While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed.&nbsp;

The World Economic Situation and Prospects&nbsp;as of mid-2023&nbsp;report released on Tuesday said India's economy is expected to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2023 and 6.7 per cent in 2024.&nbsp;

It, however, added that&nbsp;higher interest rates and weaker external demand will continue to weigh on investment and exports in 2023.&nbsp;

The report noted that while most central banks in the region hiked interest rates in early 2023 to tackle inflation and stabilise exchange rates, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) applied the brakes after six consecutive hikes, accounting for a cumulative&nbsp;increase of 250 basis points since May last year.&nbsp;

"We have kept the policy rate unchanged, this decision was taken based on our assessment of the macroeconomic and financial conditions with reference to information available," said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das at the time.&nbsp;

The growth projection for India is in line with the estimate made in&nbsp;World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 report launched earlier this year.&nbsp;The January report said&nbsp;India's GDP is projected to grow to 5.8 per cent in 2023.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-applies-brakes-on-repo-rate-hike-keeps-it-unchanged-at-65-579686">ALSO READ |&nbsp;RBI applies brakes on repo rate hike, keeps it unchanged at 6.5%</a>

<h2>India is the bright spot</h2>

Hamid Rashid, chief of the&nbsp;Global Economic Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commenting on the findings of the report said India remained a 'bright' spot on the horizon.&nbsp;

“India remains a bright spot. Our projection for India hasn't changed since January and we see many positives, including the inflation has come down significantly. We are pretty confident with our forecast right now for the year,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/from-cars-to-homes-spending-in-india-booms-as-countries-battle-rising-inflation-526322">WATCH |&nbsp;From cars to homes, spending in India booms as other countries battle rising inflation</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wpi-falls-into-negative-for-first-time-since-july-2020-govt-cites-high-base-effect-as-the-reason-592827#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<h2>Inflation rate based on WPI</h2>

Rashid may have been referring to the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) which fell to a new&nbsp;three-year low of&nbsp;(-) 0.92 per cent in April. According to data released by the&nbsp;Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday, this is the first instance after July 2020 that the inflation rate based on WPI has slipped into negative territory.&nbsp;

"Decline in the rate of inflation in April 2023 is primarily contributed by fall in prices of basic metals, food products, mineral oils, textiles, non-food articles, chemical &amp; chemical products, rubber &amp; plastic products and paper &amp; paper products," the government noted.&nbsp;

According to the UN report, inflation in India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 per cent in 2023 as global commodity prices moderate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wpi-falls-into-negative-for-first-time-since-july-2020-govt-cites-high-base-effect-as-the-reason-592827">ALSO READ |&nbsp;India: WPI falls into negative for first time since July 2020, govt cites high base effect as the reason</a>

While India grows rapidly,&nbsp;the world economy is expected to lag, despite a slight uptick from previous gloomy predictions.&nbsp;

"The world economy is now projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2023 (+0.4 percentage points from the January forecast) and 2.5 per cent in 2024 (-0.2 percentage points), a slight uptick in the global growth forecast for 2023," read the report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed.

While most countries across the globe have entered a slow recession, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the calendar year 2024, emerging as one of the few bright spots, a new UN report has revealed. The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2023 report released on Tuesday said India's economy is expected to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2023 and 6.7 per cent in 2024. It, however, added that higher interest rates and weaker external demand will continue to weigh on investment and exports in 2023. The report noted that while most central banks in the region hiked interest rates in early 2023 to tackle inflation and stabilise exchange rates, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) applied the brakes after six consecutive hikes, accounting for a cumulative increase of 250 basis points since May last year. "We have kept the policy rate unchanged, this decision was taken based on our assessment of the macroeconomic and financial conditions with reference to information available," said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das at the time. The growth projection for India is in line with the estimate made in World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 report launched earlier this year. The January report said India's GDP is projected to grow to 5.8 per cent in 2023. ALSO READ | RBI applies brakes on repo rate hike, keeps it unchanged at 6.5% India is the bright spot Hamid Rashid, chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commenting on the findings of the report said India remained a 'bright' spot on the horizon. “India remains a bright spot. Our projection for India hasn't changed since January and we see many positives, including the inflation has come down significantly. We are pretty confident with our forecast right now for the year,” he was quoted as saying by PTI. WATCH | From cars to homes, spending in India booms as other countries battle rising inflation × Inflation rate based on WPI Rashid may have been referring to the release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) which fell to a new three-year low of (-) 0.92 per cent in April. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday, this is the first instance after July 2020 that the inflation rate based on WPI has slipped into negative territory. "Decline in the rate of inflation in April 2023 is primarily contributed by fall in prices of basic metals, food products, mineral oils, textiles, non-food articles, chemical & chemical products, rubber & plastic products and paper & paper products," the government noted. According to the UN report, inflation in India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 per cent in 2023 as global commodity prices moderate. ALSO READ | India: WPI falls into negative for first time since July 2020, govt cites high base effect as the reason While India grows rapidly, the world economy is expected to lag, despite a slight uptick from previous gloomy predictions. "The world economy is now projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2023 (+0.4 percentage points from the January forecast) and 2.5 per cent in 2024 (-0.2 percentage points), a slight uptick in the global growth forecast for 2023," read the report. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India to grow 6.7% in 2024, remain one of the few 'bright spots': UN report

The United Nations recently released figures saying that almost five million children died in 2021 worldwide before their fifth birthday, with 47 per cent of them dying&nbsp;during their first month only. The data was published by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation on Tuesday. The data also showed that mortality rates have fallen.&nbsp;According to experts, the majority of deaths could have been prevented with better healthcare. They also said that the deaths among newborns have not reduced since 2017.&nbsp;

The director of the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics, Dr Vandana Tripathi said, "Sadly, the 2.3 million newborns who died in the first month of life isn’t a significant reduction from the 2.5 million babies who died in their first month in 2017." She added that the children born in sub-Saharan Africa are 15 times more likely to die than the ones in Europe or North America, Guardian reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: One and done, say parents

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The figures also showed that in 2021 almost 1.9 million children were stillborn, with nearly 77 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The data also stated that the risk of a woman having a stillborn baby in sub-Saharan Africa is seven times more than for women in Europe and North America.&nbsp;

Almost 40 per cent of stillbirths occurred during labour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sikh-canadian-woman-creates-special-helmets-for-her-kids-550235">Also read |&nbsp;Sikh Canadian woman creates ‘turban-friendly’ helmets for her kids, gets lauded</a>

The UN also said that though Covid did not affect&nbsp;child mortality, the pandemic might have increased future risks of survival amid poor healthcare. It said that the pandemic has resulted in one of the largest reversals in global vaccination campaigns.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations recently released figures saying that almost five million children died in 2021 worldwide before their fifth birthday, with 47 per cent of them dying during their first month only.

The United Nations recently released figures saying that almost five million children died in 2021 worldwide before their fifth birthday, with 47 per cent of them dying during their first month only. The data was published by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation on Tuesday. The data also showed that mortality rates have fallen. According to experts, the majority of deaths could have been prevented with better healthcare. They also said that the deaths among newborns have not reduced since 2017. The director of the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics, Dr Vandana Tripathi said, "Sadly, the 2.3 million newborns who died in the first month of life isn’t a significant reduction from the 2.5 million babies who died in their first month in 2017." She added that the children born in sub-Saharan Africa are 15 times more likely to die than the ones in Europe or North America, Guardian reported. Watch | Gravitas: One and done, say parents The figures also showed that in 2021 almost 1.9 million children were stillborn, with nearly 77 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The data also stated that the risk of a woman having a stillborn baby in sub-Saharan Africa is seven times more than for women in Europe and North America. Almost 40 per cent of stillbirths occurred during labour. Also read | Sikh Canadian woman creates ‘turban-friendly’ helmets for her kids, gets lauded The UN also said that though Covid did not affect child mortality, the pandemic might have increased future risks of survival amid poor healthcare. It said that the pandemic has resulted in one of the largest reversals in global vaccination campaigns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Five million kids die before fifth birthday, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: UN

Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found.

According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world,&nbsp;2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic.

The scientists from United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization found a significant thickening of the ozone layer, describing their findings as “a bit of good news for the planet”.

The thickening of the ozone layer means more protection for humans and other life.

