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<p>Breaching Pakistan's air defence system, Iran on Tuesday (Jan 16) targeted two key strongholds of terror outfit Jaish al-Adl (known in Iran as Jaysh al-Dhulm) in the restive Balochistan province using "precision missile and drone strikes". The strike by Tehran inside Pakistani borders led to the death of two children, as per local reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terror group said in a Telegram post that Iran's Revolutionary Guards had used six attack drones and several rockets to destroy two houses where the children and wives of its terrorists lived.</p>

<p>Late on Tuesday night, Islamabad confirmed the attack and 'unprovoked violation' of its airspace, stating it was unacceptable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. It is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran," read the statement by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign affairs office said it had lodged a strong protest with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, whilst summoning the Iranian charge d'affaires.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistan has always said terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region that requires coordinated action. Such unilateral acts are not in conformity with good neighbourly relations and can seriously undermine bilateral trust and confidence." it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-two-dead-many-injured-in-iranian-airstrikes-inside-balochistan-680658" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Pakistan says two children killed after Iran struck 'terror group's bases in Balochistan'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why did Iran target Pakistan?</strong></h2>

<p>According to media reports, the attack by the Iranian military was a retaliatory response to the death of 11 Iranian police force members who were killed by the notorious Sunni terror group, Jaish al-Adl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terror outfit stormed into a police station in Sistan and Balouchestan province’s city of Rask, southeast of Iran last month and killed the officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani held a meeting where Tehran conveyed its dismay.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-iran-pakistan-gas-pipeline-history-controversy-and-impediments-623734" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Explained | The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline: History, controversy and impediments</strong></a></p>

<p>Iran, for a long time, has suspected that Sunni-majority Pakistan gives safe haven to the insurgents, possibly at the behest of regional arch-rival Saudi Arabia. Iran has fought in border areas against the terrorists, but a missile-and-drone attack inside Pakistan is an unprecedented move.</p>

<p>A senior Pakistan government official told AFP that Tehran had given no indication of the attack. More importantly, the strike took place on the same day as when Iran's&nbsp;foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian&nbsp;met Pakistan's caretaker prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Jaish al-Adl?</strong></h2>

<p>Founded in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, or Army of Justice, is a separatist terrorist group that operates both in Iran and Pakistan and has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against Iranian targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its stated goal is the independence of overall Shia majority Iran’s only Sunni-majority Sistan and Baluchestan province.</p>

<p>In 2019, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing targeting a bus that killed 27 members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-strikes-militant-bases-in-pakistan-pakistan-warns-of-consequences-680746" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Iran strikes ‘militant bases’ in Pakistan, Pakistan warns of 'consequences'</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did other countries say?</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, China released a statement urging both sides to exercise caution and not allow the situation to go out of hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We call on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension and work together to maintain peace and stability," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing.</p>

<p>"We consider both Iran and Pakistan as close neighbours and major Islamic countries," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instances of breach in Pakistani air defence</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when Pakistani airspace has been breached by foreign nations to conduct operations on terror operatives or groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2011, the US under former president Barack Obama carried out a daring operation to take out al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. The Navy Seal commandos went deep inside the Pakistani territory in the city of Abbottabad and carried out the operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not only was Bin Laden killed but his body was also retrieved and later buried at sea in the Arabian Sea on the same day. Before the Pakistani military establishment could react, the operation was done.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, India retaliated after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed struck in Uri against an Indian Army brigade headquarters, killing&nbsp;19 soldiers and leaving several others injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iafs-balakot-airstrikes-how-operation-bandar-surprised-pakistan-366360"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;IAF's Balakot airstrikes: How 'Operation Bandar' surprised Pakistan</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian forces coalesced in record time and conducted a surgical strike on the terror launch pads across the border. Estimates vary but as many as 50 to 70 terrorists were killed in the Indian Army operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly in 2019, post the Pulwama attacks, the Indian Air Force struck terrorist training camps in Balakote. The IAF also claimed that it downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during the dogfight.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Breaching Pakistan's air defence system, Iran on Tuesday (Jan 16) targeted two key strongholds of terror outfit Jaish al-Adl (known in Iran as Jaysh al-Dhulm) in the restive Balochistan province using "precision missile and drone strikes".

Breaching Pakistan's air defence system, Iran on Tuesday (Jan 16) targeted two key strongholds of terror outfit Jaish al-Adl (known in Iran as Jaysh al-Dhulm) in the restive Balochistan province using "precision missile and drone strikes". The strike by Tehran inside Pakistani borders led to the death of two children, as per local reports. The terror group said in a Telegram post that Iran's Revolutionary Guards had used six attack drones and several rockets to destroy two houses where the children and wives of its terrorists lived. Late on Tuesday night, Islamabad confirmed the attack and 'unprovoked violation' of its airspace, stating it was unacceptable. "This violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. It is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran," read the statement by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The foreign affairs office said it had lodged a strong protest with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, whilst summoning the Iranian charge d'affaires. "Pakistan has always said terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region that requires coordinated action. Such unilateral acts are not in conformity with good neighbourly relations and can seriously undermine bilateral trust and confidence." it added. Also read | Pakistan says two children killed after Iran struck 'terror group's bases in Balochistan' Why did Iran target Pakistan? According to media reports, the attack by the Iranian military was a retaliatory response to the death of 11 Iranian police force members who were killed by the notorious Sunni terror group, Jaish al-Adl. The terror outfit stormed into a police station in Sistan and Balouchestan province’s city of Rask, southeast of Iran last month and killed the officers. Following the incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani held a meeting where Tehran conveyed its dismay. Also read | Explained | The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline: History, controversy and impediments Iran, for a long time, has suspected that Sunni-majority Pakistan gives safe haven to the insurgents, possibly at the behest of regional arch-rival Saudi Arabia. Iran has fought in border areas against the terrorists, but a missile-and-drone attack inside Pakistan is an unprecedented move. A senior Pakistan government official told AFP that Tehran had given no indication of the attack. More importantly, the strike took place on the same day as when Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met Pakistan's caretaker prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. What is Jaish al-Adl? Founded in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, or Army of Justice, is a separatist terrorist group that operates both in Iran and Pakistan and has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against Iranian targets. Its stated goal is the independence of overall Shia majority Iran’s only Sunni-majority Sistan and Baluchestan province. In 2019, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing targeting a bus that killed 27 members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Watch | Iran strikes ‘militant bases’ in Pakistan, Pakistan warns of 'consequences' × What did other countries say? After the incident, China released a statement urging both sides to exercise caution and not allow the situation to go out of hand. "We call on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension and work together to maintain peace and stability," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing. "We consider both Iran and Pakistan as close neighbours and major Islamic countries," she said. Previous instances of breach in Pakistani air defence This is not the first instance when Pakistani airspace has been breached by foreign nations to conduct operations on terror operatives or groups. In 2011, the US under former president Barack Obama carried out a daring operation to take out al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. The Navy Seal commandos went deep inside the Pakistani territory in the city of Abbottabad and carried out the operation. Not only was Bin Laden killed but his body was also retrieved and later buried at sea in the Arabian Sea on the same day. Before the Pakistani military establishment could react, the operation was done. In 2016, India retaliated after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed struck in Uri against an Indian Army brigade headquarters, killing 19 soldiers and leaving several others injured. Also read | IAF's Balakot airstrikes: How 'Operation Bandar' surprised Pakistan The Indian forces coalesced in record time and conducted a surgical strike on the terror launch pads across the border. Estimates vary but as many as 50 to 70 terrorists were killed in the Indian Army operation. Similarly in 2019, post the Pulwama attacks, the Indian Air Force struck terrorist training camps in Balakote. The IAF also claimed that it downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during the dogfight. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Why did Iran attack Pakistan? What is Jaish al-Adl group targeted by Tehran?

<p>Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China views Taiwan as its territory&nbsp;and has never renounced the use of force to take it one day.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;vibrant democracy of over 23 million, Taiwan is separated by a narrow 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait from&nbsp;China, which in recent years has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese&nbsp;armed forces.</p>

<p>The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is weighing in a third term in a row with the frontrunner and Vice President Lai Ching-te calling upon the Taiwanese voters to "choose the right path" for the island nation's democratic credentials.<img alt="AFP | Taiwan elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71841057-0be4-41e7-af79-d98ce1b5c466" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T171640.417.png" /></p>

<p><em>This picture taken on December 7, 2023, shows a motorcyclist riding past a poster of Taiwan 2024 presidential candidate Lai Ching-te for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) outside the DPP party branch in Kinmen | AFP</em></p>

<p>His main opponent, former police chief and mayor Hou Yu-ih has described Lai as a danger to Taipei-Beijing relations. Hou, the leader of&nbsp;the once all-powerful Kuomintang (KMT) party has attempted to put across his party as the only political force capable of maintaining peace with China.</p>

<h2><b>Taiwan elections 2024: Focus on day-to-day issues</b></h2>

<p>While in the corridors of power across the world&nbsp;the concern&nbsp;has been on China's assertiveness in the region, inside Taiwan&nbsp;the&nbsp;notable focus remains on domestic concerns as well as discontent towards the ruling Democratic Progressive establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues.&nbsp;<img alt="AFP image: Taiwan elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00ba4c61-aba3-4730-95bc-2d9e6f2b6e55" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T172007.326.png" /></p>

<p><em>Hou Yu-ih (C), presidential candidate of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), visits the Sanhe Market during his campaign rally with local legislative candidates in Kaohsiung on January 10, 2024 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The island nation's dealings with China, however, remain one of the major issues for the Taiwanese voters. But the wide-ranging discussions among voters point towards concerns that affect their day-to-day&nbsp;life more, experts based out of Taipei City told WION.</p>

<p>"Although China holds a central position in Taiwanese elections, there is a notable focus on domestic concerns and discontent towards the establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues.&nbsp;Some Taiwanese feel that an excessive emphasis on China has diverted attention from crucial aspects that directly shape their lives," <a href="https://www.taef.org/people/SanaHashmi">Sana Hashmi</a>, Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sustenance of democracy in the&nbsp;past many decades remains a defining distinction that sets Taiwan apart from Communist-ruled China.</p>

<p>"The diverse and spirited discussions around multifaceted issues influencing voting patterns signify Taiwan's cherished democracy, especially among the younger voters. This appreciation for democratic values sets Taiwan apart from China and serves as a distinctive element defining its identity," Hashmi added.</p>

<p>But it's the demographic pattern of falling birth rates that has emerged as a matter of similarity between democratically-ruled Taiwan and Communist-ruled&nbsp;China in recent years.&nbsp;The current fertility rate for Taiwan is&nbsp;1.250 births per woman, with only immigration preventing a real decline in the island nation's population.</p>

<p>The fertility rate is one of many things that all three presidential candidates&nbsp;— Vice President Lai Ching-te of DPP,&nbsp;Hou Yu-ih of&nbsp;KMT; and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)&nbsp;— have emphasised upon during the past many&nbsp;weeks of the election campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TPP's Ko is credited&nbsp;to have politicised the issue of the fertility rate after he called a press conference on November 7, 2023, specifically to discuss responses to the declining birth rate in Taiwan. Ko then promised a novel pregnancy bonus if elected to power.&nbsp;<img alt="TPP election AFP image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66330f52-dc04-4fa2-b617-34e6b6769c5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T191359.666.png" /></p>

<p><em>Ko Wen-je, Taiwan presidential candidate from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is greeted by supporters during a campaign rally in Kaohsiung on January 7, 2024 | AFP</em><br />
<br />
In response, Vice President Lai's team brought&nbsp;attention to Ko's misogynistic comments from the past such as "unmarried women are like disabled parking spaces" and that they cause "instability and a national security crisis".</p>

<p>"Besides China, there are multiple domestic issues like Covid mismanagement and falling birth rate, which are equally important for the 2024 Taiwan elections," Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar&nbsp;told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan's indispensable place in global economy</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Taiwan's indispensable economic significance in the world is underlined by the fact that the&nbsp;36,193 sq km territory&nbsp;produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors&nbsp;that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications.</p>

<p>The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of the global economy, and are described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centres to smartphones, is required for all parts of the global&nbsp;economy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War?</strong></p>

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<p>The tensions with China over its sovereignty and Washington's role in ensuring Taiwan's self-defence in the face of Chinese aggression are all linked with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-chip-war-intensify-amid-calls-for-small-yard-high-fence-approach-to-contain-china-618392">chip wars</a>, the fight for the world's most crucial technologies, as well.<br />
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"The election outcomes hold profound significance beyond the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. They wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Hashmi told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The China factor</strong></h2>

<p>The 2024 Taiwan elections are unique primarily because of the change in the Chinese approach and coercion tactics that it applies while dealing with the cross-strait dispute.</p>

<p>Beijing's aggression against Taiwan escalated in 2019 when it&nbsp;crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years, a recurrence whose frequency in recent years has become&nbsp;symbolic of the&nbsp;security threat posed by China to the sovereignty of Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since September 2020, China has also begun regular incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).</p>

<p>On December 31, 2023,&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">said</a> that the country&nbsp;would "surely be reunified", in his&nbsp;most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan.</p>

<p>As the voting day of Jan 13, 2024 closes in, Beijing has called the&nbsp;presidential frontrunner&nbsp;Lai Ching-te&nbsp;a "severe danger" and said he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence.&nbsp;Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for&nbsp;Taiwan's independence", has taken a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan's elections marked by testy exchange on autonomy, independence</strong></p>

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<p>One-time opponents of the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan's oldest political party Kuomintang (KMT) has evolved into a political force that sees Taiwan's economic fortunes closely&nbsp;linked to better ties with Beijing.</p>

<p>The previous election in 2020 saw a historic landslide for the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen, who boldly asserted that Taiwan is "already independent".</p>

<p>Over Tsai's eight-year tenure, Beijing refused to engage with her government, as tensions ramped up across the Taiwan Strait. After hosting the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, the Tsai administration also extended mandatory military service from four months to one year.<img alt="Nancy Pelosi in China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d7ec808-113d-4367-bd4f-ca1cbe6f7c97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T184015.825.png" /></p>

<p><em>The&nbsp;US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (2nd L) with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (2nd R), Vice President William Lai (R) and Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Sandra Oudkirk listen, in the Presidential Office in Taipei&nbsp;on August 3, 2022 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Tsai has been emphatic that&nbsp;'peace with China will not fall from the sky' and that Taiwan can&nbsp;avoid a war with China "by being capable of fighting a war".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p>With Vice President Lai Ching-te a frontrunner for president, experts say that the outcome of Saturday's&nbsp;election will have serious implications for the security of the broader Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Sana Hashmi told WION: "The results of these elections&nbsp;will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific, influencing regional stability and shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."</p>


Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China.

Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China. China views Taiwan as its territory and has never renounced the use of force to take it one day. A vibrant democracy of over 23 million, Taiwan is separated by a narrow 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait from China, which in recent years has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese armed forces. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is weighing in a third term in a row with the frontrunner and Vice President Lai Ching-te calling upon the Taiwanese voters to "choose the right path" for the island nation's democratic credentials. This picture taken on December 7, 2023, shows a motorcyclist riding past a poster of Taiwan 2024 presidential candidate Lai Ching-te for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) outside the DPP party branch in Kinmen | AFP His main opponent, former police chief and mayor Hou Yu-ih has described Lai as a danger to Taipei-Beijing relations. Hou, the leader of the once all-powerful Kuomintang (KMT) party has attempted to put across his party as the only political force capable of maintaining peace with China. Taiwan elections 2024: Focus on day-to-day issues While in the corridors of power across the world the concern has been on China's assertiveness in the region, inside Taiwan the notable focus remains on domestic concerns as well as discontent towards the ruling Democratic Progressive establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues. Hou Yu-ih (C), presidential candidate of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), visits the Sanhe Market during his campaign rally with local legislative candidates in Kaohsiung on January 10, 2024 | AFP The island nation's dealings with China, however, remain one of the major issues for the Taiwanese voters. But the wide-ranging discussions among voters point towards concerns that affect their day-to-day life more, experts based out of Taipei City told WION. "Although China holds a central position in Taiwanese elections, there is a notable focus on domestic concerns and discontent towards the establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues. Some Taiwanese feel that an excessive emphasis on China has diverted attention from crucial aspects that directly shape their lives," Sana Hashmi, Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION. The sustenance of democracy in the past many decades remains a defining distinction that sets Taiwan apart from Communist-ruled China. "The diverse and spirited discussions around multifaceted issues influencing voting patterns signify Taiwan's cherished democracy, especially among the younger voters. This appreciation for democratic values sets Taiwan apart from China and serves as a distinctive element defining its identity," Hashmi added. But it's the demographic pattern of falling birth rates that has emerged as a matter of similarity between democratically-ruled Taiwan and Communist-ruled China in recent years. The current fertility rate for Taiwan is 1.250 births per woman, with only immigration preventing a real decline in the island nation's population. The fertility rate is one of many things that all three presidential candidates — Vice President Lai Ching-te of DPP, Hou Yu-ih of KMT; and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) — have emphasised upon during the past many weeks of the election campaign. TPP's Ko is credited to have politicised the issue of the fertility rate after he called a press conference on November 7, 2023, specifically to discuss responses to the declining birth rate in Taiwan. Ko then promised a novel pregnancy bonus if elected to power. Ko Wen-je, Taiwan presidential candidate from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is greeted by supporters during a campaign rally in Kaohsiung on January 7, 2024 | AFP In response, Vice President Lai's team brought attention to Ko's misogynistic comments from the past such as "unmarried women are like disabled parking spaces" and that they cause "instability and a national security crisis". "Besides China, there are multiple domestic issues like Covid mismanagement and falling birth rate, which are equally important for the 2024 Taiwan elections," Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar told WION. Taiwan's indispensable place in global economy Meanwhile, Taiwan's indispensable economic significance in the world is underlined by the fact that the 36,193 sq km territory produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications. The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of the global economy, and are described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centres to smartphones, is required for all parts of the global economy. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War? × The tensions with China over its sovereignty and Washington's role in ensuring Taiwan's self-defence in the face of Chinese aggression are all linked with chip wars, the fight for the world's most crucial technologies, as well. "The election outcomes hold profound significance beyond the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. They wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Hashmi told WION. The China factor The 2024 Taiwan elections are unique primarily because of the change in the Chinese approach and coercion tactics that it applies while dealing with the cross-strait dispute. Beijing's aggression against Taiwan escalated in 2019 when it crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years, a recurrence whose frequency in recent years has become symbolic of the security threat posed by China to the sovereignty of Taiwan. Since September 2020, China has also begun regular incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). On December 31, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the country would "surely be reunified", in his most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan. As the voting day of Jan 13, 2024 closes in, Beijing has called the presidential frontrunner Lai Ching-te a "severe danger" and said he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence. Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan's independence", has taken a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail. Also watch | Taiwan's elections marked by testy exchange on autonomy, independence × One-time opponents of the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan's oldest political party Kuomintang (KMT) has evolved into a political force that sees Taiwan's economic fortunes closely linked to better ties with Beijing. The previous election in 2020 saw a historic landslide for the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen, who boldly asserted that Taiwan is "already independent". Over Tsai's eight-year tenure, Beijing refused to engage with her government, as tensions ramped up across the Taiwan Strait. After hosting the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, the Tsai administration also extended mandatory military service from four months to one year. The US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (2nd L) with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (2nd R), Vice President William Lai (R) and Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Sandra Oudkirk listen, in the Presidential Office in Taipei on August 3, 2022 | AFP Tsai has been emphatic that 'peace with China will not fall from the sky' and that Taiwan can avoid a war with China "by being capable of fighting a war". Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping With Vice President Lai Ching-te a frontrunner for president, experts say that the outcome of Saturday's election will have serious implications for the security of the broader Indo-Pacific region. Sana Hashmi told WION: "The results of these elections will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific, influencing regional stability and shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."

Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat

<p>Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them? If they do care, to what extent?</p>

<p>In the last few years, instances where social media has contributed to self-harm have come to light across the world.</p>

<p>&nbsp;A recent incident that especially shocked the world is from the UK, where a woman Chloe Macdermott made a so-called suicide pact with strangers she met online and killed herself.</p>

<p>Paul Rogers, the coroner investigating her case, said he believed tech giants like Google and Amazon have the power to prevent tragedies like Chloe Macdermott's suicide pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coroner-investigating-chloe-macdermott-suicide-pact-says-google-amazon-can-prevent-such-tragedies-675522" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/coroner-investigating-chloe-macdermott-suicide-pact-says-google-amazon-can-prevent-such-tragedies-675522&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Chloe Macdermott suicide pact: 'Google, Amazon can prevent such tragedies', says Coroner investigating case</a></strong></p>

<p>WION decided to investigate how easy or difficult it would be to go about making such a pact on the big three social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For this, we simply ran a search for the term 'suicide pact,' to see what would come up. The results were concerning.</p>

<h2><strong>Twitter/ X</strong></h2>

<p>On Elon Musk's Twitter, now called X, the search for 'suicide pact' brought up a page that said in bold "Help is available".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Our partners can help. You can refer to NIMHANS website for resources or contact the helplines given in the Twitter list," it adds.</p>

<p><img alt="X 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a9de136-ad45-431f-998d-7b250aac83e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fb.png" /></p>

<p>This is followed by two links, if&nbsp;one is searching in India. One opens up the NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) website, India's apex centre for mental health.</p>

<p>The other one, labelled 'Suicide Prevention Helplines (Twitter List),' should lead to a detailed depository of helplines, but brings up a page that says <em>"Hmm...this page doesn't exist. Try searching for something else."&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em><img alt="X 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22e28d1f-0b44-4e23-a2a1-799cfbf31da2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/twit%20suicide%202.png" /></em></p>

<p>Needless to say, this is concerning. If the search was run by someone contemplating suicide, to them, stuck in a dark phase, this might seem like a further sign of hopelessness.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years</strong></p>

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<p>This could very well be a result of the social media giant formerly known as Twitter slashing its global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since the Musk 2022 takeover.</p>

<p>Apart from this, the search fetched results that could be triggering. Here are some.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who's up for a suicide pact?</p>
— Mario (@thecarnello) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecarnello/status/1743767596254494749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">suicide pact anyone?</p>
— 🐾tee🐈‍⬛ (@newfoundg0ry) <a href="https://twitter.com/newfoundg0ry/status/1742500102978121990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">first date idea: suicide pact</p>
— Kat (@ollkorrect0) <a href="https://twitter.com/ollkorrect0/status/1728930369884557661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">anyone up for a suicide pact?</p>
— jai (@bellepitseleh) <a href="https://twitter.com/bellepitseleh/status/1742884774577115294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A suicide pact would be so cool right now</p>
— Campurr (@Purrpurrchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Purrpurrchan/status/1734580324338729275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Facebook</strong></h2>

<p>The same search for 'suicide pact' on Facebook showed a page with yet another "Help is available" sign. Two buttons followed this one. The first one, 'Get Support', led to another page that had very helpful results.</p>

<p><img alt="FB1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96b63b21-d55c-4397-ba40-4040e5573e0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fb_0.png" /></p>

<p>A 'Reach out to a friend' nudges users to get in touch with people they trust, which for someone stuck in the dark loop of self-harm can be a lifesaver, especially given that mental health problems often come with self-isolation.<br />
<img alt="FB2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed834737-14f8-4c1a-963e-a30bf4e43bdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%202.png" /></p>

<p>The second button, 'Contact a helpline', brought up several helplines from across the country; telephonic, email-based and even websites.</p>

<p><img alt="FB3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c898cd4-6d6a-4282-b490-c07f483df913" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%203.png" /></p>

<p>'See suggestions from professionals outside of Meta', which was the third option, showed infographics on things that "others have found helpful".</p>

<p><img alt="FB4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61dd60a9-bbe6-4478-ba96-8660cee530fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%204_0.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>Instagram</strong></h2>

<p>Another Meta platform, Instagram, is especially popular among young people. However, our hopes which were raised by Facebook's exhaustive and helpful content were dashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The search for 'suicide pact' on Instagram fetched many results; accounts, hashtags etc. that made mention of the term. Instagram, which as per Statista boasts 30.8 per cent of users between the ages of 18 and 24, an especially vulnerable age group, didn't even have a "Help is available" for courtesy's sake.</p>

<p><img alt="IG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="472003ab-18ed-4240-a86e-9e49999d7c8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IG%20suicide.jpg" /></p>

<p>Given that a huge percentage of the users on these platforms are young children, should certain content and search results be censored, at least to some extent?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disturbing-trend-in-2022-more-people-than-ever-died-by-suicide-in-the-united-states-664285" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/disturbing-trend-in-2022-more-people-than-ever-died-by-suicide-in-the-united-states-664285&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States</a></strong></p>

<p>While these tech giants claim to address mental health concerns, their actions sometimes fall short.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media platforms' emphasis on engagement can inadvertently lead to the amplification of sensational, provocative, or harmful material that can contribute to dangerous steps taken at sensitive moments.</p>

<p>Big tech must recognise that striking a balance between user engagement and mental well-being is not just a moral obligation, but a critical step towards fostering healthier online communities.</p>


Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them?

Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them? If they do care, to what extent? In the last few years, instances where social media has contributed to self-harm have come to light across the world. A recent incident that especially shocked the world is from the UK, where a woman Chloe Macdermott made a so-called suicide pact with strangers she met online and killed herself. Paul Rogers, the coroner investigating her case, said he believed tech giants like Google and Amazon have the power to prevent tragedies like Chloe Macdermott's suicide pact. Also read | Chloe Macdermott suicide pact: 'Google, Amazon can prevent such tragedies', says Coroner investigating case WION decided to investigate how easy or difficult it would be to go about making such a pact on the big three social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For this, we simply ran a search for the term 'suicide pact,' to see what would come up. The results were concerning. Twitter/ X On Elon Musk's Twitter, now called X, the search for 'suicide pact' brought up a page that said in bold "Help is available". "If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Our partners can help. You can refer to NIMHANS website for resources or contact the helplines given in the Twitter list," it adds. This is followed by two links, if one is searching in India. One opens up the NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) website, India's apex centre for mental health. The other one, labelled 'Suicide Prevention Helplines (Twitter List),' should lead to a detailed depository of helplines, but brings up a page that says "Hmm...this page doesn't exist. Try searching for something else." Needless to say, this is concerning. If the search was run by someone contemplating suicide, to them, stuck in a dark phase, this might seem like a further sign of hopelessness. Watch | Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years × This could very well be a result of the social media giant formerly known as Twitter slashing its global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since the Musk 2022 takeover. Apart from this, the search fetched results that could be triggering. Here are some. Who's up for a suicide pact? — Mario (@thecarnello) January 6, 2024 × suicide pact anyone? — 🐾tee🐈‍⬛ (@newfoundg0ry) January 3, 2024 × first date idea: suicide pact — Kat (@ollkorrect0) November 27, 2023 × anyone up for a suicide pact? — jai (@bellepitseleh) January 4, 2024 × A suicide pact would be so cool right now — Campurr (@Purrpurrchan) December 12, 2023 × Facebook The same search for 'suicide pact' on Facebook showed a page with yet another "Help is available" sign. Two buttons followed this one. The first one, 'Get Support', led to another page that had very helpful results. A 'Reach out to a friend' nudges users to get in touch with people they trust, which for someone stuck in the dark loop of self-harm can be a lifesaver, especially given that mental health problems often come with self-isolation. The second button, 'Contact a helpline', brought up several helplines from across the country; telephonic, email-based and even websites. 'See suggestions from professionals outside of Meta', which was the third option, showed infographics on things that "others have found helpful". Instagram Another Meta platform, Instagram, is especially popular among young people. However, our hopes which were raised by Facebook's exhaustive and helpful content were dashed. The search for 'suicide pact' on Instagram fetched many results; accounts, hashtags etc. that made mention of the term. Instagram, which as per Statista boasts 30.8 per cent of users between the ages of 18 and 24, an especially vulnerable age group, didn't even have a "Help is available" for courtesy's sake. Given that a huge percentage of the users on these platforms are young children, should certain content and search results be censored, at least to some extent? Also read | Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States While these tech giants claim to address mental health concerns, their actions sometimes fall short. Social media platforms' emphasis on engagement can inadvertently lead to the amplification of sensational, provocative, or harmful material that can contribute to dangerous steps taken at sensitive moments. Big tech must recognise that striking a balance between user engagement and mental well-being is not just a moral obligation, but a critical step towards fostering healthier online communities.

Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION investigates

<p>Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan&nbsp;3rd), a&nbsp;New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to&nbsp;the US financier,&nbsp;who had committed suicide a couple of years back.</p>

<p>This comes as last month (on Dec 18), Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered the New York Court to "unseal in full" the names of around 180 people associated with Epstein.</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about financier Epstein and the controversy that surrounds him...even after his death.</p>

<h2><strong>Unsealing names</strong></h2>

<p>Judge Preska's order is part of a defamation proceeding between Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, and known accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and plaintiff Virginia Giuffre, who had sued the duo in 2015.</p>

<p>The names of more than 150 associates mentioned&nbsp;in the lawsuit, many of them appearing under the pseudonym "John Doe" or "Jane Doe", are now being released, after their identities remained a secret from the public for so long. The rest of the names will be kept sealed&nbsp;as the individuals objected to them becoming public knowledge.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stephen-hawking-visited-epsteins-disgraced-island-but-did-he-engage-is-underage-orgy-too-676444">Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too?</a></strong></p>

<p>The unsealing, as per AFP, includes names of Epstein's associates, suspected accomplices and his victims.</p>

<p>In December, noting that many of the names are already public due to interviews and other media coverage, the judge, as per CNS News, said that the substance in question was not salacious and should not be kept sealed.</p>

<p>However, given that some "J.Does" are minors and possible victims of the paramours, the Judge said their information would remain sealed.</p>

<p>Among Epstein's known associates are the Duke of York Prince Andrews, former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-clinton-likes-them-young-epstein-court-files-expose-former-us-presidents-dark-sexual-desires-676452">'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the ruling, the names were to be made public on January 1, 2024, individuals were given 14 days to appeal against the revelation of their names.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Court documents explicitly allowed "impacted Doe the opportunity to appeal."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein</strong></h2>

<p>Jeffrey Epstein was a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad. He has been accused of sexually assaulting minor girls and running a sex trafficking network with his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.</p>

<p>In the 1990s, the duo reportedly exploited a large number of girls — some of them as young as 14 years, grooming them into having sex with wealthy clients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The allegations of sexual battery against Jeffrey Epstein started in 2015, when a woman contacted Florida's Palm Beach Police Department, alleging that her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's manor by an older girl. She alleged that the teenager was paid $300 to undress.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrews-reputation-highly-damaged-after-involvement-in-jeffrey-epstein-case-experts-say-407435">Prince Andrew's reputation 'highly damaged' after involvement in Jeffrey Epstein case, experts say</a></strong></p>

<p>Following this, the Palm Beach Police began a thirteen-month undercover investigation of Epstein. This included a search of his home, which uncovered a large amount of pictures of young girls, along with two hidden cameras.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon, the FBI became involved, launching its own investigation nicknamed "Operation Leap Year". In June 2007, the federal agency submitted a 53-page indictment against him. Subsequently, Epstein agreed to plead guilty in Florida, registering as a sex offender.</p>

<p>In 2008, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a state charge of procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18.</p>

<p>On July 6, 2019, he was arrested on sex trafficking charges by the FBI-NYPD Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was jailed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.</p>

<p>A subsequent search of his Manhattan townhouse turned up evidence of sex trafficking, and also found "hundreds – and perhaps thousands – of sexually suggestive photographs of fully – or partially – nude females". On July 8, prosecutors with the Public Corruption Unit of the Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex.</p>

<p>He sought release on bail, but the request was denied on July 18 by US District Judge Richard M Berman, who said Epstein posed a danger to the public and a serious flight risk to avoid prosecution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4NPSt52DAxWMbGwGHXJrAb0QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WcSnXuJPaOZAqHxCO7Qm2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514" target="_blank">Ghislaine Maxwell claims&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein&nbsp;was murdered</a></strong></p>

<p>On July 23, 2019, he was found injured in his cell, with marks around his neck. Finally, awaiting trial over charges of one count of sex trafficking conspiracy and one count of sex trafficking with underage females, Epstein committed suicide in jail on August 10, 2019. Soon, Epstein's death became the subject of widespread controversy and debate. Many believe that his death was a homicide.</p>

<h2><strong>Virginia Giuffre v. Epstein and&nbsp;Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell</strong></h2>

<p>As per British media reports, the defamation claim which dates back around nine years was settled in 2017. In an affidavit, Virginia&nbsp;Giuffre (then known as Virginia Roberts) alleged that at age 17, she was sexually trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell. Giuffre said that she was used by Epstein and others, including Prince Andrews and retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4NPSt52DAxWMbGwGHXJrAb0QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0J4hFOEjk8895kB-WvA9p7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638" target="_blank">Who's Who in the&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein&nbsp;sex scandal</a></strong></p>

<p>She also claimed that the duo and others had sexually abused her and that the FBI may have been part of a cover-up against her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from this, numerous other cases were filed against him&nbsp;by alleged victims under pseudonyms and other entities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His paramour, Maxwell, was convicted in December 2021 in New York of trafficking underage girls for sex and was sentenced in 2022 to a 20-year prison term.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan 3rd), a New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to the US financier, who had committed suicide a couple of years back.

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan 3rd), a New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to the US financier, who had committed suicide a couple of years back. This comes as last month (on Dec 18), Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered the New York Court to "unseal in full" the names of around 180 people associated with Epstein. Here's everything you need to know about financier Epstein and the controversy that surrounds him...even after his death. Unsealing names Judge Preska's order is part of a defamation proceeding between Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, and known accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and plaintiff Virginia Giuffre, who had sued the duo in 2015. The names of more than 150 associates mentioned in the lawsuit, many of them appearing under the pseudonym "John Doe" or "Jane Doe", are now being released, after their identities remained a secret from the public for so long. The rest of the names will be kept sealed as the individuals objected to them becoming public knowledge. Also read | Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too? The unsealing, as per AFP, includes names of Epstein's associates, suspected accomplices and his victims. In December, noting that many of the names are already public due to interviews and other media coverage, the judge, as per CNS News, said that the substance in question was not salacious and should not be kept sealed. However, given that some "J.Does" are minors and possible victims of the paramours, the Judge said their information would remain sealed. Among Epstein's known associates are the Duke of York Prince Andrews, former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. Also read | 'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show According to the ruling, the names were to be made public on January 1, 2024, individuals were given 14 days to appeal against the revelation of their names. Court documents explicitly allowed "impacted Doe the opportunity to appeal." The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epstein was a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad. He has been accused of sexually assaulting minor girls and running a sex trafficking network with his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. In the 1990s, the duo reportedly exploited a large number of girls — some of them as young as 14 years, grooming them into having sex with wealthy clients. The allegations of sexual battery against Jeffrey Epstein started in 2015, when a woman contacted Florida's Palm Beach Police Department, alleging that her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's manor by an older girl. She alleged that the teenager was paid $300 to undress. Also read | Prince Andrew's reputation 'highly damaged' after involvement in Jeffrey Epstein case, experts say Following this, the Palm Beach Police began a thirteen-month undercover investigation of Epstein. This included a search of his home, which uncovered a large amount of pictures of young girls, along with two hidden cameras. Soon, the FBI became involved, launching its own investigation nicknamed "Operation Leap Year". In June 2007, the federal agency submitted a 53-page indictment against him. Subsequently, Epstein agreed to plead guilty in Florida, registering as a sex offender. In 2008, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a state charge of procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18. On July 6, 2019, he was arrested on sex trafficking charges by the FBI-NYPD Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was jailed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. A subsequent search of his Manhattan townhouse turned up evidence of sex trafficking, and also found "hundreds – and perhaps thousands – of sexually suggestive photographs of fully – or partially – nude females". On July 8, prosecutors with the Public Corruption Unit of the Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex. He sought release on bail, but the request was denied on July 18 by US District Judge Richard M Berman, who said Epstein posed a danger to the public and a serious flight risk to avoid prosecution. Also read | Ghislaine Maxwell claims Jeffrey Epstein was murdered On July 23, 2019, he was found injured in his cell, with marks around his neck. Finally, awaiting trial over charges of one count of sex trafficking conspiracy and one count of sex trafficking with underage females, Epstein committed suicide in jail on August 10, 2019. Soon, Epstein's death became the subject of widespread controversy and debate. Many believe that his death was a homicide. Virginia Giuffre v. Epstein and Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell As per British media reports, the defamation claim which dates back around nine years was settled in 2017. In an affidavit, Virginia Giuffre (then known as Virginia Roberts) alleged that at age 17, she was sexually trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell. Giuffre said that she was used by Epstein and others, including Prince Andrews and retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz. Also read | Who's Who in the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal She also claimed that the duo and others had sexually abused her and that the FBI may have been part of a cover-up against her. Apart from this, numerous other cases were filed against him by alleged victims under pseudonyms and other entities. His paramour, Maxwell, was convicted in December 2021 in New York of trafficking underage girls for sex and was sentenced in 2022 to a 20-year prison term. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know

<p>For women around the world, life is a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster of menstruation, which let us be honest isn't always a joyride. It comes with its hormonal ups and downs and period pain that can turn the journey into a bit of a turbulence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite it being common knowledge that period pains can affect the daily lives of menstruating individuals, there is still a certain stigma when it comes to conversations on this 'taboo' topic.</p>

<p>On one hand, countries like Spain have approved menstrual leaves, on the other hand, nations and individuals continue to ignore what can be a debilitating issue for many women.</p>

<h2><strong>The ‘pain’ of period pain</strong></h2>

<p>What causes period pains? The answer is both tricky and straight. Every month, a woman's body sheds the uterine lining, a natural process characterised by cramps. Think rhythmic contractions, which help your body shed the waste material it doesn't need.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, period pain, while a shared experience, varies from person to person.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Gravitas | Paid Period Leave: Smriti Irani's comments spark debate</strong></p>

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<p>Dr Smita B Kalappa, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Apollo Clinic, J P Nagar, Bengaluru,&nbsp; says, "Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can vary significantly among individuals. For some women, the pain might be mild and manageable, ranking at a 2 or 3 on that scale. Others might experience more severe pain, reaching up to a 7, 8, or even 9, where it significantly disrupts daily activities and requires medication or medical attention."</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Kalappa explained, "Not all women experience the same level of pain or discomfort during their periods. The severity and type of menstrual pain can vary greatly among individuals."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some may have mild cramps or discomfort that doesn't interfere much with their daily activities, while others might experience intense pain that significantly affects their quality of life," she adds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-is-popping-meftal-spas-for-menstrual-cramps-safe-medical-experts-answer-668854">Is popping Meftal spas for menstrual cramps safe? Medical experts answer</a></strong></p>

<p>Dr Sandhya Rani, Sr Consultant - Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Aster Women and Children, Bengaluru explains that for a lucky few — around 17 per cent, period pain is minimal. Around 50-90 per cent face moderate pain, and roughly 5-10 per cent face severe pain.</p>

<p>To help men understand the pain women go through, Dr Rani quotes John Guillebaud, a University College London reproductive health professor, who in a 2018 article said that patients described menstrual cramping pain as "almost as bad as having a heart attack."</p>

<h2><strong>How can women deal with dysmenorrhea, aka period pain?</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Gaana Sreenivas, Consultant - Obstetrician &amp; Gynaecologist, BirthRight by Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru suggests that first and foremost women must reduce stress, and improve their mental and physical health. Deep breaths, meditation, or yoga are good options to do this. Furthermore, exercise, drinking soothing teas like chamomile, fennel, and ginger tea can also help, she said.</p>

<p>However, she warns that caffeine can make cramps worse, and instead recommends decaf for coffee lovers.</p>

<p>Alternatively, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate menstrual cramps. These help by reducing inflammation and thereby easing the pain. However, these drugs must be taken under medical supervision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Applying heat can also help&nbsp;calm period cramps, "a&nbsp;hot bag is a lifesaver," she says, adding "Good emotional, social, physical, and psychological support is a must to tide over the phase of period pains".</p>

<h2><strong>How much bleeding is normal?</strong></h2>

<p>Typically, a woman loses between 20 to 80 millimetres of blood, equivalent to one and a half shot glasses during a normal menstrual cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as with pain, this can vary from person to person. Those, with heavy menstrual flow, can lose much more than 80 ml. This can be due to a variety of factors "ranging from non-cancerous uterine growths like fibroids or polyps to more serious conditions such as uterine or cervical cancer," states Dr Rani.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/foods-that-you-should-avoid-during-menstrual-pain-1702496955967" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/foods-that-you-should-avoid-during-menstrual-pain-1702496955967&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjtwuqdqK-DAxWe8zgGHQlxCNEQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3wrbXdnR2tS5MygDdSeoXB" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/foods-that-you-should-avoid-during-menstrual-pain-1702496955967" target="_blank">Foods That You Should Avoid During&nbsp;Menstrual Pain</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, hormone-related health issues, like thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to a heavy menstrual flow. It could also be a warning sign of conditions like "von Willebrand disease (VWD) or platelet function disorder, and non-bleeding-related disorders like liver, kidney, or thyroid disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cancer, can also impact menstrual bleeding," she explains.</p>

<h2><strong>When should one consult a doctor?</strong></h2>

<p>Open conversations about periods and period pain can empower women, remove the shame and stigma, and also help level the so-called professional playing field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is crucial for women to consult healthcare professionals for personalised advice, ensuring a more informed and empowered approach to managing period pain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the pain is exceptionally severe and unmanageable with over-the-counter medications, or if it's interfering significantly with work, it might be necessary to seek medical advice promptly," advises Dr Kalappa.</p>

<p>"Empathy and support can go a long way in helping women to manage this sometimes debilitating condition and also to open up and seek proper guidance instead of suffering in silence and labouring under many myths and misconceptions," she adds.</p>


For women around the world, life is a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster of menstruation, which let us be honest isn't always a joyride. It comes with its hormonal ups and downs and period pain that can turn the journey into a bit of a turbulence.

For women around the world, life is a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster of menstruation, which let us be honest isn't always a joyride. It comes with its hormonal ups and downs and period pain that can turn the journey into a bit of a turbulence. Despite it being common knowledge that period pains can affect the daily lives of menstruating individuals, there is still a certain stigma when it comes to conversations on this 'taboo' topic. On one hand, countries like Spain have approved menstrual leaves, on the other hand, nations and individuals continue to ignore what can be a debilitating issue for many women. The ‘pain’ of period pain What causes period pains? The answer is both tricky and straight. Every month, a woman's body sheds the uterine lining, a natural process characterised by cramps. Think rhythmic contractions, which help your body shed the waste material it doesn't need. However, period pain, while a shared experience, varies from person to person. Also read | Gravitas | Paid Period Leave: Smriti Irani's comments spark debate × Dr Smita B Kalappa, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Apollo Clinic, J P Nagar, Bengaluru, says, "Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can vary significantly among individuals. For some women, the pain might be mild and manageable, ranking at a 2 or 3 on that scale. Others might experience more severe pain, reaching up to a 7, 8, or even 9, where it significantly disrupts daily activities and requires medication or medical attention." In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Kalappa explained, "Not all women experience the same level of pain or discomfort during their periods. The severity and type of menstrual pain can vary greatly among individuals." "Some may have mild cramps or discomfort that doesn't interfere much with their daily activities, while others might experience intense pain that significantly affects their quality of life," she adds. Also read | Is popping Meftal spas for menstrual cramps safe? Medical experts answer Dr Sandhya Rani, Sr Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster Women and Children, Bengaluru explains that for a lucky few — around 17 per cent, period pain is minimal. Around 50-90 per cent face moderate pain, and roughly 5-10 per cent face severe pain. To help men understand the pain women go through, Dr Rani quotes John Guillebaud, a University College London reproductive health professor, who in a 2018 article said that patients described menstrual cramping pain as "almost as bad as having a heart attack." How can women deal with dysmenorrhea, aka period pain? Dr Gaana Sreenivas, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, BirthRight by Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru suggests that first and foremost women must reduce stress, and improve their mental and physical health. Deep breaths, meditation, or yoga are good options to do this. Furthermore, exercise, drinking soothing teas like chamomile, fennel, and ginger tea can also help, she said. However, she warns that caffeine can make cramps worse, and instead recommends decaf for coffee lovers. Alternatively, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate menstrual cramps. These help by reducing inflammation and thereby easing the pain. However, these drugs must be taken under medical supervision. Applying heat can also help calm period cramps, "a hot bag is a lifesaver," she says, adding "Good emotional, social, physical, and psychological support is a must to tide over the phase of period pains". How much bleeding is normal? Typically, a woman loses between 20 to 80 millimetres of blood, equivalent to one and a half shot glasses during a normal menstrual cycle. However, as with pain, this can vary from person to person. Those, with heavy menstrual flow, can lose much more than 80 ml. This can be due to a variety of factors "ranging from non-cancerous uterine growths like fibroids or polyps to more serious conditions such as uterine or cervical cancer," states Dr Rani. Also read | Foods That You Should Avoid During Menstrual Pain Additionally, hormone-related health issues, like thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to a heavy menstrual flow. It could also be a warning sign of conditions like "von Willebrand disease (VWD) or platelet function disorder, and non-bleeding-related disorders like liver, kidney, or thyroid disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cancer, can also impact menstrual bleeding," she explains. When should one consult a doctor? Open conversations about periods and period pain can empower women, remove the shame and stigma, and also help level the so-called professional playing field. It is crucial for women to consult healthcare professionals for personalised advice, ensuring a more informed and empowered approach to managing period pain. "If the pain is exceptionally severe and unmanageable with over-the-counter medications, or if it's interfering significantly with work, it might be necessary to seek medical advice promptly," advises Dr Kalappa. "Empathy and support can go a long way in helping women to manage this sometimes debilitating condition and also to open up and seek proper guidance instead of suffering in silence and labouring under many myths and misconceptions," she adds.

Explained | Period Pain: Understanding and managing menstrual cramps, experts weigh in

<p>In the short span of just four years, more than half a million young people in the United Kingdom are out of work. As per recently released data from the UK's Office for National Statistics, in the first three months of 2023, more than 560,000 people aged 16 to 34 were without a job.</p>

<h2><strong>A crisis at hand</strong></h2>

<p>As per a report by The Guardian, experts have chalked the high numbers to a growing mental health crisis. They also blame an underinvestment in health services on the rising economic inactivity — this includes both those who weren't working and those who weren't seeking work.</p>

<p>A report by the Health Foundation found that today, 16 to 34-year-olds were "as likely to report a work-limiting condition as someone aged 45–54 years 10 years ago".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-christmas-a-thing-of-the-past-uk-sees-its-warmest-christmas-eve-in-more-than-a-decade-673231">White Christmas: A thing of the past? UK sees its warmest Christmas eve in more than a decade</a></strong></p>

<p>Another report, a survey by the ONS labour force, found that more than a third, or about 36 per cent of people in the age group 16 to 34 years old, out of job individuals suffer from mental health problems. Among these young people, depression, bad nerves, and anxiety were the most prevalent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The cause</strong></h2>

<p>Difficulties in accessing mental health services and "12 years of underinvestment in the public health sector" play a huge role in poor population health, says David Strain, a professor at the University of Exeter and chair of the British Medical Association's Board of Science.</p>

<p>He said that the nation's health service is focused on treating sick people instead of keeping people healthy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/low-cost-airline-in-us-puts-unaccompanied-kid-on-wrong-flight-internet-reacts-673264">Home Alone in 2023? US airline trolled for putting unaccompanied kid on wrong flight</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have a national disease service these days, not a national health service. We are focused on treating sick people rather than keeping people healthy. And people haven't had access to essential mental health services."</p>

<p>He said that while long Covid probably played a part in it, exact numbers are difficult to know.</p>

<p>Researchers pointing out the post-pandemic effect of people out of work due to mental health problems said that these problems are not new. They have been part of a wider trend that goes back almost a decade to 2012,&nbsp;they say.</p>

<p>A Health Foundation report shows that the number of people not working due to mental health issues has almost doubled in 11 years — from 6.7 per cent in 2012, to 12.7 per cent in 2023.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the short span of just four years, more than half a million young people in the United Kingdom are out of work. As per recently released data from the UK's Office for National Statistics, in the first three months of 2023, more than 560,000 people aged 16 to 34 were without a job.

In the short span of just four years, more than half a million young people in the United Kingdom are out of work. As per recently released data from the UK's Office for National Statistics, in the first three months of 2023, more than 560,000 people aged 16 to 34 were without a job. A crisis at hand As per a report by The Guardian, experts have chalked the high numbers to a growing mental health crisis. They also blame an underinvestment in health services on the rising economic inactivity — this includes both those who weren't working and those who weren't seeking work. A report by the Health Foundation found that today, 16 to 34-year-olds were "as likely to report a work-limiting condition as someone aged 45–54 years 10 years ago". Also read | White Christmas: A thing of the past? UK sees its warmest Christmas eve in more than a decade Another report, a survey by the ONS labour force, found that more than a third, or about 36 per cent of people in the age group 16 to 34 years old, out of job individuals suffer from mental health problems. Among these young people, depression, bad nerves, and anxiety were the most prevalent. The cause Difficulties in accessing mental health services and "12 years of underinvestment in the public health sector" play a huge role in poor population health, says David Strain, a professor at the University of Exeter and chair of the British Medical Association's Board of Science. He said that the nation's health service is focused on treating sick people instead of keeping people healthy. Also read | Home Alone in 2023? US airline trolled for putting unaccompanied kid on wrong flight "We have a national disease service these days, not a national health service. We are focused on treating sick people rather than keeping people healthy. And people haven't had access to essential mental health services." He said that while long Covid probably played a part in it, exact numbers are difficult to know. Researchers pointing out the post-pandemic effect of people out of work due to mental health problems said that these problems are not new. They have been part of a wider trend that goes back almost a decade to 2012, they say. A Health Foundation report shows that the number of people not working due to mental health issues has almost doubled in 11 years — from 6.7 per cent in 2012, to 12.7 per cent in 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

In UK, more than 560,000 young people jobless due to mental health issues

<p>Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009.</p>

<p>The whistleblower further alleged that the attacks were orchestrated to "create instability in Sri Lanka", so that the Rajapaksa's — the most powerful political dynasty who dominated the country's economy in the 2010s — would win the presidential elections in 2019, reports <em>The Guardian</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gotabaya Rajapaksa won Sri Lanka's presidential elections at the end of 2019. But by the first half of 2022, Sri Lanka went through a phase of rare economic instability, partly due to Covid pandemic and the way Rajapaksa threw the weight of Sri Lankan economy around high-interest Chinese loans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-sri-lanka-bent-toward-economic-crisis-know-these-5-reasons-497442">Why Sri Lanka bent toward economic crisis? Know these five reasons</a></strong></p>

<p>Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country due to a popular uprising following which — in July 2022 — Colombo's corridors of power came under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa's successor managed to bring about a semblance of economic stability in the country through interest-free credit lines from multilateral financial institutions and countries such as neighbouring India.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation into Sri Lanka's Easter bombings: Five years on</strong></h2>

<p>Over five years on, an investigation has failed to provide any answers for how the attacks took place.</p>

<p>No criminal convictions have been made so far.</p>

<p>People previously involved in the investigation as well as the leader of Sri Lanka’s Catholic church, have alleged that inquiries were repeatedly sabotaged and obstructed by the Rajapaksa government.</p>

<p>So far, more than 200 people have been charged in the investigation. But no convictions have been made so far.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan government at the time did not clarify how a number of high-level warnings about the April 2019 Easter attacks were ignored, including by the Indian intelligence.</p>

<p>In January, former president Maithripala Sirisena, who was in power at the time of the attacks, was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay millions in compensation to the victims.</p>

<h2><strong>Inside Sri Lanka's Easter attacks: What documentary claims?</strong></h2>

<p>The person cited in the Channel4 documentary claimed that he had helped an intelligence officer with close ties to the Rajapaksa family meet members of the local Islamist group, National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), that carried out the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The person further claims that the&nbsp;plan was hatched over a couple of years to create an "unsafe" security situation that would help bring Rajapaksa back&nbsp;to power.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the Easter bombing?</strong></p>

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<p>The Rajapaksa family had ruled Sri Lanka for almost a decade from 2005. While they are credited with ending its bloody, 26-year-long civil war but their alleged use of "death squads" to target critics and journalists gave them widespread notoriety.</p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa was ousted in 2015 after a backlash against alleged corruption, but the family had planned a return to power in the 2019 election, this time with younger brother Gotabaya as the presidential candidate.</p>

<p>Ravi Seneviratne, the former director general of police who initially led the Easter attacks investigation, told <em>The Guardian</em> that after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, the government had "prevented the investigation".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the easter bombing?</strong></p>

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<p>He claimed his team had already "established links" between state and military intelligence officers and the NTJ suicide bombers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But when Rajapaksa took office by the end of 2019, Seneviratne’s entire team at CID was taken off the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 20 of his officers were transferred without his approval and travel bans were imposed on all 700 CID officers.</p>

<p>"The motive was to make them too scared to send a message. Many were too scared to work and some people even applied for transfers out of CID," Seneviratne told the publication.</p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka's defence into documentary's accusations</strong></h2>

<p>After the Dispatches revelations, the Sri Lankan government said it had set up a special parliamentary committee to probe the allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-government-to-investigate-allegations-of-militarys-complicity-in-2019-easter-bombings-633144">Sri Lankan government to investigate allegations of military's complicity in 2019 Easter bombings</a></strong></p>

<p>Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry in September defended the country's intelligence chief, saying it “vehemently denounces the accusation of orchestrating the attack and assisting the bombers against a dedicated senior military officer who has served the nation for 36 years.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move came days after ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied the alleged role of Major General Sallay in the bombings and that he had benefited from the attacks to win the presidential election in November 2019.</p>


Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009. The whistleblower further alleged that the attacks were orchestrated to "create instability in Sri Lanka", so that the Rajapaksa's — the most powerful political dynasty who dominated the country's economy in the 2010s — would win the presidential elections in 2019, reports The Guardian. Gotabaya Rajapaksa won Sri Lanka's presidential elections at the end of 2019. But by the first half of 2022, Sri Lanka went through a phase of rare economic instability, partly due to Covid pandemic and the way Rajapaksa threw the weight of Sri Lankan economy around high-interest Chinese loans. Also read | Why Sri Lanka bent toward economic crisis? Know these five reasons Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country due to a popular uprising following which — in July 2022 — Colombo's corridors of power came under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa's successor managed to bring about a semblance of economic stability in the country through interest-free credit lines from multilateral financial institutions and countries such as neighbouring India. Investigation into Sri Lanka's Easter bombings: Five years on Over five years on, an investigation has failed to provide any answers for how the attacks took place. No criminal convictions have been made so far. People previously involved in the investigation as well as the leader of Sri Lanka’s Catholic church, have alleged that inquiries were repeatedly sabotaged and obstructed by the Rajapaksa government. So far, more than 200 people have been charged in the investigation. But no convictions have been made so far. The Sri Lankan government at the time did not clarify how a number of high-level warnings about the April 2019 Easter attacks were ignored, including by the Indian intelligence. In January, former president Maithripala Sirisena, who was in power at the time of the attacks, was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay millions in compensation to the victims. Inside Sri Lanka's Easter attacks: What documentary claims? The person cited in the Channel4 documentary claimed that he had helped an intelligence officer with close ties to the Rajapaksa family meet members of the local Islamist group, National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), that carried out the attack. The person further claims that the plan was hatched over a couple of years to create an "unsafe" security situation that would help bring Rajapaksa back to power. Also watch | Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the Easter bombing? × The Rajapaksa family had ruled Sri Lanka for almost a decade from 2005. While they are credited with ending its bloody, 26-year-long civil war but their alleged use of "death squads" to target critics and journalists gave them widespread notoriety. Mahinda Rajapaksa was ousted in 2015 after a backlash against alleged corruption, but the family had planned a return to power in the 2019 election, this time with younger brother Gotabaya as the presidential candidate. Ravi Seneviratne, the former director general of police who initially led the Easter attacks investigation, told The Guardian that after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, the government had "prevented the investigation". Also watch | Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the easter bombing? × He claimed his team had already "established links" between state and military intelligence officers and the NTJ suicide bombers. But when Rajapaksa took office by the end of 2019, Seneviratne’s entire team at CID was taken off the case. More than 20 of his officers were transferred without his approval and travel bans were imposed on all 700 CID officers. "The motive was to make them too scared to send a message. Many were too scared to work and some people even applied for transfers out of CID," Seneviratne told the publication. Sri Lanka's defence into documentary's accusations After the Dispatches revelations, the Sri Lankan government said it had set up a special parliamentary committee to probe the allegations. Also read | Sri Lankan government to investigate allegations of military's complicity in 2019 Easter bombings Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry in September defended the country's intelligence chief, saying it “vehemently denounces the accusation of orchestrating the attack and assisting the bombers against a dedicated senior military officer who has served the nation for 36 years.” The move came days after ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied the alleged role of Major General Sallay in the bombings and that he had benefited from the attacks to win the presidential election in November 2019.

Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidNoBTorgSZ60J" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Every few months, a science story goes viral on the realms of internet, warning us of impending doom brought by the biggest object in our solar system. "The Sun has ejected a massive solar storm" is the usual headline, followed by a warning that it may destroy life on planet Earth as we know it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, such headlines are alarmist in nature, designed to garner clicks but there is an element of truth to it. The surface of the Sun is extremely chaotic, roiling with immense amounts of energy, waiting to be expended. When this&nbsp;box of billions of kilojoules of energy is released, they are called solar storms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An umbrella term called 'space weather' is used to define a&nbsp;whole chain of phenomena and events that begins with the solar wind and solar storm. It&nbsp;includes their effects on Earth’s atmosphere, satellites, and ground-based systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Solar flares and coronal mass ejections</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared the first images captured by its Aditya-L1 solar mission. The pictures were clicked by the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) instrument in wavelengths ranging from 200 to 400 nm and showed characteristic features of the Sun, including the large sunspots.</p>

<p>The sunspots are able to emit powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can slam into Earth and trigger potentially dangerous geomagnetic storms, regardless of whether we can see the dark patches or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This means we can be caught off guard by extreme space weather events. The huge clouds of electrified gas travel at speeds of hundreds of miles per second and can affect power grids, communications, GPS navigation, air travel and satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/big-solar-flare-incoming-intriguing-black-patch-on-sun-captured-by-perseverance-mars-rover-627893"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Big solar flare incoming? Intriguing black patch on Sun captured by Perseverance Mars rover</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>How are solar flares/sunspots formed?</strong></h2>

<p>Solar activity follows a regular pattern with peaks and lows occurring every 11 years. These cycles, known as solar maximum and solar minimum, are driven by the Sun's magnetic field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are currently in Solar Cycle 25 and expected to reach a solar maximum around July 2025. However, this cycle has shown greater activity than anticipated by NASA and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), with the official prediction of around 115 sunspots at the peak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists are unsure why the Sun has been more active than expected, and further observation is necessary to improve future predictions and deepen our understanding of the Sun's internal processes.</p>

<p>Apart from the&nbsp;Solar Dynamics Observatory, NASA's&nbsp;Perseverance Mars rover, using its Mastcam-Z camera system also captures images of the Sun daily. While the main aim is to gauge&nbsp;the amount of dust present in the Martian atmosphere, the camera is also able to capture the sunspots.&nbsp;The rover manages to spot these sunspots early because Mars is orbiting the far side of the Sun and thus has a week's headstart over Earth.</p>

<p>Earth-orbiting satellites have already registered three M-class flares and nearly a dozen C-class flares since first spotting the sunspot group, numbered AR3490 and its cracking flares.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-nasa-announces-plans-for-a-nuclear-rocket-555955"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket</strong></a></p>

<h2><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-nasa-announces-plans-for-a-nuclear-rocket-555955/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Auroras and STEVE</strong></h2>

<p>However, in most instances, the CMEs pass over the surface of the Earth without doing much damage. The magnetic field of Earth ensures that charged solar wind is deflected to the poles, often resulting in the formation of bright celestial lights we know as&nbsp;<em>auroras</em>: aurora borealis, or the northern lights, near the North Pole; and aurora australis, the southern lights, near the South Pole.</p>

<p>Then there is another phenomenon in STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) which is a strange mauve-and-white light observed near the equator. This light show is&nbsp;sometimes accompanied by a striped green feature known as a picket fence.</p>

<p>Although scientists are uncertain about the origin of STEVE, a school of researchers believes that it is also caused by the solar storms that kiss Earth before leaving for the next planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-aditya-l1-captures-majestic-pictures-of-sun-showing-cluster-of-sunspots-667626" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft captures majestic pictures of sunspots</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Previous large scale disruptions</strong></h2>

<p>It is not to say that solar storms always lead to beautiful auroras or STEVE. Between October and November 2003</p>

<p>During a period of intense solar activity in October and November 2003, one solar flare's magnitude was so immense that NOAA&nbsp;(US agency charged with forecasting weather and monitoring atmospheric conditions)&nbsp;had to alter its charts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1989, Quebec, the largest province by area in Canada suffered power outages for over nine hours due to a solar storm. Between September 1-2 in 1859, history's largest solar storm, known as the 'Carrington Event' was recorded. In under 18 hours, the CME travelled 150 million km to Earth and unleashed fury upon our planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, it takes multiple days for CME to reach Earth but such was the intensity that not only it reached within 24 hours, but also wreaked havoc with our rather primitive technology. According to reports, there were instances of sparking in numerous telegraph machines, operators receiving electric shocks and papers getting blazed by the rogue sparks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Every few months, a science story goes viral on the realms of internet, warning us of impending doom brought by the biggest object in our solar system. "The Sun has ejected a massive solar storm" is the usual headline, followed by a warning that it may destroy life on planet Earth as we know it.

