Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely.

At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? &nbsp;

Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-not-miss-it-catch-memorable-sight-of-eta-aquarids-meteor-shower-this-weekend-477019" hreflang="en">Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend&nbsp;</a>

The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. &nbsp;

And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. &nbsp;

The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. &nbsp;

It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. &nbsp;

These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid.

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. Also Read: Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery revealed! Now, know where exactly dinosaur-killing asteroid hit Earth

Thirty-three people died Thursday when Russian forces hit residential areas, including schools and a high-rise apartment building, in the northern Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Chernihiv, officials said.

Ukraine's emergencies service said 18 people were also injured in the attack, updating an earlier toll.

The town of&nbsp;Chernihiv&nbsp;lies 120 kilometres (75 miles) northeast of Kyiv, which the Russian forces have been trying to invade from the north.

Chernihiv's deputy mayor Regina Gusak told AFP that the city was hit by a Russian "bombing attack".

Ukraine's emergencies service released images showing plumes of smoke coming out of heavily damaged apartments, with debris scattered across a yard and rescuers carrying bodies on stretchers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin</a>

"Russian aircraft also attacked two schools in the Staraya Podusivka area (of&nbsp;Chernihiv) and private homes. Rescuers are working in the area," the governor of the&nbsp;Chernihiv&nbsp;region, Vyacheslav Chaus, said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Since it invaded Ukraine a week ago, Russia has said that it does not target civilian areas, despite widespread evidence to the contrary.

Ukraine says at least 350 civilians have been killed since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack.

The strikes came as Ukraine and Russia officials gathered for talks on a ceasefire on the Belarus-Poland border Thursday.&nbsp;

Putin on Thursday vowed to carry on with his advance in Ukraine in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Russian leader has showed no signs of backing down even as a barrage of Western sanctions is set to destroy Moscow's economy.&nbsp;

Thirty-three people died Thursday when Russian forces hit residential areas, including schools and a high-rise apartment building, in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, officials said.

Thirty-three people died Thursday when Russian forces hit residential areas, including schools and a high-rise apartment building, in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, officials said. Ukraine's emergencies service said 18 people were also injured in the attack, updating an earlier toll. The town of Chernihiv lies 120 kilometres (75 miles) northeast of Kyiv, which the Russian forces have been trying to invade from the north. Chernihiv's deputy mayor Regina Gusak told AFP that the city was hit by a Russian "bombing attack". Ukraine's emergencies service released images showing plumes of smoke coming out of heavily damaged apartments, with debris scattered across a yard and rescuers carrying bodies on stretchers. Also read | Live | Ukraine war: Worst is to come, Macron believes after call with Putin "Russian aircraft also attacked two schools in the Staraya Podusivka area (of Chernihiv) and private homes. Rescuers are working in the area," the governor of the Chernihiv region, Vyacheslav Chaus, said on Telegram. Since it invaded Ukraine a week ago, Russia has said that it does not target civilian areas, despite widespread evidence to the contrary. Ukraine says at least 350 civilians have been killed since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack. The strikes came as Ukraine and Russia officials gathered for talks on a ceasefire on the Belarus-Poland border Thursday. Putin on Thursday vowed to carry on with his advance in Ukraine in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Russian leader has showed no signs of backing down even as a barrage of Western sanctions is set to destroy Moscow's economy.

Thirty-three people killed in Russian strike on Ukraine's Chernihiv

Russia on Saturday launched its “planned” nuclear drills hours after the US said that the Russian troops manned near Ukraine’s border are “poised to strike”.

The drills come amid tensions boiling between the West and Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

Russia test-fired its latest hypersonic, cruise and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles on the ground, at sea and in the air, as part of “planned exercises” under the watchful eyes of President Vladimir Putin, who was joined by Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko.

“All the missiles hit their targets, confirming their performance objectives,” the Kremlin said in a statement, adding that the drills included Tu-95 bombers and submarines.

“The main objective of these exercises is to perfect the performance of our strategic offensive forces, with the aim of delivering a guaranteed strike against the enemy," chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov told Putin in televised comments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invading-ukraine-will-invite-bolstered-nato-on-europes-eastern-flank-harris-454615" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine</a>

The drills included Russia's Black and North Sea navies, as well as the country's strategic forces, the Kremlin said.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Russian forces were beginning to “uncoil and move closer” to the border with its former Soviet neighbour.

“We hope he steps back from the brink of conflict,” he told a news conference on a visit to Lithuania, saying an invasion of Ukraine was not inevitable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-russian-rebel-leader-announces-general-mobilisation-1-ukraine-soldier-killed-in-clashes-454514">Pro-Russian rebel leader announces 'general mobilisation'; 1 Ukraine soldier killed in clashes</a>

The US has been accusing Russia of amassing over 150,000 soldiers near the borders even as Kremlin announced that is pulling back.

Joe Biden has been claiming that Russia can attack Ukraine “any time now”.

Earlier in the day, Russian-backed separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine declared a full military mobilisation, a day after ordering women and children to evacuate to Russia, citing the threat of an imminent attack by Ukrainian forces.

Both Kyiv and Washington have denied the accusation saying that increased shelling across the ceasefire line this week is part of Russia's plan to create a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday launched its “planned” nuclear drills hours after the US said that the Russian troops manned near Ukraine’s border are “poised to strike”. The drills come amid tensions boiling between the West and Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

Russia on Saturday launched its “planned” nuclear drills hours after the US said that the Russian troops manned near Ukraine’s border are “poised to strike”. The drills come amid tensions boiling between the West and Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Russia test-fired its latest hypersonic, cruise and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles on the ground, at sea and in the air, as part of “planned exercises” under the watchful eyes of President Vladimir Putin, who was joined by Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko. “All the missiles hit their targets, confirming their performance objectives,” the Kremlin said in a statement, adding that the drills included Tu-95 bombers and submarines. “The main objective of these exercises is to perfect the performance of our strategic offensive forces, with the aim of delivering a guaranteed strike against the enemy," chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov told Putin in televised comments. Also read | Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine The drills included Russia's Black and North Sea navies, as well as the country's strategic forces, the Kremlin said. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Russian forces were beginning to “uncoil and move closer” to the border with its former Soviet neighbour. “We hope he steps back from the brink of conflict,” he told a news conference on a visit to Lithuania, saying an invasion of Ukraine was not inevitable. Also read | Pro-Russian rebel leader announces 'general mobilisation'; 1 Ukraine soldier killed in clashes The US has been accusing Russia of amassing over 150,000 soldiers near the borders even as Kremlin announced that is pulling back. Joe Biden has been claiming that Russia can attack Ukraine “any time now”. Earlier in the day, Russian-backed separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine declared a full military mobilisation, a day after ordering women and children to evacuate to Russia, citing the threat of an imminent attack by Ukrainian forces. Both Kyiv and Washington have denied the accusation saying that increased shelling across the ceasefire line this week is part of Russia's plan to create a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ballistic, cruise missiles in exercises: Russia flexes muscles as US says Moscow ‘poised to strike’

Tehran marked the second anniversary of the killing of the country's commander Qasem Soleimani. In Baghdad, thousands of pro-Iranian supporters took to the streets to slam the US govt for the killing of the Iranian commander Soleimani. Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International airport in Iraq. Soleimani along with his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were among those killed in addition to other commanders.

2 years after Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iran calls on the UN to take formal action against the US

The Israeli military has launched missile strikes against targets in the Gaza strip. A video coming in from the region shows three huge explosions as Israeli fighter jets were heard flying over the area.

The Israeli military has launched missile strikes against targets in the Gaza strip

Pakistan’s petroleum dealers launched a nationwide protest against the government on Thursday for failing to raise their profit margins.

Several privately-owned petrol stations were closed across the country in response to the call by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA).

According to the PPDA handout, a meeting of petrol dealers was held at Faletti's Hotel in Lahore on Saturday, where it was noted that the government had promised to raise the dealers' profit margin three years ago.

"The promise remains unfulfilled to date ... [and] now, because of [growing] inflation and increase in the prices of petroleum products, it has become difficult for dealers to run fuel stations," the press release read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/entire-nation-is-crying-maryam-nawaz-slams-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-421413">'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Kha</a>n

However, the association did not mention when the strike will end, according to the Dawn newspaper.

The retailers had been seeking a nine-rupee rise—which the government has been reluctant to do so.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sugar-crisis-in-pakistan-imran-khan-govt-decides-to-put-up-entire-sugar-stock-for-sale-427856">Sugar crisis in Pakistan: Imran Khan govt decides to put up entire sugar stock for sale</a>

Pakistan’s energy minister Hammad Azhar categorically said that only "legitimate demands" will be accepted and warned that those seeking a nine-rupee raise would face disappointment.