The alarm over the loss of ozone was first raised in the 1980s, following which under the 1989 Montreal protocol, countries pledged to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were used as solvents and refrigerants.

The UN report noted the success of the Montreal Protocol in helping repair the ozone layer.

“Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action,” said Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, which unveiled the progress report, which is conducted every four years, on Monday, according to Guardian.

“Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done as a matter of urgency to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.”

According to the report, ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found.

Earth’s ozone layer, which protects humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, will completely be healed within two decades as the airborne chemicals that are destroying the atmospheric layer are declining, a new report by United Nations has found. According to the report, the ozone layer will be restored to the 1980 levels by 2040 all over the world, 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2066 over the Antarctic. The scientists from United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization found a significant thickening of the ozone layer, describing their findings as “a bit of good news for the planet”. The thickening of the ozone layer means more protection for humans and other life. The alarm over the loss of ozone was first raised in the 1980s, following which under the 1989 Montreal protocol, countries pledged to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were used as solvents and refrigerants. The UN report noted the success of the Montreal Protocol in helping repair the ozone layer. “Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action,” said Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, which unveiled the progress report, which is conducted every four years, on Monday, according to Guardian. “Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done as a matter of urgency to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.” According to the report, ozone-damaging chlorine declined by 11.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1993 and 2020, while bromine declined 14.5 per cent in the stratosphere between its peak in 1999 and 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ozone layer on course to be recovered in next two decades, says UN report

A United Nations report has come out. It warns that interest rate hikes by rich countries like the US could hurt developing countries the most. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Rich nations make "imprudent gamble" with global economy

It has been nearly three weeks since United Nations released the much-delayed report on China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region targeting Uyghur Muslims.

It has been nearly three weeks since United Nations released the much-delayed report on China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region targeting Uyghur Muslims. Now, as the world leaders and diplomats descend for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York, China is facing the heat. Reportedly, diplomats and human rights activists are dialing up the pressure on Beijing by calling it to take responsibility for its actions. Fernand de Varennes, the UN’s special rapporteur on minority rights stated that 'inaction is no longer possible' on the issue. "If we allow this to go unpunished, what kind of message is being propagated?,” he added. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Prescott, deputy US ambassador to the UN questioned the credibility of the world body if the atrocities were not addressed. “How these atrocities are addressed goes ultimately to the credibility of that system, to the credibility of our international system itself. It’s deeply disheartening to see a country that has been so central to the creation of the modern UN system, and enjoys its status as a permanent member of the Security Council, so profoundly violating its commitments,” said Prescott. Read more: West mulling to table resolution at UN against China’s abuses in Xinjiang As reported extensively by WION, the report released earlier this month called China's action in Xinjiang 'crimes against humanity'. The report had been in the works for years and was released despite multiple Chinese efforts to delay or block it. After the report was released, China reacted aggressively by issuing a 122-page rebuttal, calling the report a 'patchwork of false information'. Beijing also cited carefully choreographed visits by journalists, diplomats, and, most recently, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, as validating its claims. Read more: Why is China so angry over UN report on Xinjiang? Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs as 'vocational training camps'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang

Slavery is a scourge in human history, where people were held by someone else or treated as their property without the privileges of a "free person". Surely this menace doesn't exist in the modern world, does it? According&nbsp;to the United Nations, it does and it is called "modern slavery".

The UN's International Labour Organization (ILO) announced Monday that 50 million people worldwide are subject to forced labour or forced marriage, and warned that the number of these people has substantially increased in recent years.

AFP reports that as per the new report, despite the United Nations' 2030 deadline to end all forms of modern slavery, the number of individuals subjected to forced labour or forced marriage increased by 10 million between 2016 and 2021.

The most recent statistics show that in 2021, there were 27.6 million people who were forced into forced labour, more than 3.3 million of whom are children, and 22 million who were forced into forced marriage. That means that almost one in every 150 individuals worldwide is a victim of modern-day slavery.

One in five people who are compelled to work are children, and the survey stated that more than half of them are engaged in commercial sexual exploitation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-will-not-release-ufo-videos-citing-national-security-admits-it-has-several-more-515069" hreflang="en">US Navy says it has several UFO videos, won't release them due to 'national security'</a>

The most vulnerable groups are by far women and children as per the report. It also issued a warning that this is a persistent issue because estimates show that forced labour can last for years and forced marriage is frequently "a life sentence."

According to the ILO, migrant workers were more than three times more likely to experience forced labour than domestic workers, with more than half of all cases occurring in upper-middle-income or high-income nations.

In the lead-up to the FIFA soccer World Cup, which begins in November, Qatar was mentioned in the report. The nation is under fire for allegedly violating labour laws in relation to migrants working there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-may-increase-trafficking-and-slavery-says-report-414659">Climate crisis may increase trafficking and slavery, says report</a>

The ILO study also made mentioned concerns regarding forced labour in several regions of China.

"Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights," said Guy Ryder, head of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

(With inputs from agencies)

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Slavery is a scourge in human history, where people were held by someone else or treated as their property without the privileges of a "free person". Surely this menace doesn't exist in the modern world, does it?

Slavery is a scourge in human history, where people were held by someone else or treated as their property without the privileges of a "free person". Surely this menace doesn't exist in the modern world, does it? According to the United Nations, it does and it is called "modern slavery". The UN's International Labour Organization (ILO) announced Monday that 50 million people worldwide are subject to forced labour or forced marriage, and warned that the number of these people has substantially increased in recent years. AFP reports that as per the new report, despite the United Nations' 2030 deadline to end all forms of modern slavery, the number of individuals subjected to forced labour or forced marriage increased by 10 million between 2016 and 2021. The most recent statistics show that in 2021, there were 27.6 million people who were forced into forced labour, more than 3.3 million of whom are children, and 22 million who were forced into forced marriage. That means that almost one in every 150 individuals worldwide is a victim of modern-day slavery. One in five people who are compelled to work are children, and the survey stated that more than half of them are engaged in commercial sexual exploitation. Also read | US Navy says it has several UFO videos, won't release them due to 'national security' The most vulnerable groups are by far women and children as per the report. It also issued a warning that this is a persistent issue because estimates show that forced labour can last for years and forced marriage is frequently "a life sentence." According to the ILO, migrant workers were more than three times more likely to experience forced labour than domestic workers, with more than half of all cases occurring in upper-middle-income or high-income nations. In the lead-up to the FIFA soccer World Cup, which begins in November, Qatar was mentioned in the report. The nation is under fire for allegedly violating labour laws in relation to migrants working there. Also read | Climate crisis may increase trafficking and slavery, says report The ILO study also made mentioned concerns regarding forced labour in several regions of China. "Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights," said Guy Ryder, head of the International Labour Organization (ILO). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

It's 21st century and yet 50 million people across the world are still bound in 'modern slavery': UN

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in its recent report has painted a grim picture of the workforce in the region. The report states that two-thirds of Asia-Pacific's workforce, 1.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in its recent report has painted a grim picture of the workforce in the region. The report states that two-thirds of Asia-Pacific's workforce, 1.4 billion to be precise, is meandering on the verge of poverty by surviving on only $5.5 per day. The report, released at the seventh session of the Committee on Social Development also added that more than half the region's population is excluded from any social protection. “Our region spends less than half of the global average on social protection. Almost 60 per cent of the population has no social protection coverage against normal life events such as pregnancy, child-raising, sickness, disability, unemployment or simply getting old,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of ESCAP. Read more: Why is China so angry over UN report on Xinjiang? The vulnerability due to lack of social protection has far-reaching consequences. 85 million unprotected people have been pushed into extreme poverty, only managing on less than a meagre income of $1.9 per day. Meanwhile, 158 million of this class have plunged into moderate poverty, surviving on $3.2 a day. According to the report, Asia-Pacific's labour productivity has fallen below the global average. "During the pandemic, the lack of affordable health care and social protection contributed to pushing 243 million people into poverty," added the report. The report also took into measure the climate change the Asia-Pacific region was witnessing and its effect on the labour class. "The region is highly exposed to climate-induced natural disasters with detrimental welfare consequences for workers, as jobs disappear and businesses relocate." The workers in the informal sector, especially in the agriculture sector, constituting one-third of the labour force were the most vulnerable group due to climate change. To protect such class of citizens across the region, UNESCAP, on the sidelines of the meeting launched a Social Protection Online Toolbox (SPOT) that will help countries to broaden the social protection net for them. Read more: Global warming to fuel heatwaves, wildfires, triggering more air pollution: UN (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

1.4 billion workforce in Asia-Pacific surviving only on $5.5 or less: UN Report

The release of a formal investigation into the widespread incarceration of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities by UN top human rights official Michelle Bachelet is expected next week.