Every few months, a science story goes viral on the realms of internet, warning us of impending doom brought by the biggest object in our solar system. "The Sun has ejected a massive solar storm" is the usual headline, followed by a warning that it may destroy life on planet Earth as we know it. Usually, such headlines are alarmist in nature, designed to garner clicks but there is an element of truth to it. The surface of the Sun is extremely chaotic, roiling with immense amounts of energy, waiting to be expended. When this box of billions of kilojoules of energy is released, they are called solar storms. An umbrella term called 'space weather' is used to define a whole chain of phenomena and events that begins with the solar wind and solar storm. It includes their effects on Earth’s atmosphere, satellites, and ground-based systems. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections Last week, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared the first images captured by its Aditya-L1 solar mission. The pictures were clicked by the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) instrument in wavelengths ranging from 200 to 400 nm and showed characteristic features of the Sun, including the large sunspots. The sunspots are able to emit powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can slam into Earth and trigger potentially dangerous geomagnetic storms, regardless of whether we can see the dark patches or not. This means we can be caught off guard by extreme space weather events. The huge clouds of electrified gas travel at speeds of hundreds of miles per second and can affect power grids, communications, GPS navigation, air travel and satellites. Also read | Big solar flare incoming? Intriguing black patch on Sun captured by Perseverance Mars rover How are solar flares/sunspots formed? Solar activity follows a regular pattern with peaks and lows occurring every 11 years. These cycles, known as solar maximum and solar minimum, are driven by the Sun's magnetic field. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25 and expected to reach a solar maximum around July 2025. However, this cycle has shown greater activity than anticipated by NASA and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), with the official prediction of around 115 sunspots at the peak. Scientists are unsure why the Sun has been more active than expected, and further observation is necessary to improve future predictions and deepen our understanding of the Sun's internal processes. Apart from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover, using its Mastcam-Z camera system also captures images of the Sun daily. While the main aim is to gauge the amount of dust present in the Martian atmosphere, the camera is also able to capture the sunspots. The rover manages to spot these sunspots early because Mars is orbiting the far side of the Sun and thus has a week's headstart over Earth. Earth-orbiting satellites have already registered three M-class flares and nearly a dozen C-class flares since first spotting the sunspot group, numbered AR3490 and its cracking flares. Watch | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket Auroras and STEVE However, in most instances, the CMEs pass over the surface of the Earth without doing much damage. The magnetic field of Earth ensures that charged solar wind is deflected to the poles, often resulting in the formation of bright celestial lights we know as auroras: aurora borealis, or the northern lights, near the North Pole; and aurora australis, the southern lights, near the South Pole. Then there is another phenomenon in STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) which is a strange mauve-and-white light observed near the equator. This light show is sometimes accompanied by a striped green feature known as a picket fence. Although scientists are uncertain about the origin of STEVE, a school of researchers believes that it is also caused by the solar storms that kiss Earth before leaving for the next planet. Also read | ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft captures majestic pictures of sunspots Previous large scale disruptions It is not to say that solar storms always lead to beautiful auroras or STEVE. Between October and November 2003 During a period of intense solar activity in October and November 2003, one solar flare's magnitude was so immense that NOAA (US agency charged with forecasting weather and monitoring atmospheric conditions) had to alter its charts. In 1989, Quebec, the largest province by area in Canada suffered power outages for over nine hours due to a solar storm. Between September 1-2 in 1859, history's largest solar storm, known as the 'Carrington Event' was recorded. In under 18 hours, the CME travelled 150 million km to Earth and unleashed fury upon our planet. Usually, it takes multiple days for CME to reach Earth but such was the intensity that not only it reached within 24 hours, but also wreaked havoc with our rather primitive technology. According to reports, there were instances of sparking in numerous telegraph machines, operators receiving electric shocks and papers getting blazed by the rogue sparks. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Solar storms have been raging for weeks and Earth is bearing the brunt

<p>A couple off Glenn Maxwell's willow led the Pat Cummins-led Australia to complete the 241-run chase with ease during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, in Ahmedabad, versus India on Nov 19. With the loss, Rohit Sharma-led India choked once again in an ICC knockout game. Thus, they remain without an ICC title since their 2013 Champions Trophy win.</p>

<p>While the gap has widened&nbsp;since India's last ICC triumph, there is not much time left for the next major ICC event in men's cricket. The upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup will take place in June 2024, in the West Indies and the USA. Thus, the one-time winners India are already running against time to win an ICC championship with the T20 WC less than six months away.</p>

<h2><strong>Explained: How India have problems aplenty for next T20 WC</strong></h2>

<p>Firstly, it is safe to say T20Is are not India's strongest format. They might be the No. 1 ranked side at present, however, a numero uno ranking does not guarantee success at a major event (Note, India played the home ODI World Cup as the No. 1 side). If we look at India's defeats in the last few knockout games in the T20 WC, it has been due to their conservative batting (recall the 2014 final versus Sri Lanka and the most recent semi-final defeat against England in 2022).</p>

<p>The Men in Blue remain a top-heavy side. Since 2016, it has predominantly been Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul or Shikhar Dhawan making the bulk of their runs.&nbsp;However, even their famed top-order's future in the format remains a mystery (of course, barring Dhawan's). If one focuses on India's middle and lower order, they have two good options in Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. However, one is heavily injury-prone and the other will return to competitive cricket only a few months before the T20 WC, i.e. during IPL 2014 after a major car crash in late 2022.</p>

<p>All is not lost despite the above-mentioned factors. Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's recent inclusion has been a breath of fresh air. However, they need more batting depth. In the Australia home series -- which ended early this month -- and the ongoing South Africa series, in the African nation, India have batters only till No. 7. They cannot do that, which only adds to their conservative style. They are one batter short. Thus, more all-rounders are a need of the hour. This, in turn, might hurt their bowling,&nbsp;which they have been reluctant to do. In addition, the inability of India's top batters to contribute with a few overs only adds to their bowling shortage.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-the-vegetarian-chicken-virat-kohli-shared-on-social-media-to-leave-netizens-bemused-669167">What is the VEGETARIAN 'chicken' Virat Kohli shared on social media to leave netizens BEMUSED</a></strong></p>

<p>Above all, the biggest issue remains about leadership. Rohit has not played a T20I tie since India's 2022 T20 WC semi-final loss. Since then, Hardik has served as the temporary captain. While Hardik's fitness remains a story in itself, Rohit's future as a T20I captain is also a well-kept secret. On Wednesday (Dec 13), Hitman hinted at his T20 WC participation while acknowledging fans for their relentless support during the ODI WC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Rohit said, "People, when they understand what the player must be going through and when they know these kind of things and not to bring out that frustration, that anger, it means a lot for us, for me definitely it meant a lot because there was no anger, it was just pure love from people that I met and it was wonderful to see that. So it gives you motivation to get back and start working again and look for another ultimate prize."</p>

<p>If Rohit returns to lead, it will be interesting to see what transpires for Kohli in&nbsp;T20Is. Reports have been flowing in that the BCCI selectors are in favour of having a more dynamic batter at No. 3 (i.e., Ishan Kishan). Nonetheless, are they bold enough to take back Rohit but drop Kohli, who has the most runs in the format and T20 WC history? If the selectors and team management bring both Kohli and Rohit, what will be the future for the plethora of youngsters who have been regulars in the format since late 2022? India need clarity at the earliest with just a limited number of games left (to be precise, just four) before their T20 WC campaign gets underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the Kohli-Rohit debate gets settled, then only India can finalise their batting slot.<br />
<br />
Moreover, problems will multiply when IPL 2024 starts. Not every batter bats at the same spot for India and for their respective franchises. India certainly need to address this concern as well. Reports have suggested that Rahul is looking to bat in the middle for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Will the LSG franchise comply? There are several pertaining questions with limited games and time in hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lastly, BCCI never had a plan for the T20 WC -- having all their focus towards the home ODI WC. Hence, even though Dravid had an almost flawless end to his first stint as head coach, he has been asked to continue only because there was never one eye on the next coach (coupled with a handful of months between the ODI and T20 WC). Thus, will Dravid &amp; Co. be bold enough to challenge the national side to change their T20I culture so late?</p>

<p>At present, there are several questions with no certain answer. Hence, India have problems aplenty ahead of their upcoming T20 WC run.&nbsp;</p>


A couple off Glenn Maxwell's willow led the Pat Cummins-led Australia to complete the 241-run chase with ease during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, in Ahmedabad, versus India on Nov 19.

A couple off Glenn Maxwell's willow led the Pat Cummins-led Australia to complete the 241-run chase with ease during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, in Ahmedabad, versus India on Nov 19. With the loss, Rohit Sharma-led India choked once again in an ICC knockout game. Thus, they remain without an ICC title since their 2013 Champions Trophy win. While the gap has widened since India's last ICC triumph, there is not much time left for the next major ICC event in men's cricket. The upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup will take place in June 2024, in the West Indies and the USA. Thus, the one-time winners India are already running against time to win an ICC championship with the T20 WC less than six months away. Explained: How India have problems aplenty for next T20 WC Firstly, it is safe to say T20Is are not India's strongest format. They might be the No. 1 ranked side at present, however, a numero uno ranking does not guarantee success at a major event (Note, India played the home ODI World Cup as the No. 1 side). If we look at India's defeats in the last few knockout games in the T20 WC, it has been due to their conservative batting (recall the 2014 final versus Sri Lanka and the most recent semi-final defeat against England in 2022). The Men in Blue remain a top-heavy side. Since 2016, it has predominantly been Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul or Shikhar Dhawan making the bulk of their runs. However, even their famed top-order's future in the format remains a mystery (of course, barring Dhawan's). If one focuses on India's middle and lower order, they have two good options in Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. However, one is heavily injury-prone and the other will return to competitive cricket only a few months before the T20 WC, i.e. during IPL 2014 after a major car crash in late 2022. All is not lost despite the above-mentioned factors. Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's recent inclusion has been a breath of fresh air. However, they need more batting depth. In the Australia home series -- which ended early this month -- and the ongoing South Africa series, in the African nation, India have batters only till No. 7. They cannot do that, which only adds to their conservative style. They are one batter short. Thus, more all-rounders are a need of the hour. This, in turn, might hurt their bowling, which they have been reluctant to do. In addition, the inability of India's top batters to contribute with a few overs only adds to their bowling shortage. Also read: What is the VEGETARIAN 'chicken' Virat Kohli shared on social media to leave netizens BEMUSED Above all, the biggest issue remains about leadership. Rohit has not played a T20I tie since India's 2022 T20 WC semi-final loss. Since then, Hardik has served as the temporary captain. While Hardik's fitness remains a story in itself, Rohit's future as a T20I captain is also a well-kept secret. On Wednesday (Dec 13), Hitman hinted at his T20 WC participation while acknowledging fans for their relentless support during the ODI WC. In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Rohit said, "People, when they understand what the player must be going through and when they know these kind of things and not to bring out that frustration, that anger, it means a lot for us, for me definitely it meant a lot because there was no anger, it was just pure love from people that I met and it was wonderful to see that. So it gives you motivation to get back and start working again and look for another ultimate prize." If Rohit returns to lead, it will be interesting to see what transpires for Kohli in T20Is. Reports have been flowing in that the BCCI selectors are in favour of having a more dynamic batter at No. 3 (i.e., Ishan Kishan). Nonetheless, are they bold enough to take back Rohit but drop Kohli, who has the most runs in the format and T20 WC history? If the selectors and team management bring both Kohli and Rohit, what will be the future for the plethora of youngsters who have been regulars in the format since late 2022? India need clarity at the earliest with just a limited number of games left (to be precise, just four) before their T20 WC campaign gets underway. If the Kohli-Rohit debate gets settled, then only India can finalise their batting slot. Moreover, problems will multiply when IPL 2024 starts. Not every batter bats at the same spot for India and for their respective franchises. India certainly need to address this concern as well. Reports have suggested that Rahul is looking to bat in the middle for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Will the LSG franchise comply? There are several pertaining questions with limited games and time in hand. Lastly, BCCI never had a plan for the T20 WC -- having all their focus towards the home ODI WC. Hence, even though Dravid had an almost flawless end to his first stint as head coach, he has been asked to continue only because there was never one eye on the next coach (coupled with a handful of months between the ODI and T20 WC). Thus, will Dravid & Co. be bold enough to challenge the national side to change their T20I culture so late? At present, there are several questions with no certain answer. Hence, India have problems aplenty ahead of their upcoming T20 WC run.

Explained | How Team India has problems aplenty for 2024 T20 World Cup

<p>The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-melonis-melodi-selfie-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-breaks-internet-665269">taken over the internet</a> but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. The bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But all was not well between India and Italy.</p>

<p>While the two countries have shared warmer ties since India achieved freedom from the British Empire in 1947, the bilateral frost came in 2012 when two Italian marines were accused of killing two Indian fishermen near the coast line of southern state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The marines claimed they mistook the fishermen for pirates, and Italy argued the fishermen failed to heed warnings to stay away from the MV Enrica Lexie tanker. The two were arrested and charged with murder.</p>

<p>The case was moved from Kerala to New Delhi. It blew up. The marines stayed on at the Italian embassy complex while the trial went on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a pending trial, the two marines were allowed to return to Italy.</p>

<p>In 2015, New Delhi and Rome took the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Netherlands' Hague.</p>

<p>The PCA ordered Italy to pay ₹100mn in compensation to India "for loss of life".</p>

<p>Finally, the case was closed in 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy relations: Effort to repair ties before 'Melodi' bonhomie</strong></h2>

<p>In September 2016, India's then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj led an official delegation for the canonisation ceremony of Albanian-Indian social reformer Mother Teresa at the Vatican City. While the Catholic mass at St Peter's square presided over by Pope Francis had an obvious religious fervour, the corridors of diplomacy witnessed a crucial bilateral breakthrough between India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and her Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni.&nbsp;<img alt="Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d6ee272-fe9c-42f1-bb69-2b021d87125a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-08T200257.568.png" /></p>

<p><em>Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City | Agencies</em></p>

<p>Swaraj and Gentiloni decided that their countries will celebrate the 70th year of India-Italy diplomatic ties. In 2018, the India-Italy ties were celebrated with cultural events in both India and Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2019, during the second tenure of Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the current foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Rome and met the predecessor of Giorgia Meloni, the then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar's Italy visit in December 2019 took place months after Italy -- in March 2019 -- became the only G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a transcontinental Chinese connectivity project India has opposed since it passes through a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani and Chinese occupation respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation was laid for an upcoming India-Italy summit in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid Covid pandemic, a virtual India-Italy summit was held in November 2020. The summit saw the adoption of 2020-2025 Action Plan which further established the ambitious agenda for an enhanced partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.</p>

<p>The two sides "underscored the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production, by expediting discussions through the Joint Defence Committee and Military Cooperation Group".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy ties: The 'melodi' bonhomie</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to Italy in October 2021 to attend the G20 leaders’ summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, he held a bilateral meeting with then PM Mario Draghi in which the two leaders "exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest".</p>

<p>In&nbsp;March&nbsp;2023, the newly elected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a state visit to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni and Modi held discussions on promoting green economy, energy security and transition, defence co-production and co-innovation, and the blue economy.</p>

<p>The top outcome of Meloni's state visit was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership. A startup bridge between Indian and Italian startup companies was also established.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, it was was during her March visit to India when&nbsp;Meloni praised Modi as "the most loved leader" of the world. The netizens then held on to that snippet and 'Melodi' (the fusion of the last names of two prime ministers) came into vogue.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-melonis-melodi-selfie-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-breaks-internet-665269">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's 'Melodi' selfie with Indian PM Narendra Modi breaks internet</a></strong></p>

<p>The 'Melodi' continued to be a social media catchphrase during G20 summit which India hosted in September 2023 and achieved a new height of popularity last week when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a selfie of herself with Modi by using the hashtag: #Melodi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The selfie, clicked on the sidelines of the COP28 meet in Dubai, was captioned by Meloni: "Good friends at COP28. #Melodi".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Melodi Selfie | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'Melodi' selfie</strong></p>

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<p>Modi reposted the picture, writing: “Meeting friends is always a delight.”</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy relations: The China factor</strong></h2>

<p>India and Italy were on the same page when a consensus was reached on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, widely hailed as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal'</a></strong></p>

<p>Italy's move to pull itself out of the Belt and Road Initiative this month has brought a specific bilateral convergence in terms of Rome and New Delhi's shared interests on global connectivity.</p>


The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome.

The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. The bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. But all was not well between India and Italy. While the two countries have shared warmer ties since India achieved freedom from the British Empire in 1947, the bilateral frost came in 2012 when two Italian marines were accused of killing two Indian fishermen near the coast line of southern state of Kerala. The marines claimed they mistook the fishermen for pirates, and Italy argued the fishermen failed to heed warnings to stay away from the MV Enrica Lexie tanker. The two were arrested and charged with murder. The case was moved from Kerala to New Delhi. It blew up. The marines stayed on at the Italian embassy complex while the trial went on. With a pending trial, the two marines were allowed to return to Italy. In 2015, New Delhi and Rome took the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Netherlands' Hague. The PCA ordered Italy to pay ₹100mn in compensation to India "for loss of life". Finally, the case was closed in 2021. India-Italy relations: Effort to repair ties before 'Melodi' bonhomie In September 2016, India's then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj led an official delegation for the canonisation ceremony of Albanian-Indian social reformer Mother Teresa at the Vatican City. While the Catholic mass at St Peter's square presided over by Pope Francis had an obvious religious fervour, the corridors of diplomacy witnessed a crucial bilateral breakthrough between India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and her Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni. Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City | Agencies Swaraj and Gentiloni decided that their countries will celebrate the 70th year of India-Italy diplomatic ties. In 2018, the India-Italy ties were celebrated with cultural events in both India and Italy. In December 2019, during the second tenure of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the current foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Rome and met the predecessor of Giorgia Meloni, the then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Jaishankar's Italy visit in December 2019 took place months after Italy -- in March 2019 -- became the only G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a transcontinental Chinese connectivity project India has opposed since it passes through a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani and Chinese occupation respectively. The foundation was laid for an upcoming India-Italy summit in 2020. Amid Covid pandemic, a virtual India-Italy summit was held in November 2020. The summit saw the adoption of 2020-2025 Action Plan which further established the ambitious agenda for an enhanced partnership between the two countries. A total of 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed. The two sides "underscored the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production, by expediting discussions through the Joint Defence Committee and Military Cooperation Group". India-Italy ties: The 'melodi' bonhomie Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to Italy in October 2021 to attend the G20 leaders’ summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, he held a bilateral meeting with then PM Mario Draghi in which the two leaders "exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest". In March 2023, the newly elected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a state visit to India. Meloni and Modi held discussions on promoting green economy, energy security and transition, defence co-production and co-innovation, and the blue economy. The top outcome of Meloni's state visit was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership. A startup bridge between Indian and Italian startup companies was also established. Besides, it was was during her March visit to India when Meloni praised Modi as "the most loved leader" of the world. The netizens then held on to that snippet and 'Melodi' (the fusion of the last names of two prime ministers) came into vogue. Also read | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's 'Melodi' selfie with Indian PM Narendra Modi breaks internet The 'Melodi' continued to be a social media catchphrase during G20 summit which India hosted in September 2023 and achieved a new height of popularity last week when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a selfie of herself with Modi by using the hashtag: #Melodi. The selfie, clicked on the sidelines of the COP28 meet in Dubai, was captioned by Meloni: "Good friends at COP28. #Melodi". Also watch | Melodi Selfie | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'Melodi' selfie × Modi reposted the picture, writing: “Meeting friends is always a delight.” India-Italy relations: The China factor India and Italy were on the same page when a consensus was reached on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, widely hailed as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Also read | G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal' Italy's move to pull itself out of the Belt and Road Initiative this month has brought a specific bilateral convergence in terms of Rome and New Delhi's shared interests on global connectivity.

Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years

<p>The Ethics Committee of the lower house of Indian parliament, Lok Sabha, on Friday (Dec 8) disqualified opposition lawmaker Mahua Moitra&nbsp; following the so-called cash-for-query row. In a rare move of its kind, Moitra, 49, a former investment banker, was suspended from the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Moitra was a Member of Parliament for Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the east Indian West Bengal state's Krishnanagar constituency.</p>

<p>She was accused by her&nbsp;former personal friend&nbsp;and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey&nbsp;—&nbsp;a&nbsp;lawmaker from PM Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;— of accepting money and expensive gifts for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cash-for-query-row-trouble-mounts-for-mp-mahua-moitra-after-businessman-turns-approver-648981">'Cash for query' row: Trouble mounts for MP Mahua Moitra after businessman turns approver</a></strong></p>

<p>Moitra had accepted that she shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>In Lok Sabha, the lawmakers are directly elected by the people in general elections. Moitra is one of the prominent leaders of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), one of a handful of political parties that Modi-led BJP's electoral juggernaut has been unable to dislodge from power in West Bengal state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian parliament cash-for-query row: What has happened so far?</strong></h2>

<p>BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Moitra, accusing her of asking questions in Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for gifts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey further claimed that lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai provided him with proof of the alleged bribes.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;TMC MP Mahua Moitra lawyer reportedly urged Dehadrai to withdraw his case</strong></p>

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<p>Nishikant Dubey, an elected representative of Jharkhand state's Godda constituency, had demanded that Moitra be suspended, citing a 2005 precedent when 11 Members of Parliament were disqualified over "cash for query" accusations.</p>

<p>While Moitra herself admitted that she shared her parliamentary login&nbsp;details, she asserted&nbsp;that most MPs share their login credentials with others.</p>

<p>Besides, the businessman in question — Darshan Hiranandani&nbsp;—&nbsp;admitted gifting Moitra "expensive luxury items", as well as payments for the "renovation of her official bungalow".&nbsp; He&nbsp;also accepted posting "questions directly on her behalf" using the Parliament login and password that Moitra provided him.</p>

<p>Hiranandani made these admissions under Apostille method to the consulate general of India in Dubai. Apostille is a method of certifying a document or statement provided or made in a country other than the one where it is to be used.</p>

<p>The ethics committee took a grim view of the charges against Moitra.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mahua Moitra cash-for-query scandal: It all started with a dog</strong></h2>

<p>It all started with a custodial battle over Henry, a canine whose ownership was claimed by both Mahua Moitra and Jai Anant Dehadrai, Moitra's former personal friend. Dehadrai eventually got Henry's custody in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moitra has claimed&nbsp;the charges made against her in the parliament were based on a "jilted ex's lies".</p>

<p>Moitra also filed a number of police complaints against Dehadrai in the last six months for alleged criminal trespass, theft, vulgar messages and abuse, Press Trust of India reported.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Nov &nbsp;8), BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed that anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) based on his complaint in the 'Cash for Query' row.</p>

<p>On October 21, Dubey&nbsp;— apart from complaining to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla&nbsp;— also&nbsp;filed a complaint with&nbsp;Lokpal against Moitra.</p>

<p>In another turn of events, Moitra had complained to Lok Sabha president Om Birla that she was being "targeted for speaking out" against Adani Group, while referring to the details of the proceedings of Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee being reported in the media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mahua Moitra cash-for-query row: How it ended</strong></h2>

<p>The decision of Lok Sabha Ethics Committee consists of a voluminous 500-page report. The report&nbsp;confirmed that Moitra indeed allowed an offshore businessman to access her Parliament login and ask questions on her behalf.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cash-for-query-scam-cbi-to-launch-probe-against-tmc-mp-mahua-moitra-says-bjps-nishikant-dubey-656582">CBI to probe cash-for-query scam involving TMC MP Mahua Moitra, says BJP MP Nishikant Dubey</a></strong></p>

<p>This, the Ethics Committee report said, not only breached the parliamentary code of ethics but also compromised the country's national security.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is&nbsp;currently headed by the BJP lawmaker&nbsp;Vinod Kumar Sonkar from Kaushambi constituency of Uttar Pradesh state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its other members are&nbsp;Vishnu Datt Sharma, Sumedhanand Saraswati, Aparajita Sarangi, Dr Rajdeep Roy, Sunita Duggal, and Dr Subhash Bhamre of the BJP; Ve Vaithilingam, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Preneet Kaur (Congress); Balashowry Vallabbhaneni (YSR Congress); Hemant Godse (Shiv Sena); Giridhari Yadav (JD-U); P R Natarajan (CPI-M); and Kunwar Danish Ali (BSP).<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Ethics Committee of the lower house of Indian parliament, Lok Sabha, on Friday (Dec 8) disqualified opposition lawmaker Mahua Moitra following the so-called cash-for-query row.

The Ethics Committee of the lower house of Indian parliament, Lok Sabha, on Friday (Dec 8) disqualified opposition lawmaker Mahua Moitra following the so-called cash-for-query row. In a rare move of its kind, Moitra, 49, a former investment banker, was suspended from the Lok Sabha. Moitra was a Member of Parliament for Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the east Indian West Bengal state's Krishnanagar constituency. She was accused by her former personal friend and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey — a lawmaker from PM Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party — of accepting money and expensive gifts for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha. Also read | 'Cash for query' row: Trouble mounts for MP Mahua Moitra after businessman turns approver Moitra had accepted that she shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha. In Lok Sabha, the lawmakers are directly elected by the people in general elections. Moitra is one of the prominent leaders of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), one of a handful of political parties that Modi-led BJP's electoral juggernaut has been unable to dislodge from power in West Bengal state. Indian parliament cash-for-query row: What has happened so far? BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Moitra, accusing her of asking questions in Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for gifts. Dubey further claimed that lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai provided him with proof of the alleged bribes. Also watch | TMC MP Mahua Moitra lawyer reportedly urged Dehadrai to withdraw his case × Nishikant Dubey, an elected representative of Jharkhand state's Godda constituency, had demanded that Moitra be suspended, citing a 2005 precedent when 11 Members of Parliament were disqualified over "cash for query" accusations. While Moitra herself admitted that she shared her parliamentary login details, she asserted that most MPs share their login credentials with others. Besides, the businessman in question — Darshan Hiranandani — admitted gifting Moitra "expensive luxury items", as well as payments for the "renovation of her official bungalow". He also accepted posting "questions directly on her behalf" using the Parliament login and password that Moitra provided him. Hiranandani made these admissions under Apostille method to the consulate general of India in Dubai. Apostille is a method of certifying a document or statement provided or made in a country other than the one where it is to be used. The ethics committee took a grim view of the charges against Moitra. Mahua Moitra cash-for-query scandal: It all started with a dog It all started with a custodial battle over Henry, a canine whose ownership was claimed by both Mahua Moitra and Jai Anant Dehadrai, Moitra's former personal friend. Dehadrai eventually got Henry's custody in November. Moitra has claimed the charges made against her in the parliament were based on a "jilted ex's lies". Moitra also filed a number of police complaints against Dehadrai in the last six months for alleged criminal trespass, theft, vulgar messages and abuse, Press Trust of India reported. On Wednesday (Nov 8), BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed that anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) based on his complaint in the 'Cash for Query' row. On October 21, Dubey — apart from complaining to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla — also filed a complaint with Lokpal against Moitra. In another turn of events, Moitra had complained to Lok Sabha president Om Birla that she was being "targeted for speaking out" against Adani Group, while referring to the details of the proceedings of Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee being reported in the media. Mahua Moitra cash-for-query row: How it ended The decision of Lok Sabha Ethics Committee consists of a voluminous 500-page report. The report confirmed that Moitra indeed allowed an offshore businessman to access her Parliament login and ask questions on her behalf. Also read | CBI to probe cash-for-query scam involving TMC MP Mahua Moitra, says BJP MP Nishikant Dubey This, the Ethics Committee report said, not only breached the parliamentary code of ethics but also compromised the country's national security. The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is currently headed by the BJP lawmaker Vinod Kumar Sonkar from Kaushambi constituency of Uttar Pradesh state. Its other members are Vishnu Datt Sharma, Sumedhanand Saraswati, Aparajita Sarangi, Dr Rajdeep Roy, Sunita Duggal, and Dr Subhash Bhamre of the BJP; Ve Vaithilingam, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Preneet Kaur (Congress); Balashowry Vallabbhaneni (YSR Congress); Hemant Godse (Shiv Sena); Giridhari Yadav (JD-U); P R Natarajan (CPI-M); and Kunwar Danish Ali (BSP). (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP got ousted from parliament

<p>Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries. The delivery of these weapons has been aimed to help Israel in its ongoing wartime effort to dislodge Palestinian group Hamas — declared a terrorist group by Israel, the US, and the UK among others — from Gaza, according to the US officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The supply of arms includes roughly about 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells which the United States supplied shortly after the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis. The retaliatory state of war which resumed on December 1 after a brief truce, has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry.</p>

<p>Among the munitions the U.S. has transferred to Israel are more than 5,000 Mk82 unguided or "dumb" bombs, more than 5,400 Mk84 2,000 pound warhead bombs, around 1,000 GBU-39 small diameter bombs, and approximately 3,000 JDAMs, which turn unguided bombs into guided "smart" bombs, Wall Street Journal reported.</p>

<p>The US has also sent Israel roughly 57,000 155mm artillery shells – a key munition the U.S. has also provided Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion – along with thousands of other artillery shells and various small arms.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has attempted to establish the existence of an elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza. These tunnels, both Israel and the United States have said, are used to launch attacks on Israel from inside Gaza Strip. In Gaza, Hamas’&nbsp;military wing uses this vast network of underground tunnels, which Israel could attempt to strike with the bunker busters.</p>

<p>The tunnels, however, lie beneath Gaza’s urban landscape of apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other civilian buildings.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US wants to remove restrictions on weapon stockpiles for Israel | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

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<p>But the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties in Gaza has alarmed Western capitals. The United States is also urging Israel to consider preventing large-scale civilian casualties while supplying many of the munitions deployed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I made clear that after a pause, it was imperative that Israel put in place clear protections for civilians, and for sustaining humanitarian assistance going forward," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Dubai on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Supply of BLU-109 bunker buster bombs and their potential impact on Hamas' tunnels in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>The BLU-109 bunker buster carries a 2,000 pound warhead and is designed to penetrate a concrete shelter. These bombs were used by the US during the Gulf War in 1991 as well as during the invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p>The BLU-109 can penetrate about 1.8 metre or 6 feet of reinforced concrete. That is, they are designed to penetrate through a target underground instead of conventional carpet bombing on surface. The extra speed provided by a rocket enables greater penetration of a missile-mounted bunker buster warhead. To ensure maximum penetration (impact depth), the warhead with BLU-109 usually consists of a high-density projectile only.</p>

<p>"There is potentially a legitimate use for these things, to bust underground bunkers," Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the nonprofit International Crisis Group, and a former attorney-adviser at the State Department was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The problem is there’s a massive refugee camp with hundreds of thousands of civilians on top of those tunnels when you drop the bomb. You need to factor in the harm to civilians."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-riddle-that-is-hamas-control-centre-in-gaza-between-al-shifa-and-khan-younis-660316">Explained | The riddle that is Hamas' control centre in Gaza—between Al-Shifa and Khan Younis</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the US said that Israel used an American-provided bomb during its strike at crowded Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza in October, an attack that levelled an apartment block there and killed more than 100 people. Israel claimed the strike killed a Hamas leader.</p>

<p>Experts point out that the transfer of such weaponry to Israel shows the kind of choices Israel is facing while attempting its stated goal to decimate Hamas in Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated regions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: The network of tunnels in Gaza Strip</strong></h2>

<p>Qatar-based Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza exist as "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries.

Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries. The delivery of these weapons has been aimed to help Israel in its ongoing wartime effort to dislodge Palestinian group Hamas — declared a terrorist group by Israel, the US, and the UK among others — from Gaza, according to the US officials. The supply of arms includes roughly about 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells which the United States supplied shortly after the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis. The retaliatory state of war which resumed on December 1 after a brief truce, has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry. Among the munitions the U.S. has transferred to Israel are more than 5,000 Mk82 unguided or "dumb" bombs, more than 5,400 Mk84 2,000 pound warhead bombs, around 1,000 GBU-39 small diameter bombs, and approximately 3,000 JDAMs, which turn unguided bombs into guided "smart" bombs, Wall Street Journal reported. The US has also sent Israel roughly 57,000 155mm artillery shells – a key munition the U.S. has also provided Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion – along with thousands of other artillery shells and various small arms. What does it mean? Israel has attempted to establish the existence of an elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza. These tunnels, both Israel and the United States have said, are used to launch attacks on Israel from inside Gaza Strip. In Gaza, Hamas’ military wing uses this vast network of underground tunnels, which Israel could attempt to strike with the bunker busters. The tunnels, however, lie beneath Gaza’s urban landscape of apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other civilian buildings. Also watch | US wants to remove restrictions on weapon stockpiles for Israel | WION Dispatch × But the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties in Gaza has alarmed Western capitals. The United States is also urging Israel to consider preventing large-scale civilian casualties while supplying many of the munitions deployed. "I made clear that after a pause, it was imperative that Israel put in place clear protections for civilians, and for sustaining humanitarian assistance going forward," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Dubai on Friday. Supply of BLU-109 bunker buster bombs and their potential impact on Hamas' tunnels in Gaza The BLU-109 bunker buster carries a 2,000 pound warhead and is designed to penetrate a concrete shelter. These bombs were used by the US during the Gulf War in 1991 as well as during the invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks. The BLU-109 can penetrate about 1.8 metre or 6 feet of reinforced concrete. That is, they are designed to penetrate through a target underground instead of conventional carpet bombing on surface. The extra speed provided by a rocket enables greater penetration of a missile-mounted bunker buster warhead. To ensure maximum penetration (impact depth), the warhead with BLU-109 usually consists of a high-density projectile only. "There is potentially a legitimate use for these things, to bust underground bunkers," Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the nonprofit International Crisis Group, and a former attorney-adviser at the State Department was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal. "The problem is there’s a massive refugee camp with hundreds of thousands of civilians on top of those tunnels when you drop the bomb. You need to factor in the harm to civilians." Also read | Explained | The riddle that is Hamas' control centre in Gaza—between Al-Shifa and Khan Younis Notably, the US said that Israel used an American-provided bomb during its strike at crowded Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza in October, an attack that levelled an apartment block there and killed more than 100 people. Israel claimed the strike killed a Hamas leader. Experts point out that the transfer of such weaponry to Israel shows the kind of choices Israel is facing while attempting its stated goal to decimate Hamas in Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated regions. Israel-Hamas war: The network of tunnels in Gaza Strip Qatar-based Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza. The US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza exist as "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for vehicles. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How BLU-109 'bunker buster' bombs could potentially decimate Hamas tunnels in Gaza

<p>The much-anticipated trial of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams, commonly referred to as the "YSL RICO trial," has officially commenced in Atlanta. After a lengthy jury selection process that concluded in early November, the trial began on Monday, marking a significant legal battle for the 32-year-old musician, who spent 567 days in jail and faces charges of racketeering and gang conspiracy.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the&nbsp;charges and allegations?</strong></h2>

<p>The Fulton District Attorney contends that Young Thug is the co-founder of a violent criminal street gang known as Young Slime Life, with ties to the national Bloods gang. Prosecutors assert that the rapper used his music, notably through his label Young Stoner Life Records (YSL Records), to promote this gang. The charges against him include conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), among other serious allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tiffany-haddish-addresses-dui-arrest-vows-to-get-some-help-663688">Tiffany Haddish addresses DUI arrest; vows to 'get some help'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Young Thug and what are his achievements?</strong></h2>

<p>Before delving into the trial details, it's crucial to understand Young Thug's significance in the music industry. The 32-year-old artist is an award-winning rapper and a pioneer of the melodic trap sound. Known for his unique, mumble-like delivery and collaborations with artists like Drake, Future, and Travis Scott, Young Thug has earned three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. His crossover hits, including "Havanna" with Camila Cabello and "This Is America" with Childish Gambino, showcase his versatility.</p>

<p>Beyond music, Young Thug has made waves as a fashion icon, challenging gender stereotypes with his bold style choices, such as donning a dress on the cover of his 2016 mixtape "Jeffery."</p>

<h2><strong>Accusations&nbsp;and legal defense</strong></h2>

<p>Young Thug faces serious accusations of being connected to the Young Slime Life gang and involvement in criminal activities. The charges span from racketeering to drug and weapons-related offences, with one of the more severe allegations linking him to a 2015 drive-by shooting, resulting in the death of Donovan Thomas Jr., a rival gang member.</p>

<p>However, the rapper, who was denied bond in June 2022, has pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied all charges. His legal team asserts that YSL Records is merely a record label with no gang affiliations. They maintain that while some individuals indicted with Young Thug may have committed crimes, he is not responsible for orchestrating these actions.</p>

<h2><strong>Other defendants and plea deals</strong></h2>

<p>The YSL RICO trial initially included 28 defendants, with rapper Gunna (Sergio Kitchens) among those arrested in May 2022. Gunna, like several others, opted for a plea deal in December 2022. While maintaining his innocence, Gunna accepted an Alford plea, acknowledging that pleading guilty was in his best interest.</p>

<p>Now, only five defendants, including Young Thug, are set to stand trial, as plea deals and separate trials reduced the number from the initial 28.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-surprises-dubai-crowd-with-performance-of-his-controversial-song-vultures-663699">Kanye West surprises Dubai crowd with performance of his controversial song Vultures</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Legal evidence</strong></h2>

<p>In a controversial ruling on Nov. 9, an Atlanta judge decided that lyrics from Young Thug's songs could be used as evidence in the trial. The prosecution can present 17 specific sets of lyrics, including those from songs like "Eww," "Just How It Is," and "Mob Ties." The judge allowed this as long as the prosecution demonstrated their relevance to the alleged crimes, the gang's existence, and the defendants' involvement and mindset regarding the charges.</p>

<p>This decision has sparked debate, especially considering California's recent law restricting the use of lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Over 100 artists and industry leaders signed an open letter titled "Art on Trial: Protect Black Art," expressing concern that using Young Thug's lyrics in legal proceedings criminalises Black talent.</p>

<h2><strong>Lengthy jury selection and trial expectations</strong></h2>

<p>Jury selection for the YSL RICO trial faced numerous setbacks, leading to a prolonged process that began in January 2023, according to AP. Various logistical challenges, including coordinating defendants from different jails, issues with contraband, and arrests of courtroom personnel, contributed to delays.</p>

<h2><strong>Latest update on the case</strong></h2>

<p>During opening statements of the racketeering trial on Monday, prosecutors accused Young Thug of leading a criminal street gang that committed murder and a slew of violent crimes in the Atlanta area over the past decade. Fulton County Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love said, "YSL operated as a pact and Young Thug was King Slime." She further claimed that the rapper's home was filled with drugs and guns, and gang members would reach out for permission to kill and to provide him with stolen items.</p>

<p>"They created a crater in the middle of Fulton County’s Cleveland Avenue community that sucked in the youth, the innocence and even the lives of some of its youngest members," Love said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mark-cuban-announces-departure-from-shark-tank-after-season-16-663718">Mark Cuban announces departure from Shark Tank after season 16</a></strong></p>

<p>As the trial gets underway with nine women and three men on the jury, the duration of the case remains uncertain. Given Young Thug's fame, potential testimonies from industry figures, and the extensive nature of the charges, the YSL RICO trial is expected to capture national attention and could extend over several months.</p>

<p>The legal battle will not only shape the rapper's future but also raise broader questions about the use of artistic expression as evidence in criminal trials and the intersection of music and legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly prompt discussions about the implications of such high-profile trials on the entertainment industry and the justice system.</p>


The much-anticipated trial of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams, commonly referred to as the "YSL RICO trial," has officially commenced in Atlanta.

The much-anticipated trial of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams, commonly referred to as the "YSL RICO trial," has officially commenced in Atlanta. After a lengthy jury selection process that concluded in early November, the trial began on Monday, marking a significant legal battle for the 32-year-old musician, who spent 567 days in jail and faces charges of racketeering and gang conspiracy. What are the charges and allegations? The Fulton District Attorney contends that Young Thug is the co-founder of a violent criminal street gang known as Young Slime Life, with ties to the national Bloods gang. Prosecutors assert that the rapper used his music, notably through his label Young Stoner Life Records (YSL Records), to promote this gang. The charges against him include conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), among other serious allegations. Also read: Tiffany Haddish addresses DUI arrest; vows to 'get some help' Who is Young Thug and what are his achievements? Before delving into the trial details, it's crucial to understand Young Thug's significance in the music industry. The 32-year-old artist is an award-winning rapper and a pioneer of the melodic trap sound. Known for his unique, mumble-like delivery and collaborations with artists like Drake, Future, and Travis Scott, Young Thug has earned three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. His crossover hits, including "Havanna" with Camila Cabello and "This Is America" with Childish Gambino, showcase his versatility. Beyond music, Young Thug has made waves as a fashion icon, challenging gender stereotypes with his bold style choices, such as donning a dress on the cover of his 2016 mixtape "Jeffery." Accusations and legal defense Young Thug faces serious accusations of being connected to the Young Slime Life gang and involvement in criminal activities. The charges span from racketeering to drug and weapons-related offences, with one of the more severe allegations linking him to a 2015 drive-by shooting, resulting in the death of Donovan Thomas Jr., a rival gang member. However, the rapper, who was denied bond in June 2022, has pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied all charges. His legal team asserts that YSL Records is merely a record label with no gang affiliations. They maintain that while some individuals indicted with Young Thug may have committed crimes, he is not responsible for orchestrating these actions. Other defendants and plea deals The YSL RICO trial initially included 28 defendants, with rapper Gunna (Sergio Kitchens) among those arrested in May 2022. Gunna, like several others, opted for a plea deal in December 2022. While maintaining his innocence, Gunna accepted an Alford plea, acknowledging that pleading guilty was in his best interest. Now, only five defendants, including Young Thug, are set to stand trial, as plea deals and separate trials reduced the number from the initial 28. Also read: Kanye West surprises Dubai crowd with performance of his controversial song Vultures Legal evidence In a controversial ruling on Nov. 9, an Atlanta judge decided that lyrics from Young Thug's songs could be used as evidence in the trial. The prosecution can present 17 specific sets of lyrics, including those from songs like "Eww," "Just How It Is," and "Mob Ties." The judge allowed this as long as the prosecution demonstrated their relevance to the alleged crimes, the gang's existence, and the defendants' involvement and mindset regarding the charges. This decision has sparked debate, especially considering California's recent law restricting the use of lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Over 100 artists and industry leaders signed an open letter titled "Art on Trial: Protect Black Art," expressing concern that using Young Thug's lyrics in legal proceedings criminalises Black talent. Lengthy jury selection and trial expectations Jury selection for the YSL RICO trial faced numerous setbacks, leading to a prolonged process that began in January 2023, according to AP. Various logistical challenges, including coordinating defendants from different jails, issues with contraband, and arrests of courtroom personnel, contributed to delays. Latest update on the case During opening statements of the racketeering trial on Monday, prosecutors accused Young Thug of leading a criminal street gang that committed murder and a slew of violent crimes in the Atlanta area over the past decade. Fulton County Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love said, "YSL operated as a pact and Young Thug was King Slime." She further claimed that the rapper's home was filled with drugs and guns, and gang members would reach out for permission to kill and to provide him with stolen items. "They created a crater in the middle of Fulton County’s Cleveland Avenue community that sucked in the youth, the innocence and even the lives of some of its youngest members," Love said. Also read: Mark Cuban announces departure from Shark Tank after season 16 As the trial gets underway with nine women and three men on the jury, the duration of the case remains uncertain. Given Young Thug's fame, potential testimonies from industry figures, and the extensive nature of the charges, the YSL RICO trial is expected to capture national attention and could extend over several months. The legal battle will not only shape the rapper's future but also raise broader questions about the use of artistic expression as evidence in criminal trials and the intersection of music and legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly prompt discussions about the implications of such high-profile trials on the entertainment industry and the justice system.

YSL RICO Trial: All you need to know about Young Thug's complex legal battle | WION Explains

<p>For many, after reaching a certain age their birthday is just another day, but when you are the president of one the most powerful nations which is embroiled in two wars and running for reelection at the age of 80, it is anything but that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States President Joe Biden turned 81, on Monday (Nov 20) and once again the age question for the incumbent who has sought to run the White House for four more years has overshadowed the birthday festivities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent Democrat was the oldest American president when he took the top job at the age of 78 and marked the milestone for being the only US president to be 80 while in office.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>American politics and age</strong></h2>

<p>Time and time again American politics is faced with the question of ‘how old is too old to hold public office?’ Notably, while Biden was the oldest person to take office in 2021, his predecessor Donald Trump was 74 years old at the end of his presidency and is now the Republican frontrunner also once held that title.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-us-president-joe-biden-turns-81-voters-show-concern-about-his-age-in-2024-presidential-elections-660737">As US President Joe Biden turns 81, voters show concern about his age in 2024 Presidential elections</a></strong></p>

<p>To put their age into perspective, Biden was born in the year 1942, when the US was still involved in World War II and Trump (1946) was born the same year that the United Nations held its first meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Republican Ronald Reagan, who held the previous prior record for the oldest US president, ended his second four-year term at age 77 in 1989.</p>

<p>But Trump and Biden are not even the oldest people running for elections. Former US House Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi, earlier this year announced her re-election bid for next year is 83 years old. While the oldest sitting US Senator Republican Chuck Grassley, aged 90.</p>

<p>The term “gerontocracy” has now been increasingly used to describe the current situation in American politics, and rightly so. The term describes a government ruled by people who are significantly older than the country’s adult population. Sounds familiar?</p>

<p>Biden, who has been a public figure for half a century now, when he was first elected to the Senate in 1972, will be 86 at the end of his second term, if he gets one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senate Minority and Republican party leader Mitch McConnell (81) is the longest-serving leader in the history of the Senate and has not even hinted at his plans to retire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-americans-concerned-over-bidens-age-and-trumps-lawsuits-ahead-of-2024-elections-poll-639268">Majority of Americans concerned over Biden’s age and Trump’s lawsuits ahead of 2024 elections: Poll</a></strong></p>

<p>Back in September, the long-debated question in American politics once again took centre stage after McConnell appeared to freeze for half a minute while answering reporter questions, after facing a similar episode in July. The incidents sparked renewed concerns about his health since he suffered from a concussion, in March.</p>

<h2><strong>American voters concerned about Biden’s age</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last few months, the incumbent president’s age among American voters has become what some reports have described as the single greatest concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Biden has repeatedly shrugged off and made jokes over concerns about his age and the White House insisting that he is healthy enough to serve as commander-in-chief, most voters are not convinced.</p>

<p>With the 2024 presidential elections less than a year away, the incumbent president’s age has become a sticking point for Biden and the Democrats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-too-old-for-re-election-but-biden-more-so-us-poll-653920">Trump too old for re-election, but Biden more so: US poll</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult survey found that voters in seven swing states were more likely to associate old age with Biden than any other topic. The issue is also being used to target both Biden and Trump ahead of the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So, I’ve said publicly, the presidency is not a job for an 80-year-old, that Donald Trump would actually be older on January 20, 2025, than Biden was on January 20, 2021,” said Florida Governor and Republican White House hopeful, Ron DeSantis, in an interview with CNN, on Sunday (Nov 19).</p>

<p>Biden, who is known for his gaffes, stumbles, and occasionally rambling answers during press conferences. Less than a week ago, Biden referred to his Vice President and second-in-command Kamala Harris as “President Harris”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“President Harris is here to make sure we do it the right way,” Biden said during his address at a White House event.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a report by the Washington Post published on Sunday (Nov 19) said some of Biden’s top allies are scrambling to convince major donors and other Democrats whether they like it or not, that he is their best bet to defeat Republicans next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A poll by NBC News, on Sunday, showed Trump for the first time surpassed Biden in a national general election poll with the former president taking a slim two per cent lead. This seems to have scared some donors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-mocks-biden-for-gaffes-but-makes-the-same-senile-blunders-kettle-calling-pot-black-654717">Trump mocks Biden for gaffes, but makes the same 'senile' blunders. Kettle calling pot black?</a></strong></p>

<p>“The bad news is that everybody is wetting the bed inside of Biden world,” one fundraiser told WaPo.</p>

<p>But it seems like Biden is not the only one under scrutiny for his age. Republican frontrunner&nbsp;Trump, in recent weeks, is also&nbsp;coming under sharper focus as he recently confused&nbsp;the Hungarian leader for the Turkish one, claimed that he defeated Barack Obama in the 2016 elections when he ran against&nbsp;Hillary Clinton, and&nbsp;warned that the world might be headed for a second, rather than a third, world war.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden’s plans for his birthday</strong></h2>

<p>The incumbent president’s birthday has once again turned an unwelcome spotlight on the fact that he is the oldest president in American history. “I know I’m 198 years old,” Biden had joked back in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike most former presidents who have thrown lavish parties for their birthdays, Biden plans to observe his milestone privately with family later this week in Nantucket, reported The New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-time-biden-takes-age-bull-by-its-horns-heres-what-he-said-637599">This time, Biden takes 'age' bull by its horns. Here's what he said</a></strong><br />
<br />
But first, keeping up with the notably strange American tradition of presidential turkey pardons, ahead of Thanksgiving, Biden will spare the lives of turkeys Liberty and Bell weighing, 42.5 pounds and 42.1 pounds, respectively, on Monday (Nov 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president and&nbsp;first lady Jill Biden also donned&nbsp;aprons and served Thanksgiving dinners to military personnel and their families on Sunday (Nov 19) in&nbsp;Norfolk, Virginia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For many, after reaching a certain age their birthday is just another day, but when you are the president of one the most powerful nations which is embroiled in two wars and running for reelection at the age of 80, it is anything but that.

For many, after reaching a certain age their birthday is just another day, but when you are the president of one the most powerful nations which is embroiled in two wars and running for reelection at the age of 80, it is anything but that. The United States President Joe Biden turned 81, on Monday (Nov 20) and once again the age question for the incumbent who has sought to run the White House for four more years has overshadowed the birthday festivities. The incumbent Democrat was the oldest American president when he took the top job at the age of 78 and marked the milestone for being the only US president to be 80 while in office. American politics and age Time and time again American politics is faced with the question of ‘how old is too old to hold public office?’ Notably, while Biden was the oldest person to take office in 2021, his predecessor Donald Trump was 74 years old at the end of his presidency and is now the Republican frontrunner also once held that title. ALSO WATCH | As US President Joe Biden turns 81, voters show concern about his age in 2024 Presidential elections To put their age into perspective, Biden was born in the year 1942, when the US was still involved in World War II and Trump (1946) was born the same year that the United Nations held its first meeting. Republican Ronald Reagan, who held the previous prior record for the oldest US president, ended his second four-year term at age 77 in 1989. But Trump and Biden are not even the oldest people running for elections. Former US House Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi, earlier this year announced her re-election bid for next year is 83 years old. While the oldest sitting US Senator Republican Chuck Grassley, aged 90. The term “gerontocracy” has now been increasingly used to describe the current situation in American politics, and rightly so. The term describes a government ruled by people who are significantly older than the country’s adult population. Sounds familiar? Biden, who has been a public figure for half a century now, when he was first elected to the Senate in 1972, will be 86 at the end of his second term, if he gets one. Senate Minority and Republican party leader Mitch McConnell (81) is the longest-serving leader in the history of the Senate and has not even hinted at his plans to retire. ALSO READ | Majority of Americans concerned over Biden’s age and Trump’s lawsuits ahead of 2024 elections: Poll Back in September, the long-debated question in American politics once again took centre stage after McConnell appeared to freeze for half a minute while answering reporter questions, after facing a similar episode in July. The incidents sparked renewed concerns about his health since he suffered from a concussion, in March. American voters concerned about Biden’s age Over the last few months, the incumbent president’s age among American voters has become what some reports have described as the single greatest concern. While Biden has repeatedly shrugged off and made jokes over concerns about his age and the White House insisting that he is healthy enough to serve as commander-in-chief, most voters are not convinced. With the 2024 presidential elections less than a year away, the incumbent president’s age has become a sticking point for Biden and the Democrats. ALSO READ | Trump too old for re-election, but Biden more so: US poll Earlier this month, a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult survey found that voters in seven swing states were more likely to associate old age with Biden than any other topic. The issue is also being used to target both Biden and Trump ahead of the elections. “So, I’ve said publicly, the presidency is not a job for an 80-year-old, that Donald Trump would actually be older on January 20, 2025, than Biden was on January 20, 2021,” said Florida Governor and Republican White House hopeful, Ron DeSantis, in an interview with CNN, on Sunday (Nov 19). Biden, who is known for his gaffes, stumbles, and occasionally rambling answers during press conferences. Less than a week ago, Biden referred to his Vice President and second-in-command Kamala Harris as “President Harris”. “President Harris is here to make sure we do it the right way,” Biden said during his address at a White House event. Meanwhile, a report by the Washington Post published on Sunday (Nov 19) said some of Biden’s top allies are scrambling to convince major donors and other Democrats whether they like it or not, that he is their best bet to defeat Republicans next year. A poll by NBC News, on Sunday, showed Trump for the first time surpassed Biden in a national general election poll with the former president taking a slim two per cent lead. This seems to have scared some donors. ALSO READ | Trump mocks Biden for gaffes, but makes the same 'senile' blunders. Kettle calling pot black? “The bad news is that everybody is wetting the bed inside of Biden world,” one fundraiser told WaPo. But it seems like Biden is not the only one under scrutiny for his age. Republican frontrunner Trump, in recent weeks, is also coming under sharper focus as he recently confused the Hungarian leader for the Turkish one, claimed that he defeated Barack Obama in the 2016 elections when he ran against Hillary Clinton, and warned that the world might be headed for a second, rather than a third, world war. Biden’s plans for his birthday The incumbent president’s birthday has once again turned an unwelcome spotlight on the fact that he is the oldest president in American history. “I know I’m 198 years old,” Biden had joked back in June. Unlike most former presidents who have thrown lavish parties for their birthdays, Biden plans to observe his milestone privately with family later this week in Nantucket, reported The New York Times. ALSO READ | This time, Biden takes 'age' bull by its horns. Here's what he said But first, keeping up with the notably strange American tradition of presidential turkey pardons, ahead of Thanksgiving, Biden will spare the lives of turkeys Liberty and Bell weighing, 42.5 pounds and 42.1 pounds, respectively, on Monday (Nov 20). The US president and first lady Jill Biden also donned aprons and served Thanksgiving dinners to military personnel and their families on Sunday (Nov 19) in Norfolk, Virginia. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Joe Biden’s age in focus again as US president celebrates 81st birthday ahead of 2024 elections

<p>In Kolkata's historic Eden Gardens, as Australia played against South Africa in the second semifinal of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the geopolitical playground of Ahmedabad for the quadrennial event's final had its permutations and combinations ready.</p>

<p>Despite spectators at Eden Gardens' firmly on South African side that day, it was a contest between India's fellow member of BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and New Delhi's Quad partner Australia. The latter prevailed over South Africa. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As the South African side lived up to their 'choker' reputation, with yet another failure in a big game at the ICC World Cup, New Delhi dispatched a message of invitation to Canberra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was this exact stadium where India's Prime Minister Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese&nbsp;in March had marked '75 years of India-Australia friendship through cricket' as they handed caps showing with national emblems to rival captains Steve Smith and Rohit Sharma.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlboMP</a> to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game! 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 <a href="https://t.co/XvwU0XCbJf">https://t.co/XvwU0XCbJf</a> <a href="https://t.co/JwJecwUkHi">pic.twitter.com/JwJecwUkHi</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1633700732858945536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The photographic symbolism of that Test match held significance as a boost to India’s already strong diplomatic ties with Australia. Both are part of the Commonwealth of Nations and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (or Quad) and share economic, political, security, lingual and sporting ties. In 1996, India and Australia started playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a test series named after two legendary players from India and Australia: Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.</p>

<p>For the final, Albanese deputed Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Ahmedabad. Albanese's deputation of Marles for the final match could be seen in context of his recent visit to China, a first by an Australian Prime Minister in seven years and a move from Canberra to normalise its ties with Beijing that went sour in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australia and China have come a long way in the 50 years since Gough Whitlam made his historic visit.<br />
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This is a relationship that matters to Australia and to the stability of our region. <a href="https://t.co/Ff0pJKIkvw">pic.twitter.com/Ff0pJKIkvw</a></p>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1721823815611929049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Ahmedabad on Nov 20, the invincible India lost to a resurgent Australia in the summit clash. Over a billion heartbreaks later, India's Prime Minister Modi handed over the World Cup trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The India-Australia summit clash also coincided with the second edition of the "2+2" ministerial dialogue between Australian defence minister Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong and their Indian counterparts Rajnath Singh and Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Richard Marles - EAM Jaishankar meet in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/YpcJNgCfBW">pic.twitter.com/YpcJNgCfBW</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1726567662606827564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Delhi, Marles also played Gully Cricket, a term for the way cricket is played by children and teenagers in the streets and alleys. In an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-australias-deputy-pm-richard-marles-points-to-increased-defence-ties-with-india-660704">interview</a> with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he described the India-Australia clashes as 'pinnacle of the game'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Global cricket has become centred on India.. Australia, India matches are becoming really the pinnacle of the game", Australian Deputy PM &amp; DM <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardMarlesMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichardMarlesMP</a> tells <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a>; Points how Indians and Australians have passion for it. <a href="https://t.co/ylc0IE8L6s">pic.twitter.com/ylc0IE8L6s</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1726583356572533227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Launched in 2018, the 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting of the foreign and defence ministers of India with the countries it shares close ties with, on strategic and security issues.</p>

<p>Besides Australia, India holds 2+2 dialogues with three other key strategic partners, namely, the United States, Japan, and Russia. With all these countries, India's strategic ties are significant. Apart from Russia, New Delhi's other 2+2 dialogue counterparts are also its partners&nbsp;in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or Quad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cricket, Quad and World Cup: How do they add up?</strong></h2>

<p>The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States aimed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. The terms inclusive and resilient are often described as diplomatic euphemisms directed against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-vietnam-malaysia-philippines-and-taiwan-reject-chinas-new-controversial-map-release-statements-631063">China's maritime belligerence in the Indo-Pacific</a>.</p>

<p>The dialogue is also paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. The diplomatic and military arrangement is widely viewed as a response to increased Chinese economic and military power in the region, especially in South China Sea where Beijing has expanded its maritime claims in the recent years near the Japanese and Filipino waters.</p>

<p>In recent years, Australia and China have accused each other over human rights violations and have described national security threats from individuals linked with each other's capitals.</p>

<p>Add cricket into Quad, and a security equation with a complementary people-to-people element emerges as the top focus of an expansive bilateral equation.</p>

<p>In recent years, India has emerged as a key partner for Australia and Canberra seeks to diversify its strategic partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on China. The addition of a sporting warmth into the equation often reflects in the close-door talks between the leaders and their summation which is published in the joint statements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May 2023, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia, an official readout from PM Modi referred to his sixth visit to Australia as a sign of "the depth in our comprehensive relations, the convergence in our views and the maturity of our ties."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I may say in the language of cricket, our ties have entered the T-20 mode," Modi said while referring to the quickest format of the game, implying the way India-Australia ties appear to have surpassed "this depends on time" diplomatic catchphrase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two countries will now also hold India-Australia summit annually, the first of which was held in March earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Note: This story has been updated to reflect the results of the summit clash of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between India and Australia.)</em></p>


In Kolkata's historic Eden Gardens, as Australia played against South Africa in the second semifinal of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the geopolitical playground of Ahmedabad for the quadrennial event's final had its permutations and combinations ready.

