An eye doctor from India's Hyderabad state recently shared a Twitter thread detailing how a young woman's vision was seriously damaged as a result of routine behaviour of using smartphone. Watch this to know more.

Can excessive use of smartphones lead to loss of vision?

The decision to allow burkinis in municipal swimming pools of Grenoble has been suspended by a French administrative court, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Twitter. "Burkini" are the body-covering bathing suits for women. In it, only the face, hands and feet are exposed. The Interior ministry had filed an objection against the approval of burkini in pools of the city of Grenoble, Darmanin said. Grenoble is an ecologist-run city in the French Alps, which is close to Italy. "The administrative court considers that the mayor of Grenoble, with his decision allowing burkinis in municipal pools, is seriously undermining secularism," Darmanin said. &nbsp;

On May 16, Grenoble’s municipal council voted in favour of allowing the use of burkinis on a proposal of its ecologist mayor Eric Piolle. The move had garnered criticism from conservative and far-right politicians. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The ruling of the court was based on the 2021 "separatism" law, which was voted during first term of President Emmanuel Macron, Darmanin said. It allows the suspension of measures, which may "undermine secularism and the neutrality of public services." &nbsp;

In France, several Muslim rights organisations have been saying that bans on burkinis not just restrict fundamental liberties, but also discriminate against Muslim women. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The decision to allow burkinis in municipal swimming pools of Grenoble has been suspended by a French administrative court, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Twitter.

The decision to allow burkinis in municipal swimming pools of Grenoble has been suspended by a French administrative court, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Twitter. "Burkini" are the body-covering bathing suits for women. In it, only the face, hands and feet are exposed. The Interior ministry had filed an objection against the approval of burkini in pools of the city of Grenoble, Darmanin said. Grenoble is an ecologist-run city in the French Alps, which is close to Italy. "The administrative court considers that the mayor of Grenoble, with his decision allowing burkinis in municipal pools, is seriously undermining secularism," Darmanin said. On May 16, Grenoble’s municipal council voted in favour of allowing the use of burkinis on a proposal of its ecologist mayor Eric Piolle. The move had garnered criticism from conservative and far-right politicians. WATCH WION LIVE HERE The ruling of the court was based on the 2021 "separatism" law, which was voted during first term of President Emmanuel Macron, Darmanin said. It allows the suspension of measures, which may "undermine secularism and the neutrality of public services." In France, several Muslim rights organisations have been saying that bans on burkinis not just restrict fundamental liberties, but also discriminate against Muslim women. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

French court suspends burkinis’ use in municipal swimming pools of Grenoble city   

The federal government on Thursday proposed new guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers that remove its previous recommended ceilings on doses for chronic pain patients and instead encourage doctors to use their best judgment.

But the overall thrust of the recommendations was that doctors should first turn to “nonopioid therapies” for both chronic and acute pain, including prescription medications like gabapentin and over-the-counter ones like ibuprofen, as well as physical therapy, massage and acupuncture.

Though still in draft form, the 12 recommendations, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the first comprehensive revisions of the agency’s opioid prescribing guidelines since 2016. They walk a fine line between embracing the need for doctors to prescribe opioids to alleviate some cases of severe pain while guarding against exposing patients to the well-documented perils of opioids.

The 229-page document warns of addiction, depressed breathing, altered mental status and other dangers associated with opioids, but it also notes that the drugs serve an important medical purpose, especially for easing the immediate, acute agony from traumatic injuries such as burns and crushed bones. In those instances when opioids seem the way to go, doctors should start with the lowest effective dose and prescribe immediate-release pills rather than long-acting ones, the recommendations said.

The recommendations are now open on the Federal Register for public comment for 60 days. The agency will review the comments and most likely issue a final version by the end of 2022. Like the 2016 guidelines, they are suggested practices and not mandatory.

“We are welcoming comments from patients who are living with pain every day and from their caregivers and providers,” said Christopher Jones, a co-author of the draft and acting director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the arm of the CDC that released the new guidelines.

The guidelines do not apply to patients suffering pain from cancer or sickle cell, or are in end-of-life or palliative care.

The 2016 guidelines generated anger and fear in many chronic pain patients, many of whom rely on doses far higher than the recommended ceiling of 90 morphine milligram equivalents daily. Hundreds of pain medicine specialists protested as well.