As per CNN, the investigation has the potential to change how the international community and senior UN officials have handled the testimonies of survivors and their families by strengthening the need for accountability in a way the UN system has not previously done.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Chinese textbooks changed after 'ugly' cartoons spark outcry

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However, Bachelet has for some time been accused by human rights groups and academic experts of being soft on Beijing after her controversial visit to China in May.

Her critics said that she had the chance to draw attention to the horrifying human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government, but failed and that she refrained from denouncing the government's widespread mistreatment of the Uyghur ethnic group.

The report has been pending for a long time. Bachelet stated in September 2021 that her office was "finalising its assessment," and in December a representative stated that they anticipated publishing in the upcoming weeks. However, the report has stayed unpublished for months for mysterious reasons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minorities-drafted-into-forced-labour-possible-enslavement-in-chinas-xinjiang-un-expert-507846">Minorities drafted into forced labour, possible 'enslavement' in China's Xinjiang: UN expert</a>

China denies all claims that it has mistreated Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

However, a recent report by an independent UN expert alleged that the Chinese government is engaging in forced labour schemes in Xinjiang that may constitute crimes against humanity.

Tomoya Obokata, the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, stated in the report that the conclusions were "based on an independent assessment of available information".

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meetings-in-xinjiang-unsupervised-china-visit-not-an-investigation-un-rights-chief-482968">Meetings in Xinjiang 'unsupervised', China visit 'not an investigation': UN rights chief</a>

Chinese foreign ministry, however, reaffirmed Beijing's denial that forced labour ever occurred in Xinjiang, defended China's history of upholding workers' rights, and sharply criticised the report's findings.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a daily briefing in Beijing, "A certain special rapporteur chooses to believe in lies and disinformation about Xinjiang spread by the US&nbsp;and some other Western countries and anti-China forces."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The release of a formal investigation into the widespread incarceration of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities by UN top human rights official Michelle Bachelet is expected next week.

The release of a formal investigation into the widespread incarceration of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities by UN top human rights official Michelle Bachelet is expected next week. As per CNN, the investigation has the potential to change how the international community and senior UN officials have handled the testimonies of survivors and their families by strengthening the need for accountability in a way the UN system has not previously done. Watch | WION Fineprint | Chinese textbooks changed after 'ugly' cartoons spark outcry However, Bachelet has for some time been accused by human rights groups and academic experts of being soft on Beijing after her controversial visit to China in May. Her critics said that she had the chance to draw attention to the horrifying human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government, but failed and that she refrained from denouncing the government's widespread mistreatment of the Uyghur ethnic group. The report has been pending for a long time. Bachelet stated in September 2021 that her office was "finalising its assessment," and in December a representative stated that they anticipated publishing in the upcoming weeks. However, the report has stayed unpublished for months for mysterious reasons. Also read | Minorities drafted into forced labour, possible 'enslavement' in China's Xinjiang: UN expert China denies all claims that it has mistreated Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. However, a recent report by an independent UN expert alleged that the Chinese government is engaging in forced labour schemes in Xinjiang that may constitute crimes against humanity. Tomoya Obokata, the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, stated in the report that the conclusions were "based on an independent assessment of available information". Also read | Meetings in Xinjiang 'unsupervised', China visit 'not an investigation': UN rights chief Chinese foreign ministry, however, reaffirmed Beijing's denial that forced labour ever occurred in Xinjiang, defended China's history of upholding workers' rights, and sharply criticised the report's findings. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a daily briefing in Beijing, "A certain special rapporteur chooses to believe in lies and disinformation about Xinjiang spread by the US and some other Western countries and anti-China forces." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN report on Uyghur abuses to be released soon. Will it call out China?

World is fighting a losing battle against climate change and a new report by the United Nations climate science agency has declared that it is now or never. The report spells out some of the actions needed to be taken in this decade to contain global warming.

UN Report: 'Now or Never' to avoid climate change catastrophe

World is fighting a losing battle against climate change and a new report by the United Nations climate science agency has declared that it is now or never. UN Chief Antonio Guterres has accused governments and businesses of adding fuel to flames.

Govts, businesses are choking the planet: UN chief Antonio Guterres on Climate emergency

For years China has been accused of several human rights abuses and several independent reports allege discriminatory work practices in the country. United Nations agency the International Labour Organization has released a report which stresses on how China's employment practices are not in tandem with a global standard, the report highlights how China has violated various articles of the employment policy convention of 1964.

UN report: China's Labour Policies in Xinjiang are discriminatory

Opium poppy cultivation and harvesting have long been a part of Afghanistan's history.

By 2021, Afghanistan's harvest will account for more than 90% of worldwide illegal heroin production and more than 95% of European supply.

In Afghanistan, opium growing takes up more territory than coca cultivation in Latin America.

Since 2001, the country has been the world's biggest illicit drug producer.&nbsp;

The Taliban, who were born in Pakistan, control most of the world's opium-growing land, making them the world's most powerful narcotics cartel.

It regulates and taxes the production of opioids, monitors exports, and protects smuggling networks.

This is critical to their long-term survival.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is the world's top opium producer.

Afghanistan produced an estimated 6,800 tonnes of opium during the previous harvest season, which concluded in July.

According to a recent report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, this was an increase of 8% from 2020.

According to the research, <a href="https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_brief_Nov_2021.pdf">Afghanistan produces 85 per cent of the world's opium</a>, and Afghan opiates are used by 80 per cent of the world's opium users.

According to the UNODC, the opium trade in Afghanistan will earn between $1.8 billion and $2.7 billion&nbsp;in 2021, accounting for around one-tenth of the country's economic output.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Opium poppy cultivation and harvesting have long been a part of Afghanistan's history. By 2021, Afghanistan's harvest will account for more than 90% of worldwide illegal heroin production and more than 95% of European supply.

Opium poppy cultivation and harvesting have long been a part of Afghanistan's history. By 2021, Afghanistan's harvest will account for more than 90% of worldwide illegal heroin production and more than 95% of European supply. In Afghanistan, opium growing takes up more territory than coca cultivation in Latin America. Since 2001, the country has been the world's biggest illicit drug producer. The Taliban, who were born in Pakistan, control most of the world's opium-growing land, making them the world's most powerful narcotics cartel. It regulates and taxes the production of opioids, monitors exports, and protects smuggling networks. This is critical to their long-term survival. Afghanistan is the world's top opium producer. Afghanistan produced an estimated 6,800 tonnes of opium during the previous harvest season, which concluded in July. According to a recent report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, this was an increase of 8% from 2020. According to the research, Afghanistan produces 85 per cent of the world's opium, and Afghan opiates are used by 80 per cent of the world's opium users. According to the UNODC, the opium trade in Afghanistan will earn between $1.8 billion and $2.7 billion in 2021, accounting for around one-tenth of the country's economic output. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan produces 85% of the world's opium: UN report

A report by the UN's Environment Program found that nations are planning to produce more than double the amount of coal, oil, and gas consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Merely ten days ahead of a climate summit that is being hailed as the key to the viability of the Paris Agreement temperature goals, the UNEP says that government plans for fossil fuel production this decade were "dangerously out of sync" with the needed emissions cuts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/majority-of-fossil-fuels-should-remain-in-ground-to-fight-climate-change-crisis-411955">Majority of fossil fuels should 'remain in ground' to fight climate change crisis</a>

According to the UN, in order to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, emissions must fall nearly 50 per cent by 2030 and to net-zero by mid-century.

However, the Production Gap report found that fossil fuel production would probably increase until at least 2040.

The report indicated that government plans are for about 240 per cent more coal, 57 per cent more oil and 71 per cent more natural gas production by 2030 than what the 1.5C target allows.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-report-must-be-death-knell-for-fossil-fuels-un-chief-404307">Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief</a>

This decade, development plans would produce 110 per cent more fossil fuels than consistent to limiting global warming to 1.5C and 45 per cent more than necessary to limit global warming to 2C.

