investigate a mix of Chinese undergraduates studying in the United States, a Chinese American policy analyst who is a U.S. citizen and journalists who previously worked in China.

Those caught up in the dragnet are often baffled at how the authorities linked them to anonymous social media accounts on international platforms.

The Chinese student in Australia, who provided the video recording from her police questioning, recalled the terror she had felt when she first received a call from her father in China in spring 2020. The police told him to go to a local station over a parody account she had created to mock China’s leader, Xi Jinping. She declined to be named over concerns about reprisals.

In an audio recording she also provided, the police told her via her father’s phone that they knew her account was being used from Australia. Her distraught father instructed her to listen to the police.

Three weeks later, they summoned him again. This time, calling her via video chat, they told her to report to the station when she returned to China and asked how much longer her Australian visa was valid. Fearful, she denied owning the Twitter account but filmed the call and kept the account up. A few months later, Twitter suspended it.

After an inquiry from The Times, Twitter restored the account without explaining why it had taken it down.

Consequences can be steep. When a Chinese student living in Taiwan criticized China this year, he said, both of his parents disappeared for 10 days. His social media accounts within China were also immediately shut down.

The student, who declined to be named out of fear of further reprisals, said he still did not know what had happened to his parents. He doesn’t dare to ask because they told him that local security forces were monitoring them.

“Those who live abroad are also very scared,” said Eric Liu, a censorship analyst at China Digital Times, a website that monitors Chinese internet controls. He said that Chinese users on Twitter were becoming increasingly careful and that many set their accounts to private mode out of fear. Liu's account is public, but he screens new followers, looking for Chinese security officials who might be watching him.

For Chen, the police harassment has continued even after she moved to Europe this fall for graduate school. She has struggled with feelings of shame and powerlessness as she has weighed the importance of expressing her political views against the risks that now entails. It has driven a rift in her relationship with her mother, who was adamant that she change her ways.

Chen said that as long as she held a Chinese passport she would worry about her safety. As a young person with little work experience and less influence, she said it was frustrating to have her voice taken away: “I feel weak, like there’s no way for me to show my strength, no way to do something for others.”

Even so, she said she would continue to post, albeit with more caution.

“Even though it is still dangerous, I have to move forward step by step,” she said. “I can’t just keep censoring myself. I have to stop cowering.”

When Jennifer Chen travelled back to her hometown in central China last winter for Lunar New Year, she thought little about Twitter. She had around 100 followers on an account she believed to be anonymous.