The minister asked the dealers to reconsider, saying that their protest was inconveniencing the public.

However, he made it clear that the government will not accept any illegitimate demands.

"Some groups want to use this strike to have a raise of nine rupees," the Dawn quoted the minister as saying.

"A nine-rupee raise cannot be granted just to benefit a few companies. Legitimate demands will be accepted, illegitimate ones will be not," declared the minister.

Meanwhile, a meeting is underway between the representatives of all the major oil marketing companies, petroleum dealers and officials of the petroleum division.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s petroleum dealers launched a nationwide protest against the government on Thursday for failing to raise their profit margins. Several privately-owned petrol stations were closed across the country in response to the call by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA).

Pakistan’s petroleum dealers launched a nationwide protest against the government on Thursday for failing to raise their profit margins. Several privately-owned petrol stations were closed across the country in response to the call by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA). According to the PPDA handout, a meeting of petrol dealers was held at Faletti's Hotel in Lahore on Saturday, where it was noted that the government had promised to raise the dealers' profit margin three years ago. "The promise remains unfulfilled to date ... [and] now, because of [growing] inflation and increase in the prices of petroleum products, it has become difficult for dealers to run fuel stations," the press release read. Also read | 'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan However, the association did not mention when the strike will end, according to the Dawn newspaper. The retailers had been seeking a nine-rupee rise—which the government has been reluctant to do so. Also read | Sugar crisis in Pakistan: Imran Khan govt decides to put up entire sugar stock for sale Pakistan’s energy minister Hammad Azhar categorically said that only "legitimate demands" will be accepted and warned that those seeking a nine-rupee raise would face disappointment. The minister asked the dealers to reconsider, saying that their protest was inconveniencing the public. However, he made it clear that the government will not accept any illegitimate demands. "Some groups want to use this strike to have a raise of nine rupees," the Dawn quoted the minister as saying. "A nine-rupee raise cannot be granted just to benefit a few companies. Legitimate demands will be accepted, illegitimate ones will be not," declared the minister. Meanwhile, a meeting is underway between the representatives of all the major oil marketing companies, petroleum dealers and officials of the petroleum division. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has finally ended his hunger strike after he was moved to a military hospital from a prison clinic. The jailed leader has been on a hunger strike for 50 days after his return from exile in Ukraine on October 1.

There have been reports of him being in critical condition as a result of the hunger strike. The authorities have been urged to move him to a regular clinic after he fainted. Initially, the medical recommendations were rejected. However, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze recently told that they were open to moving Saakashvili to a military hospital to ensure that "his health and security will be protected at most by the state."

The pro-Western reformer president refused food for 37 days to protest his imprisonment, which he says is politically motivated.&nbsp; 
Saakashvili's lawyer, while speaking to AFP said, "He still is in a life-threatening condition and was placed in an intensive care ward," Kipshidze told AFP."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jailed-saakashvili-critical-after-being-on-hunger-strike-for-weeks-430262">Also read |&nbsp;Jailed Saakashvili ‘critical’ after being on hunger strike for weeks</a>

The US State Department has urged the Georgian government to "treat Mr Saakashvili fairly and with dignity". Several opposition lawmakers had been on hunger strike for days, demanding proper medical care for Saakashvili.

Georgia must take steps "to inform the Court about the applicant's current state of health, to ensure his safety in prison, and to provide him with appropriate medical care for the post-hunger-strike recovery period," the European Court of Human Rights said last week. It also urged Saakashvili to "call off his hunger strike."

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has finally ended his hunger strike after he was moved to a military hospital from a prison clinic. The jailed leader has been on a hunger strike for 50 days after his return from exile in Ukraine on October 1.

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has finally ended his hunger strike after he was moved to a military hospital from a prison clinic. The jailed leader has been on a hunger strike for 50 days after his return from exile in Ukraine on October 1. There have been reports of him being in critical condition as a result of the hunger strike. The authorities have been urged to move him to a regular clinic after he fainted. Initially, the medical recommendations were rejected. However, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze recently told that they were open to moving Saakashvili to a military hospital to ensure that "his health and security will be protected at most by the state." The pro-Western reformer president refused food for 37 days to protest his imprisonment, which he says is politically motivated. Saakashvili's lawyer, while speaking to AFP said, "He still is in a life-threatening condition and was placed in an intensive care ward," Kipshidze told AFP." Also read | Jailed Saakashvili ‘critical’ after being on hunger strike for weeks The US State Department has urged the Georgian government to "treat Mr Saakashvili fairly and with dignity". Several opposition lawmakers had been on hunger strike for days, demanding proper medical care for Saakashvili. Georgia must take steps "to inform the Court about the applicant's current state of health, to ensure his safety in prison, and to provide him with appropriate medical care for the post-hunger-strike recovery period," the European Court of Human Rights said last week. It also urged Saakashvili to "call off his hunger strike." (With inputs from agencies)

Georgia: Jailed Saakashvili ends hunger strike after 50 days; moved to military hospital

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has been on a hunger strike for weeks and is now in critical condition. The opposition leader is in jail and thus lacks proper care.

The government has refused to move him from prison hospital to a civilian clinic against the advice of doctors. They have further warned of the risk to Saakashvili's life.

A council of medics has said that his "current status is assessed as critical" and that he faced a risk of fatal complications in the "immediate future".

The pro-Western reformer president from 2004-2013 was arrested on October 1 on his return from exile in Ukraine. He then refused food for 37 days to protest his imprisonment, which he says is politically motivated.

The jailing of the country's foremost opposition leader fuelled a protracted political crisis that gripped Georgia last year after the opposition denounced fraud in parliamentary elections won narrowly by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-to-support-georgias-jailed-ex-leader-saakashvili-427299">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands protest to support Georgia's jailed ex-leader Saakashvili</a>

The US State Department has urged the Georgian government to "treat Mr Saakashvili fairly and with dignity". Also, several opposition lawmakers have been on hunger strike for days, demanding proper medical care for Saakashvili.

Georgia must take steps "to inform the Court about the applicant's current state of health, to ensure his safety in prison, and to provide him with appropriate medical care for the post-hunger-strike recovery period," the European Court of Human Rights said last week. It also urged Saakashvili to "call off his hunger strike."

Thousands in Georgia rallied to show support for country's jailed ex-president amid growing fears over his health.

The protesters waved Georgian flags and chanted Saakashvili's name. The protests were carried out outside the prison in Rustavi city.&nbsp;

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One of the demonstrators, actor Bachi Valishvili, 26, said: "The Georgian government is leading us into an abyss of tyranny. We demand our democracy back."

"We demand Georgia's third president be transferred to a proper clinic and treated adequately, so that his life is saved," he added.

With inputs from agencies

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has been on a hunger strike for weeks and is now in critical condition. The opposition leader is in jail and thus lacks proper care.

Georgia's ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili has been on a hunger strike for weeks and is now in critical condition. The opposition leader is in jail and thus lacks proper care. The government has refused to move him from prison hospital to a civilian clinic against the advice of doctors. They have further warned of the risk to Saakashvili's life. A council of medics has said that his "current status is assessed as critical" and that he faced a risk of fatal complications in the "immediate future". The pro-Western reformer president from 2004-2013 was arrested on October 1 on his return from exile in Ukraine. He then refused food for 37 days to protest his imprisonment, which he says is politically motivated. The jailing of the country's foremost opposition leader fuelled a protracted political crisis that gripped Georgia last year after the opposition denounced fraud in parliamentary elections won narrowly by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Also read | Thousands protest to support Georgia's jailed ex-leader Saakashvili The US State Department has urged the Georgian government to "treat Mr Saakashvili fairly and with dignity". Also, several opposition lawmakers have been on hunger strike for days, demanding proper medical care for Saakashvili. Georgia must take steps "to inform the Court about the applicant's current state of health, to ensure his safety in prison, and to provide him with appropriate medical care for the post-hunger-strike recovery period," the European Court of Human Rights said last week. It also urged Saakashvili to "call off his hunger strike." Thousands in Georgia rallied to show support for country's jailed ex-president amid growing fears over his health. The protesters waved Georgian flags and chanted Saakashvili's name. The protests were carried out outside the prison in Rustavi city. Also read | Pakistan parliament passes bill for chemical castration of habitual rapists One of the demonstrators, actor Bachi Valishvili, 26, said: "The Georgian government is leading us into an abyss of tyranny. We demand our democracy back." "We demand Georgia's third president be transferred to a proper clinic and treated adequately, so that his life is saved," he added. With inputs from agencies

Jailed Saakashvili ‘critical’ after being on hunger strike for weeks

An independent Pentagon review has concluded that the US drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children in the final days of the Afghanistan war was not caused by misconduct or negligence, and it doesn't recommend any disciplinary action.