"The research is clear: global coal, oil and gas production must start declining immediately and steeply to be consistent with limiting long-term warming to 1.5C," said Ploy Achakulwisut, a lead report author from the Stockholm Environment Institute.

"However, governments continue to plan for and support levels of fossil fuel production that are vastly in excess of what we can safely burn."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984" hreflang="en">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries committed to cutting emissions by sweeping amounts to limit warming to between 1.5C and 2C. Additionally, every five years, each signatory is required to submit plans called National Determined Contributions, or NDCs, to reduce its emissions.

Watch |&nbsp;Scientists call for 'Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-call-for-fossil-fuel-non-proliferation-treaty-413570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN said in an assessment last month that, "if" countries' latest NDCs are fulfilled, Earth will still be facing a "catastrophic" 2.7C of warming by 2100.

1.1C of warming has already increased the frequency of droughts, flooding, and storms, which are exacerbated by rising sea levels.

(With inputs from agencies)

A report by the UN's Environment Program found that nations are planning to produce more than double the amount of coal, oil, and gas consistent with limiting global warming to 1.

A report by the UN's Environment Program found that nations are planning to produce more than double the amount of coal, oil, and gas consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Merely ten days ahead of a climate summit that is being hailed as the key to the viability of the Paris Agreement temperature goals, the UNEP says that government plans for fossil fuel production this decade were "dangerously out of sync" with the needed emissions cuts. Also read | Majority of fossil fuels should 'remain in ground' to fight climate change crisis According to the UN, in order to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, emissions must fall nearly 50 per cent by 2030 and to net-zero by mid-century. However, the Production Gap report found that fossil fuel production would probably increase until at least 2040. The report indicated that government plans are for about 240 per cent more coal, 57 per cent more oil and 71 per cent more natural gas production by 2030 than what the 1.5C target allows. Also read | Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief This decade, development plans would produce 110 per cent more fossil fuels than consistent to limiting global warming to 1.5C and 45 per cent more than necessary to limit global warming to 2C. "The research is clear: global coal, oil and gas production must start declining immediately and steeply to be consistent with limiting long-term warming to 1.5C," said Ploy Achakulwisut, a lead report author from the Stockholm Environment Institute. "However, governments continue to plan for and support levels of fossil fuel production that are vastly in excess of what we can safely burn." Also read | Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries committed to cutting emissions by sweeping amounts to limit warming to between 1.5C and 2C. Additionally, every five years, each signatory is required to submit plans called National Determined Contributions, or NDCs, to reduce its emissions. Watch | Scientists call for 'Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty' The UN said in an assessment last month that, "if" countries' latest NDCs are fulfilled, Earth will still be facing a "catastrophic" 2.7C of warming by 2100. 1.1C of warming has already increased the frequency of droughts, flooding, and storms, which are exacerbated by rising sea levels. (With inputs from agencies)

Planned fossil fuel production 'dangerously out of sync' with needed emissions cuts: UN

Climate change will cause many of Africa's rare glaciers to disappear within the next two decades, a new report warns. This comes amid sweeping predictions of extreme suffering for the continent that contributes least to global warming, yet suffers the most.

This report by the World Meteorological Organisation and other agencies, released just ahead of the UN climate conference starting Oct. 31, provides a grim reminder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-queen-finds-world-leaders-irritating-because-they-only-talk-and-dont-act-420982" hreflang="en">COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'</a>

Despite the 54 African&nbsp;countries being responsible for less than 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa's 1.3 billion people are extremely vulnerable, as the continent continues to warm at a faster rate than the world average.

According to the new report, the shrinking glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda are symbolic of the rapid and widespread changes to come.

The report goes on to say that&nbsp;Africa's current retreat rates are higher than the global average, and if this pattern continues, the continent will suffer total deglaciation by the mid-2040s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-sink-small-states-says-commonwealth-chief-420623" hreflang="en">Climate change could sink small states, says Commonwealth chief</a>

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas spoke at the report launch on Tuesday and said that Massive displacement, hunger and increasing climate shocks such as droughts and flooding are in the future, yet the lack of climate data in parts of Africa "is having a major impact" on disaster warnings for millions of people.

Leonel Correia Sacko with the African Union Commission writes in the report,&nbsp;“Not only are physical conditions getting worse, but also the number of people being affected is increasing.”

Sacko adds that up to 118 million extremely poor people; those living on less than $1.90 a day, will be exposed to drought, floods, and extreme heat by 2030 if proper measures are not taken.

Watch |&nbsp;Climate crisis hits South Africa's Cape Town

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-crisis-hits-south-africas-cape-town-412585/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though the African continent faces significant threats, African voices are underrepresented at global climate meetings and among those who write the most important scientific assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The amount of African contributions to IPCC reports is extremely low, according to a multi-country research project called Future Climate for Africa.

UN reports that famine-like conditions have already been created by climate change on Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/madagascar-prays-for-rain-as-un-warns-of-climate-change-famine-420184" hreflang="en">Madagascar prays for rain as U.N. warns of 'climate change famine'</a>

The costs ahead are enormous. The report estimates that the cost of climate adaptation for sub-Saharan Africa will be between $30 and $50 billion each year over the next decade or about two to three per cent of GDP.

“The cost of adapting to climate change in Africa will rise to $50 billion per year by 2050, even assuming the international efforts to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.”

Climate change will cause many of Africa's rare glaciers to disappear within the next two decades, a new report warns. This comes amid sweeping predictions of extreme suffering for the continent that contributes least to global warming, yet suffers the most.

Climate change will cause many of Africa's rare glaciers to disappear within the next two decades, a new report warns. This comes amid sweeping predictions of extreme suffering for the continent that contributes least to global warming, yet suffers the most. This report by the World Meteorological Organisation and other agencies, released just ahead of the UN climate conference starting Oct. 31, provides a grim reminder. Also read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act' Despite the 54 African countries being responsible for less than 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa's 1.3 billion people are extremely vulnerable, as the continent continues to warm at a faster rate than the world average. According to the new report, the shrinking glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda are symbolic of the rapid and widespread changes to come. The report goes on to say that Africa's current retreat rates are higher than the global average, and if this pattern continues, the continent will suffer total deglaciation by the mid-2040s. Also read | Climate change could sink small states, says Commonwealth chief WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas spoke at the report launch on Tuesday and said that Massive displacement, hunger and increasing climate shocks such as droughts and flooding are in the future, yet the lack of climate data in parts of Africa "is having a major impact" on disaster warnings for millions of people. Leonel Correia Sacko with the African Union Commission writes in the report, “Not only are physical conditions getting worse, but also the number of people being affected is increasing.” Sacko adds that up to 118 million extremely poor people; those living on less than $1.90 a day, will be exposed to drought, floods, and extreme heat by 2030 if proper measures are not taken. Watch | Climate crisis hits South Africa's Cape Town Even though the African continent faces significant threats, African voices are underrepresented at global climate meetings and among those who write the most important scientific assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The amount of African contributions to IPCC reports is extremely low, according to a multi-country research project called Future Climate for Africa. UN reports that famine-like conditions have already been created by climate change on Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Also read | Madagascar prays for rain as U.N. warns of 'climate change famine' The costs ahead are enormous. The report estimates that the cost of climate adaptation for sub-Saharan Africa will be between $30 and $50 billion each year over the next decade or about two to three per cent of GDP. “The cost of adapting to climate change in Africa will rise to $50 billion per year by 2050, even assuming the international efforts to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.”

Africa: The continent with low emissions and high suffering, risks losing rare glaciers to global warming

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday.

This report by&nbsp;UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) examines&nbsp;mortality and economic losses due to weather, climate and water extremes between 1970 and 2019.

The report found that disasters have increased fivefold in that time frame, largely driven by climate change. According to the report, this trend is expected to continue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-research-estimates-that-30-of-the-worlds-tree-species-face-extinction-409947" hreflang="en">New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction</a>

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas says that&nbsp;"The number of weather, climate and water extremes are increasing and will become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world as a result of climate change,".

Worldwide, more than two million people have died and $3.64 trillion has been lost as a result of some 11,000 disasters since 1970.

According to Taalas, Hurricane Ida, which slammed into the US Gulf Coast over the weekend and killed at least four people, could become the costliest weather disaster on record, surpassing Katrina which had&nbsp;an economic cost of around $164 billion.