Though the dosing ceilings were merely a recommendation, dozens of states codified them. Fearing criminal and civil penalties, many doctors misapplied them as rigid standards, tapering chronic pain patients too abruptly and even tossing some from their practices.

Studies show that the number of opioid prescriptions overall has been dropping since 2012, and the decline escalated after the 2016 guidelines came out.

The new proposed recommendations step back from the notion of one-size dosing fits all and instead builds in “flexibility to recognize that pain care needs to be individualized,” Jones said.

But the recommendations make it abundantly clear that doctors should regularly reassess the benefits and risks of opioids.

“The evidence around the long-term benefits of opioids continues to remain very limited,” Jones said.

In another indication that the CDC sees these new guidelines as a course-correction to the earlier ones, the agency now suggests that when patients test positive for illicit substances, doctors should offer counseling, treatment and, when necessary, careful tapering. Because doctors had interpreted the 2016 dosing limits narrowly, some had worked up one-strike policies and were summarily ejecting such patients.

Jones said that such results should instead be considered one piece of diagnostic information among many. An unduly high level of opioids could indicate the patient still has untreated pain or even a substance use disorder.

“If you instead retain the patient and have those conversations, there’s now an opportunity to improve the patient’s life,” he said.

Drawing from a mountain of research that accumulated in recent years, the proposed guidelines also offer extensive recommendations for the treatment of acute pain — short-term pain that can come with an injury like a broken bone or the aftermath of surgery. They advise against prescribing opioids, except for traumatic injuries, such as burns and auto accidents.

In granular detail, they compare the relief provided by opioids to that offered by alternatives such as exercise and acupuncture and other drugs. And they give fine-tuned recommendations for discrete areas of pain, such as lower back, knees and neck.

The guidelines, for example, note that opioids should not be used for episodic migraines. They endorse, among other treatments, heat therapy and weight loss for knee osteoarthritis, and, for neck pain, suggest options like yoga, tai chi, qiqong, massage and acupuncture.

The recommendations also say that many studies show that, over time, pain alleviation from opioids usually plateaus and then wanes, requiring ever higher doses.

“We never wanted to pretend that opioids aren’t really important tools,” said Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone, a professor of emergency medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who served on an advisory panel for the prescribing guidelines. “But after you’ve got that cast on, we’re going to wean you off those opioids. One long-bone fracture doesn’t mean six weeks of opioid prescriptions.”

The federal government on Thursday proposed new guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers that remove its previous recommended ceilings on doses for chronic pain patients and instead encourage doctors to use their best judgment.