United States: Pentagon review concludes no misconduct

The German labour union has called on employees to strike at seven different Amazon locations in a protracted pay dispute.

German union calls for strikes at seven Amazon sites

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US&nbsp;tech giant over better pay and working conditions.

Germany is Amazon's biggest market after the United States, and Verdi, a leading services sector union, has been organising strikes on and off at Amazon sites in the country since 2013 to protest low pay and poor conditions.

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Verdi said it had called the latest strike to demand a rise in pay in line with agreements the union has reached with the broader retail and mail-order industries in Germany.

The union said workers at three Amazon warehouses in the states of Saxony and Hesse would go out on strike on Monday, coinciding with All Saints&nbsp;Day, which is a public holiday in some German states.

It would not say how many workers joined the strike on Monday.

Workers at four more locations will go on strike starting in the early hours of Tuesday, and the strikes would last from between 24 hours to up to three days, Verdi said.

"It is unacceptable that a multinational corporation worth billions and (which) makes money hand over fist still refuses to give employees the wage increases that other companies in the industry pay," Verdi representative Orhan Akman said in a statement.

Verdi said it wants Amazon to recognise the collective agreements in the retail and mail order industry, and to reach an agreement over fair working conditions with Amazon.

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Amazon said in a statement that it offers excellent pay, benefits and career opportunities.

The company said it was not seeing any impact on its clients as a result of the strike.

Earlier this year, Amazon said it would guarantee an entry-level wage at its German warehouses of 12 euros&nbsp;an hour from July, which will rise to at least 12.50 euros per hour from autumn 2022.

Amazon's wages exceed Germany's current minimum wage of 9.60 euros per hour. Germany's minimum wage, however, is set rise to 12 euros if an agreement is reached by the next coalition government of the centre-left Social

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US tech giant over better pay and working conditions.

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US tech giant over better pay and working conditions. Germany is Amazon's biggest market after the United States, and Verdi, a leading services sector union, has been organising strikes on and off at Amazon sites in the country since 2013 to protest low pay and poor conditions. Also Read | US lawmakers protest more intensely than Indians over Amazon's rigging in India: CAIT Verdi said it had called the latest strike to demand a rise in pay in line with agreements the union has reached with the broader retail and mail-order industries in Germany. The union said workers at three Amazon warehouses in the states of Saxony and Hesse would go out on strike on Monday, coinciding with All Saints Day, which is a public holiday in some German states. It would not say how many workers joined the strike on Monday. Workers at four more locations will go on strike starting in the early hours of Tuesday, and the strikes would last from between 24 hours to up to three days, Verdi said. "It is unacceptable that a multinational corporation worth billions and (which) makes money hand over fist still refuses to give employees the wage increases that other companies in the industry pay," Verdi representative Orhan Akman said in a statement. Verdi said it wants Amazon to recognise the collective agreements in the retail and mail order industry, and to reach an agreement over fair working conditions with Amazon. Also Read | Man dubbed as 'real-life Mowgli' now wears a suit and goes to school Amazon said in a statement that it offers excellent pay, benefits and career opportunities. The company said it was not seeing any impact on its clients as a result of the strike. Earlier this year, Amazon said it would guarantee an entry-level wage at its German warehouses of 12 euros an hour from July, which will rise to at least 12.50 euros per hour from autumn 2022. Amazon's wages exceed Germany's current minimum wage of 9.60 euros per hour. Germany's minimum wage, however, is set rise to 12 euros if an agreement is reached by the next coalition government of the centre-left Social

Amazon workers in Germany to strike for better pay

At least&nbsp;14&nbsp;people were killed and another three injured when&nbsp;lightning&nbsp;struck two houses in northwestern&nbsp;Pakistan, officials said Sunday.

The incident took place in Torghar, a mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential monsoon rains and landslides have caused havoc since Wednesday.

"At least&nbsp;14&nbsp;people from the same extended family were killed after&nbsp;lightning&nbsp;struck two adjoined houses," Kamran Bangash, the provincial spokesman, told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-to-move-ahead-with-us-based-mcc-says-nepal-pm-deuba-412527">Also read |&nbsp;Talks to move ahead with US-based MCC, says Nepal PM Deuba</a>

The dead included five children and four women, he added.

The monsoon, which usually lasts from June to September, is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing water supplies across the Indian subcontinent, but each year also brings a wave of destruction.

In a similar incident in November 2019, some 18 people were killed by a&nbsp;lightning&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in&nbsp;Pakistan's Thar desert.

At least 14 people were killed and another three injured when lightning struck two houses in northwestern Pakistan, officials said Sunday. The incident took place in Torghar, a mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential monsoon rains and landslides have caused havoc since Wednesday.

At least 14 people were killed and another three injured when lightning struck two houses in northwestern Pakistan, officials said Sunday. The incident took place in Torghar, a mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential monsoon rains and landslides have caused havoc since Wednesday. "At least 14 people from the same extended family were killed after lightning struck two adjoined houses," Kamran Bangash, the provincial spokesman, told AFP. Also read | Talks to move ahead with US-based MCC, says Nepal PM Deuba The dead included five children and four women, he added. The monsoon, which usually lasts from June to September, is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing water supplies across the Indian subcontinent, but each year also brings a wave of destruction. In a similar incident in November 2019, some 18 people were killed by a lightning strike in Pakistan's Thar desert.

Lightning strike kills 14 in northwest Pakistan

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members.&nbsp;

Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades

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Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

"And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822" hreflang="en">We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a>

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. &nbsp;

In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." &nbsp;

Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. &nbsp;

"Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country. The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members. Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades × Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.” "And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. Also Read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. "Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone strikes to continue in Afghanistan when needed, says Pentagon

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. &nbsp;

On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

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The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/british-ex-marine-survived-kabul-attack-with-200-animals-408968" hreflang="en">British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals</a>&nbsp;

The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." &nbsp;

It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-against-is-as-afghanistan-overshadows-iraq-summit-408982" hreflang="en">Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit</a>

The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. &nbsp;

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports.

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. Watch: United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan × The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties. Also Read: British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not. Also Read: Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

After suicide attack, US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report   

The main workers' union at the&nbsp;world's biggest&nbsp;copper&nbsp;mine,&nbsp;Chile's Escondida, announced Friday it had&nbsp;reached&nbsp;an&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;with Anglo-Australian giant BHP to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;a&nbsp;strike.

The union, which counts more than 2,000 members, said it had obtained "almost unanimous" approval for a new collective&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;proposed by management, cancelling a&nbsp;strike&nbsp;notice that it had filed on July 31.

BHP had already said earlier in the week that negotiations had ended, "resulting in the final content of the collective contract and closing conditions," however the&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;had yet to be accepted by the union.

Neither BHP nor the union published the financial details of the deal, although the company confirmed in a bulletin that the negotiated conditions would be in force for 36 months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-in-portland-oregon-close-early-amid-scorching-heat-405201">Also read |&nbsp;Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat</a>

"This afternoon, after almost unanimous acceptance by our base, we formalised the signing of our new collective contract, which includes the gains obtained during collective bargaining," the union said.

Local media reported that the&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;included a bonus for each union member of $23,000, as well as nearly $4,000 for extra days worked, in addition to other provisions.

Workers at the Escondida&nbsp;mine&nbsp;had announced their intention to&nbsp;strike&nbsp;after insisting their demands for a one-off bonus to recognize their work during the coronavirus pandemic had not been met.

In 2017, Escondida workers staged a 44-day&nbsp;strike&nbsp;-- the longest ever in the Chilean mining industry -- that lost BHP $740 million and provoked a 1.3 percent fall in the country's GDP.

Chile&nbsp;is the&nbsp;world's&nbsp;largest&nbsp;copper&nbsp;producer, with 5.6 million tons a year that make up 28 percent of global output, much of which is sold to China, the&nbsp;world's biggest consumer.

Mining makes up 10-15 percent of&nbsp;Chile's GDP and half of its exports.

The main workers' union at the world's biggest copper mine, Chile's Escondida, announced Friday it had reached an agreement with Anglo-Australian giant BHP to avoid a strike.