"There is a chance that the economic cost will be higher than Katrina," he said, pointing out that better preventative and protective measures had ensured Ida caused only a fraction of the deaths caused by Katrina 16 years ago.&nbsp;

On average 115 die every day

The report found that on average, a weather,&nbsp;climate and water extremes&nbsp;related disaster has occurred every single day for the past 50 years, killing 115 people and causing $202 million in daily losses.

91 per cent of the deaths took place in developing countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/who-warns-against-a-new-variant-that-may-be-resistant-to-vaccines-409929" hreflang="en">WHO warns against a new variant that may be resistant to vaccines</a>

Droughts made up the greatest percentage of human fatalities, totalling some 650,000, while storms caused over 577,000 deaths.

Nearly 59,000 people perished in floods over the past 50 years, while close to 56,000 have died in extreme temperatures, according to the report.

The number of deaths falls

A positive finding of the report is that the number of deaths associated with weather and climate disasters declined nearly threefold even as the number of such disasters ballooned.

According to WMO, fewer than 20,000 people died each year during the 2010s compared to over 50,000 in the 1970s.

While there were 170 related deaths per day during the 1970s and 1980s, the daily average dropped to 90 in the 1990s, then to 40 during the 2010s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-brazilian-viper-venom-may-become-tool-in-fight-against-covid-19-409851" hreflang="en">Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19</a>

Taalas attributed the drop in deaths largely to improvements in early warning systems.&nbsp;"Quite simply, we are better than ever before at saving lives," he said.

But while early warning systems have saved lives, there has been little protection against a swell of economic damage to disaster-prone areas.

The reported losses between 2010 to 2019 averaged $383 million per day, seven times higher than the $49 million losses per day in the 1970s.

Seven of the costliest 10 disasters in the past 50 years have happened since Katrina hit in 2005, with three of them in 2017 alone: Hurricane Harvey, which caused nearly $97 billion in damages, followed by Maria at close to $70 billion and Irma at almost $60 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday.

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday. This report by UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) examines mortality and economic losses due to weather, climate and water extremes between 1970 and 2019. The report found that disasters have increased fivefold in that time frame, largely driven by climate change. According to the report, this trend is expected to continue. Also read | New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas says that "The number of weather, climate and water extremes are increasing and will become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world as a result of climate change,". Worldwide, more than two million people have died and $3.64 trillion has been lost as a result of some 11,000 disasters since 1970. According to Taalas, Hurricane Ida, which slammed into the US Gulf Coast over the weekend and killed at least four people, could become the costliest weather disaster on record, surpassing Katrina which had an economic cost of around $164 billion. "There is a chance that the economic cost will be higher than Katrina," he said, pointing out that better preventative and protective measures had ensured Ida caused only a fraction of the deaths caused by Katrina 16 years ago. On average 115 die every day The report found that on average, a weather, climate and water extremes related disaster has occurred every single day for the past 50 years, killing 115 people and causing $202 million in daily losses. 91 per cent of the deaths took place in developing countries. Also read | WHO warns against a new variant that may be resistant to vaccines Droughts made up the greatest percentage of human fatalities, totalling some 650,000, while storms caused over 577,000 deaths. Nearly 59,000 people perished in floods over the past 50 years, while close to 56,000 have died in extreme temperatures, according to the report. The number of deaths falls A positive finding of the report is that the number of deaths associated with weather and climate disasters declined nearly threefold even as the number of such disasters ballooned. According to WMO, fewer than 20,000 people died each year during the 2010s compared to over 50,000 in the 1970s. While there were 170 related deaths per day during the 1970s and 1980s, the daily average dropped to 90 in the 1990s, then to 40 during the 2010s. Also read | Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19 Taalas attributed the drop in deaths largely to improvements in early warning systems. "Quite simply, we are better than ever before at saving lives," he said. But while early warning systems have saved lives, there has been little protection against a swell of economic damage to disaster-prone areas. The reported losses between 2010 to 2019 averaged $383 million per day, seven times higher than the $49 million losses per day in the 1970s. Seven of the costliest 10 disasters in the past 50 years have happened since Katrina hit in 2005, with three of them in 2017 alone: Hurricane Harvey, which caused nearly $97 billion in damages, followed by Maria at close to $70 billion and Irma at almost $60 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

UN report: Despite a decline in deaths from weather-related events, the economic cost rises

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution. 
 
It was the first study to examine the impacts that plastic pollution has on animals living on land and in freshwater environments in Asia-Pacific.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

Case studies of the Ganges and Mekong river&nbsp;basins were used for the study. These two river basins together contribute more than 200,000 tonnes of plastic pollution per year to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. 
 
However, not all plastic pollution ends up in the ocean. According to the study, freshwater and terrestrial species, as well as birds and land animals, are impacted by plastic pollution in river ecosystems and on land. 
 
The presence of plastic waste in freshwater can cause air-breathing mammals to drown since entanglement in the waste can prevent them from reaching the surface.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-flowing-into-oceans-to-triple-by-2040-study-315624">Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study</a>

Species like Ganges River Dolphins and Mekong river's Irrawaddy Dolphins, both of which are classified as Endangered on the IUCN red list are especially vulnerable. 
 
Another marine mammal classified endangered by CMS in the Asia-Pacific region is the Dugong, for which drowning due to entanglement in nets has been shown to be the most significant threat, including in river deltas. 
 
Dugong deaths have also been linked to plastic consumption in India and Thailand. 
 
Most plastic is used and disposed of on land, yet the majority of research on plastic pollution has been conducted on marine ecosystems, whereas terrestrial environments were exceedingly underrepresented in the collection of plastic pollution data.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-call-for-binding-global-treaty-to-target-production-of-new-plastics-395392">Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics</a>

Plastic ingestion negatively impacts a broad variety of land animals as well. 
 
The Asian elephant which is protected under the CMS since 2020, has been observed eating plastic in Thailand and scavenging on trash dumps in Sri Lanka. 
 
In the Asia-Pacific region, birds account for almost 80 per cent of the CMS-listed species, and there is significant evidence of their interaction with plastics. 
 
A number of species of migratory birds, including the black-faced spoonbill and the osprey, have been observed building nests from plastic, fishing lines, and shipping debris, which often causes chicks to become entangled and perish.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plastic-coming-from-take-out-and-convenience-food-littering-the-ocean-study-390961">Plastic coming from take-out and convenience food littering the ocean: Study</a>

CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel said: "Since most plastic pollution is generated on land, it is unfortunately not surprising that it is impacting migratory and other animal species that live on land and in freshwater environments. 
 
"Clearly, we have huge gaps in the scientific literature of the threats of plastic pollution on many CMS species. We need more research to better identify risks to these species, and take appropriate steps to address them."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution.

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution. It was the first study to examine the impacts that plastic pollution has on animals living on land and in freshwater environments in Asia-Pacific. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Case studies of the Ganges and Mekong river basins were used for the study. These two river basins together contribute more than 200,000 tonnes of plastic pollution per year to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. However, not all plastic pollution ends up in the ocean. According to the study, freshwater and terrestrial species, as well as birds and land animals, are impacted by plastic pollution in river ecosystems and on land. The presence of plastic waste in freshwater can cause air-breathing mammals to drown since entanglement in the waste can prevent them from reaching the surface. Also read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study Species like Ganges River Dolphins and Mekong river's Irrawaddy Dolphins, both of which are classified as Endangered on the IUCN red list are especially vulnerable. Another marine mammal classified endangered by CMS in the Asia-Pacific region is the Dugong, for which drowning due to entanglement in nets has been shown to be the most significant threat, including in river deltas. Dugong deaths have also been linked to plastic consumption in India and Thailand. Most plastic is used and disposed of on land, yet the majority of research on plastic pollution has been conducted on marine ecosystems, whereas terrestrial environments were exceedingly underrepresented in the collection of plastic pollution data. Also read | Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics Plastic ingestion negatively impacts a broad variety of land animals as well. The Asian elephant which is protected under the CMS since 2020, has been observed eating plastic in Thailand and scavenging on trash dumps in Sri Lanka. In the Asia-Pacific region, birds account for almost 80 per cent of the CMS-listed species, and there is significant evidence of their interaction with plastics. A number of species of migratory birds, including the black-faced spoonbill and the osprey, have been observed building nests from plastic, fishing lines, and shipping debris, which often causes chicks to become entangled and perish. Also read | Plastic coming from take-out and convenience food littering the ocean: Study CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel said: "Since most plastic pollution is generated on land, it is unfortunately not surprising that it is impacting migratory and other animal species that live on land and in freshwater environments. "Clearly, we have huge gaps in the scientific literature of the threats of plastic pollution on many CMS species. We need more research to better identify risks to these species, and take appropriate steps to address them." (With inputs from agencies)