When Jennifer Chen travelled back to her hometown in central China last winter for Lunar New Year, she thought little about Twitter. She had around 100 followers on an account she believed to be anonymous. While living in China, she retweeted news and videos, and occasionally made comments censored on Chinese platforms, like voicing her support for Hong Kong’s protesters and her solidarity with minorities who have been interned. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for the authorities to go after her. The police knocked on her parents’ door when she was visiting. She said they had summoned her to the station, questioned her and then commanded her to delete her Twitter posts and account. They continued to track her when she went overseas to study, calling her and her mother to ask if Chen had recently visited any human rights websites. The Chinese government, which has built an extensive digital infrastructure and security apparatus to control dissent on its own platforms, is going to even greater lengths to extend its internet dragnet to unmask and silence those who criticize the country on Twitter, Facebook and other international social media. These new investigations, targeting sites blocked inside China, are relying on sophisticated technological methods to expand the reach of Chinese authorities and the list of targets, according to a New York Times examination of government procurement documents and legal records, as well as interviews with one government contractor and six people pressured by the police. To hunt people, security forces use advanced investigation software, public records and databases to find all their personal information and international social media presence. The operations sometimes target those living beyond China’s borders. Police officers are pursuing dissidents and minor critics like Chen, as well as Chinese people living overseas and even citizens of other nations. The digital manhunt represents the punitive side of the government’s vast campaign to counter negative portrayals of China. In recent years, the Communist Party has raised bot armies, deployed diplomats and marshalled influencers to push its narratives and drown out criticism. The police have taken it a step further, hounding and silencing those who dare to talk back. With growing frequency, the authorities are harassing critics both inside and outside China, as well as threatening relatives, in an effort to get them to delete content deemed criminal. One video recording, provided by a Chinese student living in Australia, showed how the police in her hometown had summoned her father, called her with his phone and pushed her to remove her Twitter account. The new tactics raise questions about the spread of powerful investigative software and bustling data markets that can make it easy to track even the most cautious social media user on international platforms. U.S. regulators have repeatedly blocked Chinese deals to acquire American technology companies over the access they provide to personal data. They have done much less to control the widespread availability of online services that offer location data, social media records and personal information. For Chinese security forces, the effort is a daring expansion of a remit that previously focused on Chinese platforms and the best-known overseas dissidents. Now, violations as simple as a post of a critical article on Twitter — or in the case of 23-year-old Chen, quoting, “I stand with Hong Kong” — can bring swift repercussions. Actions against people for speaking out on Twitter and Facebook have increased in China since 2019, according to an online database aggregating them. The database, compiled by an anonymous activist, records cases based on publicly available verdicts, police notices and news reports, although information is limited in China. “The net has definitely been cast wider overseas during the past year or so,” said Yaxue Cao, editor of ChinaChange.org, a website that covers civil society and human rights. The goal is to encourage already widespread self-censorship among Chinese people on global social media, she said, likening the purging of critics to an overactive lawn mower. “They cut down the things that look spindly and tall — the most outspoken,” she said. “Then they look around, the taller pieces of grass no longer cover the lower ones. They say, ‘Oh these are problematic too, let’s mow them down again.’” Chinese security authorities are bringing new technical expertise and funding to the process, according to publicly available procurement documents, police manuals and the government contractor, who is working on overseas internet investigations. In 2020, when the police in the western province of Gansu sought companies to help monitor international social media, they laid out a grading system. One criterion included a company’s ability to analyze Twitter accounts, including tweets and lists of followers. The police in Shanghai offered $1,500 to a technology firm for each investigation into an overseas account, according to a May procurement document. Such work often begins with a single tweet or Facebook post that has attracted official attention, according to the contractor, who declined to be named because he was not approved to speak publicly about the work. A specialist in tracking people living in the United States, he said he used voter registries, driver’s license records and hacked databases on the dark web to pinpoint the people behind the posts. Personal photos posted online can be used to infer addresses and friends. A Chinese police manual and examination for online security professionals detailed and ranked the types of speech crimes that investigators seek out, labelling them with a one, two or three depending on the severity of the violation. One denotes criticism of top leadership or plans to politically organize or protest; two includes the promotion of liberal ideology and attacks on the government; and three, the least urgent, refers to content ranging from libel to pornography. The manual specifically called for monitoring activity on foreign websites. The contractor said he used the rankings to classify infractions on dossiers he submitted to his bosses in China’s security apparatus. In a sample document reviewed by The Times, he listed key details about each person he looked into, including personal and career information and professional and family connections to China, as well as a statistical analysis of the reach of the person’s account. His approach was corroborated by procurement documents and guides for online security workers. Over the past year, he said, he had been assigned to investigate a mix of Chinese undergraduates studying in the United States, a Chinese American policy analyst who is a U.S. citizen and journalists who previously worked in China. Those caught up in the dragnet are often baffled at how the authorities linked them to anonymous social media accounts on international platforms. The Chinese student in Australia, who provided the video recording from her police questioning, recalled the terror she had felt when she first received a call from her father in China in spring 2020. The police told him to go to a local station over a parody account she had created to mock China’s leader, Xi Jinping. She declined to be named over concerns about reprisals. In an audio recording she also provided, the police told her via her father’s phone that they knew her account was being used from Australia. Her distraught father instructed her to listen to the police. Three weeks later, they summoned him again. This time, calling her via video chat, they told her to report to the station when she returned to China and asked how much longer her Australian visa was valid. Fearful, she denied owning the Twitter account but filmed the call and kept the account up. A few months later, Twitter suspended it. After an inquiry from The Times, Twitter restored the account without explaining why it had taken it down. Consequences can be steep. When a Chinese student living in Taiwan criticized China this year, he said, both of his parents disappeared for 10 days. His social media accounts within China were also immediately shut down. The student, who declined to be named out of fear of further reprisals, said he still did not know what had happened to his parents. He doesn’t dare to ask because they told him that local security forces were monitoring them. “Those who live abroad are also very scared,” said Eric Liu, a censorship analyst at China Digital Times, a website that monitors Chinese internet controls. He said that Chinese users on Twitter were becoming increasingly careful and that many set their accounts to private mode out of fear. Liu's account is public, but he screens new followers, looking for Chinese security officials who might be watching him. For Chen, the police harassment has continued even after she moved to Europe this fall for graduate school. She has struggled with feelings of shame and powerlessness as she has weighed the importance of expressing her political views against the risks that now entails. It has driven a rift in her relationship with her mother, who was adamant that she change her ways. Chen said that as long as she held a Chinese passport she would worry about her safety. As a young person with little work experience and less influence, she said it was frustrating to have her voice taken away: “I feel weak, like there’s no way for me to show my strength, no way to do something for others.” Even so, she said she would continue to post, albeit with more caution. “Even though it is still dangerous, I have to move forward step by step,” she said. “I can’t just keep censoring myself. I have to stop cowering.”