The main workers' union at the world's biggest copper mine, Chile's Escondida, announced Friday it had reached an agreement with Anglo-Australian giant BHP to avoid a strike. The union, which counts more than 2,000 members, said it had obtained "almost unanimous" approval for a new collective agreement proposed by management, cancelling a strike notice that it had filed on July 31. BHP had already said earlier in the week that negotiations had ended, "resulting in the final content of the collective contract and closing conditions," however the agreement had yet to be accepted by the union. Neither BHP nor the union published the financial details of the deal, although the company confirmed in a bulletin that the negotiated conditions would be in force for 36 months. Also read | Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat "This afternoon, after almost unanimous acceptance by our base, we formalised the signing of our new collective contract, which includes the gains obtained during collective bargaining," the union said. Local media reported that the agreement included a bonus for each union member of $23,000, as well as nearly $4,000 for extra days worked, in addition to other provisions. Workers at the Escondida mine had announced their intention to strike after insisting their demands for a one-off bonus to recognize their work during the coronavirus pandemic had not been met. In 2017, Escondida workers staged a 44-day strike -- the longest ever in the Chilean mining industry -- that lost BHP $740 million and provoked a 1.3 percent fall in the country's GDP. Chile is the world's largest copper producer, with 5.6 million tons a year that make up 28 percent of global output, much of which is sold to China, the world's biggest consumer. Mining makes up 10-15 percent of Chile's GDP and half of its exports.

Agreement reached to avoid strike at world's largest copper mine in Chile

A senior member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Commander was killed in a strike at the Iraq-Syria border.

Report: Iranian revolutionary guard Commander killed by drone strike in Syria

Colombian unions, student groups and other protesters converged outside the country's Congress on Monday (December 16) against rumoured economic reform plans that critics argue give businesses too many tax breaks.

National strike converges on Colombia's Congress amidst outrage over tax reform

Thousands of protesters took part in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-with-protest-leaders-colombian-government-265835">anti-government demonstrations in&nbsp;Colombia's</a> capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's&nbsp;third&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in two weeks.

Strike&nbsp;leaders say they intend to maintain&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;right-wing President Ivan&nbsp;Duque's government, after brushing aside his appeals to cancel the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;the grounds its effects were crippling the economy.

But crowds were smaller than previous demonstrations as protests took place for a 14th consecutive day.

Some roads were blocked in the capital and in the northeastern city of Cali, but many businesses remained open.

Around 250,000 people took part in the first demonstration against&nbsp;Duque's 15-month-old government&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 21, when the initial&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;brought the country to a standstill.

Watch: Talks between Colombia strike committee, government end in deadlock

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"The Colombian people have woken up!" shouted Paola Jiminez, a 41-year-old lawyer taking part in a pot-banging "cacerolazo" demonstration in Bogota.

"Colombians are finding it more and more difficult financially," she said.

A student taking part in one of several peaceful protests in Bogota, who gave his name as Nicolas, held up a banner saying: "The state lies more than my ex."

Police were deployed in nearby streets, but there were no confrontations of the kind that have marred <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-in-colombia-spark-backlash-against-venezuelan-migrants-265637">some protests</a> over the last two weeks, during which four people died. Some 500 have been injured.

On&nbsp;Tuesday, the Colombian National&nbsp;Strike&nbsp;Committee,&nbsp;comprising unions, students and teacher organisations, indigenous groups and the opposition, met directly with&nbsp;Duque's advisors for the first time but reached no agreement.&nbsp;

Another meeting was scheduled for Thursday.

Under fire for his economic policies and corruption in the country,&nbsp;Duque&nbsp;launched a national dialogue with mayors and other officials 10 days ago.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;committee has presented&nbsp;Duque&nbsp;with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas.

Among them is a call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticised for its heavy-handed response to protesters.

Duque&nbsp;has yielded to some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-strikers-expand-demands-include-possible-talks-with-rebels-265296">demands&nbsp;on&nbsp;tax reform</a>, announcing the return of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people

Thousands of protesters took part in anti-government demonstrations in Colombia's capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's third general strike in two weeks.

Thousands of protesters took part in anti-government demonstrations in Colombia's capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's third general strike in two weeks. Strike leaders say they intend to maintain pressure on right-wing President Ivan Duque's government, after brushing aside his appeals to cancel the strike on the grounds its effects were crippling the economy. But crowds were smaller than previous demonstrations as protests took place for a 14th consecutive day. Some roads were blocked in the capital and in the northeastern city of Cali, but many businesses remained open. Around 250,000 people took part in the first demonstration against Duque's 15-month-old government on November 21, when the initial general strike brought the country to a standstill. Watch: Talks between Colombia strike committee, government end in deadlock "The Colombian people have woken up!" shouted Paola Jiminez, a 41-year-old lawyer taking part in a pot-banging "cacerolazo" demonstration in Bogota. "Colombians are finding it more and more difficult financially," she said. A student taking part in one of several peaceful protests in Bogota, who gave his name as Nicolas, held up a banner saying: "The state lies more than my ex." Police were deployed in nearby streets, but there were no confrontations of the kind that have marred some protests over the last two weeks, during which four people died. Some 500 have been injured. On Tuesday, the Colombian National Strike Committee, comprising unions, students and teacher organisations, indigenous groups and the opposition, met directly with Duque's advisors for the first time but reached no agreement. Another meeting was scheduled for Thursday. Under fire for his economic policies and corruption in the country, Duque launched a national dialogue with mayors and other officials 10 days ago. The strike committee has presented Duque with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas. Among them is a call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticised for its heavy-handed response to protesters. Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the return of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people

Colombia: Third general strike keeps pressure on Duque

Colombian unions and student groups marked a third national strike on Wednesday (December 4) with marches, chants and dancing, ahead of additional dialog between protest leaders and the government over President Ivan Duque's social and economic policies.

Ten of thousands of protesters mark third national strike in Colombia

About 3,000 workers of Canadian National Railway, the country's largest railroad operator, went on strike on Tuesday, labour union Teamsters Canada said after both parties failed to resolve contract issues.

"Conductors, train person and yard workers at Canadian National Railway are now officially on strike," the union said.

Canada, one of the world's biggest exporters of farm products, relies on its two main railways to move canola and wheat over the vast distances from western farms to ports. Crude oil shippers in Alberta have also increasingly used trains in the past year to reach US&nbsp;refineries as an alternative to congested pipelines.

The union had issued a 72-hour strike action notice period to the company on Saturday after the talks reached a stalemate, setting the momentum for the first strike at Canadian National in a decade.

Teamsters Canada spokesman Christopher Monette had said on Monday the strike comes because workers are "hitting a wall on issues related to health and safety".

The labour union's Facebook account also shared pictures of dozens of CN workers carrying placards in support of the strike on the streets of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

CN workers voted in favour of a strike in September after negotiations failed to produce a contract. The previous collective bargaining agreement expired on July 23.

The union and CN did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

About 3,000 workers of Canadian National Railway, the country's largest railroad operator, went on strike on Tuesday, labour union Teamsters Canada said after both parties failed to resolve contract issues.

About 3,000 workers of Canadian National Railway, the country's largest railroad operator, went on strike on Tuesday, labour union Teamsters Canada said after both parties failed to resolve contract issues. "Conductors, train person and yard workers at Canadian National Railway are now officially on strike," the union said. Canada, one of the world's biggest exporters of farm products, relies on its two main railways to move canola and wheat over the vast distances from western farms to ports. Crude oil shippers in Alberta have also increasingly used trains in the past year to reach US refineries as an alternative to congested pipelines. The union had issued a 72-hour strike action notice period to the company on Saturday after the talks reached a stalemate, setting the momentum for the first strike at Canadian National in a decade. Teamsters Canada spokesman Christopher Monette had said on Monday the strike comes because workers are "hitting a wall on issues related to health and safety". The labour union's Facebook account also shared pictures of dozens of CN workers carrying placards in support of the strike on the streets of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. CN workers voted in favour of a strike in September after negotiations failed to produce a contract. The previous collective bargaining agreement expired on July 23. The union and CN did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Thousands of Canadian National Railway workers go on strike

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. 
 
As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. 
 
A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain." 
 
"Approximately 40,000 troops, 700 'A' Vehicles and 300 Guns of Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Southern Command are undertaking a massive exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan showcasing their ability to undertake large scale offensive manoeuvres as part of an integrated air-land battle. 
 
The synergy of information and technology to attain battlefield transparency and situational awareness along with numerous other force multipliers are being exploited during the exercise," the statement said. 
 
It further said, "In this exercise, the newly inducted armed helicopter Rudra, equipped with electro-optical pods, helmet-mounted sights and night vision goggles is being integrated with the manoeuvres of the mechanised formations. The recently inducted 155 mm K9Vajra endowed with rapid mobility, quick deployment and high rates of accurate fire is also being op validated by integrating it with the operational manoeuvres of other mechanized elements." 
 
The various battle groups participating in the ongoing exercise have undergone extensive training for the past two months to validate their operational plans. 
 