In Kolkata's historic Eden Gardens, as Australia played against South Africa in the second semifinal of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the geopolitical playground of Ahmedabad for the quadrennial event's final had its permutations and combinations ready. Despite spectators at Eden Gardens' firmly on South African side that day, it was a contest between India's fellow member of BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and New Delhi's Quad partner Australia. The latter prevailed over South Africa. As the South African side lived up to their 'choker' reputation, with yet another failure in a big game at the ICC World Cup, New Delhi dispatched a message of invitation to Canberra. It was this exact stadium where India's Prime Minister Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese in March had marked '75 years of India-Australia friendship through cricket' as they handed caps showing with national emblems to rival captains Steve Smith and Rohit Sharma. Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game! 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 https://t.co/XvwU0XCbJf pic.twitter.com/JwJecwUkHi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2023 × The photographic symbolism of that Test match held significance as a boost to India’s already strong diplomatic ties with Australia. Both are part of the Commonwealth of Nations and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (or Quad) and share economic, political, security, lingual and sporting ties. In 1996, India and Australia started playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a test series named after two legendary players from India and Australia: Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border. For the final, Albanese deputed Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Ahmedabad. Albanese's deputation of Marles for the final match could be seen in context of his recent visit to China, a first by an Australian Prime Minister in seven years and a move from Canberra to normalise its ties with Beijing that went sour in recent years. Australia and China have come a long way in the 50 years since Gough Whitlam made his historic visit. This is a relationship that matters to Australia and to the stability of our region. pic.twitter.com/Ff0pJKIkvw — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 7, 2023 × In Ahmedabad on Nov 20, the invincible India lost to a resurgent Australia in the summit clash. Over a billion heartbreaks later, India's Prime Minister Modi handed over the World Cup trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins. The India-Australia summit clash also coincided with the second edition of the "2+2" ministerial dialogue between Australian defence minister Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong and their Indian counterparts Rajnath Singh and Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Richard Marles - EAM Jaishankar meet in Delhi pic.twitter.com/YpcJNgCfBW — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 20, 2023 × In Delhi, Marles also played Gully Cricket, a term for the way cricket is played by children and teenagers in the streets and alleys. In an interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he described the India-Australia clashes as 'pinnacle of the game'. "Global cricket has become centred on India.. Australia, India matches are becoming really the pinnacle of the game", Australian Deputy PM & DM @RichardMarlesMP tells @WIONews; Points how Indians and Australians have passion for it. pic.twitter.com/ylc0IE8L6s — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 20, 2023 × Launched in 2018, the 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting of the foreign and defence ministers of India with the countries it shares close ties with, on strategic and security issues. Besides Australia, India holds 2+2 dialogues with three other key strategic partners, namely, the United States, Japan, and Russia. With all these countries, India's strategic ties are significant. Apart from Russia, New Delhi's other 2+2 dialogue counterparts are also its partners in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or Quad. Cricket, Quad and World Cup: How do they add up? The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States aimed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. The terms inclusive and resilient are often described as diplomatic euphemisms directed against China's maritime belligerence in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue is also paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. The diplomatic and military arrangement is widely viewed as a response to increased Chinese economic and military power in the region, especially in South China Sea where Beijing has expanded its maritime claims in the recent years near the Japanese and Filipino waters. In recent years, Australia and China have accused each other over human rights violations and have described national security threats from individuals linked with each other's capitals. Add cricket into Quad, and a security equation with a complementary people-to-people element emerges as the top focus of an expansive bilateral equation. In recent years, India has emerged as a key partner for Australia and Canberra seeks to diversify its strategic partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on China. The addition of a sporting warmth into the equation often reflects in the close-door talks between the leaders and their summation which is published in the joint statements. In May 2023, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia, an official readout from PM Modi referred to his sixth visit to Australia as a sign of "the depth in our comprehensive relations, the convergence in our views and the maturity of our ties." "If I may say in the language of cricket, our ties have entered the T-20 mode," Modi said while referring to the quickest format of the game, implying the way India-Australia ties appear to have surpassed "this depends on time" diplomatic catchphrase. The two countries will now also hold India-Australia summit annually, the first of which was held in March earlier this year. (Note: This story has been updated to reflect the results of the summit clash of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between India and Australia.)

Explained | Cricket, Quad and World Cup—geopolitics of gentleman's game

<p>Space is harsh. Space is unforgiving. Space is not for everyone. So, when you are nearing the final stages of building the most-sophisticated satellite to study the earth, you better get it right. Because you have only one shot. That's what the teams from the Indian Space agency ISRO and America's NASA have been doing in Bengaluru, the city known as India's IT and Aerospace hub.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have been putting their jointly-built satellite NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), through a series of tests, in order to see how well it can withstand the harsh conditions of sitting atop a spacefaring rocket and the brutal conditions of circling the earth at around 28,000 kmph, at an altitude of 747 km above the earth's surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just like how smartphones and other gadgets are tested in factories, for their ability to withstand impact, wear-and-tear, water resistance and heavy usage, satellites are put through tests that simulate the conditions that they would encounter in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-rocket-firm-skyroot-to-launch-french-satellites-from-2024-645783">Indian rocket firm Skyroot to launch French satellites from 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Satellites comprise a plethora of sophisticated electronic, electrical and optical systems and all of them are rated to work in the harsh environs of space - where temperatures can swing wildly, there's a risk of collision with millimetre-sized space debris, where the pressure is barely a fraction of that at sea-level etc.</p>

<p>The testing processes are meant to validate the functioning of these systems and sub-systems. Remember, once the satellite lifts-off on a rocket, there's no coming back for service and repairs. Therefore, all hardware and related software must be tested as much as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The SUV-sized NISAR comprises two radar imaging systems - an S-band radar that was built at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, India and the L-band radar built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Both of them have been fixed to form a barrel-like structure.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian space agency successfully launches next-gen satellite</strong></p>

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<p>The satellite's main body, or bus, includes components and systems developed by both ISRO and JPL. The bus will provide power, navigation, pointing control, and communications aspect of the mission.</p>

<p>While NASA is providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem, ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band SAR electronics, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations.</p>

<p>According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this week, the NISAR satellite passed a major milestone, as it emerged successfully from a 21-day test. These tests were aimed at evaluating the satellite's ability to function in the extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space. NISAR is the first space hardware collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, on an Earth-observing mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2024, the satellite will scan nearly all the planet’s land and ice twice every 12 days, monitoring the motion of those surfaces down to fractions of an inch. It will be able to observe movements from earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity and track dynamic changes in forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands.</p>

<p>Integrated at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the satellite underwent tests at ISRO's Satellite Integration and Test Establishment. It’s one of a battery of tests the satellite will face leading to launch. Other tests will ensure it can withstand the shaking, vibration, and jostling that it will encounter during launch.</p>

<p>"NISAR, partially covered in gold-hued thermal blanketing, entered the vacuum chamber on October 19th. Over the following week, engineers and technicians lowered the pressure to an infinitesimal fraction of the normal pressure at sea level. They also subjected the satellite to an 80-hour 'cold soak' at 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius), followed by an equally lengthy 'hot soak' at up to 122ºF (50 C)."</p>

<p>"This simulates the temperature swings the spacecraft will experience as it is exposed to sunlight and darkness in orbit," said NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. During the three-week test period, ISRO and JPL teams worked around the clock, testing the performance of the satellite’s thermal systems and its two primary science instrument systems – the L-band and S-band radars – under the most extreme temperature conditions they will experience in space.</p>

<p>According to JPL, this latest round of testing followed 20 days of testing in September in which engineers used ISRO’s compact antenna test facility to evaluate whether the radio signals from the two radar systems’ antennas passed requirements. In the antenna test facility, a lining of foam spikes are placed on the walls, floor and ceiling, in order to prevent radio waves from bouncing around the room and interfering with measurement.</p>

<p>With thermal vacuum and compact antenna tests successfully done, NISAR will soon be fitted with its solar panels and its nearly 40-foot (12-metre) radar antenna reflector, which resembles a snare drum and will unfold in space at the end of a 30-foot (9-metre) boom extending from the spacecraft.</p>

<p>After more tests, the satellite would finally be wheeled away to the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Satellites are always transported in specialised containers where temperature, moisture, vibration etc are within very controlled limits. For safety and security purposes, these specialized containers always travel in a convoy that clears the path for them. The road journey from Bengaluru to Sriharikota is around 350 kms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once at the spaceport, the satellite would be taken to a clean room to undergo its final health checks, fuel-filling and integration within the rocket's nose cone. Owing to the sensitive electronics and space-grade components on-board, the satellite is always placed in a clean room and transported in such conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A clean room is a specialised facility where the pressure, temperature and humidity are kept constant regardless of the weather outside. Clean rooms also have negligible amounts of dust particles per cubic metre of air.</p>

<p>Finally, it would be mounted atop the rocket. In this case, it would be the Indian Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle(GSLV) rocket, formerly known as the GSLV Mk2.&nbsp;</p>


Space is harsh. Space is unforgiving. Space is not for everyone. So, when you are nearing the final stages of building the most-sophisticated satellite to study the earth, you better get it right.

Space is harsh. Space is unforgiving. Space is not for everyone. So, when you are nearing the final stages of building the most-sophisticated satellite to study the earth, you better get it right. Because you have only one shot. That's what the teams from the Indian Space agency ISRO and America's NASA have been doing in Bengaluru, the city known as India's IT and Aerospace hub. They have been putting their jointly-built satellite NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), through a series of tests, in order to see how well it can withstand the harsh conditions of sitting atop a spacefaring rocket and the brutal conditions of circling the earth at around 28,000 kmph, at an altitude of 747 km above the earth's surface. Just like how smartphones and other gadgets are tested in factories, for their ability to withstand impact, wear-and-tear, water resistance and heavy usage, satellites are put through tests that simulate the conditions that they would encounter in space. Also read | Indian rocket firm Skyroot to launch French satellites from 2024 Satellites comprise a plethora of sophisticated electronic, electrical and optical systems and all of them are rated to work in the harsh environs of space - where temperatures can swing wildly, there's a risk of collision with millimetre-sized space debris, where the pressure is barely a fraction of that at sea-level etc. The testing processes are meant to validate the functioning of these systems and sub-systems. Remember, once the satellite lifts-off on a rocket, there's no coming back for service and repairs. Therefore, all hardware and related software must be tested as much as possible. The SUV-sized NISAR comprises two radar imaging systems - an S-band radar that was built at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, India and the L-band radar built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Both of them have been fixed to form a barrel-like structure. Also watch | Indian space agency successfully launches next-gen satellite × The satellite's main body, or bus, includes components and systems developed by both ISRO and JPL. The bus will provide power, navigation, pointing control, and communications aspect of the mission. While NASA is providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem, ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band SAR electronics, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this week, the NISAR satellite passed a major milestone, as it emerged successfully from a 21-day test. These tests were aimed at evaluating the satellite's ability to function in the extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space. NISAR is the first space hardware collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, on an Earth-observing mission. Scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2024, the satellite will scan nearly all the planet’s land and ice twice every 12 days, monitoring the motion of those surfaces down to fractions of an inch. It will be able to observe movements from earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity and track dynamic changes in forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands. Integrated at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the satellite underwent tests at ISRO's Satellite Integration and Test Establishment. It’s one of a battery of tests the satellite will face leading to launch. Other tests will ensure it can withstand the shaking, vibration, and jostling that it will encounter during launch. "NISAR, partially covered in gold-hued thermal blanketing, entered the vacuum chamber on October 19th. Over the following week, engineers and technicians lowered the pressure to an infinitesimal fraction of the normal pressure at sea level. They also subjected the satellite to an 80-hour 'cold soak' at 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius), followed by an equally lengthy 'hot soak' at up to 122ºF (50 C)." "This simulates the temperature swings the spacecraft will experience as it is exposed to sunlight and darkness in orbit," said NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. During the three-week test period, ISRO and JPL teams worked around the clock, testing the performance of the satellite’s thermal systems and its two primary science instrument systems – the L-band and S-band radars – under the most extreme temperature conditions they will experience in space. According to JPL, this latest round of testing followed 20 days of testing in September in which engineers used ISRO’s compact antenna test facility to evaluate whether the radio signals from the two radar systems’ antennas passed requirements. In the antenna test facility, a lining of foam spikes are placed on the walls, floor and ceiling, in order to prevent radio waves from bouncing around the room and interfering with measurement. With thermal vacuum and compact antenna tests successfully done, NISAR will soon be fitted with its solar panels and its nearly 40-foot (12-metre) radar antenna reflector, which resembles a snare drum and will unfold in space at the end of a 30-foot (9-metre) boom extending from the spacecraft. After more tests, the satellite would finally be wheeled away to the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Satellites are always transported in specialised containers where temperature, moisture, vibration etc are within very controlled limits. For safety and security purposes, these specialized containers always travel in a convoy that clears the path for them. The road journey from Bengaluru to Sriharikota is around 350 kms. Once at the spaceport, the satellite would be taken to a clean room to undergo its final health checks, fuel-filling and integration within the rocket's nose cone. Owing to the sensitive electronics and space-grade components on-board, the satellite is always placed in a clean room and transported in such conditions. A clean room is a specialised facility where the pressure, temperature and humidity are kept constant regardless of the weather outside. Clean rooms also have negligible amounts of dust particles per cubic metre of air. Finally, it would be mounted atop the rocket. In this case, it would be the Indian Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle(GSLV) rocket, formerly known as the GSLV Mk2.

Explained | ISRO-NASA satellite 'NISAR' gets a feel of space in Bengaluru

<p>British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary.</p>

<p>This marks the return of the British leader who had taken a break from active politics after he lost his premiership in 2016 following the Brexit referendum.</p>

<p>Cameron said that he was “delighted to accept” Sunak’s offer, adding, “I believe in public service.”</p>

<p>“While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges,” he said on X.</p>

<p>Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the upper house, the House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post.</p>

<p>As the UK embarks on a new foreign policy discourse under Cameron, here are a few important things to know about the former prime minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Cameron was once Britain’s youngest prime minister in almost two centuries</strong></h2>

<p>Cameron created history while assuming office in 2010 when he was 43-and-a-half years old. No prime minister had&nbsp;been younger since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who took office in 1812, one day after his 43rd birthday. Later, in 2022, Rishi Sunak became the youngest PM in the country when he assumed office at the age of&nbsp;42.</p>

<p>Cameron eclipsed Tony Blair, who was only days away from turning 44 when he took office in 1997.</p>

<h2><strong>UK: David Cameron back in reshuffle, Suella Braverman out</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>Origins</strong></h2>

<p>Cameron is a descendant of King William IV and the son of a stockbroker.</p>

<p>He was educated at elite boarding school Eton and Oxford University, where he was admitted to the Bullingdon Club, a hard-drinking, socially exclusive student group.</p>

<p>He worked for the Conservatives as an adviser before a stint in public relations, which ended when he was elected to parliament in 2001.</p>

<p>Cameron's first election victory in 2010 ended 13 years of Labour government. He had been widely praised for giving his party a broader centrist appeal.</p>

<h2><strong>Reviving the economy</strong></h2>

<p>Cameron is regarded for reviving the British economy when it was struggling to get over the 2008 global financial crisis.</p>

<p>The Bank of England continued a loose monetary policy. At the same time, Cameron and his Treasury Minister George Osbourne cut spending, which saw Britain’s budget deficit fall from 10.8 per cent of GDP in 2009 to 4.4 per cent in 2015.</p>

<p>His supporters claim that Cameron helped create 2 million new private sector jobs when the public sector was laying off.</p>

<p>Speaking to the BBC in 2015, Cameron spoke of his government’s successes: “Over the last five years we’ve created a thousand jobs a day, and we commit to continuing that record because we’re going to continue supporting business and industry.”</p>

<p>However, critics argued that the jobs generated under his tenure were not high-paying and did not guarantee job security. Notably, the argument gained currency when the government cut spending, hurting the most vulnerable.</p>

<h2><strong>EU referendum</strong></h2>

<p>Perhaps one of the biggest failures of Cameron was his inability to persuade voters not to opt for Brexit.</p>

<p>In 2013, Cameron pledged to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU with an in/out referendum.</p>

<p>“It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision,”&nbsp;said Cameron in a 2013 speech.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, Cameron couldn’t convince voters and he decided to step down after the Brexit referendum.</p>

<h2><strong>Pro-Gaza views</strong></h2>

<p>In 2010, while addressing business leaders in Turkey, Cameron criticised Israel, calling for restrictions to be relaxed on Gaza.</p>

<p>"The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp," he said.</p>

<p>In another address in 2010, he said, “Everybody knows that we are not going to sort out the problem of the Middle East peace process while there is, effectively, a giant open prison in Gaza."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064">Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move</a></p>

<p>Thirteen years later, with the Israel-Hamas war at its peak, the former PM offered a slightly different take on the whole issue.</p>

<p>"We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-interior-minister-suella-braverman-fired-amid-row-over-hate-march-comments-658031">Suella Braverman fired as interior minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge</a></p>

<p>“Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security,” Cameron added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary.

British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary. This marks the return of the British leader who had taken a break from active politics after he lost his premiership in 2016 following the Brexit referendum. Cameron said that he was “delighted to accept” Sunak’s offer, adding, “I believe in public service.” “While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges,” he said on X. Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the upper house, the House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post. As the UK embarks on a new foreign policy discourse under Cameron, here are a few important things to know about the former prime minister. Cameron was once Britain’s youngest prime minister in almost two centuries Cameron created history while assuming office in 2010 when he was 43-and-a-half years old. No prime minister had been younger since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who took office in 1812, one day after his 43rd birthday. Later, in 2022, Rishi Sunak became the youngest PM in the country when he assumed office at the age of 42. Cameron eclipsed Tony Blair, who was only days away from turning 44 when he took office in 1997. UK: David Cameron back in reshuffle, Suella Braverman out Origins Cameron is a descendant of King William IV and the son of a stockbroker. He was educated at elite boarding school Eton and Oxford University, where he was admitted to the Bullingdon Club, a hard-drinking, socially exclusive student group. He worked for the Conservatives as an adviser before a stint in public relations, which ended when he was elected to parliament in 2001. Cameron's first election victory in 2010 ended 13 years of Labour government. He had been widely praised for giving his party a broader centrist appeal. Reviving the economy Cameron is regarded for reviving the British economy when it was struggling to get over the 2008 global financial crisis. The Bank of England continued a loose monetary policy. At the same time, Cameron and his Treasury Minister George Osbourne cut spending, which saw Britain’s budget deficit fall from 10.8 per cent of GDP in 2009 to 4.4 per cent in 2015. His supporters claim that Cameron helped create 2 million new private sector jobs when the public sector was laying off. Speaking to the BBC in 2015, Cameron spoke of his government’s successes: “Over the last five years we’ve created a thousand jobs a day, and we commit to continuing that record because we’re going to continue supporting business and industry.” However, critics argued that the jobs generated under his tenure were not high-paying and did not guarantee job security. Notably, the argument gained currency when the government cut spending, hurting the most vulnerable. EU referendum Perhaps one of the biggest failures of Cameron was his inability to persuade voters not to opt for Brexit. In 2013, Cameron pledged to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU with an in/out referendum. “It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision,” said Cameron in a 2013 speech. Unfortunately, Cameron couldn’t convince voters and he decided to step down after the Brexit referendum. Pro-Gaza views In 2010, while addressing business leaders in Turkey, Cameron criticised Israel, calling for restrictions to be relaxed on Gaza. "The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp," he said. In another address in 2010, he said, “Everybody knows that we are not going to sort out the problem of the Middle East peace process while there is, effectively, a giant open prison in Gaza." Also read | Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move Thirteen years later, with the Israel-Hamas war at its peak, the former PM offered a slightly different take on the whole issue. "We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …” he said. Also read | Suella Braverman fired as interior minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge “Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security,” Cameron added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM, now foreign secretary David Cameron

<p>When a helicopter lands on an open field, it kicks off a dust storm and particles are strewn all across the vicinity of the landing spot. Likewise, when the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the Lunar surface by using its on-board engines (helicopters use rotors, aerospace vehicles use mini-rocket engines), it kicked up quite a lot of dust, says a finding by Indian Space Research Organisation.</p>

<p>"It is understood that the landing rocket plumes must have displaced a significant mass of lunar epiregolith (soil/dust) during the final stages of landing and the consequent impact of the lander on the Lunar surface," ISRO said, citing imaging data.</p>

<p>According to the findings published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, the comparison of pre-landing and post-landing imaging data depicts a halo around the landing site, thereby indicating the spread of the lunar dust that had been kicked up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey</a></strong></p>

<p>On the surface of the earth, owing to the effect of gravity and&nbsp; an atmosphere, the dust kicked up by the helicopter rotors would settle down within a few seconds of the rotor blades coming to a halt. However, lunar gravity is barely 1/6<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;that of the earth and there is no atmosphere or air, therefore, the lunar dust would take a while to settle.</p>

<p>Based on calculations incorporating the mass of the Vikram lander, the research paper states that approximately 2.06 tonnes of&nbsp; lunar epiregolith mass has been ejected.</p>

<p>"This number benchmarks well against the estimates from the much heavier Apollo landers, where around 4.5 to 6 tonnes of ejecta was displaced" it reads.</p>

<p>The report derived from the findings is titled 'Characterisation of Ejecta Halo on the Lunar Surface Around Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Using OHRC Imagery'.</p>

<p>Given the fine-grained nature of the lunar epiregolith at the Vikram landing site, a large volume of in situ epiregolith has been displaced from the landing site region, the finding states.</p>

<p>By analysing the images of the landing site and the lander, as captured by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, it mentions that an approximate area of 108.4 meters squared, is estimated to be covered by the lunar dust scattered by the landing sequence of the Vikram lander.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: The mission objectives of lander Vikram, rover Pragyan on the Moon</strong></p>

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<p>While these findings by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) indicate that a significant amount of dust was kicked up by the Lunar landing, the initial observations by the Indian space agency were the exact opposite. "When we went into the site (and landed there), the terrain looked entirely different. We have seen during the landing process that the dust coming out was extremely less. It was also surprising to us, as to why so much dust was not coming out ?' ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had earlier said in an interview.</p>

<p>Specifically referring to the nature of dust observed, he said, "It was not behaving like dust, it was more like a little sticky material. So, we will have to understand why the material on the moon is a little sticky". ISRO suspects that the lunar soil/dust being sticky or the surface being uneven, is what prevented the rover wheel imprint appearing distinctly on the moon.</p>

<p>The rover wheels were imprinted with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-how-indias-chandrayaan-3-will-leave-imprints-of-isro-national-emblem-on-moon-616061">ISRO logo and the Indian national emblem</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also raises the question, whether the force exerted by the Lunar lander engines blew away all the fine dust (Lunar soil) near the landing site and exposed the sticky surface below the dust?</p>

<p>Answers to this might emerge as and when more data and findings from the Chandrayaan-3 mission are made public. We must remember that Chandrayaan-3 landed near the unexplored south pole region of the moon.</p>

<p>In the history of lunar exploration, this is the closest that a mission has gotten to this region. Therefore, several unique scientific outcomes could emerge from this mission.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The findings on Lunar dust being kicked up had been released today by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a>, based on their observations of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> landing<br />
<br />
Thesis from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/America?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#America</a> states that Lunar dust can be scattered even into Lunar orbit..<br />
Large&amp; heavy lander+ larger exhaust =Dust goes Faster&amp; farther <a href="https://t.co/8ewRsK2y76">pic.twitter.com/8ewRsK2y76</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1717919024003297289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to a thesis submitted at the University of Central Florida, the high-speed ejecta (lunar dust) scattered by landing lunar crafts could cause harm to even crafts circling the moon and future lunar space stations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also goes on to state that larger and heavier lunar landers that spew bigger plumes of exhaust flame, could scatter more dust and accelerate these particles even outside of the moon(to lunar orbit), given the weak lunar gravity.</p>

<p>The thesis also mentions that Particles generally stay aloft for longest when launched from the Equator and stay aloft shortest when launched from the South Pole. Dust particles ejected from the Lunar equator at certain speeds are known to remain afloat for almost a month, whereas those ejected from the south pole would remain aloft for about a week, it says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As more robotic and crewed Lunar missions are to reach the Lunar surface in coming years, it is of paramount importance for space agencies to better understand the effects and specific nature of Lunar dust, in order to develop methods to safeguard from it.</p>

<p>Lunar dust is known to cause damage to spacecraft components, sensors, cameras, space suits etc.</p>

<p>Given that more powerful and large landers would be touching down on the lunar surface, it would be necessary to know how fast and how far lunar dust can get ejected, the paths it may travel in, the duration it may remain afloat, and the damage it can cause to probes on the moon and those in different orbits around the moon.&nbsp;</p>

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When a helicopter lands on an open field, it kicks off a dust storm and particles are strewn all across the vicinity of the landing spot. Likewise, when the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the Lunar surface by using its on-board engines (helicopters use rotors, aerospace vehicles use mini-rocket engines), it kicked up quite a lot of dust, says a finding by Indian Space Research Organisation.

When a helicopter lands on an open field, it kicks off a dust storm and particles are strewn all across the vicinity of the landing spot. Likewise, when the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the Lunar surface by using its on-board engines (helicopters use rotors, aerospace vehicles use mini-rocket engines), it kicked up quite a lot of dust, says a finding by Indian Space Research Organisation. "It is understood that the landing rocket plumes must have displaced a significant mass of lunar epiregolith (soil/dust) during the final stages of landing and the consequent impact of the lander on the Lunar surface," ISRO said, citing imaging data. According to the findings published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, the comparison of pre-landing and post-landing imaging data depicts a halo around the landing site, thereby indicating the spread of the lunar dust that had been kicked up. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 is success: A soft landing for Vikram lander, giant leap for India's space odyssey On the surface of the earth, owing to the effect of gravity and an atmosphere, the dust kicked up by the helicopter rotors would settle down within a few seconds of the rotor blades coming to a halt. However, lunar gravity is barely 1/6th that of the earth and there is no atmosphere or air, therefore, the lunar dust would take a while to settle. Based on calculations incorporating the mass of the Vikram lander, the research paper states that approximately 2.06 tonnes of lunar epiregolith mass has been ejected. "This number benchmarks well against the estimates from the much heavier Apollo landers, where around 4.5 to 6 tonnes of ejecta was displaced" it reads. The report derived from the findings is titled 'Characterisation of Ejecta Halo on the Lunar Surface Around Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Using OHRC Imagery'. Given the fine-grained nature of the lunar epiregolith at the Vikram landing site, a large volume of in situ epiregolith has been displaced from the landing site region, the finding states. By analysing the images of the landing site and the lander, as captured by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, it mentions that an approximate area of 108.4 meters squared, is estimated to be covered by the lunar dust scattered by the landing sequence of the Vikram lander. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: The mission objectives of lander Vikram, rover Pragyan on the Moon × While these findings by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) indicate that a significant amount of dust was kicked up by the Lunar landing, the initial observations by the Indian space agency were the exact opposite. "When we went into the site (and landed there), the terrain looked entirely different. We have seen during the landing process that the dust coming out was extremely less. It was also surprising to us, as to why so much dust was not coming out ?' ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had earlier said in an interview. Specifically referring to the nature of dust observed, he said, "It was not behaving like dust, it was more like a little sticky material. So, we will have to understand why the material on the moon is a little sticky". ISRO suspects that the lunar soil/dust being sticky or the surface being uneven, is what prevented the rover wheel imprint appearing distinctly on the moon. The rover wheels were imprinted with the ISRO logo and the Indian national emblem. This also raises the question, whether the force exerted by the Lunar lander engines blew away all the fine dust (Lunar soil) near the landing site and exposed the sticky surface below the dust? Answers to this might emerge as and when more data and findings from the Chandrayaan-3 mission are made public. We must remember that Chandrayaan-3 landed near the unexplored south pole region of the moon. In the history of lunar exploration, this is the closest that a mission has gotten to this region. Therefore, several unique scientific outcomes could emerge from this mission. The findings on Lunar dust being kicked up had been released today by #isro, based on their observations of #Chandrayaan3 landing Thesis from #America states that Lunar dust can be scattered even into Lunar orbit.. Large& heavy lander+ larger exhaust =Dust goes Faster& farther pic.twitter.com/8ewRsK2y76 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 27, 2023 × According to a thesis submitted at the University of Central Florida, the high-speed ejecta (lunar dust) scattered by landing lunar crafts could cause harm to even crafts circling the moon and future lunar space stations. It also goes on to state that larger and heavier lunar landers that spew bigger plumes of exhaust flame, could scatter more dust and accelerate these particles even outside of the moon(to lunar orbit), given the weak lunar gravity. The thesis also mentions that Particles generally stay aloft for longest when launched from the Equator and stay aloft shortest when launched from the South Pole. Dust particles ejected from the Lunar equator at certain speeds are known to remain afloat for almost a month, whereas those ejected from the south pole would remain aloft for about a week, it says. As more robotic and crewed Lunar missions are to reach the Lunar surface in coming years, it is of paramount importance for space agencies to better understand the effects and specific nature of Lunar dust, in order to develop methods to safeguard from it. Lunar dust is known to cause damage to spacecraft components, sensors, cameras, space suits etc. Given that more powerful and large landers would be touching down on the lunar surface, it would be necessary to know how fast and how far lunar dust can get ejected, the paths it may travel in, the duration it may remain afloat, and the damage it can cause to probes on the moon and those in different orbits around the moon. 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.