The federal government on Thursday proposed new guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers that remove its previous recommended ceilings on doses for chronic pain patients and instead encourage doctors to use their best judgment. But the overall thrust of the recommendations was that doctors should first turn to “nonopioid therapies” for both chronic and acute pain, including prescription medications like gabapentin and over-the-counter ones like ibuprofen, as well as physical therapy, massage and acupuncture. Though still in draft form, the 12 recommendations, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the first comprehensive revisions of the agency’s opioid prescribing guidelines since 2016. They walk a fine line between embracing the need for doctors to prescribe opioids to alleviate some cases of severe pain while guarding against exposing patients to the well-documented perils of opioids. The 229-page document warns of addiction, depressed breathing, altered mental status and other dangers associated with opioids, but it also notes that the drugs serve an important medical purpose, especially for easing the immediate, acute agony from traumatic injuries such as burns and crushed bones. In those instances when opioids seem the way to go, doctors should start with the lowest effective dose and prescribe immediate-release pills rather than long-acting ones, the recommendations said. The recommendations are now open on the Federal Register for public comment for 60 days. The agency will review the comments and most likely issue a final version by the end of 2022. Like the 2016 guidelines, they are suggested practices and not mandatory. “We are welcoming comments from patients who are living with pain every day and from their caregivers and providers,” said Christopher Jones, a co-author of the draft and acting director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the arm of the CDC that released the new guidelines. The guidelines do not apply to patients suffering pain from cancer or sickle cell, or are in end-of-life or palliative care. The 2016 guidelines generated anger and fear in many chronic pain patients, many of whom rely on doses far higher than the recommended ceiling of 90 morphine milligram equivalents daily. Hundreds of pain medicine specialists protested as well. Though the dosing ceilings were merely a recommendation, dozens of states codified them. Fearing criminal and civil penalties, many doctors misapplied them as rigid standards, tapering chronic pain patients too abruptly and even tossing some from their practices. Studies show that the number of opioid prescriptions overall has been dropping since 2012, and the decline escalated after the 2016 guidelines came out. The new proposed recommendations step back from the notion of one-size dosing fits all and instead builds in “flexibility to recognize that pain care needs to be individualized,” Jones said. But the recommendations make it abundantly clear that doctors should regularly reassess the benefits and risks of opioids. “The evidence around the long-term benefits of opioids continues to remain very limited,” Jones said. In another indication that the CDC sees these new guidelines as a course-correction to the earlier ones, the agency now suggests that when patients test positive for illicit substances, doctors should offer counseling, treatment and, when necessary, careful tapering. Because doctors had interpreted the 2016 dosing limits narrowly, some had worked up one-strike policies and were summarily ejecting such patients. Jones said that such results should instead be considered one piece of diagnostic information among many. An unduly high level of opioids could indicate the patient still has untreated pain or even a substance use disorder. “If you instead retain the patient and have those conversations, there’s now an opportunity to improve the patient’s life,” he said. Drawing from a mountain of research that accumulated in recent years, the proposed guidelines also offer extensive recommendations for the treatment of acute pain — short-term pain that can come with an injury like a broken bone or the aftermath of surgery. They advise against prescribing opioids, except for traumatic injuries, such as burns and auto accidents. In granular detail, they compare the relief provided by opioids to that offered by alternatives such as exercise and acupuncture and other drugs. And they give fine-tuned recommendations for discrete areas of pain, such as lower back, knees and neck. The guidelines, for example, note that opioids should not be used for episodic migraines. They endorse, among other treatments, heat therapy and weight loss for knee osteoarthritis, and, for neck pain, suggest options like yoga, tai chi, qiqong, massage and acupuncture. The recommendations also say that many studies show that, over time, pain alleviation from opioids usually plateaus and then wanes, requiring ever higher doses. “We never wanted to pretend that opioids aren’t really important tools,” said Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone, a professor of emergency medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who served on an advisory panel for the prescribing guidelines. “But after you’ve got that cast on, we’re going to wean you off those opioids. One long-bone fracture doesn’t mean six weeks of opioid prescriptions.”

CDC proposes new guidelines for treating pain, including Opioid use

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. &nbsp;

Well, let’s find the answer to this query. &nbsp;

In a striking revelation, a study has suggested that the long-term use of paracetamol can raise the risk of heart disease and strokes in people, who are suffering with high blood pressure. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-implant-helps-paralysed-man-with-severed-spinal-cord-to-walk-again-451367" hreflang="en">Watch: Implant helps paralysed man with severed spinal cord to walk again</a>

The patients who have a long-term prescription for the medicine should take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time possible, the researchers said. &nbsp;

It is generally prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain. &nbsp;

The study, which was carried out by University of Edinburgh, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Circulation’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-glaciers-contain-less-ice-than-estimated-says-study-451389" hreflang="en">World’s glaciers contain less ice than estimated, says study</a>

It seems to be the first large randomised clinical trial to understand the effects of this medicine. &nbsp;

Dr Iain MacIntyre, who is consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian and the lead investigator of the study, said, "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people, who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. Well, let’s find the answer to this query.

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. Well, let’s find the answer to this query. In a striking revelation, a study has suggested that the long-term use of paracetamol can raise the risk of heart disease and strokes in people, who are suffering with high blood pressure. Also Read | Watch: Implant helps paralysed man with severed spinal cord to walk again The patients who have a long-term prescription for the medicine should take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time possible, the researchers said. It is generally prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain. The study, which was carried out by University of Edinburgh, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Circulation’. Also Read: World’s glaciers contain less ice than estimated, says study It seems to be the first large randomised clinical trial to understand the effects of this medicine. Dr Iain MacIntyre, who is consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian and the lead investigator of the study, said, "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people, who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain." (With inputs from agencies)

Does paracetamol’s use pose any risk? Study makes the striking revelation

In what can be deemed as a first in European Union, Malta has become the first country to legalise cannabis at home and for personal use. Under the new law, people aged 18 and above will be allowed to have up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four plants at home.&nbsp;

However, consuming cannabis in public remains illegal and punishable by a 235 euro fine. Also, consuming the drug in front of a child - both in public or private could lead to a penalty of between 300 and 500 euros.