A Digital manhunt: How Chinese police track critics on Twitter and Facebook

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal.&nbsp;

The court's press service revealed on a messaging app Telegram that Meta has been fined $27 million. The court also informed that it has imposed a fine of $98 million on Google.&nbsp;

Russia's state communications regulator Roskomnadzor released a statement, it read: "For the first time, a Russian court has imposed fines that make up a share of the annual revenue of these companies in Russia."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-metaverse-to-nft-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-tech-buzzwords-of-2021-439134">From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021</a>

"In the case of an administrative offense provided for in Part 5 of Article 13.41 of the Administrative Code &lt;...&gt; Google LLC was found guilty ... A punishment was imposed in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of 7,221,916,235 rubles," RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the Tagansky District court.&nbsp;

Moscow has been putting pressure on foreign internet platforms and claims that such platforms fail to take down illegal content in compliance with Russian law. Content from pornographic material and posts promoting drugs and suicide.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been slapped with a massive fine on Friday (December 24) by a Moscow court for failing to remove content that is deemed illegal. The court's press service revealed on a messaging app Telegram that Meta has been fined $27 million. The court also informed that it has imposed a fine of $98 million on Google. Russia's state communications regulator Roskomnadzor released a statement, it read: "For the first time, a Russian court has imposed fines that make up a share of the annual revenue of these companies in Russia." ALSO READ | From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021 "In the case of an administrative offense provided for in Part 5 of Article 13.41 of the Administrative Code <...> Google LLC was found guilty ... A punishment was imposed in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of 7,221,916,235 rubles," RIA Novosti was told in the press service of the Tagansky District court. Moscow has been putting pressure on foreign internet platforms and claims that such platforms fail to take down illegal content in compliance with Russian law. Content from pornographic material and posts promoting drugs and suicide. × (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court fines Google and Meta with record $125mn over repeated failure to delete illegal content

After the head of Instagram was grilled for compromising children safety on social media, Instagram plans an updated version of the app that shows users chronological feed instead of an algorithm-based one.

New version of the Instagram app to show users chronological feed instead of an Algorithm-based one

The world is making the digital shift from the last few years. Internet, social media, phones, they take up a lot of our day and the impact of social media platforms has been acknowledged by the world and now govt are now looking at regulating the big tech.

How safe is Instagram for your kids? How is it impacting younger generation?

As the world is shifting to various social media platforms, debt collectors too have the chance to hop on the technology train now. Debt collectors can now contact their consumers through social media platforms and text messages.<o:p></o:p>

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has now allowed all creditors to directly message Americans who have loans. So, now, the US creditors are legally allowed to slide into DMs.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gamechanger-scientists-reveal-cruelty-free-mushroom-leather-433875">Gamechanger? Scientists reveal cruelty-free 'mushroom leather'</a></o:p>

This change was approved last year under the Donald Trump administration. Supporters of this rule have argued that this is simply a modification of the rule created in the 1970s. They also believe that this change was needed to keep up with the changing times as the law was drafted in 1977 when social media platforms did not exist and text messages were not regular.<o:p></o:p>

However, the critics are arguing that this might not be the best way to reach out to the Americans as there is a possibility that messages can be lost online.<o:p></o:p>

Critics also argue that this can be an invasion of privacy and can also give birth to new and deadly scams.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-dressed-as-ninja-shot-by-french-cops-after-attacking-two-policewomen-with-sword-433840">Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword</a></o:p>

Under the rule approved by the CFPB, creditors are allowed to directly and personally contact defaulters through text messages and direct messages. However, the debt collectors are not allowed to post anything on the public pages of the defaulters.<o:p></o:p>

Another interesting thing under this rule is that consumers can opt out of getting these messages. Creditors, in general, are not bound to take permission to contact people. In addition to this, there is also no set limit to how many messages can be sent to the defaulters.<o:p></o:p>

As the world is shifting to various social media platforms, debt collectors too have the chance to hop on the technology train now. Debt collectors can now contact their consumers through social media platforms and text messages.

