Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced his defense minister Sergei Shoigu, nominating an economist to take his place in the most substantial shake-up to the military’s command structure since Moscow launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Was arrest of Shoigu's Deputy for corruption the last straw?

Sergei Shoigu, Putin's closest ally, now replaced | Did Shoigu's friendship with Putin turn sour?

The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, in response to recent air and missile strikes by Pakistan in Paktika province. The visit was scheduled on Sunday (May 12). Watch in for more details!

Taliban cancels Pakistan military delegation's visit to Kandahar over Pakistan airstrikes

According to the reports, Britain’s air defence systems are "very limited, to the point of being negligible", as the Ministry of Defence warned of the gravest risk of attack from the skies in 30 years. Watch in for more details!

Focus on UK's depleting defence sources | Can the UK defend itself against air attacks?

The Maldives military still does not have pilots capable of operating three aircraft donated by India, Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has acknowledged, days after 76 Indian defence personnel left the island nation at the instance of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Watch in for more details!

India donates 2 helicopters, Dornier aircraft to Maldives; pilots say 'unable to fly them'

The United Kingdom's Home Office is facing legal action amid worries that minors would be deported to Rwanda because staff incorrectly identify them as adults, according to reports. Watch in for more details!

UK Rwanda deportation plan: Big hiccups | UK Home Office faces legal action

UK's air defences far short of requirements? Can the UK defend itself against air attacks?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended a decision to pause a delivery to Israel of 3,500 bombs over concerns they could be used in the Gazan city of Rafah, saying Israel lacked a “credible plan” to protect civilians sheltering there. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: US' strongest public criticism of Israel, Blinken defends arms pause

Polling began in the fourth phase of general election in India. Polling will be held for 96 seats with 177 million people eligible to cast their ballots.

India General elections: Phase 4 | Fate of 1717 candidates to be decided today

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud much talked about visit to Pakistan has been deferred for unspecified reasons. Mohammed bin Salman was expected to visit the cash-strapped nation before making his visit to Japan. Watch in for more details!

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman postpones Pakistan visit

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections begins today (May 13) in 96 Lok Sabha constituencies across 9 states and a Union Territory. These states and UT include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.

India General Elections 2024 Phase 4: Fate of 1717 candidates to be decided today

Days after 76 Indian defence personnel left the Maldives following the orders of President Mohamed Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon&nbsp;confessed that the Maldives military still lacked pilots qualified to fly three aircraft given by India.

During a press conference on Saturday (May 11) at the President's Office, Ghassan Maumoon gave a briefing to the media about the withdrawal of Indian soldiers who were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.

In response to a question from a reporter, Ghassan Maumoon stated that although certain soldiers had started training to fly the three aircraft donated by the Indian military through agreements made by earlier administrations, there were no Maldivian soldiers in the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) who were qualified to fly them.

"As it was a training that required passing various stages, our soldiers had not reached completion due to various reasons. Therefore, there aren't any people in our force at the moment who are licensed or fully operational to fly the two helicopters and Dornier aircraft," Ghassan Maumoon was quoted as saying by Adhadhu.com news portal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews,com/south-asia/hindustan-aeronautics-limited-personnel-replace-76-indian-troops-in-maldives-720471">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited personnel replace 76 Indian troops in Maldives</a>

Relations between the two nations deteriorated after Muizzu, a pro-China leader, demanded that all Indian military personnel operating the island nation's three aviation platforms leave by May 10. India has already withdrawn 76 military soldiers.

However, a Maldivian media source stated that the Maldives government had no intention of removing Indian Army doctors from&nbsp;the Senahiya Military Hospital.&nbsp;

According to the Adhadhu.com report, key officials of the present administration, in contrast to Ghassan Maumoon's statements, criticised the former government and asserted that the MNDF had competent pilots during their five years in opposition.

Training Maldivians was the main reason for the arrival of Indian soldiers with the helicopters donated during former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen's governments and the Dornier aircraft brought during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government, it said.

Despite the failure to complete the training to date, Foreign Minister Zameer said Saturday that the agreement to replace the Indian soldiers with civilians also included provisions for training local pilots.

Days after 76 Indian defence personnel left the Maldives following the orders of President Mohamed Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon confessed that the Maldives military still lacked pilots qualified to fly three aircraft given by India.