The new law also allows several non-profit organisations of up to 500 people to grow the drug for the use of their members.

This came after MPs approved a legal reform backed by Prime Minister Robert Abela's Labour party.&nbsp;

Earlier, Abela had said, "We are legislating to address a problem and taking the harm reduction approach by regulating the sector so that people do not have to resort to the black market to purchase cannabis."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luxembourg-becomes-first-european-country-to-legalise-cannabis-423054">Also read |&nbsp;Luxembourg becomes first European country to legalise cannabis</a>

The new law will now go to the president for approval.&nbsp;

The law further introduces easier penalties for people found with larger amounts of cannabis. Adults in possession of between 7 to 28 grams of cannabis for their own use would face a tribunal rather than a court. They can also face a maximum 100 euro fine.

Minors caught with cannabis will be referred to a tribunal which may lead to a care plan or treatment.

Several other countries in the region tolerate its use to varying degrees.&nbsp;

A few weeks back, Luxembourg came forward with a similar proposal as the country’s government had announced that people aged 18 and above will be allowed to grow a maximum of four cannabis plants per household.

Locals will have to use their household boundary, indoors, outdoors, balcony, terrace or garden to grow cannabis at home. In addition to this, the consumption of 3 grams of cannabis will not be deemed as a criminal offence but will be charged as a misdemeanour with a fine of €25 for possession.

Above three grams, nothing changes, you will be considered a dealer," Justice minister Sam Tamson said. "Nothing changes for car drivers either: there is still zero tolerance."

(With inputs from agencies)

In what can be deemed as a first in European Union, Malta has become the first country to legalise cannabis at home and for personal use. Under the new law, people aged 18 and above will be allowed to have up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four plants at home.

In what can be deemed as a first in European Union, Malta has become the first country to legalise cannabis at home and for personal use. Under the new law, people aged 18 and above will be allowed to have up to seven grams of cannabis and grow up to four plants at home. However, consuming cannabis in public remains illegal and punishable by a 235 euro fine. Also, consuming the drug in front of a child - both in public or private could lead to a penalty of between 300 and 500 euros. The new law also allows several non-profit organisations of up to 500 people to grow the drug for the use of their members. This came after MPs approved a legal reform backed by Prime Minister Robert Abela's Labour party. Earlier, Abela had said, "We are legislating to address a problem and taking the harm reduction approach by regulating the sector so that people do not have to resort to the black market to purchase cannabis." Also read | Luxembourg becomes first European country to legalise cannabis The new law will now go to the president for approval. The law further introduces easier penalties for people found with larger amounts of cannabis. Adults in possession of between 7 to 28 grams of cannabis for their own use would face a tribunal rather than a court. They can also face a maximum 100 euro fine. Minors caught with cannabis will be referred to a tribunal which may lead to a care plan or treatment. Several other countries in the region tolerate its use to varying degrees. A few weeks back, Luxembourg came forward with a similar proposal as the country’s government had announced that people aged 18 and above will be allowed to grow a maximum of four cannabis plants per household. Locals will have to use their household boundary, indoors, outdoors, balcony, terrace or garden to grow cannabis at home. In addition to this, the consumption of 3 grams of cannabis will not be deemed as a criminal offence but will be charged as a misdemeanour with a fine of €25 for possession. Above three grams, nothing changes, you will be considered a dealer," Justice minister Sam Tamson said. "Nothing changes for car drivers either: there is still zero tolerance." (With inputs from agencies)

In a EU first, Malta legalises cannabis at home and for personal use

China has set an ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel use to under 20 per cent by 2060, reveals an official plan published by state media on Sunday.

The cabinet document talks about&nbsp;a pledge by President Xi Jinping to wean the world's biggest polluter off coal, with a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality 30 years later.

The authorities have also been looking to ramp up production as coal prices surge and supplies run low.