Explained: Is the lunar soil sticky or dust-like? What did Chandrayaan-3 find?

<p>The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained&nbsp;traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Holocaust is a reference to the genocide of over 6 million European Jews during the Second World War committed by the Nazis who owed allegiance to the German dictator Adolf Hitler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its modern-day independent existence since 1948, Israel was initially almost completely constituted of Holocaust survivors. They were the people who survived the death camps or managed to stay put during a period of visceral hatred against Jewish people in Europe during the Second World War.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least until 1972, radio broadcasts in Tel Aviv would routinely announce the names of "missing people" who survived the Holocaust and were looking for their relatives in the hope of finding them alive in Israel: "the promised land".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most present-day inhabitants of Israel are descendants of the Jewish people who survived persecution in one form or another during the Second World War or the periods and centuries preceding it when waves of antisemitism led to the massacre&nbsp;of Jewish people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/holocaust-remembrance-day-a-look-at-israels-hidden-memorial-193167/#chamber-of-the-holocaust-193151">Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial</a></strong></p>

<p>For these same reasons, the Holocaust is an integral part of the Israeli social fabric, where memorials are held regularly to commemorate major moments of persecution, and museums such as Yad Vashem stand witness to the phases of atrocities faced by the world's first Abrahamic community through centuries.</p>

<h2><strong>How Holocaust's generational trauma has resurfaced in Israel after Hamas attack?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, at least 900 Israeli people, most of them Jews, have been killed by a wave of armed attacks launched by Hamas from inside the Gaza Strip. According to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, "not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid termed it the "worst day since Holocaust".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day.<br />
<br />
As President of the State of Israel, I speak to you now from our capital city Jerusalem, under the dark shadow of war, as my nation continues to endure a savage attack from a cruel and inhumane enemy &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/1EU8fZYhIS">pic.twitter.com/1EU8fZYhIS</a></p>
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/1711434363349438548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Besides, among the people killed during the ongoing onslaught by Palestinian militants are the elderly individuals who survived Hitler's death camps. Hamas members were seen on a killing spree in people's homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor music festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said one of the people forcibly taken after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel over the weekend was a Holocaust survivor who uses a wheelchair.</p>

<p>At the same time, many demonstrations across the world showing support for the Palestinians have turned into a show of antisemitism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a rally near Sydney's Opera House, a crowd of hundreds was heard chanting in a video, "Gas the Jews", in a reference to the gas chambers in concentration camps where millions were suffocated to death.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel Vs Hamas: Is this the most number of Jews killed since Holocaust?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Times of Israel, the claim appears to be accurate. There have been days of violence and similar bloodshed in Israel’s history and for Jews around the world since 1945, but none has had a civilian death toll this high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there have been higher casualty tolls, these many civilians have not been murdered in a single day.</p>

<p>Between the last few months of 1947 into 1949, 6,000 citizens of Israel died during its war of independence. But that is considered the death toll in its entirety for a period of nearly two years. Besides, most casualties were soldiers, not civilians.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, comparisons have been made with the Yom Kippur War of 1973 -- an armed conflict fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria -- in which Israel emerged victorious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But while more than 2,000 soldiers died over the course of more than two weeks in 1973, the war had a very low Israeli civilian death toll, The Times of Israel reported.</p>

<p>Approximately 1,000 people died in the terror attacks of the Second Intifada, a period between 2000 to mid-2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, big-scale killings of the Jewish people have occurred outside Israel as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Pakistani terrorists took captives in the Nariman House, designated as a Chabad house, a five-storey landmark in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, which was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach centre. A total of six people were killed in Chabad House, including the Rabbi and his wife.</p>

<p>In 1946, a pogrom in Kielce, Poland, killed at least 42 Jews. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish Center in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires in 1994, which the American Jewish Committee reportedly called "the deadliest antisemitic attack outside Israel since the Holocaust," killed 85 people.</p>

<p>By contrast, while the figures are still being tallied, it remains accurate that the death toll of Israeli civilians due to Hamas attacks is the highest on a single day since the Second World War.</p>

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The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.

The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. Holocaust is a reference to the genocide of over 6 million European Jews during the Second World War committed by the Nazis who owed allegiance to the German dictator Adolf Hitler. In its modern-day independent existence since 1948, Israel was initially almost completely constituted of Holocaust survivors. They were the people who survived the death camps or managed to stay put during a period of visceral hatred against Jewish people in Europe during the Second World War. At least until 1972, radio broadcasts in Tel Aviv would routinely announce the names of "missing people" who survived the Holocaust and were looking for their relatives in the hope of finding them alive in Israel: "the promised land". Most present-day inhabitants of Israel are descendants of the Jewish people who survived persecution in one form or another during the Second World War or the periods and centuries preceding it when waves of antisemitism led to the massacre of Jewish people. Also read | Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial For these same reasons, the Holocaust is an integral part of the Israeli social fabric, where memorials are held regularly to commemorate major moments of persecution, and museums such as Yad Vashem stand witness to the phases of atrocities faced by the world's first Abrahamic community through centuries. How Holocaust's generational trauma has resurfaced in Israel after Hamas attack? So far, at least 900 Israeli people, most of them Jews, have been killed by a wave of armed attacks launched by Hamas from inside the Gaza Strip. According to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, "not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid termed it the "worst day since Holocaust". Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day. As President of the State of Israel, I speak to you now from our capital city Jerusalem, under the dark shadow of war, as my nation continues to endure a savage attack from a cruel and inhumane enemy >> pic.twitter.com/1EU8fZYhIS — יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) October 9, 2023 × Besides, among the people killed during the ongoing onslaught by Palestinian militants are the elderly individuals who survived Hitler's death camps. Hamas members were seen on a killing spree in people's homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor music festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said one of the people forcibly taken after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel over the weekend was a Holocaust survivor who uses a wheelchair. At the same time, many demonstrations across the world showing support for the Palestinians have turned into a show of antisemitism. At a rally near Sydney's Opera House, a crowd of hundreds was heard chanting in a video, "Gas the Jews", in a reference to the gas chambers in concentration camps where millions were suffocated to death. Israel Vs Hamas: Is this the most number of Jews killed since Holocaust? According to the Times of Israel, the claim appears to be accurate. There have been days of violence and similar bloodshed in Israel’s history and for Jews around the world since 1945, but none has had a civilian death toll this high. While there have been higher casualty tolls, these many civilians have not been murdered in a single day. Between the last few months of 1947 into 1949, 6,000 citizens of Israel died during its war of independence. But that is considered the death toll in its entirety for a period of nearly two years. Besides, most casualties were soldiers, not civilians. Also watch | Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust × At the same time, comparisons have been made with the Yom Kippur War of 1973 -- an armed conflict fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria -- in which Israel emerged victorious. But while more than 2,000 soldiers died over the course of more than two weeks in 1973, the war had a very low Israeli civilian death toll, The Times of Israel reported. Approximately 1,000 people died in the terror attacks of the Second Intifada, a period between 2000 to mid-2005. Similarly, big-scale killings of the Jewish people have occurred outside Israel as well. In India, during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Pakistani terrorists took captives in the Nariman House, designated as a Chabad house, a five-storey landmark in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, which was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach centre. A total of six people were killed in Chabad House, including the Rabbi and his wife. In 1946, a pogrom in Kielce, Poland, killed at least 42 Jews. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish Center in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires in 1994, which the American Jewish Committee reportedly called "the deadliest antisemitic attack outside Israel since the Holocaust," killed 85 people. By contrast, while the figures are still being tallied, it remains accurate that the death toll of Israeli civilians due to Hamas attacks is the highest on a single day since the Second World War. 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.

Explained: How Hamas attack has revived wounds of Holocaust for Israeli Jews

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission</a> not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming&nbsp;the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-chinese-scientist-disputes-indias-chandrayaan-3-landing-on-moons-south-pole-640439">claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole</a>, and questioned the achievements of the mission.</p>

<p>Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How India-China space race is heating up?</strong></h2>

<p>Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an Ernst &amp; Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies.</p>

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington,&nbsp;both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers.</p>

<p>India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has&nbsp;antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West.</p>

<p>"If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-the-money-is-influencing-a-new-space-race-with-indias-boom-and-russias-crunch-628286">How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said.</p>

<p>Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy.</p>

<p>"Politically, India is in a much better place," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-force-shares-first-look-of-indias-isro-gaganyaan-astronauts-642235">A recent video shared by Indian Air Force</a> led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January.</p>

<h2><strong>What else is working for India?</strong></h2>

<p>For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology.</p>

<p>At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-poverty-is-showing-up-at-mexico-us-border-in-the-form-of-thousands-of-chinese-migrants-642051">post-Covid China</a> led by Xi Jinping.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing.</p>

<p>Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-india-and-china-compare-in-space-capabilities-veteran-aerospace-expert-shares-analysis-489127">How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis</a></strong></p>

<p>The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion.</p>

<p>India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches.</p>

<p>"There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia."</p>

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The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.

The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing. While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme. Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole, and questioned the achievements of the mission. Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region." But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established. How India-China space race is heating up? Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from. According to an Ernst & Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies. Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China. But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington, both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers. India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West. "If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. Also read | How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch "China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said. Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy. "Politically, India is in a much better place," he said. Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. A recent video shared by Indian Air Force led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India. ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January. What else is working for India? For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology. At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted post-Covid China led by Xi Jinping. Also watch | China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India × At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing. Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO. Also read | How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion. India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches. "There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia." 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.

Explained | How success of India's Chandrayaan-3 is fuelling Delhi-Beijing space race

<p>An iconic tiger claw or <em>wagh nakh </em>(a weapon) that reportedly belonged to&nbsp;Maratha empire's patriarch and legendary Indian ruler Shivaji Bhosale I, often referred to as&nbsp;Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is set to return home centuries after Shivaji is said to have fought a consequential war with the weapon.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;<em>wagh nakh&nbsp;</em>will return to India for the first time after East India Company took it to England in the 1820s during British colonial conquest on Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>But India's <em>wagh nakh</em> is returning 'on loan'</b></h2>

<p>The tiger claw is scheduled to make its return to Indian state of Maharashtra from London in November 2023 coinciding with the 350th&nbsp;anniversary of Shivaji's coronation. It&nbsp;will be brought from London's Victoria and Albert Museum "on loan" for a three-year exhibition in South Mumbai.</p>

<p>Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra, will travel to London on Tuesday to formalise an agreement with the museum for the repatriation of this historic weapon.</p>

<p>It is expected that the <em>wagh nakh</em> will find its home at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in South Mumbai.</p>

<h2><strong>Battle of Pratapgarh and role of <em>wagh nakh</em></strong></h2>

<p>The Battle of Pratapgarh&nbsp;in 1659, where the Marathas triumphed over the Adilshahi forces led by Afzal Khan, marked a turning point in Shivaji's quest to establish the Maratha Empire. Despite being outnumbered, the Marathas' victory enhanced Chhatrapati Shivaji's reputation as a brilliant military strategist.</p>

<p>Shivaji's personal act of killing Afzal Khan at the foot of Pratapgarh fort in present-day Satara district, Maharashtra, has become a legendary episode, symbolising his courage in defeating a significantly larger and more powerful adversary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shivaji is known to have killed Afzal Khan with <em>wagh nakh.&nbsp;</em></p>

<h2><strong>How British got India's <em>wagh nakh</em></strong></h2>

<p>The British purportedly received it from the descendants of the British political agent in Satara after the collapse of the Peshwa rule in 1818.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to historian Pandurang Balkwade of Pune's Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, the biggest centre of Maratha documents and artefacts, the <em>wagh nakh</em> was kept in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple housed within Satara ruler's family residence, The Times of India reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/remembering-ahilyabai-holkar-the-queen-of-marathas-in-indore-483964">Remembering Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Marathas in Indore</a></strong></p>

<p>"The object must have been sacred for it to be kept in the ‘dev ghar’ (house of god)," he is quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Indrajeet Sawant, a history researcher in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, the <em>wagh nakh</em> kept in London museum made its way to the British after it was "gifted" by Pratapsinh Maharaj, the fifth and last Chhatrapati, to British political agent James Grant Duff, ToI reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Did Shivaji use <em>wagh nakh</em> to kill Afzal Khan?</strong></h2>

<p>The government has claimed that the <em>wagh nakh</em> to be brought back to India was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan.</p>

<p>But some historians have disputed the claim and said that the weapon that's with the London museum, belonged to Shivaji's family and whether Shivaji used the same weapon to kill Bijapur general Afzal Khan, is subject to verification.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why <em>wagh nakh</em>&nbsp;is being returned on loan?</strong></h2>

<p>The British museums, both national and regional, argue the notion of&nbsp;"common humanity" and "shared history", as justification to why they keep the items acquired in dubious circumstances or plundered outright. In recent years, they have come up with the concept&nbsp;of sharing some of the "greatest objects" under their possession,&nbsp;"to be shared with audiences around the world" under long-term partnerships with countries or museums in particular.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The purported middle-ground has not been well received by <a href="https://www.ejournals.eu/pliki/art/23369/">African groups</a> and particularly by&nbsp;Greece, whose&nbsp;50 per cent of the total sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, is with the British.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-help-greece-reclaim-historical-artefacts-from-uk-reports-british-media-592664">India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2018, the Ethiopian Ambassador said it would not accept a loan of its heritage, and that only the full return with ownership rights and display in Ethiopian museums would be satisfactory.<br />
<br />
India in recent years has sped up its efforts to retrieve the heritage it lost to British colonial conquests.</p>

<p>New Delhi&nbsp;is hoping for "a process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, in a manner consistent with existing international arrangements", an Indian government&nbsp;representative was quoted as saying by <em>Politico&nbsp;</em>in May 2023.</p>

<p>As the current president of Group of 20 (G20) nations, New Delhi had placed&nbsp;the repatriation of antiquities on this agenda G20 leaders' summit that concluded in the Indian capital last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint statement reiterated its "commitment to strengthen our fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property at national, regional or international levels to enable its return and restitution to their countries and communities of origin as relevant, and call for sustained dialogue and action in that endeavour, with a view to strengthen cultural diplomacy and intercultural exchanges, consistent with national law and relevant UNESCO Conventions."<br />
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An iconic tiger claw or wagh nakh (a weapon) that reportedly belonged to Maratha empire's patriarch and legendary Indian ruler Shivaji Bhosale I, often referred to as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is set to return home centuries after Shivaji is said to have fought a consequential war with the weapon.

An iconic tiger claw or wagh nakh (a weapon) that reportedly belonged to Maratha empire's patriarch and legendary Indian ruler Shivaji Bhosale I, often referred to as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is set to return home centuries after Shivaji is said to have fought a consequential war with the weapon. The wagh nakh will return to India for the first time after East India Company took it to England in the 1820s during British colonial conquest on Indian subcontinent. But India's wagh nakh is returning 'on loan' The tiger claw is scheduled to make its return to Indian state of Maharashtra from London in November 2023 coinciding with the 350th anniversary of Shivaji's coronation. It will be brought from London's Victoria and Albert Museum "on loan" for a three-year exhibition in South Mumbai. Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra, will travel to London on Tuesday to formalise an agreement with the museum for the repatriation of this historic weapon. It is expected that the wagh nakh will find its home at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in South Mumbai. Battle of Pratapgarh and role of wagh nakh The Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659, where the Marathas triumphed over the Adilshahi forces led by Afzal Khan, marked a turning point in Shivaji's quest to establish the Maratha Empire. Despite being outnumbered, the Marathas' victory enhanced Chhatrapati Shivaji's reputation as a brilliant military strategist. Shivaji's personal act of killing Afzal Khan at the foot of Pratapgarh fort in present-day Satara district, Maharashtra, has become a legendary episode, symbolising his courage in defeating a significantly larger and more powerful adversary. Shivaji is known to have killed Afzal Khan with wagh nakh. How British got India's wagh nakh The British purportedly received it from the descendants of the British political agent in Satara after the collapse of the Peshwa rule in 1818. According to historian Pandurang Balkwade of Pune's Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, the biggest centre of Maratha documents and artefacts, the wagh nakh was kept in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple housed within Satara ruler's family residence, The Times of India reported. Also read | Remembering Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Marathas in Indore "The object must have been sacred for it to be kept in the ‘dev ghar’ (house of god)," he is quoted as saying. According to Indrajeet Sawant, a history researcher in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, the wagh nakh kept in London museum made its way to the British after it was "gifted" by Pratapsinh Maharaj, the fifth and last Chhatrapati, to British political agent James Grant Duff, ToI reported. Did Shivaji use wagh nakh to kill Afzal Khan? The government has claimed that the wagh nakh to be brought back to India was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan. But some historians have disputed the claim and said that the weapon that's with the London museum, belonged to Shivaji's family and whether Shivaji used the same weapon to kill Bijapur general Afzal Khan, is subject to verification. Why wagh nakh is being returned on loan? The British museums, both national and regional, argue the notion of "common humanity" and "shared history", as justification to why they keep the items acquired in dubious circumstances or plundered outright. In recent years, they have come up with the concept of sharing some of the "greatest objects" under their possession, "to be shared with audiences around the world" under long-term partnerships with countries or museums in particular. The purported middle-ground has not been well received by African groups and particularly by Greece, whose 50 per cent of the total sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, is with the British. Also read | India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK In 2018, the Ethiopian Ambassador said it would not accept a loan of its heritage, and that only the full return with ownership rights and display in Ethiopian museums would be satisfactory. India in recent years has sped up its efforts to retrieve the heritage it lost to British colonial conquests. New Delhi is hoping for "a process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, in a manner consistent with existing international arrangements", an Indian government representative was quoted as saying by Politico in May 2023. As the current president of Group of 20 (G20) nations, New Delhi had placed the repatriation of antiquities on this agenda G20 leaders' summit that concluded in the Indian capital last month. The joint statement reiterated its "commitment to strengthen our fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property at national, regional or international levels to enable its return and restitution to their countries and communities of origin as relevant, and call for sustained dialogue and action in that endeavour, with a view to strengthen cultural diplomacy and intercultural exchanges, consistent with national law and relevant UNESCO Conventions." 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.

Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years

<p>On September 26 of last year, a series of explosions that severely damaged Nord Stream pipelines shook the world, throwing Russia’s energy ties with Europe into jeopardy.</p>

<p>Now, scientists investigating the explosions have unveiled key details to the Guardian, putting light on events that still remain unresolved.</p>

<p>According to the details, after two initial explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional explosions took place in an area north-east of the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm.</p>

<p>According to seismologists at Norway’s data centre Norsar, they found traces of four explosions in total. One of them took place in south-east of Bornholm and three in north-east of the island.</p>

<p>The explosions resulted in damage to both Nord Stream 1 pipelines and one of the Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Swedish investigators confirmed last November that these breaches were a result of man-made explosives.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine-based groups involved</strong></h2>

<p>Ongoing investigations indicate that either a Ukrainian-backed group or a pro-Ukrainian group operating “independently” of Kyiv's leadership carried out the attacks, according to statements from officials in the US and Germany.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Environmental impact of Nord stream leaks</strong></p>

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<p>German investigators have focused their attention on a 51-foot rental yacht named the Andromeda, chartered by a mysterious crew consisting of five men and one woman, some of whom were using false passports.</p>

<p>According to German media, all evidence point to Kyiv’s involvement only. But obvious doubts emerge as it still deems unbelievable that a small crew of six people managed to blow up the pipelines which may have required challenging tasks, including deep and slow dives.</p>

<h2><strong>Prior intel was available</strong></h2>

<p>A leaked US defence document, as reported by the Washington Post, revealed that the CIA had received information in June 2022 from a European ally about a plan by six members of Ukraine's special operations forces to rent a boat and use a submersible vehicle for underwater activities aimed at sabotaging the pipelines. However, the document noted that this planned operation had been put on hold.</p>

<p>Some reports also emerged in Scandinavian media suggesting the presence of Russian ships with deactivated transponders near the blast sites in the days preceding the explosions.</p>

<h2><strong>About Nord Stream pipelines</strong></h2>

<p>It's worth noting that the Nord Stream pipelines are managed by two companies, Nord Stream AG and Nord Stream 2 AG, both predominantly owned by the Russian state energy firm Gazprom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Nord Stream 1 has been operational since 2012, Nord Stream 2 was completed in September 2021 but has yet to transport any gas. Controversy has surrounded Nord Stream 2 right from the beginning, with strong opposition from German allies, particularly the US and Poland, who were concerned about Europe's reliance on Russian energy supplies.</p>

<h2><strong>UN investigation</strong></h2>

<p>In July, the UN Security Council received a report stating that investigators had detected underwater explosives in samples taken from a yacht. However, they failed to establish the identities or motivations of the individuals responsible or whether a specific nation was behind the incident.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-reveal-crucial-discoveries-about-nord-stream-pipeline-blasts-heres-what-they-found-640086"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Scientists reveal crucial discoveries about Nord Stream pipeline blasts. Here`s what they found</strong></a></p>

<p>To shed light on the situation, seismologists harnessed data from various seismic stations in northern Europe and Germany, including the Swedish National Seismic Network and the Danish stations located on Bornholm. Employing sophisticated analytical methods, they were able to locate two additional explosions.</p>

<p>According to their calculations, the second and third detonations, referred to as NA and NB, were situated approximately 220 meters apart, with the third explosion occurring to the west of the second. Furthermore, the fourth explosion was located several kilometres southwest of the second blast.</p>

<h2><strong>Accusations by Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Russia upholds that the sabotage was carried out by agents of the US and Ukraine. "They are involved, one way or another, in this terrorist attack," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a regular news briefing in response to a question about the September 2022 blasts, without providing any evidence.</p>

<p>As per international law, the act of sabotaging the pipelines would amount to an illegal act since the Nord Stream pipeline is a civilian infrastructure project. According to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, destroying civilian infrastructure is not only a violation of international law, but a war crime.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>Swedish investigators say that they hope to conclude the ongoing investigation into the sabotage by year-end. According to a prosecutor quoted by Reuters, once the investigation is done, it will be decided whether to bring any charges or not.</p>

<p>"We hope to conclude the investigation shortly but there is still a lot to do and nothing will happen for the next four weeks," Mats Ljungqvist said in an interview.</p>

<p>"By conclude, I mean that we close the investigation or take a decision to bring charges against someone," he said, adding that the ambition was to reach a decision before the end of the year.<br />
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On September 26 of last year, a series of explosions that severely damaged Nord Stream pipelines shook the world, throwing Russia’s energy ties with Europe into jeopardy.

On September 26 of last year, a series of explosions that severely damaged Nord Stream pipelines shook the world, throwing Russia’s energy ties with Europe into jeopardy. Now, scientists investigating the explosions have unveiled key details to the Guardian, putting light on events that still remain unresolved. According to the details, after two initial explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional explosions took place in an area north-east of the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm. According to seismologists at Norway’s data centre Norsar, they found traces of four explosions in total. One of them took place in south-east of Bornholm and three in north-east of the island. The explosions resulted in damage to both Nord Stream 1 pipelines and one of the Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Swedish investigators confirmed last November that these breaches were a result of man-made explosives. Ukraine-based groups involved Ongoing investigations indicate that either a Ukrainian-backed group or a pro-Ukrainian group operating “independently” of Kyiv's leadership carried out the attacks, according to statements from officials in the US and Germany. Watch: Environmental impact of Nord stream leaks × German investigators have focused their attention on a 51-foot rental yacht named the Andromeda, chartered by a mysterious crew consisting of five men and one woman, some of whom were using false passports. According to German media, all evidence point to Kyiv’s involvement only. But obvious doubts emerge as it still deems unbelievable that a small crew of six people managed to blow up the pipelines which may have required challenging tasks, including deep and slow dives. Prior intel was available A leaked US defence document, as reported by the Washington Post, revealed that the CIA had received information in June 2022 from a European ally about a plan by six members of Ukraine's special operations forces to rent a boat and use a submersible vehicle for underwater activities aimed at sabotaging the pipelines. However, the document noted that this planned operation had been put on hold. Some reports also emerged in Scandinavian media suggesting the presence of Russian ships with deactivated transponders near the blast sites in the days preceding the explosions. About Nord Stream pipelines It's worth noting that the Nord Stream pipelines are managed by two companies, Nord Stream AG and Nord Stream 2 AG, both predominantly owned by the Russian state energy firm Gazprom. While Nord Stream 1 has been operational since 2012, Nord Stream 2 was completed in September 2021 but has yet to transport any gas. Controversy has surrounded Nord Stream 2 right from the beginning, with strong opposition from German allies, particularly the US and Poland, who were concerned about Europe's reliance on Russian energy supplies. UN investigation In July, the UN Security Council received a report stating that investigators had detected underwater explosives in samples taken from a yacht. However, they failed to establish the identities or motivations of the individuals responsible or whether a specific nation was behind the incident. Also read: Scientists reveal crucial discoveries about Nord Stream pipeline blasts. Here`s what they found To shed light on the situation, seismologists harnessed data from various seismic stations in northern Europe and Germany, including the Swedish National Seismic Network and the Danish stations located on Bornholm. Employing sophisticated analytical methods, they were able to locate two additional explosions. According to their calculations, the second and third detonations, referred to as NA and NB, were situated approximately 220 meters apart, with the third explosion occurring to the west of the second. Furthermore, the fourth explosion was located several kilometres southwest of the second blast. Accusations by Russia Russia upholds that the sabotage was carried out by agents of the US and Ukraine. "They are involved, one way or another, in this terrorist attack," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a regular news briefing in response to a question about the September 2022 blasts, without providing any evidence. As per international law, the act of sabotaging the pipelines would amount to an illegal act since the Nord Stream pipeline is a civilian infrastructure project. According to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, destroying civilian infrastructure is not only a violation of international law, but a war crime. What next? Swedish investigators say that they hope to conclude the ongoing investigation into the sabotage by year-end. According to a prosecutor quoted by Reuters, once the investigation is done, it will be decided whether to bring any charges or not. "We hope to conclude the investigation shortly but there is still a lot to do and nothing will happen for the next four weeks," Mats Ljungqvist said in an interview. "By conclude, I mean that we close the investigation or take a decision to bring charges against someone," he said, adding that the ambition was to reach a decision before the end of the year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | One year on, what we know about attackers who sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines

<p>Contraception plays a major role not only in preventing unwanted pregnancies but also helps protect its users from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Additionally, it gives people autonomy over their bodies.</p>

<p>Every year, on September 26th, the global community observes World Contraception Day. This year, the theme is 'The Power of Options'.</p>

<p>On this day, let's explore the history of contraceptives, why it is important, and the factors that negatively affect the use of contraceptives.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-develop-male-pill-an-oral-contraceptive-that-successfully-stops-sperm-in-its-track-562051">Researchers develop 'male pill', an oral contraceptive that successfully stops sperm in its track</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>History of contraceptives</strong></h2>

<p>Historically, contraceptives have often been linked to illicit sexual relations or affairs and have been looked down upon. In the early 20th century, methods of birth control became more common and available to married couples.</p>

<p>As per ScienceDirect, before modern contraceptives like condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs became available, people tried using many different materials and methods for contraception.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of those methods were just ridiculous and did more harm than good. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/world-contraception-day-yes-humans-used-these-methods-to-prevent-pregnancy-1695744718486">You can read about the weird contraceptive methods used by our ancestors here</a>.</p>

<p>As per the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the first mention of a condom dates back to 3000 BC, or the Bronze Age, when King Minos, the ruler of Knossos, Crete in Greece used the bladder of a goat to protect his wife from the "serpents and scorpions" in his semen.</p>

<p>Ancient Romans also used sheep and goat and sheep's bladder and intestine as contraceptive sheaths. Reportedly, the historic ladies' man,&nbsp;Casanova, also used animal intestines to avoid unwanted pregnancies and maintain his status as the bad boy. In his memoirs, he also mentions using the empty rind of half a lemon as a primitive cervical cap.</p>

<p>However, the earliest mention of birth control comes from an unlikely source: The Bible. In the book of Genesis, there is mention of a practice called 'coitus interruptus', which is commonly known as the withdrawal or the 'pull out method'.</p>

<p>IUDs or intrauterine devices were another popular method of contraception in the 1960s.</p>

<p>Other popular contraception methods include sterilisation in the early 1900s — mainly used for eugenic reasons, vasectomies and occlusion of the fallopian tubes aka tying the tubes towards the end of the 20th century.</p>

<h2><strong>Development of modern contraceptives</strong></h2>

<p>The modern contraceptive's origins date back to the 1920s when research confirmed the role ovarian hormones, oestrogen and progesterone play in reproduction.</p>

<p>It eventually led to the development of the 'rhythm method' of contraception, which tracks a woman's menstrual cycle to determine when the chances of conceiving are the highest. It also led to the development of the contraceptive pill.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/consumption-of-anti-covid-drugs-may-have-led-to-dangerous-mutations-study-639552">Consumption of anti-Covid drugs may have led to dangerous mutations: study</a></strong></p>

<p>The first large-scale trial of the contraceptive pill was done in 1956.</p>

<p>In 1957, 'Enovid' the first oral contraceptive pill, was approved by the FDA for therapeutic uses in severe menstural disorders.</p>

<p>Finally, in 1960, pharmaceutical company Searle received permission to use Enovid as a birth control pill.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is contraception important?</strong></h2>

<p>"Healthy families are created by choice, not by chance," these words of wisdom were said by Dr Nafis Sadik, former executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 1994. To date, these remain true.</p>

<p>Besides the obvious prevention of pregnancy, contraceptives can help reduce incidents of STDs and can also save lives that may be lost in unsafe abortions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per UNFPA, they give a woman the 'fundamental' right to choose.</p>

<p>"A woman's right to choose the number, timing and spacing of her children is fundamental. Contraception is an integral part of her decision-making. The benefits are manifold: The use of contraception decreases the rates of maternal death and disability, newborn and child mortality and morbidity, unintended pregnancies, and abortion."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-and-significance-of-world-contraception-day-519775" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/history-and-significance-of-world-contraception-day-519775&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihmsCq2siBAxWfYvUHHec7ApYQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0seE6kB1-WOA_3HlBRGqMy" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-and-significance-of-world-contraception-day-519775" target="_blank">History and significance of World&nbsp;Contraception&nbsp;Day</a></strong></p>

<p>"Male and female condoms can reduce sexually transmitted infections. Girls and women who can plan their families have more opportunities to realize their potential; they can pursue education and participate in the economy, leading to more prosperous, stable and equitable societies."</p>

<p>As per the UN agency, "Until universal access to contraception is achieved, women’s empowerment and gender equality will remain elusive. Such access allows women and girls to choose their future, not chance it."</p>

<h2><strong>Negative connotations, barriers to contraceptives</strong></h2>

<p>As per the UNFPA, today, an approximate 257 million people who want to avoid pregnancy are not using safe methods of contraceptions.</p>

<p>This is due to concerns over the possible side effects, misconceptions about long-term effects on fertility, the stigma surrounding the use of contraception and, in some cases, prohibition at the hands of partners or family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, in some places, contraceptives, even in this day and age, are banned. For example, in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned contraceptives, labelling them 'Western conspiracy to control Muslim population'.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Contraception plays a major role not only in preventing unwanted pregnancies but also helps protect its users from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Additionally, it gives people autonomy over their bodies.