Days after 76 Indian defence personnel left the Maldives following the orders of President Mohamed Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon confessed that the Maldives military still lacked pilots qualified to fly three aircraft given by India. During a press conference on Saturday (May 11) at the President's Office, Ghassan Maumoon gave a briefing to the media about the withdrawal of Indian soldiers who were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. In response to a question from a reporter, Ghassan Maumoon stated that although certain soldiers had started training to fly the three aircraft donated by the Indian military through agreements made by earlier administrations, there were no Maldivian soldiers in the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) who were qualified to fly them. "As it was a training that required passing various stages, our soldiers had not reached completion due to various reasons. Therefore, there aren't any people in our force at the moment who are licensed or fully operational to fly the two helicopters and Dornier aircraft," Ghassan Maumoon was quoted as saying by Adhadhu.com news portal. Also read: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited personnel replace 76 Indian troops in Maldives Relations between the two nations deteriorated after Muizzu, a pro-China leader, demanded that all Indian military personnel operating the island nation's three aviation platforms leave by May 10. India has already withdrawn 76 military soldiers. However, a Maldivian media source stated that the Maldives government had no intention of removing Indian Army doctors from the Senahiya Military Hospital. According to the Adhadhu.com report, key officials of the present administration, in contrast to Ghassan Maumoon's statements, criticised the former government and asserted that the MNDF had competent pilots during their five years in opposition. Training Maldivians was the main reason for the arrival of Indian soldiers with the helicopters donated during former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen's governments and the Dornier aircraft brought during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government, it said. Despite the failure to complete the training to date, Foreign Minister Zameer said Saturday that the agreement to replace the Indian soldiers with civilians also included provisions for training local pilots.

As Indian soldiers leave, Maldives admits their pilots cannot fly aircraft donated by India

Watch top headlines of the hour: - UK faces legalities over Child deportations - Russia: Shot down 31 Ukrainian drones - Brazil flood toll mounts to 145 - Indonesia flood toll rises to 41

UK faces legalities over Child deportations | Russia: Shot down 31 Ukrainian drones

The relentless march of climate change is leaving its mark on nations far and wide. From China to Afghanistan, Indonesia to Brazil, all of them reel from floods.

Climate change fuels global floods

A new initiative will recognise nature as an official artist. The initiative was launched by the united nations live on April 18 2024 before earth day. This means that singers, songwriters and bands who use these sounds can choose to add to it as a featured artist. Some of their profits from streaming platforms like Spotify and apple music will then be shared with environmental causes.

'Nature' becomes an official Spotify artist

In China, a young caretaker Xi Xiamen has taken upon herself to nurture cubs of wild animals in a zoo. From Tiger cubs to baby pandas to little bears she has taken care of around 200 animals in the past 4 years. Her videos gather millions of views on social media platforms.

Young caretaker helps nurture wild animals

Thousands of people are out of their homes in Canada's western province of British Columbia and Alberta, as out-of-control fires rages across the region. The fast-growing wildfire, which began on Friday, has nearly doubled in size. Watch in for more details!

Canada issues evacuation notice over ‘catastrophic’ wildfire

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Indonesia flood toll rises to 41 - India Elections: Phase 4 voting underway - India to sign pact with Iran for Chabahar - Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel - Putin replaces Defence & Security Chiefs

Indonesia flood toll rises to 41 | Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel

After 18 months in power, the Malaysian government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces multiple internal challenges. Ibrahim became Prime Minister at a crucial juncture in the country's politics. There was hope he would unite Malaysia's divided religious and ethnic factions. However, things have not been going according to plan.

Malaysian PM's daughter speaks of 'scary polarisation'

According to ARY News, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is prepared for a conversation with Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

According to ARY News, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is prepared for a conversation with Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister's (PM) Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, made the announcement during an interview with Pakistan's local news station. Rana Sanaullah underlined the importance of a conversation with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claiming that unconditional discussions are the only way ahead and the sole alternative for resolving concerns and creating a conducive environment. He stated that the PTI is an undeniable truth, but "Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari are also a reality." According to ARY News, Sanaullah added that if the debate is political, political parties should be included, and institutions can also participate in the next phase of the dialogue. He emphasised that the involvement of institutions in the discourse is critical to success. Also read: 'Azadi' chorus takes over PoK amid economic crisis; PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts He emphasised that institutions' participation in the discussion is critical to success. Notably, PTI founder Imran Khan, who is now serving a sentence at Adiala Jail, has rejected 'any deal to seek his release' and has urged the courts to expedite hearings in his cases. While speaking with reporters in Adiala Jail, Imran Khan emphasised that those who wish to leave the nation, such as Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, make deals. He stated that for the previous 18 months, he has been prepared for dialogue but not for a deal. Imran Khan went on to say that he had formed a three-member dialogue team and that no former general had expressed an interest in holding discussions. "We are ready to hold talks with everyone, except three political parties - PML-N, PPP, and MQM-P," he stated. Moreover, the former prime minister asserted that dialogue occurs with adversaries, and PTI's most formidable adversaries are the ones with whom dialogue will be initiated, according to ARY News. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif open to dialogue with Imran Khan amid political turbulence, says PM’s adviser

A strong earthquake shook the border of Mexico and Guatemala early Sunday, driving frightened residents into the streets.

The temblor struck just before 6 am near the Mexican border town of Suchiate, where a river by the same name divides the two countries. The epicentre was just off the Pacific coast, 10 miles (16 kilometres) west-southwest of Brisas Barra de Suchiate where the river empties into the sea.