As the world is shifting to various social media platforms, debt collectors too have the chance to hop on the technology train now. Debt collectors can now contact their consumers through social media platforms and text messages. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has now allowed all creditors to directly message Americans who have loans. So, now, the US creditors are legally allowed to slide into DMs. Also read | Gamechanger? Scientists reveal cruelty-free 'mushroom leather' This change was approved last year under the Donald Trump administration. Supporters of this rule have argued that this is simply a modification of the rule created in the 1970s. They also believe that this change was needed to keep up with the changing times as the law was drafted in 1977 when social media platforms did not exist and text messages were not regular. However, the critics are arguing that this might not be the best way to reach out to the Americans as there is a possibility that messages can be lost online. Critics also argue that this can be an invasion of privacy and can also give birth to new and deadly scams. Also read | Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword Under the rule approved by the CFPB, creditors are allowed to directly and personally contact defaulters through text messages and direct messages. However, the debt collectors are not allowed to post anything on the public pages of the defaulters. Another interesting thing under this rule is that consumers can opt out of getting these messages. Creditors, in general, are not bound to take permission to contact people. In addition to this, there is also no set limit to how many messages can be sent to the defaulters.

Changing with times: US creditors can now DM loan defaulters

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision.

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from&nbsp;the market.

A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images.

This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market.

“We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.”

In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK. Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from the market. A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images. This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market. “We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.” In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator 

Social media seems to be buzzing as a miniature Mount Rushmore emerges, which features former US president Donald Trump. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The miniature sculpture was found in the former president’s office when some latest pictures were shared by him with Kyle Rittenhouse and the head of a martial arts organisation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Trump’s 9th degree black belt is as real as his Mount Rushmore gizmo.👇Trump’s friggin insane! <a href="https://t.co/M2if3Eci3m">pic.twitter.com/M2if3Eci3m</a>
— CopterDoctor🚁🩺 Son Of WWII ANTIFA🚫Lists (@copter_chief) <a href="https://twitter.com/copter_chief/status/1463816389899210754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the miniature Mount Rushmore, he is shown beside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-a-precautionary-measure-us-to-restrict-travel-over-fears-of-new-covid-19-variant-432251" hreflang="en">As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new variant</a>

The former president was given the “Mount Trumpmore” piece by South Dakota governor Kristi Noem last year. &nbsp;

The miniature has been made by Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby. Its provenance was confirmed to the Daily Beast. Leuning, a South Dakota artist, said, “Cool. That’s our piece. Definitely. That’s pretty cool.” &nbsp;

Leuning was glad to see the maquette on display at Mar-a-Lago as often “stuff ends up in a closet”. &nbsp;

In July 2020, Trump visited South Dakota for a speech in front of Mount Rushmore. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-not-in-us-right-now-says-anthony-fauci-432210" hreflang="en">New coronavirus variant not in US right now, says Anthony Fauci</a>

Several comments, memes, etc have come up on social media over the development. &nbsp;

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"If Trump returns to power, expect Mount Rushmore to become Mount Trumpmore," <a href="https://twitter.com/Jacopo_della_Q?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jacopo_della_Q</a>. 
 
Well, we already have a Mount Trumpmore here in Austin, sort of⬇️. <a href="https://t.co/DMiGTXQnNP">pic.twitter.com/DMiGTXQnNP</a>
— Clam-flavored condiments &amp; drinks? No, no, no... (@lindajaniebrou1) <a href="https://twitter.com/lindajaniebrou1/status/1464281022510604290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A user said, “If Trump returns to power, expect Mount Rushmore to become Mount Trumpmore.” &nbsp;

In a tweet, another user, said, “Trump’s 9th degree black belt is as real as his Mount Rushmore gizmo. Trump’s friggin insane!” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Social media seems to be buzzing as a miniature Mount Rushmore emerges, which features former US president Donald Trump. The miniature sculpture was found in the former president’s office when some latest pictures were shared by him with Kyle Rittenhouse and the head of a martial arts organisation.