UN report identifies migratory species as most vulnerable to plastic pollution

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country.&nbsp;

The 28th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team shares the latest information on al Qaeda, ISIL (Daesh) and their affiliates.&nbsp;

Reports of the team, which has been established under a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, are printed in all the official languages of the world body.&nbsp;

Despite a US-Taliban peace deal signed in Doha in February last year, the security situation in Afghanistan “remains fragile, with uncertainty surrounding the peace process and a risk of further deterioration”, the report said.&nbsp;

The UN report says al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under Taliban’s protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces. It made the observation while referring to the militant group’s weekly newsletter Thabat.&nbsp;

AQIS is being led by Osama Mahmood after the death of its leader Asim Umar in 2019.&nbsp;

Mahmood is not listed in UN documents for terrorists. He was the group’s spokesperson before he got elevated to the chief’s post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country.

According to a latest United Nations report, which has been submitted to the Security Council this week, al Qaeda is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces. These provinces are primarily in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions of the country. The 28th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team shares the latest information on al Qaeda, ISIL (Daesh) and their affiliates. Reports of the team, which has been established under a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, are printed in all the official languages of the world body. Despite a US-Taliban peace deal signed in Doha in February last year, the security situation in Afghanistan “remains fragile, with uncertainty surrounding the peace process and a risk of further deterioration”, the report said. The UN report says al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under Taliban’s protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz provinces. It made the observation while referring to the militant group’s weekly newsletter Thabat. AQIS is being led by Osama Mahmood after the death of its leader Asim Umar in 2019. Mahmood is not listed in UN documents for terrorists. He was the group’s spokesperson before he got elevated to the chief’s post. (With inputs from agencies)

UN report says al Qaeda present in 15 provinces of Afghanistan 

Pope&nbsp;Francis on Sunday offered his prayers to the people of Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, which has been hit by famine.

"I am particularly close to the people of the Tigray region in Ethiopia, struck by a serious humanitarian crisis which exposes the poorest to famine," he said during his Angelus prayer.

"Today there is famine, there is hunger. Let us pray together for an immediate end to the violence, for everyone to be guaranteed food and health assistance, and for the return as soon as possible of social harmony."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-analysis-about-350000-people-in-ethiopias-tigray-in-famine-390882">UN analysis: About 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray in famine</a>

The UN has said that over 90 per cent of the more than five million people in the Tigray region need emergency food aid, and has urgently appealed for more than $200 million to scale up its response.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into the northern region in November to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party.

He said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/people-face-horrific-situation-in-ethiopias-tigray-389967/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Though he vowed the conflict would be brief, fighting continues more than six months later and reports of atrocities, including the widespread use of rape, are proliferating.&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Sunday offered his prayers to the people of Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, which has been hit by famine. "I am particularly close to the people of the Tigray region in Ethiopia, struck by a serious humanitarian crisis which exposes the poorest to famine," he said during his Angelus prayer.

Pope Francis on Sunday offered his prayers to the people of Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, which has been hit by famine. "I am particularly close to the people of the Tigray region in Ethiopia, struck by a serious humanitarian crisis which exposes the poorest to famine," he said during his Angelus prayer. "Today there is famine, there is hunger. Let us pray together for an immediate end to the violence, for everyone to be guaranteed food and health assistance, and for the return as soon as possible of social harmony." Also read | UN analysis: About 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray in famine The UN has said that over 90 per cent of the more than five million people in the Tigray region need emergency food aid, and has urgently appealed for more than $200 million to scale up its response. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into the northern region in November to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party. He said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps. Though he vowed the conflict would be brief, fighting continues more than six months later and reports of atrocities, including the widespread use of rape, are proliferating.

Pope offers prayers for famine-hit Tigray

More than 350,000 people in&nbsp;Ethiopia's Tigray are suffering famine conditions, with millions more at risk, according to an analysis by United Nations agencies and aid groups that blamed conflict for the worst catastrophic food crisis in a decade.

"There is famine now in Tigray," UN&nbsp;aid chief Mark Lowcock said on Thursday after the release of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, which the IPC noted has not been endorsed by the&nbsp;Ethiopian government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-tigray-at-serious-risk-of-famine-90-need-emergency-food-aid-388760">Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid</a>

"The number of people in famine conditions ... is higher than anywhere in the world, at any moment since a quarter million Somalis lost their lives in 2011," Lowcock said.

Most of the 5.5 million people in Tigray need food aid. Fighting broke out in the region in November between government troops and the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Troops from neighbouring Eritrea also entered the conflict to support the&nbsp;Ethiopian government.

The violence has killed thousands of civilians and forced more than 2 million from their homes in the mountainous region.

The most extreme warning by the IPC - a scale used by UN&nbsp;agencies, regional bodies and aid groups to determine food insecurity - is phase 5, which starts with a catastrophe warning and rises to a declaration of famine in a region.

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The IPC said more than 350,000 people in Tigray are in phase 5 catastrophe. That means households are experiencing famine conditions, but less than 20 per cent of the population is affected and deaths and malnutrition have not reached famine thresholds.

"This severe crisis results from the cascading effects of conflict, including population displacements, movement restrictions, limited humanitarian access, loss of harvest and livelihood assets, and dysfunctional or non-existent markets," the IPC analysis found.

The&nbsp;Ethiopian government disputed the IPC analysis, saying food shortages are not severe and aid is being delivered.

Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesman Dina Mufti told a news conference on Thursday that the government was providing food aid and help to farmers in Tigray.

"They (diplomats) are comparing it with the 1984, 1985 famine in&nbsp;Ethiopia," he said. "That is not going to happen."

The United States and the European Union, in a joint statement, called for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Eritrean troops, and humanitarian access to Tigray. It warned that the crisis threatened to destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region.

'Have to Act Now'

For famine to be declared, at least 20 per cent of the population must be suffering extreme food shortages, with one in three children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or from malnutrition and disease.

Famine has been declared twice in the past decade: in Somalia in 2011 and in parts of South Sudan in 2017.

"If the conflict further escalates or, for any other reason, humanitarian assistance is hampered, most areas of Tigray will be at risk of famine," according to the IPC, which added that even if aid deliveries are stepped up, the situation is expected to worsen through September.

US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said a humanitarian nightmare was unfolding.

"This is not the kind of disaster that can be reversed," she told a US&nbsp;and EU event on Tigray on Thursday. Referring to a previous famine in&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;that killed more than 1 million people, she said: "We cannot make the same mistake twice. We cannot let&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;starve. We have to act now."

World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley said that to stop hunger from killing millions of people in Tigray, there needed to be a ceasefire, unimpeded aid access and more money to expand aid operations.

According to notes of a meeting of UN&nbsp;agencies on Monday, seen by Reuters, the IPC analysis could be worse as "they did not include those in Amhara-controlled areas" in western Tigray.

Mitiku Kassa, head of&nbsp;Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission, said on Wednesday: "We don't have any food shortage."

More than 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray are suffering famine conditions, with millions more at risk, according to an analysis by United Nations agencies and aid groups that blamed conflict for the worst catastrophic food crisis in a decade.