"The operational readiness showcased by the mechanised battle groups of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps in a network-enabled environment using multiple, state of the art force multipliers, has reaffirmed the tremendous asymmetry enjoyed by the Indian Army in Southern theatre over its adversary," the statement added.

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain.

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain." "Approximately 40,000 troops, 700 'A' Vehicles and 300 Guns of Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Southern Command are undertaking a massive exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan showcasing their ability to undertake large scale offensive manoeuvres as part of an integrated air-land battle. The synergy of information and technology to attain battlefield transparency and situational awareness along with numerous other force multipliers are being exploited during the exercise," the statement said. It further said, "In this exercise, the newly inducted armed helicopter Rudra, equipped with electro-optical pods, helmet-mounted sights and night vision goggles is being integrated with the manoeuvres of the mechanised formations. The recently inducted 155 mm K9Vajra endowed with rapid mobility, quick deployment and high rates of accurate fire is also being op validated by integrating it with the operational manoeuvres of other mechanized elements." The various battle groups participating in the ongoing exercise have undergone extensive training for the past two months to validate their operational plans. "The operational readiness showcased by the mechanised battle groups of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps in a network-enabled environment using multiple, state of the art force multipliers, has reaffirmed the tremendous asymmetry enjoyed by the Indian Army in Southern theatre over its adversary," the statement added.

Indian Army showcases its striking capabilities with wargame 'Sindhu Sudarshan'

Telangana BJP president K Laxman on Saturday met BJP working president JP Nadda in Delhi and submitted a report over the ongoing strike of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees.

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Submitted a brief Report to Hon’ble BJP National Working President Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> Ji, on the ongoing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TSRTCStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TSRTCStrike</a> &amp; updated about the current political situation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/nEsJMXbY1H">pic.twitter.com/nEsJMXbY1H</a>
— Dr K Laxman (@drlaxmanbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/drlaxmanbjp/status/1190624994289541121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While speaking to ANI over the phone, Laxman recalled the incidents of police "manhandling" the BJP leaders.

He shared that BJP MP from Karimnagar, Bandi Sanjay was manhandled by police during a march held to observe the mourning of the death of a TSRTC employee.

Laxman said that he will bring all the matters to the notice of BJP president Amit Shah and Nadda.Sanjay will also move a privilege motion in the upcoming session of Parliament.Earlier on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao set November 5 deadline for protesting TSRTC employees to join back and said that there will be no merger of the transport corporation with the state government "on any condition".

"On any condition, there is no merger of RTC with government, this is decided by the state cabinet. 5100 private buses permission is granted in the state. This strike is declared illegal by labour commissioner. If any strike (is) declared illegal then employees and department relation do not exist. This agitation has started especially during the students` exams and festive season," Chandrashekar Rao told media.

Rao added, "Central government has brought the Motor Vehicles Act which permits privatization, it is the law of land. That is the reason we have taken this decision."

The Chief Minister said that 67 percent hike was done by the state government.

"After the privatization, all the passes will be valid and accepted. I am not bulldozing, according to the Centre's decision, we are acting. We will always work by keeping the public necessity in mind. 5,100 private buses are given route permit in the state. The RTC is demanding for never-ending wishes. The Cabinet decided not to merge RTC with the government. The government has courtesy towards the small jobs. And that is the reason we are hiking their salaries. There is no change in the cabinet decision of privatization," Rao said.

Before November 5, TSRTC employees who turn back will be accepted, the Chief Minister said.

"If not we will give permission to another 5,000 buses. The opposition parties are the killers. They are provoking the RTC employees and they are responsible for their deaths. RTC Unions and opposition parties are the 100 percent culprits. Nobody can dictate the government. Wherever the BJP government is present privatization has been done by them. It is BJP who removed RTC in Madhya Pradesh... If we obey the RTC demands then the other corporations will also demand for the same," Rao said.&nbsp;

Telangana BJP president K Laxman on Saturday met BJP working president JP Nadda in Delhi and submitted a report over the ongoing strike of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees.

Telangana BJP president K Laxman on Saturday met BJP working president JP Nadda in Delhi and submitted a report over the ongoing strike of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees. Submitted a brief Report to Hon’ble BJP National Working President Sri @JPNadda Ji, on the ongoing #TSRTCStrike & updated about the current political situation in #Telangana pic.twitter.com/nEsJMXbY1H — Dr K Laxman (@drlaxmanbjp) November 2, 2019 × While speaking to ANI over the phone, Laxman recalled the incidents of police "manhandling" the BJP leaders. He shared that BJP MP from Karimnagar, Bandi Sanjay was manhandled by police during a march held to observe the mourning of the death of a TSRTC employee. Laxman said that he will bring all the matters to the notice of BJP president Amit Shah and Nadda.Sanjay will also move a privilege motion in the upcoming session of Parliament.Earlier on Saturday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao set November 5 deadline for protesting TSRTC employees to join back and said that there will be no merger of the transport corporation with the state government "on any condition". "On any condition, there is no merger of RTC with government, this is decided by the state cabinet. 5100 private buses permission is granted in the state. This strike is declared illegal by labour commissioner. If any strike (is) declared illegal then employees and department relation do not exist. This agitation has started especially during the students` exams and festive season," Chandrashekar Rao told media. Rao added, "Central government has brought the Motor Vehicles Act which permits privatization, it is the law of land. That is the reason we have taken this decision." The Chief Minister said that 67 percent hike was done by the state government. "After the privatization, all the passes will be valid and accepted. I am not bulldozing, according to the Centre's decision, we are acting. We will always work by keeping the public necessity in mind. 5,100 private buses are given route permit in the state. The RTC is demanding for never-ending wishes. The Cabinet decided not to merge RTC with the government. The government has courtesy towards the small jobs. And that is the reason we are hiking their salaries. There is no change in the cabinet decision of privatization," Rao said. Before November 5, TSRTC employees who turn back will be accepted, the Chief Minister said. "If not we will give permission to another 5,000 buses. The opposition parties are the killers. They are provoking the RTC employees and they are responsible for their deaths. RTC Unions and opposition parties are the 100 percent culprits. Nobody can dictate the government. Wherever the BJP government is present privatization has been done by them. It is BJP who removed RTC in Madhya Pradesh... If we obey the RTC demands then the other corporations will also demand for the same," Rao said.

Telangana BJP chief submits report to JP Nadda over TSRTC employees strike

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday&nbsp;said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions.

The walkout at Lufthansa brands Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Line and Sunexpress had initially been scheduled for 0300-0900 GMT, but the union in a statement on Sunday said industrial action would now be extended until midnight local time (2200 GMT), citing threats made by the airline over jobs as the reason.

A Lufthansa spokesman said the strike was illegal because UFO's status as a negotiator on behalf of staff was in doubt.

Lufthansa on Friday had offered a 2 per cent&nbsp;pay rise to cabin staff, prompting the union to call off a planned strike at Lufthansa's namesake core brand at hubs Frankfurt and Munich.

But the dispute deteriorated after UFO found the offer lacked concessions on expenses and employment conditions.

The cabin crew union has for months fought with the airline in court over UFO's legal status. Lufthansa claims the union's new leadership team that took office earlier this year was not elected in a way that met legal requirements.

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions.

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions. The walkout at Lufthansa brands Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Line and Sunexpress had initially been scheduled for 0300-0900 GMT, but the union in a statement on Sunday said industrial action would now be extended until midnight local time (2200 GMT), citing threats made by the airline over jobs as the reason. A Lufthansa spokesman said the strike was illegal because UFO's status as a negotiator on behalf of staff was in doubt. Lufthansa on Friday had offered a 2 per cent pay rise to cabin staff, prompting the union to call off a planned strike at Lufthansa's namesake core brand at hubs Frankfurt and Munich. But the dispute deteriorated after UFO found the offer lacked concessions on expenses and employment conditions. The cabin crew union has for months fought with the airline in court over UFO's legal status. Lufthansa claims the union's new leadership team that took office earlier this year was not elected in a way that met legal requirements.

Lufthansa cabin crew union stages all-day strike at smaller airlines

Bangladesh's already congested capital Dhaka was further disrupted Monday as thousands of Uber drivers went on strike in the city of 20 million, demanding a cut in the commission they pay to the global ridesharing giant.

Uber, which has helped to shake up local transportation worldwide and whose shares went public this year, has seen a backlash in many countries against its business practices from regulators and drivers alike.

Two driver unions called a 24-hour strike to protest against the 25 per cent cut they give Uber, as well as other restrictions in the mobile-based ridesharing app, union leader Kaiyum Ahmed Shuvo told AFP.