Guidelines published by China's official Xinhua news agency on Sunday laid out a host of targets in its path towards carbon neutrality.

These guidelines included the proportion of non-fossil fuel consumption reaching around 25 per cent of total energy use by 2030. By then, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP would have dropped by more than 65 per cent from 2005 levels.

The guidelines also highlighted an earlier aim for carbon emissions per unit of GDP to fall 18 per cent in 2025, from 2020 standards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-aims-of-net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2060-423376">Also read |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia aims of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060</a>

Authorities have called for a shift in industrial structures, saying that they would "resolutely curb the blind development" of projects with high energy consumption and emissions.

The authorities also stressed the need for effective responses against economic and social risks that could come up with a low-carbon transition, and to "prevent overreaction and ensure safe carbon reduction".

The guidelines come as countries are gearing up for the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, the UK president-designate of the Cop26 talks, Alok Sharma, has said that achieving a global climate deal in Glasgow in the next three weeks will be harder than signing the Paris agreement of 2015.&nbsp;

He further said that the task would be to get nearly 200 countries to implement stringent cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind the increase in global temperature to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels.

China has set an ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel use to under 20 per cent by 2060, reveals an official plan published by state media on Sunday. The cabinet document talks about a pledge by President Xi Jinping to wean the world's biggest polluter off coal, with a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality 30 years later.

China has set an ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel use to under 20 per cent by 2060, reveals an official plan published by state media on Sunday. The cabinet document talks about a pledge by President Xi Jinping to wean the world's biggest polluter off coal, with a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality 30 years later. The authorities have also been looking to ramp up production as coal prices surge and supplies run low. Guidelines published by China's official Xinhua news agency on Sunday laid out a host of targets in its path towards carbon neutrality. These guidelines included the proportion of non-fossil fuel consumption reaching around 25 per cent of total energy use by 2030. By then, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP would have dropped by more than 65 per cent from 2005 levels. The guidelines also highlighted an earlier aim for carbon emissions per unit of GDP to fall 18 per cent in 2025, from 2020 standards. Also read | Saudi Arabia aims of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 Authorities have called for a shift in industrial structures, saying that they would "resolutely curb the blind development" of projects with high energy consumption and emissions. The authorities also stressed the need for effective responses against economic and social risks that could come up with a low-carbon transition, and to "prevent overreaction and ensure safe carbon reduction". The guidelines come as countries are gearing up for the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. Meanwhile, the UK president-designate of the Cop26 talks, Alok Sharma, has said that achieving a global climate deal in Glasgow in the next three weeks will be harder than signing the Paris agreement of 2015. He further said that the task would be to get nearly 200 countries to implement stringent cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind the increase in global temperature to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels.

China aims to cut fossil energy use to below 20 per cent by 2060

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials.

The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-partnership-with-india-eu-steps-up-engagement-in-indo-pacific-with-new-plan-413844">Also read |&nbsp;Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan</a>

Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA.

The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent.

All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL.

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin. The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials. The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring. Also read | Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA. The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent. All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Covaxin's wait continues as WHO delays emergency use again

Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-at-least-11-killed-in-clashes-with-police-over-protests-against-sterlite-plant-139005">11 people died</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle).&nbsp;

A number of policemen in uniform mill about the van.&nbsp;

In the video, a voice in the background says, "At least one should die."&nbsp;

The man on top of the van fires.&nbsp;

Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area.&nbsp;

Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity.&nbsp;

Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Local police in Tuticorin seen with assault rifles to disperse protesters demanding a ban on Sterlite Industries. 9 protestors have lost their lives. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>. (Earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/hinYmbtIZQ">pic.twitter.com/hinYmbtIZQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998964917905453057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/999124168871362560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOTamilNadu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOTamilNadu</a> on the situation?
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/999124439169089536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion.&nbsp;

And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle)

Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where 11 people died on Tuesday. A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle). A number of policemen in uniform mill about the van. In the video, a voice in the background says, "At least one should die." The man on top of the van fires. Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area. Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group. The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine. The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity. Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest. #WATCH Local police in Tuticorin seen with assault rifles to disperse protesters demanding a ban on Sterlite Industries. 9 protestors have lost their lives. #TamilNadu. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/hinYmbtIZQ — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing? #SterliteProtest — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018 × Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during #SterliteProtest? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and @CMOTamilNadu on the situation? — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018 × On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion. And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings. The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks.