More than 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray are suffering famine conditions, with millions more at risk, according to an analysis by United Nations agencies and aid groups that blamed conflict for the worst catastrophic food crisis in a decade. "There is famine now in Tigray," UN aid chief Mark Lowcock said on Thursday after the release of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, which the IPC noted has not been endorsed by the Ethiopian government. Also read | Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid "The number of people in famine conditions ... is higher than anywhere in the world, at any moment since a quarter million Somalis lost their lives in 2011," Lowcock said. Most of the 5.5 million people in Tigray need food aid. Fighting broke out in the region in November between government troops and the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Troops from neighbouring Eritrea also entered the conflict to support the Ethiopian government. The violence has killed thousands of civilians and forced more than 2 million from their homes in the mountainous region. The most extreme warning by the IPC - a scale used by UN agencies, regional bodies and aid groups to determine food insecurity - is phase 5, which starts with a catastrophe warning and rises to a declaration of famine in a region. The IPC said more than 350,000 people in Tigray are in phase 5 catastrophe. That means households are experiencing famine conditions, but less than 20 per cent of the population is affected and deaths and malnutrition have not reached famine thresholds. "This severe crisis results from the cascading effects of conflict, including population displacements, movement restrictions, limited humanitarian access, loss of harvest and livelihood assets, and dysfunctional or non-existent markets," the IPC analysis found. The Ethiopian government disputed the IPC analysis, saying food shortages are not severe and aid is being delivered. Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesman Dina Mufti told a news conference on Thursday that the government was providing food aid and help to farmers in Tigray. "They (diplomats) are comparing it with the 1984, 1985 famine in Ethiopia," he said. "That is not going to happen." The United States and the European Union, in a joint statement, called for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Eritrean troops, and humanitarian access to Tigray. It warned that the crisis threatened to destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region. 'Have to Act Now' For famine to be declared, at least 20 per cent of the population must be suffering extreme food shortages, with one in three children acutely malnourished and two people out of every 10,000 dying daily from starvation or from malnutrition and disease. Famine has been declared twice in the past decade: in Somalia in 2011 and in parts of South Sudan in 2017. "If the conflict further escalates or, for any other reason, humanitarian assistance is hampered, most areas of Tigray will be at risk of famine," according to the IPC, which added that even if aid deliveries are stepped up, the situation is expected to worsen through September. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said a humanitarian nightmare was unfolding. "This is not the kind of disaster that can be reversed," she told a US and EU event on Tigray on Thursday. Referring to a previous famine in Ethiopia that killed more than 1 million people, she said: "We cannot make the same mistake twice. We cannot let Ethiopia starve. We have to act now." World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley said that to stop hunger from killing millions of people in Tigray, there needed to be a ceasefire, unimpeded aid access and more money to expand aid operations. According to notes of a meeting of UN agencies on Monday, seen by Reuters, the IPC analysis could be worse as "they did not include those in Amhara-controlled areas" in western Tigray. Mitiku Kassa, head of Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission, said on Wednesday: "We don't have any food shortage."

UN analysis: About 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray in famine

Legal action has been launched against some of world's biggest and most famous chocolate companies by eight children.

These eight children have claimed they were used as slave labour on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast, and have alleged the big chocolate companies have been aiding and abetting enslavement of thousands of poor children for cocoa farming.

The companies named as defendants in the legal complaint are Nestlé, Cargill, Barry Callebaut, Mars, Olam, Hershey and Mondelēz. This complaint has been filed in Washington by a human rights firm International Rights Advocates (IRA) on behalf of the eight children.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tortures-lgbt-children-with-electric-shock-to-cure-them-un-report-363329">Iran tortures LGBT children with electric shock to 'cure' them: UN report</a>

As per the allegation, the children were forced to work without any pay and in inhumane conditions in the West African country.

The plaintiffs are all originally from Mali and are now seeking damages for the forced labour they have been subjected to for years. They are also looking for compensation for unjust enrichment, negligent supervision and intentional emotional distress they were subjected to for years.

While this is the first time such a case against these big companies, there have been several documents and reports that have highlighted such situations and experiences of several other minors.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-2-million-yemeni-children-may-starve-in-2021-un-says-363204">Over 2 million Yemeni children may starve in 2021, UN says</a>

Numerous reports have, in the past, talked about the abuse of human rights, low pay and structural abuse of power and poverty, and child labour in West Africa, which supplies nearly 45 per cent of cocoa to the world.

The eight children have accused the companies of recruiting them in Mali using trickery and deception and also alleges they were trafficked across the border to Ivory Coast's cocoa farms.

These children had clear signs of injuries through accidents on their hands and arms. Majority of them said they were promised payment after the harvest, but the promises were never kept and they were forced to work every day for long hours and were usually kept alone.

"We are aware of the filing and while we cannot comment on specifics of this case right now, [the company wants] to reinforce we have no tolerance for child labor in cocoa production. Children belong in school. They deserve safe living conditions and access to good nutrition," Cargill said in a statement.

"Child labor is unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for. Nestlé has explicit policies against it and is unwavering in our dedication to ending it. We remain committed to combatting child labor within the cocoa supply chain and addressing its root causes as part of the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and through collaborative efforts,"&nbsp;Nestlé said.

Mars and&nbsp;Hershey have declined to comment on this lawsuit, for now.

Legal action has been launched against some of world's biggest and most famous chocolate companies by eight children. These eight children have claimed they were used as slave labour on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast, and have alleged the big chocolate companies have been aiding and abetting enslavement of thousands of poor children for cocoa farming.

Legal action has been launched against some of world's biggest and most famous chocolate companies by eight children. These eight children have claimed they were used as slave labour on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast, and have alleged the big chocolate companies have been aiding and abetting enslavement of thousands of poor children for cocoa farming. The companies named as defendants in the legal complaint are Nestlé, Cargill, Barry Callebaut, Mars, Olam, Hershey and Mondelēz. This complaint has been filed in Washington by a human rights firm International Rights Advocates (IRA) on behalf of the eight children. Also read| Iran tortures LGBT children with electric shock to 'cure' them: UN report As per the allegation, the children were forced to work without any pay and in inhumane conditions in the West African country. The plaintiffs are all originally from Mali and are now seeking damages for the forced labour they have been subjected to for years. They are also looking for compensation for unjust enrichment, negligent supervision and intentional emotional distress they were subjected to for years. While this is the first time such a case against these big companies, there have been several documents and reports that have highlighted such situations and experiences of several other minors. Also read| Over 2 million Yemeni children may starve in 2021, UN says Numerous reports have, in the past, talked about the abuse of human rights, low pay and structural abuse of power and poverty, and child labour in West Africa, which supplies nearly 45 per cent of cocoa to the world. The eight children have accused the companies of recruiting them in Mali using trickery and deception and also alleges they were trafficked across the border to Ivory Coast's cocoa farms. These children had clear signs of injuries through accidents on their hands and arms. Majority of them said they were promised payment after the harvest, but the promises were never kept and they were forced to work every day for long hours and were usually kept alone. "We are aware of the filing and while we cannot comment on specifics of this case right now, [the company wants] to reinforce we have no tolerance for child labor in cocoa production. Children belong in school. They deserve safe living conditions and access to good nutrition," Cargill said in a statement. "Child labor is unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for. Nestlé has explicit policies against it and is unwavering in our dedication to ending it. We remain committed to combatting child labor within the cocoa supply chain and addressing its root causes as part of the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and through collaborative efforts," Nestlé said. Mars and Hershey have declined to comment on this lawsuit, for now.

Children sue Nestlé, Mars and Hershey for child slavery in Ivory Coast

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An estimated 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists are in neighbouring Afghanistan, most of them with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, posing a threat to both the countries, a UN report has said.

The 26th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities said that the terror group al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under the Taliban umbrella from Nimruz, Helmand and Kandahar provinces of Afghanistan.

The group reportedly has between 150 and 200 members from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan. The current leader of AQIS is Osama Mahmood, who succeeded the late Asim Umar.

"AQIS is reportedly planning retaliation operations in the region to avenge the death of its former leader," it said.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a "large terrorist group present in Afghanistan", has claimed responsibility for various high-profile attacks in Pakistan and has facilitated others by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Lahskhar-e-Islam, the report said.

It said that many former TTP militants have joined Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL-K) and member states expect that the group and its various splinter groups will align themselves with ISIL-K.

"The total number of Pakistani foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan, posing a threat to both countries, is estimated at between 6,000 and 6,500, most of them with TTP," it said, adding that a number of other terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan, most operating under the umbrella of the Taliban but some aligned with ISIL-K.

According to the member states, al-Qaida is covertly active in 12 Afghan provinces and its leader Aiman al-Zawahiri remains based in the country.

The monitoring team estimates the total number of al-Qaida fighters in Afghanistan at between 400 and 600.