Another leader, Belal Ahmed, said out of the 12,000 Uber drivers active in Dhaka at least 7,000 had joined the strike, due to end early Tuesday morning.

Among several demands, the drivers want Uber to cut its commission to 12 per cent and also remove the daily 12-hour limit on their working hours.

"We called the strike because Uber has not paid any heed to our demands. If they don't meet our demands we will announce a new set of actions very soon," Shuvo said.

As part of their protest, scores of drivers formed a human chain on a busy Dhaka road.

The strike wrought havoc in Dhaka as tens of thousands of middle-class people depend on ridesharing to commute to work.

Uber, the world's largest ridesharing company, launched operations in the South Asian nation in 2016, and some 100,000 drivers have since signed up.

Bangladesh transport authorities initially banned the app -- terming it an "illegal taxi service" -- but later parliament passed laws allowing over half a dozen local and international ridesharing firms to operate in the country of 168 million.

Uber Bangladesh apologized for the "disruption" caused by what it said was "due to a small group of individuals".

"We have processes in place for our driver-partners to address concerns," Uber said.

Apart from Uber, homegrown motorbike ridesharing service Pathao is hugely popular among Dhaka commuters as it has already racked up 200,000 registered drivers and 100,000 transactions per day.

Bangladesh's already congested capital Dhaka was further disrupted Monday as thousands of Uber drivers went on strike in the city of 20 million, demanding a cut in the commission they pay to the global ridesharing giant.

Bangladesh's already congested capital Dhaka was further disrupted Monday as thousands of Uber drivers went on strike in the city of 20 million, demanding a cut in the commission they pay to the global ridesharing giant. Uber, which has helped to shake up local transportation worldwide and whose shares went public this year, has seen a backlash in many countries against its business practices from regulators and drivers alike. Two driver unions called a 24-hour strike to protest against the 25 per cent cut they give Uber, as well as other restrictions in the mobile-based ridesharing app, union leader Kaiyum Ahmed Shuvo told AFP. Another leader, Belal Ahmed, said out of the 12,000 Uber drivers active in Dhaka at least 7,000 had joined the strike, due to end early Tuesday morning. Among several demands, the drivers want Uber to cut its commission to 12 per cent and also remove the daily 12-hour limit on their working hours. "We called the strike because Uber has not paid any heed to our demands. If they don't meet our demands we will announce a new set of actions very soon," Shuvo said. As part of their protest, scores of drivers formed a human chain on a busy Dhaka road. The strike wrought havoc in Dhaka as tens of thousands of middle-class people depend on ridesharing to commute to work. Uber, the world's largest ridesharing company, launched operations in the South Asian nation in 2016, and some 100,000 drivers have since signed up. Bangladesh transport authorities initially banned the app -- terming it an "illegal taxi service" -- but later parliament passed laws allowing over half a dozen local and international ridesharing firms to operate in the country of 168 million. Uber Bangladesh apologized for the "disruption" caused by what it said was "due to a small group of individuals". "We have processes in place for our driver-partners to address concerns," Uber said. Apart from Uber, homegrown motorbike ridesharing service Pathao is hugely popular among Dhaka commuters as it has already racked up 200,000 registered drivers and 100,000 transactions per day.

Bangladesh Uber drivers strike for commission cut

All India Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Trade Unions Co-ordination Committee (AIHALTUCC) on Monday started its indefinite strike for 'fair and early settlement of wage revision of the employees'.

Speaking to ANI, General Secretary of Hindustan Aeronautics Employees Association (HAEA) Suryadevara Chandrashekhar said: "The HAL executives have taken a gross hike of 35 per cent and 110 per cent to 140 per cent in perks and we are just demanding parity." He said that so far 11 rounds of negotiations had been held with the management and wage committees but nothing fruitful was achieved as the management was claiming that the company's financial condition was not good.

Chandrashekhar said that the AIHALTUCC had "no other option as they are forced to go on agitation path, for achieving fair and early wage revision of the employees."

On October 1, in a letter to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Chandrashekhar had said that the firm "did not respect the advice of the Defence Ministry and the Conciliation authorities to negotiate and resolve the issue in an amicable way."

Responding to the letter, the HAL had said that the proposed indefinite strike by firm's trade union was illegal and workers would&nbsp;lose various company benefits if they go ahead with it.

The statement further read that the AIHALTUCC has decided to resort to an indefinite strike to fulfil their "untenable demands" and the unreasonable nature of their demands had been brought out in a number of meetings.

HAL added that the management was open for discussions and conclusion of wage revision effective from January 1 could be achieved only with the co-operation of the unions based on realistic and affordable demands.

All India Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Trade Unions Co-ordination Committee (AIHALTUCC) on Monday started its indefinite strike for 'fair and early settlement of wage revision of the employees'.

All India Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Trade Unions Co-ordination Committee (AIHALTUCC) on Monday started its indefinite strike for 'fair and early settlement of wage revision of the employees'. Speaking to ANI, General Secretary of Hindustan Aeronautics Employees Association (HAEA) Suryadevara Chandrashekhar said: "The HAL executives have taken a gross hike of 35 per cent and 110 per cent to 140 per cent in perks and we are just demanding parity." He said that so far 11 rounds of negotiations had been held with the management and wage committees but nothing fruitful was achieved as the management was claiming that the company's financial condition was not good. Chandrashekhar said that the AIHALTUCC had "no other option as they are forced to go on agitation path, for achieving fair and early wage revision of the employees." On October 1, in a letter to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Chandrashekhar had said that the firm "did not respect the advice of the Defence Ministry and the Conciliation authorities to negotiate and resolve the issue in an amicable way." Responding to the letter, the HAL had said that the proposed indefinite strike by firm's trade union was illegal and workers would lose various company benefits if they go ahead with it. The statement further read that the AIHALTUCC has decided to resort to an indefinite strike to fulfil their "untenable demands" and the unreasonable nature of their demands had been brought out in a number of meetings. HAL added that the management was open for discussions and conclusion of wage revision effective from January 1 could be achieved only with the co-operation of the unions based on realistic and affordable demands.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited employees launch indefinite countrywide strike over wage revision

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice.

Nearly 50,000 GM hourly employees have been striking since September 16 in a walkout that has halted production at 31 factories and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gm-temporarily-lays-off-6000-workers-in-mexico-due-to-strike-253197"> led to thousands of layoffs</a> at auto supply companies.

"It's not easy," Johnson said. "I've got $45 left from my $250 in strike pay. I'm getting ready to hit up my 401K (retirement account) and borrow from myself," she said as she picketed outside GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

GM employees who are boycotting receive only $250 a week, a minuscule fraction of their normal salaries.

Johnson has already contacted the United Way, the local community organization that helps families in distress, for assistance in stretching out her utility bills and mortgage payments. &nbsp;

The union has urged members to contact a community information and referral services hotline and passed out cards with the corresponding phone number, Johnson said.

Credit unions supported by organized labour have also stepped forward to help some of the strikers.

"I don't see how you can feed five children on $250 a week," said Johnson, noting that many of her coworkers face even greater hardships, especially temporary employees.

The UAW says the typical GM worker at the top of the pay scale makes an average of $65,000 per year and employees with less than eight years seniority make even less.

Meanwhile, the seven per cent of GM workers classified as temporary employees make&nbsp;$16.50 per hour or about $33,000 per year.

Community support&nbsp;

Louis Rocha, president of UAW Local 5960 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, who works at an assembly plant where GM builds electric vehicles, said community support has been helpful.

Local 5960 runs a striking kitchen that prepares food around the clock and gives away free meals thanks to donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and ordinary people.

Pizza has been delivered free of charge to the hall every day since the strike began on September 16, he added.

Rocha even recounted the story of a local veterinarian who offered to do surgery on a family's cat for free so that they didn't have to euthanize it.

Gerald Lang, Local 5960 vice president, said he doesn't believe GM ever anticipated the broad community support the UAW has gotten during the walkout.

"There are a lot of workers pinched by corporations. Everyone who packs a lunch box sees it and knows it. They're expected to do more with less," said Lang.

Workers have been learning to economize on food, transportation and entertainment.

David Michael, a member of Local 5960, said he dropped cable television and switched to processed food.

"I buy gas by the gallon rather than filling it up," said Michael, who has dipped into savings to cover his bills.

Diana Reed, who has worked for GM for 20 years and is also a member of Local 5960, said she's begun combing her house for belongings to sell on an online marketplace.

A single mother with five sons, Reed said her three oldest have jobs and are helping with household bills while her youngest two, both at university, took the semester off to save money since she pays their tuition.

"Do I feel bad? Yes. But it's a concession we had to make," Reed said.

"It's hard for people to save for something like this," said Reed, who notes that most workers with children live paycheck to paycheck.