Contraception plays a major role not only in preventing unwanted pregnancies but also helps protect its users from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Additionally, it gives people autonomy over their bodies. Every year, on September 26th, the global community observes World Contraception Day. This year, the theme is 'The Power of Options'. On this day, let's explore the history of contraceptives, why it is important, and the factors that negatively affect the use of contraceptives. Also read | Researchers develop 'male pill', an oral contraceptive that successfully stops sperm in its track History of contraceptives Historically, contraceptives have often been linked to illicit sexual relations or affairs and have been looked down upon. In the early 20th century, methods of birth control became more common and available to married couples. As per ScienceDirect, before modern contraceptives like condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs became available, people tried using many different materials and methods for contraception. Some of those methods were just ridiculous and did more harm than good. You can read about the weird contraceptive methods used by our ancestors here. As per the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the first mention of a condom dates back to 3000 BC, or the Bronze Age, when King Minos, the ruler of Knossos, Crete in Greece used the bladder of a goat to protect his wife from the "serpents and scorpions" in his semen. Ancient Romans also used sheep and goat and sheep's bladder and intestine as contraceptive sheaths. Reportedly, the historic ladies' man, Casanova, also used animal intestines to avoid unwanted pregnancies and maintain his status as the bad boy. In his memoirs, he also mentions using the empty rind of half a lemon as a primitive cervical cap. However, the earliest mention of birth control comes from an unlikely source: The Bible. In the book of Genesis, there is mention of a practice called 'coitus interruptus', which is commonly known as the withdrawal or the 'pull out method'. IUDs or intrauterine devices were another popular method of contraception in the 1960s. Other popular contraception methods include sterilisation in the early 1900s — mainly used for eugenic reasons, vasectomies and occlusion of the fallopian tubes aka tying the tubes towards the end of the 20th century. Development of modern contraceptives The modern contraceptive's origins date back to the 1920s when research confirmed the role ovarian hormones, oestrogen and progesterone play in reproduction. It eventually led to the development of the 'rhythm method' of contraception, which tracks a woman's menstrual cycle to determine when the chances of conceiving are the highest. It also led to the development of the contraceptive pill. Also read | Consumption of anti-Covid drugs may have led to dangerous mutations: study The first large-scale trial of the contraceptive pill was done in 1956. In 1957, 'Enovid' the first oral contraceptive pill, was approved by the FDA for therapeutic uses in severe menstural disorders. Finally, in 1960, pharmaceutical company Searle received permission to use Enovid as a birth control pill. Why is contraception important? "Healthy families are created by choice, not by chance," these words of wisdom were said by Dr Nafis Sadik, former executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 1994. To date, these remain true. Besides the obvious prevention of pregnancy, contraceptives can help reduce incidents of STDs and can also save lives that may be lost in unsafe abortions. As per UNFPA, they give a woman the 'fundamental' right to choose. "A woman's right to choose the number, timing and spacing of her children is fundamental. Contraception is an integral part of her decision-making. The benefits are manifold: The use of contraception decreases the rates of maternal death and disability, newborn and child mortality and morbidity, unintended pregnancies, and abortion." Also read | History and significance of World Contraception Day "Male and female condoms can reduce sexually transmitted infections. Girls and women who can plan their families have more opportunities to realize their potential; they can pursue education and participate in the economy, leading to more prosperous, stable and equitable societies." As per the UN agency, "Until universal access to contraception is achieved, women’s empowerment and gender equality will remain elusive. Such access allows women and girls to choose their future, not chance it." Negative connotations, barriers to contraceptives As per the UNFPA, today, an approximate 257 million people who want to avoid pregnancy are not using safe methods of contraceptions. This is due to concerns over the possible side effects, misconceptions about long-term effects on fertility, the stigma surrounding the use of contraception and, in some cases, prohibition at the hands of partners or family members. Additionally, in some places, contraceptives, even in this day and age, are banned. For example, in Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned contraceptives, labelling them 'Western conspiracy to control Muslim population'. (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.

Explained | Contraception through ages: From Goat bladder to condoms to birth control pills

<p>Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly&nbsp;of the global&nbsp;organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as&nbsp;deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNGA has its plates full with several other issues. In Africa, two recent coups in Gabon and Niger, and natural calamities in Libya and Morocco, have given rise to new security challenges for the impoverished region -- most of which was previously colonised by France. In West Asia, the restoration of Iran-Saudi Arabia ties have emerged as a hope for stability, resulting in a semblance of cessation of civil war in Yemen where the Shia and Sunni powerhouses fought through their proxies since the 2010s. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the regions where democracies are fragile, authoritarian or quasi-authoritarian governments reign supreme, and are seen as impoverished zones of human distress, with the UN often sought after as the last mile hope for redressal.</p>

<p>In WION's extensive reportage on state of women's rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, women being denied education rights often <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-ask-oic-to-restore-freedom-to-study-work-558153">call upon</a> international community to not 'abandon' their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">cause</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In short, the 78th UNGA is being anticipated with hope in the parts of the world combating conventional warfare, natural calamities and authoritarian rules.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNGA 78th session: What is the agenda?</strong></h2>

<p>The 78th session, according to the United Nations, "marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track".</p>

<p>The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UN General Assembly 2023: Zelensky expected to attend UN meet | What to expect at the meet? | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Agreed upon in 2015, They are: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.</p>

<p>The United Nations said in an official readout that the world leaders will gather in New York to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”</p>

<h2><strong>How stalled Security Council reforms&nbsp; hamper achievement of&nbsp;SDGs</strong></h2>

<p>For the countries of Global South, the principal challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been a non-reformed UN Security Council and facets of multilateral funding for development projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reflective-of-the-world-of-1940s-brazils-president-lula-calls-for-reforms-in-un-security-council-634710">'Reflective of the world of 1940s': Brazil President Lula calls for reforms in UN Security Council</a></strong></p>

<p>Since its inception, only five countries are the permanent members of the UN Security Council. While the United States, United Kingdom and France are permanent UNSC members since 1945, erstwhile Soviet Union's spot was given to Russian Federation after the dissolution of USSR. In October 1971, the Republic of China (present-day Taiwan) was displaced from the membership of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council by a vote of the UN General Assembly and got replaced by communist China (People's Republic of China).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-sets-the-tone-for-un-security-council-reforms-before-hosting-g20-leaders-631947">Indian PM Modi sets the tone for UN Security Council reforms before hosting G20 leaders</a></strong></p>

<p>The effect of a non-reformed UN Security Council looms large on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

<p>"When Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015, the UN reported that 60 million people across the world were impacted by violent conflicts that are unresolved on the agenda of the UN Security Council. In December 2022, that number had risen to 314 million," Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations told WION.</p>

<p>"The broader priority for reforming the UN Security Council is the linkage between peace, security, and development. This is committed by world leaders when they adopted Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. Every ongoing unresolved conflict on the UN Security Council’s agenda has a very negative impact on implementing Agenda 2030 which is the only framework agreed to by all states to take the world forward by eradicating poverty and sustaining development," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION reported last week how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinas-smokescreen-tricks-the-world-against-reforms-at-un-security-council-635950">China's smokescreen, in the lieu of undocumented informal Inter Governmental Negotiations</a>, have been stalling the reforms of the UN Security Council, actively, at least since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ambassador Mukerji added that China is acting in concert with the other four permanent members. "But the difference in the inter-governmental negotiations is that it is only China that has openly called for "consensus" on the reforms of the Security Council."</p>

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Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly of the global organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea.

Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly of the global organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea. UNGA has its plates full with several other issues. In Africa, two recent coups in Gabon and Niger, and natural calamities in Libya and Morocco, have given rise to new security challenges for the impoverished region -- most of which was previously colonised by France. In West Asia, the restoration of Iran-Saudi Arabia ties have emerged as a hope for stability, resulting in a semblance of cessation of civil war in Yemen where the Shia and Sunni powerhouses fought through their proxies since the 2010s. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West In the regions where democracies are fragile, authoritarian or quasi-authoritarian governments reign supreme, and are seen as impoverished zones of human distress, with the UN often sought after as the last mile hope for redressal. In WION's extensive reportage on state of women's rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, women being denied education rights often call upon international community to not 'abandon' their cause. In short, the 78th UNGA is being anticipated with hope in the parts of the world combating conventional warfare, natural calamities and authoritarian rules. UNGA 78th session: What is the agenda? The 78th session, according to the United Nations, "marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track". The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". Also watch | UN General Assembly 2023: Zelensky expected to attend UN meet | What to expect at the meet? | WION × Agreed upon in 2015, They are: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals. The United Nations said in an official readout that the world leaders will gather in New York to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” How stalled Security Council reforms hamper achievement of SDGs For the countries of Global South, the principal challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been a non-reformed UN Security Council and facets of multilateral funding for development projects. Also read | 'Reflective of the world of 1940s': Brazil President Lula calls for reforms in UN Security Council Since its inception, only five countries are the permanent members of the UN Security Council. While the United States, United Kingdom and France are permanent UNSC members since 1945, erstwhile Soviet Union's spot was given to Russian Federation after the dissolution of USSR. In October 1971, the Republic of China (present-day Taiwan) was displaced from the membership of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council by a vote of the UN General Assembly and got replaced by communist China (People's Republic of China). Also read | Indian PM Modi sets the tone for UN Security Council reforms before hosting G20 leaders The effect of a non-reformed UN Security Council looms large on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. "When Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015, the UN reported that 60 million people across the world were impacted by violent conflicts that are unresolved on the agenda of the UN Security Council. In December 2022, that number had risen to 314 million," Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations told WION. "The broader priority for reforming the UN Security Council is the linkage between peace, security, and development. This is committed by world leaders when they adopted Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. Every ongoing unresolved conflict on the UN Security Council’s agenda has a very negative impact on implementing Agenda 2030 which is the only framework agreed to by all states to take the world forward by eradicating poverty and sustaining development," he added. WION reported last week how China's smokescreen, in the lieu of undocumented informal Inter Governmental Negotiations, have been stalling the reforms of the UN Security Council, actively, at least since 2016. Ambassador Mukerji added that China is acting in concert with the other four permanent members. "But the difference in the inter-governmental negotiations is that it is only China that has openly called for "consensus" on the reforms of the Security Council." 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 General Assembly 2023: What is stalling the progress of Sustainable Development Goals | Explained

<p>India is currently grappling with a rare outbreak of the Nipah virus, a dangerous disease that has high mortality rate.</p>

<p>Taking pre-emptive action against the threat, authorities in the Southern state of Kerala have shut down some schools and offices to halt the spread of the virus.</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about Nipah virus.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Nipah virus?</strong></h2>

<p>The virus is zoonotic in nature, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans.</p>

<p>Nipah usually spreads to humans from bodily fluids of animals — infected bats and pigs, or through contaminated food, but it can also be transmitted directly between people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-procures-monoclonal-antibodies-from-australia-to-battle-deadly-nipah-virus-636379">India procures monoclonal antibodies from Australia to battle deadly Nipah virus</a></strong></p>

<p>The virus triggers severe fever, often leading to a high mortality rate. It is named after the village where it was discovered.</p>

<p>While Nipah outbreaks are comparatively rare, as per AFP, Nipah — alongside Ebola, Zika and COVID-19 — has been listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the diseases deserving of priority research for the&nbsp;potential to lead to a global epidemic.</p>

<h2><strong>Symptoms and treatment of Nipah</strong></h2>

<p>Symptoms of Nipah virus include high fever, headache, vomiting, and respiratory issues, reports the World Health Organization.</p>

<p>In severe cases, seizures and brain inflammation can lead to a coma.</p>

<p>Regrettably, no vaccine is currently available for Nipah, and the WHO reports that the virus has a mortality rate ranging from 40 to 75 per cent.</p>

<p>As per Rajeev Bahl, the Director General of India's apex body for biomedical research Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Nipah has a mortality much higher than COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Mortality among those infected with Nipah virus is very high - between 40 to 70 per cent as compared to that of Covid, which was around 2-3 per cent."</p>

<p>To combat the current outbreak, India has taken a significant step by procuring 20 doses of monoclonal antibodies from Australia.</p>

<p>These antibodies, as per PTI, are vital for the treatment of Nipah virus infections, a disease with a high mortality rate. Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight harmful pathogens.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-in-indias-kerala-5-cases-seen-so-far-educational-institutions-in-kozhikode-to-be-shut-top-pts-635900">Nipah virus in India's Kerala: 5 cases seen so far, educational institutions in Kozhikode to be shut</a></strong></p>

<p>"Twenty more doses are being procured. But the medicine needs to be given during the early stage of the infection," said Bahl, adding that it can only given as compassionate use medicine — which refers to treatment options that are not authorised but can be used in absence of satisfactory, authorised medicines.</p>

<p>As per Bahl, globally, monoclonal antibodies have been used to successfully treat 14 patients infected with the Nipah virus outside India.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous outbreaks</strong></h2>

<p>The first Nipah outbreak in Malaysia resulted in over 100 fatalities. At the time, it led to the culling of a million pigs in an attempt to halt the virus's spread.</p>

<p>It also spread to Singapore, causing illness and one fatality among slaughterhouse workers who had been in contact with pigs from Malaysia.</p>

<p>Subsequently, the majority of cases have been documented in Bangladesh and India, with both countries experiencing their initial outbreaks in 2001.</p>

<p>Bangladesh has borne the brunt of Nipah in recent years, with over 100 fatalities since 2001.</p>

<p>India, on the other hand, grappled with two initial outbreaks that claimed over 50 lives before they were contained.</p>

<p>Most recently, the state of Kerala in India has reported two fatalities and four confirmed cases within the past month, marking its fourth outbreak in five years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nipah-virus-latest-kerala-reports-sixth-case-govt-rushes-to-curb-spread-636182">Nipah virus latest | Kerala reports sixth case, govt rushes to curb spread</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2018, Nipah claimed 17 lives in Kerala, reports AFP. Previous outbreaks there were successfully quelled within a matter of weeks through extensive testing and the strict isolation of individuals in contact with patients.</p>

<p>Answering a question about the virus' resurgence in Kerala, ICMR chief Bahl said: "We do not know. In 2018, we found the outbreak in Kerala was related to bats. We are not sure how the infection passed from bats to humans. The link couldn't be established. Again, we are trying to find out this time. It always happens in the rainy season."</p>

<p>As per WHO data, between 1998 and 2015, 600 cases of Nipah virus in humans have been recorded.</p>

<h2><strong>Zoonotic virus</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, scientists suspect that the Nipah virus has existed among flying foxes for close to a millennium. They also fear that a highly transmissible, mutated strain may emerge from bats.</p>

<p>The first Nipah outbreak was recorded in 1998 after the virus spread among pig farmers in Malaysia.</p>

<p>Fruit bats, according to AFP, are the natural carriers of the virus. These bats have been identified as the most likely cause of subsequent outbreaks.</p>

<h2><strong>Animal-to-human viruses becoming more frequent</strong></h2>

<p>Zoonotic diseases, which are diseases capable of jumping from animals to humans, have seen a notable increase over the past few decades — the last 20 to 30 years in particular.</p>

<p>As per AFP, the increase of international travel has accelerated their spread. Furthermore, human encroachment into natural habitats has led to a disruption of ecosystems, which in turn has caused an elevation in the likelihood of random virus mutations that can be transmitted to humans.</p>

<p>Industrial-scale farming too heightens the risk of pathogens spreading among animals, while deforestation intensifies interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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India is currently grappling with a rare outbreak of the Nipah virus, a dangerous disease that has high mortality rate. Taking pre-emptive action against the threat, authorities in the Southern state of Kerala have shut down some schools and offices to halt the spread of the virus.

India is currently grappling with a rare outbreak of the Nipah virus, a dangerous disease that has high mortality rate. Taking pre-emptive action against the threat, authorities in the Southern state of Kerala have shut down some schools and offices to halt the spread of the virus. Here's all you need to know about Nipah virus. What is the Nipah virus? The virus is zoonotic in nature, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Nipah usually spreads to humans from bodily fluids of animals — infected bats and pigs, or through contaminated food, but it can also be transmitted directly between people. Also read |India procures monoclonal antibodies from Australia to battle deadly Nipah virus The virus triggers severe fever, often leading to a high mortality rate. It is named after the village where it was discovered. While Nipah outbreaks are comparatively rare, as per AFP, Nipah — alongside Ebola, Zika and COVID-19 — has been listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the diseases deserving of priority research for the potential to lead to a global epidemic. Symptoms and treatment of Nipah Symptoms of Nipah virus include high fever, headache, vomiting, and respiratory issues, reports the World Health Organization. In severe cases, seizures and brain inflammation can lead to a coma. Regrettably, no vaccine is currently available for Nipah, and the WHO reports that the virus has a mortality rate ranging from 40 to 75 per cent. As per Rajeev Bahl, the Director General of India's apex body for biomedical research Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Nipah has a mortality much higher than COVID-19. "Mortality among those infected with Nipah virus is very high - between 40 to 70 per cent as compared to that of Covid, which was around 2-3 per cent." To combat the current outbreak, India has taken a significant step by procuring 20 doses of monoclonal antibodies from Australia. These antibodies, as per PTI, are vital for the treatment of Nipah virus infections, a disease with a high mortality rate. Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight harmful pathogens. Also read | Nipah virus in India's Kerala: 5 cases seen so far, educational institutions in Kozhikode to be shut "Twenty more doses are being procured. But the medicine needs to be given during the early stage of the infection," said Bahl, adding that it can only given as compassionate use medicine — which refers to treatment options that are not authorised but can be used in absence of satisfactory, authorised medicines. As per Bahl, globally, monoclonal antibodies have been used to successfully treat 14 patients infected with the Nipah virus outside India. Previous outbreaks The first Nipah outbreak in Malaysia resulted in over 100 fatalities. At the time, it led to the culling of a million pigs in an attempt to halt the virus's spread. It also spread to Singapore, causing illness and one fatality among slaughterhouse workers who had been in contact with pigs from Malaysia. Subsequently, the majority of cases have been documented in Bangladesh and India, with both countries experiencing their initial outbreaks in 2001. Bangladesh has borne the brunt of Nipah in recent years, with over 100 fatalities since 2001. India, on the other hand, grappled with two initial outbreaks that claimed over 50 lives before they were contained. Most recently, the state of Kerala in India has reported two fatalities and four confirmed cases within the past month, marking its fourth outbreak in five years. Also read | Nipah virus latest | Kerala reports sixth case, govt rushes to curb spread In 2018, Nipah claimed 17 lives in Kerala, reports AFP. Previous outbreaks there were successfully quelled within a matter of weeks through extensive testing and the strict isolation of individuals in contact with patients. Answering a question about the virus' resurgence in Kerala, ICMR chief Bahl said: "We do not know. In 2018, we found the outbreak in Kerala was related to bats. We are not sure how the infection passed from bats to humans. The link couldn't be established. Again, we are trying to find out this time. It always happens in the rainy season." As per WHO data, between 1998 and 2015, 600 cases of Nipah virus in humans have been recorded. Zoonotic virus As per Reuters, scientists suspect that the Nipah virus has existed among flying foxes for close to a millennium. They also fear that a highly transmissible, mutated strain may emerge from bats. The first Nipah outbreak was recorded in 1998 after the virus spread among pig farmers in Malaysia. Fruit bats, according to AFP, are the natural carriers of the virus. These bats have been identified as the most likely cause of subsequent outbreaks. Animal-to-human viruses becoming more frequent Zoonotic diseases, which are diseases capable of jumping from animals to humans, have seen a notable increase over the past few decades — the last 20 to 30 years in particular. As per AFP, the increase of international travel has accelerated their spread. Furthermore, human encroachment into natural habitats has led to a disruption of ecosystems, which in turn has caused an elevation in the likelihood of random virus mutations that can be transmitted to humans. Industrial-scale farming too heightens the risk of pathogens spreading among animals, while deforestation intensifies interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. (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.

Explained | Deadly Nipah virus strikes India; symptoms and other things you need to know

<p>The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them.</p>

<h2><strong>Alliance of Sahel States: How is it a NATO-style alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>The alliance document's Article 6, much like NATO's Article 5, says that any attack on one or more signatory states will be considered an attack on all signatories. The four-page alliance document, seen by WION, states that the "need to continue the heroic struggles waged by the African people and countries for political independence, human dignity and economic emancipation", as defining tenet of the alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties," it says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="532c4968-9ba3-431b-9cab-9fc1c6b22b99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T123509.000.png" /></p>

<p><em>Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako |&nbsp;Presidence du Niger/X</em></p>

<p>The Article 4 of the document underscore combating terrorism in all its forms and organised crime as "common area of the alliance"</p>

<p>"I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defence and mutual assistance framework," Mali military leader Assimi Goita said on X, formerly known as Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why Alliance of Sahel States is significant?</strong></h2>

<p>The alliance announcement succeeds the military pact signed between the three countries in August to allow Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops into Niger's territory in the event of military aggression against its new rulers.</p>

<p>The development is significant amid growing cooperation between 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) bloc and the warnings of military intervention that it asserted after military's takeover of power in Niger in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>The agreement also calls for the three nations to take joint action against terrorist groups operating in their countries and to secure their borders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For more than a decade, Africa's Sahel region — which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria — has been infested with jihadist insurgencies contributing in their overall instability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These jihadist insurgencies are largely perpetrated by terrorist networks linked to the Islamic State and the Al Qaeda.</p>

<p>"This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries," Mali's Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries."</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for French interests in the region?</strong></h2>

<p>The alliance between three West African states, all ruled by military juntas and former French colonies, has been formalised amid souring ties between the three states and France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All three signatory nations of the newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States were also the members of France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force with Chad and Mauritania being the&nbsp;other two allies. The G5 Sahel alliance, apart from its stated goals related to poverty alleviation, was also aimed to tackle terror groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The G5 Sahel Alliance, now largely dormant, was launched in 2017 by France, Germany and the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Niger’s military leaders have unilaterally cancelled military agreements under the G5 Sahel Alliance that allowed French forces to fight jihadists in the region, giving the former colonial power only a month to pull out its 1,500 troops. France, however, ignored the ultimatum and demands for its ambassador to leave.<br />
<img alt="Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60f4373e-4261-4997-8673-a0de5d4f216a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T123828.601.png" /></p>

<p><em>Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X/Presidence du Niger</em></p>

<p>Mali left the G5 Sahel Alliance after a military coup. Even before the military coup in Niger, the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum said in May last year that the force was "dead" following Mali's departure.</p>

<p>France was forced to withdraw its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso. It remains in a tense standoff with the junta that seized power in Niger after the new military rulers asked it to withdraw its troops and its ambassador.</p>

<p>Mali has also asked the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA to leave the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Who takes what from the newly forged alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>For Niger, the alliance provides a cover of security from the warnings of military intervention from ECOWAS.</p>

<p>But in security terms, Mali is set to gain the most from the alliance in the immediate future. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Mali, in addition to fighting terrorists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group, has also seen a resumption of hostilities by predominantly Tuareg armed groups over the past few weeks.</p>

<p>The escalation of these armed tensions risks stretching Mali's army to its limits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Mali's junta claims that it has managed to successfully turn around a dire security situation, independent reports have claimed the quite opposite.</p>

<p>Burkina Faso, under Ibrahim Tarore (34), is expected to lead the newly-formed alliance, due to semblance of stability that the world's youngest leader has managed to assert in the country, according to Radio Omega.</p>

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The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them.

The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance of the three West African nations signed by their military leaders on September 16, says that the three states will assist one another in the event of an attack on any one of them. Alliance of Sahel States: How is it a NATO-style alliance? The alliance document's Article 6, much like NATO's Article 5, says that any attack on one or more signatory states will be considered an attack on all signatories. The four-page alliance document, seen by WION, states that the "need to continue the heroic struggles waged by the African people and countries for political independence, human dignity and economic emancipation", as defining tenet of the alliance. "Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties," it says. It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions. Mali junta leader Goita hosted the signing event in capital Bamako | Presidence du Niger/X The Article 4 of the document underscore combating terrorism in all its forms and organised crime as "common area of the alliance" "I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defence and mutual assistance framework," Mali military leader Assimi Goita said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Why Alliance of Sahel States is significant? The alliance announcement succeeds the military pact signed between the three countries in August to allow Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops into Niger's territory in the event of military aggression against its new rulers. The development is significant amid growing cooperation between 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) bloc and the warnings of military intervention that it asserted after military's takeover of power in Niger in July. Also read | Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis The agreement also calls for the three nations to take joint action against terrorist groups operating in their countries and to secure their borders. For more than a decade, Africa's Sahel region — which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria — has been infested with jihadist insurgencies contributing in their overall instability. These jihadist insurgencies are largely perpetrated by terrorist networks linked to the Islamic State and the Al Qaeda. "This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries," Mali's Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists. "Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries." What does it mean for French interests in the region? The alliance between three West African states, all ruled by military juntas and former French colonies, has been formalised amid souring ties between the three states and France. All three signatory nations of the newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States were also the members of France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force with Chad and Mauritania being the other two allies. The G5 Sahel alliance, apart from its stated goals related to poverty alleviation, was also aimed to tackle terror groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The G5 Sahel Alliance, now largely dormant, was launched in 2017 by France, Germany and the European Union. Niger’s military leaders have unilaterally cancelled military agreements under the G5 Sahel Alliance that allowed French forces to fight jihadists in the region, giving the former colonial power only a month to pull out its 1,500 troops. France, however, ignored the ultimatum and demands for its ambassador to leave. Niger's leader General Abdourahmane Tiani during alliance's signing event in Tamako | X/Presidence du Niger Mali left the G5 Sahel Alliance after a military coup. Even before the military coup in Niger, the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum said in May last year that the force was "dead" following Mali's departure. France was forced to withdraw its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso. It remains in a tense standoff with the junta that seized power in Niger after the new military rulers asked it to withdraw its troops and its ambassador. Mali has also asked the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA to leave the country. Who takes what from the newly forged alliance? For Niger, the alliance provides a cover of security from the warnings of military intervention from ECOWAS. But in security terms, Mali is set to gain the most from the alliance in the immediate future. Mali, in addition to fighting terrorists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group, has also seen a resumption of hostilities by predominantly Tuareg armed groups over the past few weeks. The escalation of these armed tensions risks stretching Mali's army to its limits. While Mali's junta claims that it has managed to successfully turn around a dire security situation, independent reports have claimed the quite opposite. Burkina Faso, under Ibrahim Tarore (34), is expected to lead the newly-formed alliance, due to semblance of stability that the world's youngest leader has managed to assert in the country, according to Radio Omega. 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.