"The leadership maintains a close contact with the Haqqani Network. In February 2020, al-Zawahiri met with Yahya Haqqani, the primary Haqqani Network contact with al-Qaida since mid-2009, to discuss the ongoing cooperation," it said.

The monitoring team also estimates the current ISIL-K membership in Afghanistan at 2,200. The leader is sheikh Matiullah Kamahwal, previously the head of ISIL-K in Kunar. The leadership also includes Syrian national Abu Said Mohammad al-Khorasani and sheikh Abdul Tahir.

The team was informed that two senior ISIL commanders, Abu Qutaibah and Abu Hajar al-Iraqi, have arrived in Afghanistan from the Middle East.

The report said that ISIL-K continues to suffer losses in Kunar province, to where it moved from Nangarhar at the end of 2019.

In April and May, the Afghan special forces conducted a series of countrywide operations that led to the arrest of the group's leaders, including Aslam Farooqi (also known as Abdullah Orokzai), the head of ISIL-K, his predecessor Zia ul-Haq (also known as Abu Omar Khorasani) and other senior members.

According to some member states, ISIL-K is seeking to pursue "a global agenda" by implementing the ISIL core's leadership approach, which considers Afghan territory a base for spreading terrorist influence across the wider region.

"Although in territorial retreat, ISIL-K remains capable of carrying out high-profile attacks in various parts of the country, including Kabul," the report said, adding that the group also aims to attract Taliban fighters who oppose the agreement with the US.

In case of further military pressure on ISIL-K in Kunar, the group is expected to retreat to Badakhshan and other northern provinces, it said.

The monitoring team was informed that ISIL-K also works with networks of supporters in the Maldives.

On April, 15 2020, five government speedboats were damaged in an arson attack at Mahibadhoo Harbour on Ariatholhu Dhekunuburi, which ISIL claimed as its first attack in the Maldives.

According to the member state information, the attack was a retaliation against the government investigations into extremism and drug trafficking.

"The attack was covered extensively in ISIL media networks in South Asia, with the al-Naba claim of responsibility also translated into Dhivehi. Member states remain concerned about the radicalisation and recruitment in the Maldives," the report added.

An estimated 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists are in neighbouring Afghanistan, most of them with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, posing a threat to both the countries, a UN report has said.

An estimated 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists are in neighbouring Afghanistan, most of them with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, posing a threat to both the countries, a UN report has said. The 26th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIS, al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities said that the terror group al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under the Taliban umbrella from Nimruz, Helmand and Kandahar provinces of Afghanistan. The group reportedly has between 150 and 200 members from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan. The current leader of AQIS is Osama Mahmood, who succeeded the late Asim Umar. "AQIS is reportedly planning retaliation operations in the region to avenge the death of its former leader," it said. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a "large terrorist group present in Afghanistan", has claimed responsibility for various high-profile attacks in Pakistan and has facilitated others by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Lahskhar-e-Islam, the report said. It said that many former TTP militants have joined Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL-K) and member states expect that the group and its various splinter groups will align themselves with ISIL-K. "The total number of Pakistani foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan, posing a threat to both countries, is estimated at between 6,000 and 6,500, most of them with TTP," it said, adding that a number of other terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan, most operating under the umbrella of the Taliban but some aligned with ISIL-K. According to the member states, al-Qaida is covertly active in 12 Afghan provinces and its leader Aiman al-Zawahiri remains based in the country. The monitoring team estimates the total number of al-Qaida fighters in Afghanistan at between 400 and 600. "The leadership maintains a close contact with the Haqqani Network. In February 2020, al-Zawahiri met with Yahya Haqqani, the primary Haqqani Network contact with al-Qaida since mid-2009, to discuss the ongoing cooperation," it said. The monitoring team also estimates the current ISIL-K membership in Afghanistan at 2,200. The leader is sheikh Matiullah Kamahwal, previously the head of ISIL-K in Kunar. The leadership also includes Syrian national Abu Said Mohammad al-Khorasani and sheikh Abdul Tahir. The team was informed that two senior ISIL commanders, Abu Qutaibah and Abu Hajar al-Iraqi, have arrived in Afghanistan from the Middle East. The report said that ISIL-K continues to suffer losses in Kunar province, to where it moved from Nangarhar at the end of 2019. In April and May, the Afghan special forces conducted a series of countrywide operations that led to the arrest of the group's leaders, including Aslam Farooqi (also known as Abdullah Orokzai), the head of ISIL-K, his predecessor Zia ul-Haq (also known as Abu Omar Khorasani) and other senior members. According to some member states, ISIL-K is seeking to pursue "a global agenda" by implementing the ISIL core's leadership approach, which considers Afghan territory a base for spreading terrorist influence across the wider region. "Although in territorial retreat, ISIL-K remains capable of carrying out high-profile attacks in various parts of the country, including Kabul," the report said, adding that the group also aims to attract Taliban fighters who oppose the agreement with the US. In case of further military pressure on ISIL-K in Kunar, the group is expected to retreat to Badakhshan and other northern provinces, it said. The monitoring team was informed that ISIL-K also works with networks of supporters in the Maldives. On April, 15 2020, five government speedboats were damaged in an arson attack at Mahibadhoo Harbour on Ariatholhu Dhekunuburi, which ISIL claimed as its first attack in the Maldives. According to the member state information, the attack was a retaliation against the government investigations into extremism and drug trafficking. "The attack was covered extensively in ISIL media networks in South Asia, with the al-Naba claim of responsibility also translated into Dhivehi. Member states remain concerned about the radicalisation and recruitment in the Maldives," the report added.

Between 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report

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Following a report submitted to the United Nations that says that there are 6,500 Pakistanis among other foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan

Pakistan Remains An Epicentre Of Global Terrorism

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women.

The Gender Social Norms Index report released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) studied 75 countries making 80 per cent of the world's population. The index measured how social beliefs act as a hindrance to gender equality in areas like politics, work, and education.&nbsp;

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The prejudiced views that were asked in the study were: that men are better politicians and business leaders than women; that going to university is more important for men than women; and that men should get preferential treatment in competitive job markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-struggles-to-combat-devastating-locust-plague-284119">Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague</a>

The findings revealed that the percentage of those holding at least one sexist bias was largest in Pakistan, 99.81 per cent.&nbsp;

Qatar and Nigeria followed Pakistan with 99.73 per cent.&nbsp;

Ahead of the International Women's Day on March 8, the research doesn't present a brighter picture as 90% of the people studied worldwide have at least one prejudice against women.&nbsp;

Andorra had the least population with sexist beliefs, at 27.01 per cent, and Sweden and the Netherlands were next to it with 30.01 per cent and 39.75 per cent. &nbsp;

France, Britain and the United States had similar scores, with 56 per cent, 54.6 per cent and 57.31 per cent of people respectively holding at least one prejudice.&nbsp;

The numbers show "new clues to the invisible barriers women face in achieving equality" despite "decades of progress," the UNDP said in a statement released along with the report.

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women.

The ill-treatment to women in Pakistan has much been talked about and a new United Nations report confirms this point as the country stands first in holding biases against women. The Gender Social Norms Index report released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) studied 75 countries making 80 per cent of the world's population. The index measured how social beliefs act as a hindrance to gender equality in areas like politics, work, and education. Also read: Pakistan confirms sixth coronavirus case, 823 quarantined in Sindh The prejudiced views that were asked in the study were: that men are better politicians and business leaders than women; that going to university is more important for men than women; and that men should get preferential treatment in competitive job markets. Also read: Pakistan struggles to combat devastating locust plague The findings revealed that the percentage of those holding at least one sexist bias was largest in Pakistan, 99.81 per cent. Qatar and Nigeria followed Pakistan with 99.73 per cent. Ahead of the International Women's Day on March 8, the research doesn't present a brighter picture as 90% of the people studied worldwide have at least one prejudice against women. Andorra had the least population with sexist beliefs, at 27.01 per cent, and Sweden and the Netherlands were next to it with 30.01 per cent and 39.75 per cent. France, Britain and the United States had similar scores, with 56 per cent, 54.6 per cent and 57.31 per cent of people respectively holding at least one prejudice. The numbers show "new clues to the invisible barriers women face in achieving equality" despite "decades of progress," the UNDP said in a statement released along with the report.

Pakistan ranks first in holding biases against women: UN report

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