Reed, who has previously made donations to food pantries, now finds the tables turned, accepting donated food.

"I had to put down my pride and that was hard. The big thing that made me put that down was thinking about my boys," she said.

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice.

Betty Johnson, who has worked on General Motors assembly lines in Michigan and Tennessee for more than 34 years, said she knew a strike by the United Auto Workers would mean personal sacrifice. Nearly 50,000 GM hourly employees have been striking since September 16 in a walkout that has halted production at 31 factories and led to thousands of layoffs at auto supply companies. "It's not easy," Johnson said. "I've got $45 left from my $250 in strike pay. I'm getting ready to hit up my 401K (retirement account) and borrow from myself," she said as she picketed outside GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. GM employees who are boycotting receive only $250 a week, a minuscule fraction of their normal salaries. Johnson has already contacted the United Way, the local community organization that helps families in distress, for assistance in stretching out her utility bills and mortgage payments. The union has urged members to contact a community information and referral services hotline and passed out cards with the corresponding phone number, Johnson said. Credit unions supported by organized labour have also stepped forward to help some of the strikers. "I don't see how you can feed five children on $250 a week," said Johnson, noting that many of her coworkers face even greater hardships, especially temporary employees. The UAW says the typical GM worker at the top of the pay scale makes an average of $65,000 per year and employees with less than eight years seniority make even less. Meanwhile, the seven per cent of GM workers classified as temporary employees make $16.50 per hour or about $33,000 per year. Community support Louis Rocha, president of UAW Local 5960 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, who works at an assembly plant where GM builds electric vehicles, said community support has been helpful. Local 5960 runs a striking kitchen that prepares food around the clock and gives away free meals thanks to donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and ordinary people. Pizza has been delivered free of charge to the hall every day since the strike began on September 16, he added. Rocha even recounted the story of a local veterinarian who offered to do surgery on a family's cat for free so that they didn't have to euthanize it. Gerald Lang, Local 5960 vice president, said he doesn't believe GM ever anticipated the broad community support the UAW has gotten during the walkout. "There are a lot of workers pinched by corporations. Everyone who packs a lunch box sees it and knows it. They're expected to do more with less," said Lang. Workers have been learning to economize on food, transportation and entertainment. David Michael, a member of Local 5960, said he dropped cable television and switched to processed food. "I buy gas by the gallon rather than filling it up," said Michael, who has dipped into savings to cover his bills. Diana Reed, who has worked for GM for 20 years and is also a member of Local 5960, said she's begun combing her house for belongings to sell on an online marketplace. A single mother with five sons, Reed said her three oldest have jobs and are helping with household bills while her youngest two, both at university, took the semester off to save money since she pays their tuition. "Do I feel bad? Yes. But it's a concession we had to make," Reed said. "It's hard for people to save for something like this," said Reed, who notes that most workers with children live paycheck to paycheck. Reed, who has previously made donations to food pantries, now finds the tables turned, accepting donated food. "I had to put down my pride and that was hard. The big thing that made me put that down was thinking about my boys," she said.

General Motors workers struggle with daily expenses as long strike continues

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-summons-israeli-envoy-over-temple-mount-violations-243956">Jordan's government</a> said on Sunday it has reached a pay deal with the teachers union to end a one-month strike, the country's longest public sector strike that disrupted schooling for more than 1.5 million students.

The deal came after the strike threatened a deepening political crisis when the government last week began legal steps against the unions after they rejected pay hikes they said were "bread crumbs" and the government said it could not afford to give more.

The pay deal will see salaries rise by 35 per cent&nbsp;to 60 per cent&nbsp;from next year. It comes after weeks of deadlock with the government intransigent over meeting an original 50 per cent&nbsp;pay rise demanded by the unions that it said would strain the heavily indebted country's finances.

Officials said that King Abdullah had ordered the government to reach the hefty wage deal which tests the ability of Prime Minister Omar al Razzaz to stay on track in implementing tough fiscal reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at reducing a record $40 billion public debt.

The government fears new pay demands by other public sector employees, including doctors, and pension increases for retired soldiers would wreck efforts to restore fiscal prudence needed for a sustained economic recovery.

Dozens of activists from the powerful teachers union, whose members succeeded in forcing the government to agree to substantial pay hikes after a four-week standoff, celebrated in front of their headquarters in Amman.

"The teachers got their demands," said Nasser Al Nawasrah, deputy head of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate. He called on his organisation's 100,000 members to immediately resume teaching pupils in around 4,000 state schools that had been affected by the strike.

Tens of thousands of pupils headed to state school across the country on Sunday for the first time since September&nbsp;5. The unions announced the strike after the authorities used tear gas to disperse thousands of teachers who had congregated to press for the wage demands near government headquarters.

Many parents had kept their children at home out of solidarity with the striking teachers.

In many of the country's rural areas and smaller cities, traditional heartlands of support for the monarchy, the strike also became a protest against successive governments' failure to deliver on promises of economic growth.

Growing disenchantment among ordinary Jordanians over tough IMF austerity measures and high taxes spilled into large street protests in the summer of 2018 that railed against corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

Economists and experts said the teachers' strike exposed popular anger with deep disparities within a bloated public sector that has in the last two decades expanded rapidly as successive governments sought to appease Jordanians with state jobs to maintain stability.

The teachers, whose average salary is around&nbsp;$630&nbsp;per month, said they have fallen behind others in many government ministries and state agencies plagued by graft and nepotism.

The IMF and Western donors said salaries and pensions eat up much of the government's $13 billion budget in a country with some of the world's highest government spending relative to its economy.

Jordan's government said on Sunday it has reached a pay deal with the teachers union to end a one-month strike, the country's longest public sector strike that disrupted schooling for more than 1.

Jordan's government said on Sunday it has reached a pay deal with the teachers union to end a one-month strike, the country's longest public sector strike that disrupted schooling for more than 1.5 million students. The deal came after the strike threatened a deepening political crisis when the government last week began legal steps against the unions after they rejected pay hikes they said were "bread crumbs" and the government said it could not afford to give more. The pay deal will see salaries rise by 35 per cent to 60 per cent from next year. It comes after weeks of deadlock with the government intransigent over meeting an original 50 per cent pay rise demanded by the unions that it said would strain the heavily indebted country's finances. Officials said that King Abdullah had ordered the government to reach the hefty wage deal which tests the ability of Prime Minister Omar al Razzaz to stay on track in implementing tough fiscal reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at reducing a record $40 billion public debt. The government fears new pay demands by other public sector employees, including doctors, and pension increases for retired soldiers would wreck efforts to restore fiscal prudence needed for a sustained economic recovery. Dozens of activists from the powerful teachers union, whose members succeeded in forcing the government to agree to substantial pay hikes after a four-week standoff, celebrated in front of their headquarters in Amman. "The teachers got their demands," said Nasser Al Nawasrah, deputy head of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate. He called on his organisation's 100,000 members to immediately resume teaching pupils in around 4,000 state schools that had been affected by the strike. Tens of thousands of pupils headed to state school across the country on Sunday for the first time since September 5. The unions announced the strike after the authorities used tear gas to disperse thousands of teachers who had congregated to press for the wage demands near government headquarters. Many parents had kept their children at home out of solidarity with the striking teachers. In many of the country's rural areas and smaller cities, traditional heartlands of support for the monarchy, the strike also became a protest against successive governments' failure to deliver on promises of economic growth. Growing disenchantment among ordinary Jordanians over tough IMF austerity measures and high taxes spilled into large street protests in the summer of 2018 that railed against corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Economists and experts said the teachers' strike exposed popular anger with deep disparities within a bloated public sector that has in the last two decades expanded rapidly as successive governments sought to appease Jordanians with state jobs to maintain stability. The teachers, whose average salary is around $630 per month, said they have fallen behind others in many government ministries and state agencies plagued by graft and nepotism. The IMF and Western donors said salaries and pensions eat up much of the government's $13 billion budget in a country with some of the world's highest government spending relative to its economy.

Jordan reaches deal with teachers union to end one-month strike

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/general-motors-workers-begin-nationwide-strike-in-us-249987">General Motors</a> has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday.

The layoffs affect the Silao assembly and transmission plants in central Mexico, where work has been "disrupted as a result of a parts shortage related to the UAW strike," a GM spokesman said.

The Silao workers are expected to return to their jobs after the strike, the spokesman said.

GM's Mexican arm notified workers at the Silao assembly plant that they had been placed on indefinite, mandatory vacation and would receive 55 per cent of their pay, according to an internal document obtained by AFP.

However, the company emphasized that no one was permanently laid off.