Explained | Military-ruled former French colonies forge NATO-style Alliance of Sahel States

<p>"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet" — This line from <em>Romeo and Juliet</em> by William Shakespeare illustrates the point that names are not important, or maybe they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a buzz over India's possible change of name to 'Bharat' is raging, with several people debating what would be the impact. All of this started on Tuesday (September 5) after Indian President Droupadi Murmu referred to herself as the "President of Bharat" in a dinner invitation to G20 leaders, instead of "President of India".</p>

<p>A few hours later, another document circulated that referred to Narendra Modi as the 'Prime Minister of Bharat'. 'Prime Minister of Bharat' is used in a message regarding the Prime Minister's trips to Indonesia on September 6 and September 7 for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Sambit Patra posted the invite on X, previously known as Twitter. The invite led to criticisms by the opposition party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-you-say-bharat-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-reacts-to-india-bharat-name-drop-row-632803">'When you say Bharat...': India's foreign minister Jaishankar reacts to India-Bharat name drop row</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote: "Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that he hopes the government would not be "so foolish as to completely dispense with 'India', which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries".</p>

<p>BJP president JP Nadda responded to the comments, he said: "Why does the Congress has objection to every subject related to the honour and pride of the country? Why do those who do political tours in the name of Bharat Jodo hate the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'?"&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What's the origin of Bharat?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Is the government really planning to change the name? If yes, what do we know about its origin?&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Indian languages and ancient literature, India is also known by the names Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan. In normal everyday discourse, both the general population and the governments use these names interchangeably, but high offices in the country have typically stuck to titles such as President of India, Prime Minister of India and Chief Justice of India while communicating in English, especially during and after the colonial regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the Modi-led government is on a path of changing colonial history and imperialist impositions. The plan included changing the names of streets, and museums, also inaugurating the country's new parliament building in New Delhi, as the old one was built almost a century ago during the British colonial era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same drive might push the government to adopt the name Bharat, which is a short form of Bharatvarsha, 'the land of the descendants of the Bharatas'. It's not a change of name, since the government has already been using both 'Bharat' and 'India', and it may probably be an attempt to go back to how it was in ancient times.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republic-of-bharat-chorus-grows-for-india-to-be-renamed-as-bharat-632507">'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times</a></strong></p>

<p>In history books, 'Bharata' is commonly related to King Bharata, the son of Dushyant and Shakuntala. Bharata, who became the Chakravarti, was a member of the Chandravamsha dynasty. He is regarded to be the ancestor of the Pandavas, the Kauravas, Brihadhratha, and Jarasandha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Vishnu Purana, there is a geographical description of Bharat. It says, "Uttaram yat samudrasya, Himadreschaiva dakshinam, varsham tad Bharatam nama Bharati yatra santatih". It means that Bharatam, or Bharat is the country that lies to the north of the ocean and to the south of the snowy mountains. Some Hindu texts also referred to Bharatvarsha as part of Jambudweepa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest ebook by Sadhguru, "Bha-ra-ta: The Rhythm of a Nation", he explores&nbsp;the science behind Bharat, India's original name. In one of the interviews regarding his&nbsp;book, when he was asked why "Bharat" matters,&nbsp;Sadhguru elaborated, "Bharat comes from bha – ra – ta. Bhava means sensation. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching are different types of sensations. Your whole experience of life is sensory right now. Bha means sensation, out of which emotion arises. Ra means raga or the tune. The tune is not yours – existence has already set it. Now you have to find the rhythm, which is the tala. If you find the right rhythm, you are a fantastic human being. If you miss the rhythm, you get crushed by the process of life."</p>

<p>These are some of the textbook references, but with a rich history, the term can chronicle differently depending on the culture and diversity.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What does the Constitution say?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Article 1 of the Indian constitution starts with "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States". The Article 1 reads:</p>

<p>India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.<br />
The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule<br />
⁠The territory of India shall comprise —<br />
(a) the territories of the States;<br />
(b) the Union territories specified</p>

<p>Bharat is another official name of India, and though there is a surging debate over name change, at most one of the two names may be dropped though the government has not given any such indication. But whether to change the name officially, or to drop one, the government will need to make an amendment to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution which names the country.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet" — This line from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare illustrates the point that names are not important, or maybe they are.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet" — This line from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare illustrates the point that names are not important, or maybe they are. There is a buzz over India's possible change of name to 'Bharat' is raging, with several people debating what would be the impact. All of this started on Tuesday (September 5) after Indian President Droupadi Murmu referred to herself as the "President of Bharat" in a dinner invitation to G20 leaders, instead of "President of India". A few hours later, another document circulated that referred to Narendra Modi as the 'Prime Minister of Bharat'. 'Prime Minister of Bharat' is used in a message regarding the Prime Minister's trips to Indonesia on September 6 and September 7 for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Sambit Patra posted the invite on X, previously known as Twitter. The invite led to criticisms by the opposition party. Also read: 'When you say Bharat...': India's foreign minister Jaishankar reacts to India-Bharat name drop row Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote: "Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA." Another Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that he hopes the government would not be "so foolish as to completely dispense with 'India', which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries". BJP president JP Nadda responded to the comments, he said: "Why does the Congress has objection to every subject related to the honour and pride of the country? Why do those who do political tours in the name of Bharat Jodo hate the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'?" What's the origin of Bharat? Is the government really planning to change the name? If yes, what do we know about its origin? In Indian languages and ancient literature, India is also known by the names Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan. In normal everyday discourse, both the general population and the governments use these names interchangeably, but high offices in the country have typically stuck to titles such as President of India, Prime Minister of India and Chief Justice of India while communicating in English, especially during and after the colonial regime. But the Modi-led government is on a path of changing colonial history and imperialist impositions. The plan included changing the names of streets, and museums, also inaugurating the country's new parliament building in New Delhi, as the old one was built almost a century ago during the British colonial era. The same drive might push the government to adopt the name Bharat, which is a short form of Bharatvarsha, 'the land of the descendants of the Bharatas'. It's not a change of name, since the government has already been using both 'Bharat' and 'India', and it may probably be an attempt to go back to how it was in ancient times. Also read: 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times In history books, 'Bharata' is commonly related to King Bharata, the son of Dushyant and Shakuntala. Bharata, who became the Chakravarti, was a member of the Chandravamsha dynasty. He is regarded to be the ancestor of the Pandavas, the Kauravas, Brihadhratha, and Jarasandha. In the Vishnu Purana, there is a geographical description of Bharat. It says, "Uttaram yat samudrasya, Himadreschaiva dakshinam, varsham tad Bharatam nama Bharati yatra santatih". It means that Bharatam, or Bharat is the country that lies to the north of the ocean and to the south of the snowy mountains. Some Hindu texts also referred to Bharatvarsha as part of Jambudweepa. In the latest ebook by Sadhguru, "Bha-ra-ta: The Rhythm of a Nation", he explores the science behind Bharat, India's original name. In one of the interviews regarding his book, when he was asked why "Bharat" matters, Sadhguru elaborated, "Bharat comes from bha – ra – ta. Bhava means sensation. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching are different types of sensations. Your whole experience of life is sensory right now. Bha means sensation, out of which emotion arises. Ra means raga or the tune. The tune is not yours – existence has already set it. Now you have to find the rhythm, which is the tala. If you find the right rhythm, you are a fantastic human being. If you miss the rhythm, you get crushed by the process of life." These are some of the textbook references, but with a rich history, the term can chronicle differently depending on the culture and diversity. × What does the Constitution say? Article 1 of the Indian constitution starts with "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States". The Article 1 reads: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule ⁠The territory of India shall comprise — (a) the territories of the States; (b) the Union territories specified Bharat is another official name of India, and though there is a surging debate over name change, at most one of the two names may be dropped though the government has not given any such indication. But whether to change the name officially, or to drop one, the government will need to make an amendment to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution which names the country. 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.

Explained | Origin of the name 'Bharat' - India's past, present and future

<p>Rustem Umerov will be Ukraine's new defence minister, replacing Oleksii Reznikov who helmed the administrative apparatus of Ukrainian defence since the beginning of war in the region in February 2022 for a full 550-day period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Umerov's nomination as the new defence minister and stated that the parliament would vote on it this week.&nbsp;<img alt="Rustem Umerov has been named Ukraine's new defence minister | Wikimedia Commons" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b97bad5-a0e2-4216-9d9e-4b04551b03f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-04T101929.313.png" /></p>

<p><em>Rustem Umerov has been named Ukraine's new defence minister | Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

<p>Notably, the outgoing Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov is a member of an opposition party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and is not a member of Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rustem Umerov as Ukrainian defence minister: Top challenges</strong></h2>

<p>Umerov will become Ukrainian defence minister when the country has lost an additional 119,000 sq km (46,000 sq mi) territory to Russia, and Kyiv's much-anticipated counter-offensive to reclaim this territory is faltering to the point that it's now reliant on drone attacks to dismantle Russian positions across the frontline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/putins-actions-in-ukraine-do-not-make-indians-anti-russia-heres-why-613578">Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why</a></b></p>

<p>Russia has taken over&nbsp;42,000 sq km of Ukrainian territory by 2022 (Crimea, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk collectively known as the Donbas region).</p>

<p>Umerov faces the immediate challenge of preventing further disintegration of the nation at the hands of the Russian offensive, a perpetual conflict that so far has resulted in the loss of 27 per cent of Ukraine's pre-2014 territory.</p>

<p>Umerov is a prominent member of the Crimean Tatar community and has represented Ukraine in delicate negotiations with Russia after what Kyiv says was the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Moscow in March 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Umerov at forefront of reversing Russian annexation of Crimea</strong></h2>

<p>Starting his career in the telecom industry in 2004, the 41-year-old was elected to the Ukrainian parliament in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his time there, he co-chaired the Crimea Platform, an international diplomatic initiative aimed at reversing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umerov has also served as an advisor to the historic leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev.</p>

<p>After Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Umerov has been involved in confidential talks with Russian officials, including negotiations for high-profile prisoner exchanges and civilian evacuations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been a key figure in Ukraine's efforts to establish an export corridor for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which Russia later withdrew from.</p>

<p>In September of the previous year, he was appointed as the head of the State Property Fund, a challenging position in Ukraine where privatisation has been marred by corruption.</p>

<h2><strong>Umerov to be new defence minister: Why Zelensky made the change?</strong></h2>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine cited the need for "new approaches" while announcing Umerov as the country's next defence minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fate of the existing defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, came under intense speculations in Ukraine after financial irregularities in the defence ministry came to light and the government launched a number of investigations into corruption allegations in general.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has Russia blunted Ukraine's counteroffensive with NATO weapons?</strong></p>

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<p>"Oleksii Reznikov has gone through more than 550 days of full-scale war," &nbsp;Zelensky said in a statement announcing his decision on Sunday night. "I believe that the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society at large."</p>

<p>At present, Ukraine faces the challenge of expanding its army amid the transition of its Soviet-era arsenal to the Western systems.</p>

<p>Notably, while the West is supplying Ukraine with weapons, the Ukrainian defence forces have been trained to operate Soviet-era weaponry. So, training a war-ravaged force on a different system of weaponry altogether while trying to regain territories lost to Russia, will remain the incoming defence minister's top priority.</p>

<p>In its counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions in the country’s south, Ukraine has deployed US and European armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery and guided rockets with disputed effectiveness.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Umerov's controversial actions after Russian annexation of Crimea</strong></h2>

<p>Umerov in April 2021 stated that Ukraine would not supply water to Crimea after its annexation by Russia. Umerov justified this by saying that since Russia has violated international law, it is responsible for the humanitarian needs of the Crimean people.</p>

<h2><strong>Umerov's ancestors were accused of being Nazi collaborators</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Soviet Uzbekistan, Umerov and his family returned to Crimea in Ukraine during the 1980s and 1990s when the Tatars were allowed to come back from Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>In 1944, Russian leader Joseph Stalin ordered the deportation of the entire Crimean Tatar community (roughly 200,000 in number) and accused them of collaborating with the Nazis. Stalin’s government forcibly loaded most Crimean Tatar onto freight cars bound for Central Asia, where they were to be resettled. Reports suggest that nearly half of the deported died during the ordeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stalin's claim is deemed false by most post-second world war analysis, and has been formally recognised as a crime of genocide or 'cultural genocide'.</p>

<p>Umerov's family funded the restoration of a 17th-century Orta Cami Mosque in Bakhchysarai in an act to regain Crimea's cultural and historical heritage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reconstructed mosque, which had been inactive for about 95 years, reopened on 16 August 2013.&nbsp;</p>

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Rustem Umerov will be Ukraine's new defence minister, replacing Oleksii Reznikov who helmed the administrative apparatus of Ukrainian defence since the beginning of war in the region in February 2022 for a full 550-day period.

Rustem Umerov will be Ukraine's new defence minister, replacing Oleksii Reznikov who helmed the administrative apparatus of Ukrainian defence since the beginning of war in the region in February 2022 for a full 550-day period. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Umerov's nomination as the new defence minister and stated that the parliament would vote on it this week. Rustem Umerov has been named Ukraine's new defence minister | Wikimedia Commons Notably, the outgoing Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov is a member of an opposition party Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform and is not a member of Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party. Rustem Umerov as Ukrainian defence minister: Top challenges Umerov will become Ukrainian defence minister when the country has lost an additional 119,000 sq km (46,000 sq mi) territory to Russia, and Kyiv's much-anticipated counter-offensive to reclaim this territory is faltering to the point that it's now reliant on drone attacks to dismantle Russian positions across the frontline. Also read | Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why Russia has taken over 42,000 sq km of Ukrainian territory by 2022 (Crimea, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk collectively known as the Donbas region). Umerov faces the immediate challenge of preventing further disintegration of the nation at the hands of the Russian offensive, a perpetual conflict that so far has resulted in the loss of 27 per cent of Ukraine's pre-2014 territory. Umerov is a prominent member of the Crimean Tatar community and has represented Ukraine in delicate negotiations with Russia after what Kyiv says was the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Moscow in March 2014. Umerov at forefront of reversing Russian annexation of Crimea Starting his career in the telecom industry in 2004, the 41-year-old was elected to the Ukrainian parliament in 2019. During his time there, he co-chaired the Crimea Platform, an international diplomatic initiative aimed at reversing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Umerov has also served as an advisor to the historic leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev. After Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Umerov has been involved in confidential talks with Russian officials, including negotiations for high-profile prisoner exchanges and civilian evacuations. He has been a key figure in Ukraine's efforts to establish an export corridor for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which Russia later withdrew from. In September of the previous year, he was appointed as the head of the State Property Fund, a challenging position in Ukraine where privatisation has been marred by corruption. Umerov to be new defence minister: Why Zelensky made the change? President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine cited the need for "new approaches" while announcing Umerov as the country's next defence minister. The fate of the existing defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, came under intense speculations in Ukraine after financial irregularities in the defence ministry came to light and the government launched a number of investigations into corruption allegations in general. Also watch | Gravitas: Has Russia blunted Ukraine's counteroffensive with NATO weapons? × "Oleksii Reznikov has gone through more than 550 days of full-scale war," Zelensky said in a statement announcing his decision on Sunday night. "I believe that the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society at large." At present, Ukraine faces the challenge of expanding its army amid the transition of its Soviet-era arsenal to the Western systems. Notably, while the West is supplying Ukraine with weapons, the Ukrainian defence forces have been trained to operate Soviet-era weaponry. So, training a war-ravaged force on a different system of weaponry altogether while trying to regain territories lost to Russia, will remain the incoming defence minister's top priority. In its counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions in the country’s south, Ukraine has deployed US and European armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery and guided rockets with disputed effectiveness. Umerov's controversial actions after Russian annexation of Crimea Umerov in April 2021 stated that Ukraine would not supply water to Crimea after its annexation by Russia. Umerov justified this by saying that since Russia has violated international law, it is responsible for the humanitarian needs of the Crimean people. Umerov's ancestors were accused of being Nazi collaborators Born in Soviet Uzbekistan, Umerov and his family returned to Crimea in Ukraine during the 1980s and 1990s when the Tatars were allowed to come back from Uzbekistan. In 1944, Russian leader Joseph Stalin ordered the deportation of the entire Crimean Tatar community (roughly 200,000 in number) and accused them of collaborating with the Nazis. Stalin’s government forcibly loaded most Crimean Tatar onto freight cars bound for Central Asia, where they were to be resettled. Reports suggest that nearly half of the deported died during the ordeal. Stalin's claim is deemed false by most post-second world war analysis, and has been formally recognised as a crime of genocide or 'cultural genocide'. Umerov's family funded the restoration of a 17th-century Orta Cami Mosque in Bakhchysarai in an act to regain Crimea's cultural and historical heritage. The reconstructed mosque, which had been inactive for about 95 years, reopened on 16 August 2013. 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.

Explained: Inside Ukrainian shake up that forced Zelensky to replace his defence minister

<p>At 12:10 pm on September 1, the 24-hour countdown timer began ticking at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre spaceport in Sriharikota.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the end of this countdown, Saturday at 11:50am, India's PSLV rocket in its XL configuration lifted-off carrying the world's most populous nation's maiden mission to study the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named Aditya-L1, the craft will cover a distance of 1.5 million kilometres in space, during a span of approximately 120 days. The craft will be travelling to Lagrange Point 1 or L1, a vantage point from where it would have an unobstructed view of the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To understand the science and applications of Aditya-L1, WION spoke to Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the IIA has contributed the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph payload for this mission and Prof Ramesh is the Principal Investigator of the same.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
While this is a mission to study the sun, it would be travelling only 1 per cent if the Earth-Sun distance, unlike NASA's Parker Solar Probe that has flown a few million miles in the vicinity of the Sun. The Earth-Sun distance is approximately 150 million kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The launch of Aditya-L1 comes barely 10 days after India soft-landed its Chandrayaan-3 craft (comprising a lander and rover) on the moon.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but they are limited by the day-night cycle. So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to study the sun continuously, but each of these observatories would offer their own data (based on the unique characteristics of the equipment). Also, the earth's atmosphere and dust particles scatter the radiation coming in from the sun and affect the quality of the data" Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Explaining the exterior layers of the sun, he said that the sun's Photosphere emitted the strongest light, the photosphere is then covered by the Chromosphere (which extends 1000s of kms) and finally there is the Corona (Sun's outermost layer).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Corona emits light, but it is million times less intense than that of the Photosphere. Therefore, it is only during a solar eclipse(when moon covers the sun's Photosphere by coming in the path between earth and Sun) that we are able to study the faint light from the Corona" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, eclipses happen only one or twice a year and the data from eclipses which last a few minutes would be insufficient to study transient changes.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the Aditya-L1 craft, we have a device known as Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), which is capable of artificially blocking the light of the Photosphere and studying the light from the Corona.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"We are interested in studying the Corona owing to its dynamic nature and regular eruptions from the Corona(Coronal Mass Ejections), where charged particles from the sun travel at 3000km/sec speeds. At this speed, it can reach the earth in around 15hours, he explained.</p>

<p>Such phenomena can affect the electronics and solar panels of satellites orbiting the earth, it can also cause geomagnetic storms that can temporarily swell up earth's atmosphere and drag satellites that are flying as low as 200km&nbsp;orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-commences-countdown-for-maiden-sun-mission-aditya-l1-launch-631132">ISRO commences countdown for launch of maiden sun mission Aditya-L1</a></strong></p>

<p>Such incidents can even known out high-tension power lines (as it happened in Quebec City Canada and In Zurich Airport).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
From the L1 vantage point, around which the spacecraft will be circling, the VELC payload will be able to image the sun's corona every single minute and help researchers understand the fast changes in Solar atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;After moon, India aims for the sun</strong></p>

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<p>Using a Polarimeter, we can also measure and predict which sun spots(dark regions with strong magnetic fields, where even light cannot enter) can erupt and lead to Coronal Mass ejections. in future, this could help us predict any danger to satellites around earth, assess which CMEs will reach earth and which won't.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, when such high-speed particles from the Sun reach the earth's atmosphere, the upper layers of the atmosphere act as a barrier and divert the charged particles to earth's poles, thereby causing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), a dazzling display of light blue-green-yellow-red lights in the winter night skies near the earths north polar and south polar regions.</p>

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At 12:10 pm on September 1, the 24-hour countdown timer began ticking at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre spaceport in Sriharikota. At the end of this countdown, Saturday at 11:50am, India's PSLV rocket in its XL configuration lifted-off carrying the world's most populous nation's maiden mission to study the sun.

At 12:10 pm on September 1, the 24-hour countdown timer began ticking at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre spaceport in Sriharikota. At the end of this countdown, Saturday at 11:50am, India's PSLV rocket in its XL configuration lifted-off carrying the world's most populous nation's maiden mission to study the sun. Named Aditya-L1, the craft will cover a distance of 1.5 million kilometres in space, during a span of approximately 120 days. The craft will be travelling to Lagrange Point 1 or L1, a vantage point from where it would have an unobstructed view of the sun. To understand the science and applications of Aditya-L1, WION spoke to Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). Notably, the IIA has contributed the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph payload for this mission and Prof Ramesh is the Principal Investigator of the same. While this is a mission to study the sun, it would be travelling only 1 per cent if the Earth-Sun distance, unlike NASA's Parker Solar Probe that has flown a few million miles in the vicinity of the Sun. The Earth-Sun distance is approximately 150 million kilometres. The launch of Aditya-L1 comes barely 10 days after India soft-landed its Chandrayaan-3 craft (comprising a lander and rover) on the moon. "Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but they are limited by the day-night cycle. So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to study the sun continuously, but each of these observatories would offer their own data (based on the unique characteristics of the equipment). Also, the earth's atmosphere and dust particles scatter the radiation coming in from the sun and affect the quality of the data" Prof Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION. Explaining the exterior layers of the sun, he said that the sun's Photosphere emitted the strongest light, the photosphere is then covered by the Chromosphere (which extends 1000s of kms) and finally there is the Corona (Sun's outermost layer). "The Corona emits light, but it is million times less intense than that of the Photosphere. Therefore, it is only during a solar eclipse(when moon covers the sun's Photosphere by coming in the path between earth and Sun) that we are able to study the faint light from the Corona" he added. However, eclipses happen only one or twice a year and the data from eclipses which last a few minutes would be insufficient to study transient changes. On the Aditya-L1 craft, we have a device known as Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), which is capable of artificially blocking the light of the Photosphere and studying the light from the Corona. "We are interested in studying the Corona owing to its dynamic nature and regular eruptions from the Corona(Coronal Mass Ejections), where charged particles from the sun travel at 3000km/sec speeds. At this speed, it can reach the earth in around 15hours, he explained. Such phenomena can affect the electronics and solar panels of satellites orbiting the earth, it can also cause geomagnetic storms that can temporarily swell up earth's atmosphere and drag satellites that are flying as low as 200km orbit. Also read | ISRO commences countdown for launch of maiden sun mission Aditya-L1 Such incidents can even known out high-tension power lines (as it happened in Quebec City Canada and In Zurich Airport). From the L1 vantage point, around which the spacecraft will be circling, the VELC payload will be able to image the sun's corona every single minute and help researchers understand the fast changes in Solar atmosphere. Also watch | After moon, India aims for the sun × Using a Polarimeter, we can also measure and predict which sun spots(dark regions with strong magnetic fields, where even light cannot enter) can erupt and lead to Coronal Mass ejections. in future, this could help us predict any danger to satellites around earth, assess which CMEs will reach earth and which won't. Notably, when such high-speed particles from the Sun reach the earth's atmosphere, the upper layers of the atmosphere act as a barrier and divert the charged particles to earth's poles, thereby causing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), a dazzling display of light blue-green-yellow-red lights in the winter night skies near the earths north polar and south polar regions. 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.

Explained | The Why, What, When, Where and How of India's Aditya-L1 Sun mission

<p>Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices.</p>

<p>"The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released &nbsp;video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English.</p>

<p>"I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Where is Gabon?</strong></h2>

<p>The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France.</p>

<p>Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra.</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt'</strong></h2>

<p>The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule.</p>

<p>Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon coup: Reaction of public</strong></h2>

<p>Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago.</p>

<p>In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys.</p>

<h2><strong>How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa?</strong></h2>

<p>The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support?</strong></h2>

<p>This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18a504b3-6e16-46c6-a232-147c1f879735" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-30T185921.556.png" /></p>

<p><em>Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X</em></p>

<p>President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville.</p>

<p>President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Instability in Africa: The French factor</strong></h2>

<p>All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region.</p>

<p>Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime".

Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices. "The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television. The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned. President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'. "I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English. "I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added. Where is Gabon? The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France. Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa. Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra. Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt' The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum. Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule. Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years. Gabon coup: Reaction of public Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace. Also read | Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago. In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys. How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa? The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population. Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank. Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support? This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region. In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family. Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville. President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation. Instability in Africa: The French factor All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region. Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources. 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.

Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support

<p><strong>Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti':</strong> After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "<strong>Shiv Shakti"</strong>.&nbsp;He added that there was also a discussion over naming the point where Chandrayaan-2 crashed in 2019 and the point has been named "Tiranga".</p>

<p>The announcements were made when Prime Minister Modi was at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, where he congratulated the scientists who contributed to the moon mission's success.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-moon-isro-aims-for-the-sun-with-its-aditya-l1-mission-launch-due-in-september-details-629630">After moon, ISRO aims for the Sun with its Aditya-L1 mission. Launch due in September | Check details</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;<br />
During a press address, ISRO Chief K Somnath said, "The country has every right to name the landing site. The naming of the landing site is not the first incident. Several Indian names are already there on the Moon. We have a Sarabhai crater on the Moon. Other countries have also named places related to their scientific accomplishment. All places related to even minor experiments would be named. That is a tradition."</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
🔍What's new here?<br />
<br />
Pragyan rover roams around Shiv Shakti Point in pursuit of lunar secrets at the South Pole 🌗! <a href="https://t.co/1g5gQsgrjM">pic.twitter.com/1g5gQsgrjM</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1695378531243454712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is to be noted that the "Moon" does not come under any jurisdiction. Why? It is because of the Moon Treaty. What is it and what are its rules, here we explain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi salutes ISRO scientists: India celebrates Chandrayaan-3's success</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-salutes-isro-scientists-india-celebrates-chandrayaan-3s-success-629371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Why can no one own the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The Moon Treaty or the Outer Space Treaty was signed during the Cold War era, whose primary objective is "to provide the necessary legal principles for governing the behaviour of states, international organisations, and individuals who explore celestial bodies other than Earth, as well as administration of the resources that exploration may yield."</p>

<p>However, Article 2 of the Treaty states, "Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means." In simple words, this means that the countries have to cooperate in their space exploration activities and cannot stake a claim to the Moon.</p>

<h2><strong>Who names the landing sites on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The International Astronomical Union (IAU) founded in 1919 is the nodal body to standardise the nomenclature of celestial objects. Its tasks involve forcing an executive committee, divisions, commissions and working groups that comprise astronomers from across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On naming the space surfaces, it says, "When the first images of the surface of a planet or satellite are obtained, new themes for naming features are chosen and names of a few important features are proposed, usually by the appropriate IAU Task Group in collaboration with the mission team."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-isro-shares-first-video-of-pragyan-rover-ramping-down-vikram-lander-629033"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Watch | Chandrayaan-3: ISRO shares first selfie video of Pragyan rover ramping down Vikram lander</strong></a></p>

<p>"As higher resolution images and maps become available, names for additional features may be requested by investigators mapping or describing specific surfaces or geological formations."</p>

<p>After following the protocols, the IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) approves the proposed names and posts them on its website. Objections to the names can be raised by mailing the IAU General Secretary within three months.</p>

<p>However, this process can take some time. For example, China’s Moon mission Chang’e 5 landed on the lunar surface on 1 December 2020. The landing site was named Statio Titanchuan. The name was approved by the IAU in May 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the norms for naming the sites?</strong></h2>

<p>The IAU made some suggestions while proposing the names. It stated that for planetary objects, the names should be simple, clear, unambiguous and should not copy existing names.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No names having political, military or religious significance may be used, except for names of political figures prior to the 19th century."</p>

<p>"Commemoration of persons on planetary bodies should not normally be a goal in itself, but may be employed in special circumstances… Persons being so honoured must have been deceased for at least three years, before a proposal may be submitted."</p>

<h2><strong>Has India ever named sites on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The answer to this question is yes. Before Chandrayaan-3 and 2, India named a site on the Moon. In 2008, following the Chandrayaan-1 probe that crashed, the spot was named “Jawahr Sthal” after the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eyes are on ISRO's Pragyaan rover which is on a 14-day exploration of the lunar surface. The rover will collect information and send it to the space agency. Notably, India has created history by becoming the first country to land a probe on the far side of the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti': After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "Shiv Shakti".

Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti': After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "Shiv Shakti". He added that there was also a discussion over naming the point where Chandrayaan-2 crashed in 2019 and the point has been named "Tiranga". The announcements were made when Prime Minister Modi was at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, where he congratulated the scientists who contributed to the moon mission's success. Also read | After moon, ISRO aims for the Sun with its Aditya-L1 mission. Launch due in September | Check details During a press address, ISRO Chief K Somnath said, "The country has every right to name the landing site. The naming of the landing site is not the first incident. Several Indian names are already there on the Moon. We have a Sarabhai crater on the Moon. Other countries have also named places related to their scientific accomplishment. All places related to even minor experiments would be named. That is a tradition." Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 🔍What's new here? Pragyan rover roams around Shiv Shakti Point in pursuit of lunar secrets at the South Pole 🌗! pic.twitter.com/1g5gQsgrjM — ISRO (@isro) August 26, 2023 × However, it is to be noted that the "Moon" does not come under any jurisdiction. Why? It is because of the Moon Treaty. What is it and what are its rules, here we explain. WATCH | PM Modi salutes ISRO scientists: India celebrates Chandrayaan-3's success Why can no one own the Moon? The Moon Treaty or the Outer Space Treaty was signed during the Cold War era, whose primary objective is "to provide the necessary legal principles for governing the behaviour of states, international organisations, and individuals who explore celestial bodies other than Earth, as well as administration of the resources that exploration may yield." However, Article 2 of the Treaty states, "Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means." In simple words, this means that the countries have to cooperate in their space exploration activities and cannot stake a claim to the Moon. Who names the landing sites on the Moon? The International Astronomical Union (IAU) founded in 1919 is the nodal body to standardise the nomenclature of celestial objects. Its tasks involve forcing an executive committee, divisions, commissions and working groups that comprise astronomers from across the world. On naming the space surfaces, it says, "When the first images of the surface of a planet or satellite are obtained, new themes for naming features are chosen and names of a few important features are proposed, usually by the appropriate IAU Task Group in collaboration with the mission team." Also read | Watch | Chandrayaan-3: ISRO shares first selfie video of Pragyan rover ramping down Vikram lander "As higher resolution images and maps become available, names for additional features may be requested by investigators mapping or describing specific surfaces or geological formations." After following the protocols, the IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) approves the proposed names and posts them on its website. Objections to the names can be raised by mailing the IAU General Secretary within three months. However, this process can take some time. For example, China’s Moon mission Chang’e 5 landed on the lunar surface on 1 December 2020. The landing site was named Statio Titanchuan. The name was approved by the IAU in May 2021. What are the norms for naming the sites? The IAU made some suggestions while proposing the names. It stated that for planetary objects, the names should be simple, clear, unambiguous and should not copy existing names. "No names having political, military or religious significance may be used, except for names of political figures prior to the 19th century." "Commemoration of persons on planetary bodies should not normally be a goal in itself, but may be employed in special circumstances… Persons being so honoured must have been deceased for at least three years, before a proposal may be submitted." Has India ever named sites on the Moon? The answer to this question is yes. Before Chandrayaan-3 and 2, India named a site on the Moon. In 2008, following the Chandrayaan-1 probe that crashed, the spot was named “Jawahr Sthal” after the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru. All eyes are on ISRO's Pragyaan rover which is on a 14-day exploration of the lunar surface. The rover will collect information and send it to the space agency. Notably, India has created history by becoming the first country to land a probe on the far side of the Moon. (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.

EXPLAINED | Chandrayaan-3's landing site is named Shiv Shakti. Here's how these points are named

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