Social media seems to be buzzing as a miniature Mount Rushmore emerges, which features former US president Donald Trump. The miniature sculpture was found in the former president’s office when some latest pictures were shared by him with Kyle Rittenhouse and the head of a martial arts organisation. Trump’s 9th degree black belt is as real as his Mount Rushmore gizmo.👇Trump’s friggin insane! pic.twitter.com/M2if3Eci3m — CopterDoctor🚁🩺 Son Of WWII ANTIFA🚫Lists (@copter_chief) November 25, 2021 × In the miniature Mount Rushmore, he is shown beside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Also Read: As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new variant The former president was given the “Mount Trumpmore” piece by South Dakota governor Kristi Noem last year. The miniature has been made by Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby. Its provenance was confirmed to the Daily Beast. Leuning, a South Dakota artist, said, “Cool. That’s our piece. Definitely. That’s pretty cool.” Leuning was glad to see the maquette on display at Mar-a-Lago as often “stuff ends up in a closet”. In July 2020, Trump visited South Dakota for a speech in front of Mount Rushmore. Also Read: New coronavirus variant not in US right now, says Anthony Fauci Several comments, memes, etc have come up on social media over the development. "If Trump returns to power, expect Mount Rushmore to become Mount Trumpmore," @Jacopo_della_Q. Well, we already have a Mount Trumpmore here in Austin, sort of⬇️. pic.twitter.com/DMiGTXQnNP — Clam-flavored condiments & drinks? No, no, no... (@lindajaniebrou1) November 26, 2021 × A user said, “If Trump returns to power, expect Mount Rushmore to become Mount Trumpmore.” In a tweet, another user, said, “Trump’s 9th degree black belt is as real as his Mount Rushmore gizmo. Trump’s friggin insane!” (With inputs from agencies)

Social media erupts as Trump gets featured on miniature Mount Rushmore

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that &nbsp;false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated.

"The Government firmly believes that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country`s long-standing cordial ties with India," said the statement of the Government of Maldives.

The statement made a mention of strong bond the two countries shared

"The strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives` closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts," it said.

The statement also laid emphasis on maritime security that is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

"Support provided by India, on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people. The Government of Maldives has also established partnerships with other countries in similar areas of cooperation, to enhance technical and strategic capacities," said the statement.

The Maldives also reiterated the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Maldives for the countless assistance provided by India over the years, particularly, on instances such as the 1988 mercenary attack on the country, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2015 Male` water crisis and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"India will always remain a true and a trusted friend of the people of the Maldives," read the statement.

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated.

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated. "The Government firmly believes that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country`s long-standing cordial ties with India," said the statement of the Government of Maldives. The statement made a mention of strong bond the two countries shared "The strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives` closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts," it said. The statement also laid emphasis on maritime security that is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region. "Support provided by India, on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people. The Government of Maldives has also established partnerships with other countries in similar areas of cooperation, to enhance technical and strategic capacities," said the statement. The Maldives also reiterated the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Maldives for the countless assistance provided by India over the years, particularly, on instances such as the 1988 mercenary attack on the country, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2015 Male` water crisis and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "India will always remain a true and a trusted friend of the people of the Maldives," read the statement.

Maldives denounces attempts to spread falsehoods about India on social media

Everyone knows Salt Bae, the smart-looking chef sprinkling salt on steak in oh-so-smooth way. After he was an internet sensation, he keeps on popping up once in a while. There are many who imitated him but the man appears in a different league with high smoothness quotient.

But a noodle seller in Vietnam was called in by police on Tuesday for a parody video. Trying to look cool can't surely be a crime? So here's the story

Bui Tuan Lam, a 38-year-old noodle seller from the city of Danang was called by police.

All he had done was to make a video of himself just like Sat Bae. Only difference? He was adding green onion calling himself "Green Onion Bae".

So it's just a parody video right? No harm done?

A controversy involving one of Vietnamese ministers is being discussed in the country. Vietnam's Minister of Public had recently visited Salt Bae's (not 'Green Onion Bae') restaurant in London.

No problem there but images of him having gold leaf encrusted steak did rounds on social media. This steak costs USD 1960. A public office bearer having such an expensive dish was cause of surprise.

Then came Bui Tuan Lam's video with green onions. Was it seen to be mocking the minister himself?

"The video I made was for fun and for advertising my beef noodle shop. More customers have been coming since I posted it," said Lam, who added it was not clear if the police summons was because of his video.

Police in Vietnam routinely summon activists and people publicly critical of the ruling Communist Party for questioning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agency)

Everyone knows Salt Bae, the smart-looking chef sprinkling salt on steak in oh-so-smooth way. After he was an internet sensation, he keeps on popping up once in a while.