"There are no layoffs for the moment, we&nbsp;are evaluating the situation day to day and hope to restore normal operations soon, in a matter of days," spokeswoman Teresa Cid told AFP.

The two plants in Silao, Guanajuato state, produce GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks.

The moves come on top of the furlough of more than 3,000 workers in Canada and at an Ohio plant where GM operates a joint venture with Isuzu to make diesel engines.

Nearly 50,000 US workers are on strike at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gm-recalls-35-mn-vehicles-on-brake-issue-249068">GM</a>&nbsp;due to a United Auto Workers conflict over the labour contract, now in its third week.

Workers launched the strike on September 16 after contract talks failed to yield an agreement on wages, health benefits, temporary workers and job security.

The strike also comes against the backdrop of GM's decision last November to effectively shutter five plants in North America.

A report Tuesday from JPMorgan Chase estimated that the strike has so far cost GM $1 billion, adding that the company has the potential to recover some of the lost profits in the fourth quarter if the strike ends soon.

General Motors has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday.

General Motors has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday. The layoffs affect the Silao assembly and transmission plants in central Mexico, where work has been "disrupted as a result of a parts shortage related to the UAW strike," a GM spokesman said. The Silao workers are expected to return to their jobs after the strike, the spokesman said. GM's Mexican arm notified workers at the Silao assembly plant that they had been placed on indefinite, mandatory vacation and would receive 55 per cent of their pay, according to an internal document obtained by AFP. However, the company emphasized that no one was permanently laid off. "There are no layoffs for the moment, we are evaluating the situation day to day and hope to restore normal operations soon, in a matter of days," spokeswoman Teresa Cid told AFP. The two plants in Silao, Guanajuato state, produce GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks. The moves come on top of the furlough of more than 3,000 workers in Canada and at an Ohio plant where GM operates a joint venture with Isuzu to make diesel engines. Nearly 50,000 US workers are on strike at GM due to a United Auto Workers conflict over the labour contract, now in its third week. Workers launched the strike on September 16 after contract talks failed to yield an agreement on wages, health benefits, temporary workers and job security. The strike also comes against the backdrop of GM's decision last November to effectively shutter five plants in North America. A report Tuesday from JPMorgan Chase estimated that the strike has so far cost GM $1 billion, adding that the company has the potential to recover some of the lost profits in the fourth quarter if the strike ends soon.

General Motors temporarily lays off 6,000 workers in Mexico due to strike

Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe.

"We didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it", read one sign carried by a student in Sydney, as social media posts showed huge demonstrations around the country including outback towns like Alice Springs.

"The oceans are rising and so are we", read another sign held by a protester wearing school uniform in Melbourne.

Similar protests, inspired by the 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are planned in around 150 countries on Friday. The aim is for students and others to speak together about the impending effects of climate change on the planet.

The strike will culminate in New York where Thunberg, who has been nominated for a Nobel prize for her climate activism, will spearhead a rally at the United Nations headquarters.

Thunberg noted the "huge crowd" in Sydney in a tweet, which she said would set the standard as the strikes moved across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

By early afternoon, the Sydney protesters were overflowing out of a 34-hectare&nbsp;open space in the city. Similar crowds were reported in Brisbane and other state capitals.

Danielle Porepilliasana, a Sydney high school student, had a blunt message for politicians like Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who told the&nbsp;Parliament on Thursday that students should stay in class.

"World leaders from everywhere are telling us that students need to be at school doing work", she said, wearing anti-coal earrings.

"I'd like to see them at their parliaments doing their jobs for once", she added.

The UN summit brings together world leaders to discuss climate change mitigation strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels.

The issue is particularly pertinent to low-lying Pacific islands whose leaders have repeatedly asked wealthier nations to do more to prevent rising sea levels.

Children in the Solomon Islands protested on the shoreline wearing traditional grass skirts and carrying wooden shields in solidarity with the global movement.

In Thailand, more than 200 young people stormed into the Environment Ministry and dropped to the ground feigning death as they demanded government action on climate change.

"This is what will happen if we don’t stop climate change now", said Nanticha Ocharoenchai, a &nbsp;21-year-old strike organiser.

No protests were authorised in China, the world’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, but Zheng Xiaowen of the China Youth Climate Action Network said that the Chinese youth would take action one way or another.

"Chinese youth have their own methods", she said.

"We also pay attention [to] the climate and we are also thinking deeply, interacting, taking action, and so many people are very conscientious on this issue", she added.

According to scientists, Global warming caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels has already led to droughts and heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and floods.

Carbon emissions climbed a record high last year, despite a warning from the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October that the output of the gases must be slashed over the next 12 years to stabilise the climate.

Organisers said that demonstrations would take different forms around the world, with the collective aim to promote awareness of climate change and to demand political action to curb contributing factors to climate change.

Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe.

Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe. "We didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it", read one sign carried by a student in Sydney, as social media posts showed huge demonstrations around the country including outback towns like Alice Springs. "The oceans are rising and so are we", read another sign held by a protester wearing school uniform in Melbourne. Similar protests, inspired by the 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are planned in around 150 countries on Friday. The aim is for students and others to speak together about the impending effects of climate change on the planet. The strike will culminate in New York where Thunberg, who has been nominated for a Nobel prize for her climate activism, will spearhead a rally at the United Nations headquarters. Thunberg noted the "huge crowd" in Sydney in a tweet, which she said would set the standard as the strikes moved across Asia, Europe, and Africa. By early afternoon, the Sydney protesters were overflowing out of a 34-hectare open space in the city. Similar crowds were reported in Brisbane and other state capitals. Danielle Porepilliasana, a Sydney high school student, had a blunt message for politicians like Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who told the Parliament on Thursday that students should stay in class. "World leaders from everywhere are telling us that students need to be at school doing work", she said, wearing anti-coal earrings. "I'd like to see them at their parliaments doing their jobs for once", she added. The UN summit brings together world leaders to discuss climate change mitigation strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels. The issue is particularly pertinent to low-lying Pacific islands whose leaders have repeatedly asked wealthier nations to do more to prevent rising sea levels. Children in the Solomon Islands protested on the shoreline wearing traditional grass skirts and carrying wooden shields in solidarity with the global movement. In Thailand, more than 200 young people stormed into the Environment Ministry and dropped to the ground feigning death as they demanded government action on climate change. "This is what will happen if we don’t stop climate change now", said Nanticha Ocharoenchai, a 21-year-old strike organiser. No protests were authorised in China, the world’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, but Zheng Xiaowen of the China Youth Climate Action Network said that the Chinese youth would take action one way or another. "Chinese youth have their own methods", she said. "We also pay attention [to] the climate and we are also thinking deeply, interacting, taking action, and so many people are very conscientious on this issue", she added. According to scientists, Global warming caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels has already led to droughts and heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and floods. Carbon emissions climbed a record high last year, despite a warning from the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October that the output of the gases must be slashed over the next 12 years to stabilise the climate. Organisers said that demonstrations would take different forms around the world, with the collective aim to promote awareness of climate change and to demand political action to curb contributing factors to climate change.

Asia-Pacific students kick off global climate strike in Australia

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-of-the-states-support-new-motor-vehicle-rules-gadkari-250331">Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.</a>

A large number of public vehicles, like buses and autos are on strike against the fines, inconveniencing several commuters in Delhi and NCR who depend on these modes of transportation.

An auto-rickshaw driver, Sanjay Kumar Shah said, "The rate of the challans (fines) are very high. Earlier we paid Rs 100 fine which has now increased to Rs 25,000. So we are against this implementation. Our earnings can't meet the heights of challans."

Outlining the plight of commuters, a Delhi local Satendra told ANI, "As all the buses and autos are on strike it is getting difficult for us to manage today. I have been standing at the bus stand for more than an hour. The government should not keep such high challans. It is difficult for the auto people to pay. Their earnings are way less than the challans they are asked to pay."

Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1.

The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.&nbsp;

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019. A large number of public vehicles, like buses and autos are on strike against the fines, inconveniencing several commuters in Delhi and NCR who depend on these modes of transportation. An auto-rickshaw driver, Sanjay Kumar Shah said, "The rate of the challans (fines) are very high. Earlier we paid Rs 100 fine which has now increased to Rs 25,000. So we are against this implementation. Our earnings can't meet the heights of challans." Outlining the plight of commuters, a Delhi local Satendra told ANI, "As all the buses and autos are on strike it is getting difficult for us to manage today. I have been standing at the bus stand for more than an hour. The government should not keep such high challans. It is difficult for the auto people to pay. Their earnings are way less than the challans they are asked to pay." Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1. The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.

Delhi Transport Union on strike against hefty fines under new Motor Vehicles Act

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