Video: In Tamil Nadu police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters

A northern Indian state will soon begin a multi-million dollar search in the Himalayas for a mythical plant believed to hold life-saving properties, a local minister said today. 
 
Uttarakhand will spend 250 million Rupees ($37 million) of state money hunting the herb Sanjeevani Booti, which is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life to the brother of a god. 
 
While many wild plants with medicinal properties grow in the Himalayas, there is scant evidence that the plant ever existed, with sages and modern researchers failing for centuries to find it. 
 
&quot;We have to try and it will never go to waste. If we are determined we will certainly find it,&quot; Surendra Singh Negi, the state&#39;s minister for alternative medicine, told AFP. 
 
The minister said the search will focus on the Dronagiri range of Himalayas near the Chinese border, one mountain of which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana as being the site where the magical herb grows. 
 
&quot;We have set an initial budget of 250 million Rupees ($37 million) for the project,&quot; Negi said. 
 
Scientists will start work in August, the minister said, adding that the central government has refused to fund the project. 
 
Ancient texts say the plant has life-restoring properties, grows in the high mountains of the Himalayas and glows in the dark. 
 
According to Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman was tasked by the god Rama with fetching the herb after a healer said it would cure his dying brother Laxman. 
 
But Hanuman failed to identity the plant, instead uprooting the entire mountain and carrying it thousands of miles to treat the mortally injured prince during a war with demons in what is now Sri Lanka. 
 
India&#39;s 5,000-year-old medicine system Ayurveda uses herbs to cure ailments and has seen a revival under Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government. 
 
(AFP)

The herb Sanjeevani Booti is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life, but there's scant evidence it exists

A northern Indian state will soon begin a multi-million dollar search in the Himalayas for a mythical plant believed to hold life-saving properties, a local minister said today. Uttarakhand will spend 250 million Rupees ($37 million) of state money hunting the herb Sanjeevani Booti, which is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life to the brother of a god. While many wild plants with medicinal properties grow in the Himalayas, there is scant evidence that the plant ever existed, with sages and modern researchers failing for centuries to find it. "We have to try and it will never go to waste. If we are determined we will certainly find it," Surendra Singh Negi, the state's minister for alternative medicine, told AFP. The minister said the search will focus on the Dronagiri range of Himalayas near the Chinese border, one mountain of which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana as being the site where the magical herb grows. "We have set an initial budget of 250 million Rupees ($37 million) for the project," Negi said. Scientists will start work in August, the minister said, adding that the central government has refused to fund the project. Ancient texts say the plant has life-restoring properties, grows in the high mountains of the Himalayas and glows in the dark. According to Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman was tasked by the god Rama with fetching the herb after a healer said it would cure his dying brother Laxman. But Hanuman failed to identity the plant, instead uprooting the entire mountain and carrying it thousands of miles to treat the mortally injured prince during a war with demons in what is now Sri Lanka. India's 5,000-year-old medicine system Ayurveda uses herbs to cure ailments and has seen a revival under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. (AFP)

Indian state to spend $37 million hunting mythical 'life-saving' plant

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.

&quot;This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band,&quot; the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday.

&quot;We don&rsquo;t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY.&quot;

With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity.

The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil.

The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as &ldquo;Moves Like Jagger,&rdquo; were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band&#39;s decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website.

&quot;You shouldn&#39;t punish your fans who have no control over the politics!&quot; one post said.

Republican Governor Pat McCrory&#39;s campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band&#39;s &quot;political statement.&quot; McCrory is up for re-election in November.

&quot;At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas &ndash; even in Russia,&quot; Diaz said in a statement.

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people. "This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band," the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday. "We don’t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY." With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity. The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act. On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil. The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as “Moves Like Jagger,” were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band's decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website. "You shouldn't punish your fans who have no control over the politics!" one post said. Republican Governor Pat McCrory's campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band's "political statement." McCrory is up for re-election in November. "At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas – even in Russia," Diaz said in a statement.

Maroon 5 cancels shows in North Carolina in protest against transgender bathroom law

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