Everyone knows Salt Bae, the smart-looking chef sprinkling salt on steak in oh-so-smooth way. After he was an internet sensation, he keeps on popping up once in a while. There are many who imitated him but the man appears in a different league with high smoothness quotient. But a noodle seller in Vietnam was called in by police on Tuesday for a parody video. Trying to look cool can't surely be a crime? So here's the story Bui Tuan Lam, a 38-year-old noodle seller from the city of Danang was called by police. All he had done was to make a video of himself just like Sat Bae. Only difference? He was adding green onion calling himself "Green Onion Bae". So it's just a parody video right? No harm done? A controversy involving one of Vietnamese ministers is being discussed in the country. Vietnam's Minister of Public had recently visited Salt Bae's (not 'Green Onion Bae') restaurant in London. No problem there but images of him having gold leaf encrusted steak did rounds on social media. This steak costs USD 1960. A public office bearer having such an expensive dish was cause of surprise. Then came Bui Tuan Lam's video with green onions. Was it seen to be mocking the minister himself? "The video I made was for fun and for advertising my beef noodle shop. More customers have been coming since I posted it," said Lam, who added it was not clear if the police summons was because of his video. Police in Vietnam routinely summon activists and people publicly critical of the ruling Communist Party for questioning. (With inputs from agency)

Salt Bae is old news, this 'green onion bae' was called by police over his video

In recent years, social media has found numerous takers. The situation is such that almost everybody is on social media. &nbsp;

Sharing thoughts or commenting on any issue is part of an everyday affair for several people. In these messages, the character limit on the posts at online platforms, such as Twitter, seems to have been playing a dampener as it is leading to the habit of dropping punctuation from the text.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-attack-by-giant-hornets-bees-scream-as-rallying-call-for-defence-reveals-study-428901" hreflang="en">Under attack by giant hornets, bees scream as rallying call for defence, reveals study&nbsp;</a>

Some forms of punctuation may go out of fashion in some time due to this issue. The researchers feel the same and have suggested that the apostrophe may die out because of the problem of sloppy grammar on social media. &nbsp;

The study was carried out on how speech and writing has evolved since the spread of technology in the 1990s.&nbsp;

The researchers looked at over 100 million words to analyse the trends. They found that casual and ungrammatical language has become more prevalent in 30 years.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groundbreaking-uk-scientists-come-up-with-vaccine-therapy-that-could-prevent-alzheimers-disease-429476" hreflang="en">'Groundbreaking': UK scientists come up with vaccine therapy that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease</a>

Dr Vaclav Brezina of Lancaster University, who led the study, said, "We have experienced dramatic changes in technology, which transformed the way we communicate.”&nbsp;

The study looked at British English in blogs, fiction, newspapers, TV shows and academic writing. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In recent years, social media has found numerous takers. The situation is such that almost everybody is on social media. Sharing thoughts or commenting on any issue is part of an everyday affair for several people.

In recent years, social media has found numerous takers. The situation is such that almost everybody is on social media. Sharing thoughts or commenting on any issue is part of an everyday affair for several people. In these messages, the character limit on the posts at online platforms, such as Twitter, seems to have been playing a dampener as it is leading to the habit of dropping punctuation from the text. Also Read: Under attack by giant hornets, bees scream as rallying call for defence, reveals study Some forms of punctuation may go out of fashion in some time due to this issue. The researchers feel the same and have suggested that the apostrophe may die out because of the problem of sloppy grammar on social media. The study was carried out on how speech and writing has evolved since the spread of technology in the 1990s. The researchers looked at over 100 million words to analyse the trends. They found that casual and ungrammatical language has become more prevalent in 30 years. Also Read: 'Groundbreaking': UK scientists come up with vaccine therapy that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease Dr Vaclav Brezina of Lancaster University, who led the study, said, "We have experienced dramatic changes in technology, which transformed the way we communicate.” The study looked at British English in blogs, fiction, newspapers, TV shows and academic writing. (With inputs from agencies)

Social media may lead to demise of apostrophe, suggest researchers

In recent times, mental health has become one of the worst-affected. Thanks to constant scrutiny on social media celebrities feel the burn even more, as their lives are 'out there' in public. In the latest, supermodel Bella Hadid sparked mental health anxiety debate after she posted crying selfies

Social media anxiety is real

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