The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, according to the US Geological Survey and a depth of 47 miles (75 kilometres).

In Mexico, there were no immediate reports of damage, but more mountainous, remote parts of the border are prone to landslides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi-45m2qYiGAxUQ1jgGHRjdAUsQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/high-demand-for-quake-alert-apps-in-earthquake-rattled-taiwan-717707" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/high-demand-for-quake-alert-apps-in-earthquake-rattled-taiwan-717707&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-45m2qYiGAxUQ1jgGHRjdAUsQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">High demand for quake alert apps in earthquake-rattled Taiwan</a>

Across the border, Guatemala's national disaster prevention agency shared photos of small landslides onto highways in the Quetzaltenango region and large cracks in walls in a hospital in San Marcos on its social media accounts, but there were no reports of deaths.

In Tapachula, near the border, civil defence brigades were moving through the city looking for signs of damage.

Didier Solares, an official with Suchiate's Civil Defence agency, said so far they had not found damage.

“Luckily, everything is good,” Solares said. “We are talking with companies, to the (rural areas) via radio and there's nothing, there's no damage thank God,” he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi-45m2qYiGAxUQ1jgGHRjdAUsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-heavy-snowfall-like-heavy-snowfall-and-rain-might-trigger-earthquakes-study-719752" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/can-heavy-snowfall-like-heavy-snowfall-and-rain-might-trigger-earthquakes-study-719752&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-45m2qYiGAxUQ1jgGHRjdAUsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Certain weather events, like heavy snowfall and rain, might trigger earthquakes: Study</a>

The early morning quake still gave people a fright.

In the mountainous and picturesque colonial city of San Cristobal, the shaking was strong.

“Here we got up because we have the seismic alert service,” said resident Joaquin Morales. “The alert woke me up because it comes 30 seconds before (the quake).” In Tuxtla Chico, a town near Tapachula, María Guzmán, a teacher said: “It was horrible, it felt strong.

A strong earthquake shook the border of Mexico and Guatemala early Sunday, driving frightened residents into the streets. The temblor struck just before 6 am near the Mexican border town of Suchiate, where a river by the same name divides the two countries.

A strong earthquake shook the border of Mexico and Guatemala early Sunday, driving frightened residents into the streets. The temblor struck just before 6 am near the Mexican border town of Suchiate, where a river by the same name divides the two countries. The epicentre was just off the Pacific coast, 10 miles (16 kilometres) west-southwest of Brisas Barra de Suchiate where the river empties into the sea. The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, according to the US Geological Survey and a depth of 47 miles (75 kilometres). In Mexico, there were no immediate reports of damage, but more mountainous, remote parts of the border are prone to landslides. Also read: High demand for quake alert apps in earthquake-rattled Taiwan Across the border, Guatemala's national disaster prevention agency shared photos of small landslides onto highways in the Quetzaltenango region and large cracks in walls in a hospital in San Marcos on its social media accounts, but there were no reports of deaths. In Tapachula, near the border, civil defence brigades were moving through the city looking for signs of damage. Didier Solares, an official with Suchiate's Civil Defence agency, said so far they had not found damage. “Luckily, everything is good,” Solares said. “We are talking with companies, to the (rural areas) via radio and there's nothing, there's no damage thank God,” he said. Also read: Certain weather events, like heavy snowfall and rain, might trigger earthquakes: Study The early morning quake still gave people a fright. In the mountainous and picturesque colonial city of San Cristobal, the shaking was strong. “Here we got up because we have the seismic alert service,” said resident Joaquin Morales. “The alert woke me up because it comes 30 seconds before (the quake).” In Tuxtla Chico, a town near Tapachula, María Guzmán, a teacher said: “It was horrible, it felt strong.

Magnitude 6.4 earthquake jolts people on Mexico-Guatemala border

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued many warnings that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine is on the table. In response to "threats" from Western leaders, Russia began preparing for missile drills this week near Ukraine that simulate the use of these tactical nuclear missiles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued many warnings that the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine is on the table. In response to "threats" from Western leaders, Russia began preparing for missile drills this week near Ukraine that simulate the use of these tactical nuclear missiles. A top European diplomat has warned that if the Kremlin follows through on the threat, his relationship with China would be destroyed. The foreign minister of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, said in an interview with the BBC's HardTalk programme that the Russian president was bluffing about the prospect of deploying nuclear weapons. When asked if Europe could just "ignore" President Putin's nuclear threats, Landsbergis responded, "Can we count the number of times he has done this in the past? It is a number of times. It's always a bluff." "He has nothing to gain from this, but everything to lose. Some countries are on his side, or he thinks so. China is clearly supporting Russia, and global partners in Latin America and Africa are also more likely to be on Putin's side," Landsbergis said. "But if the threats become a reality, the whole partnership will disappear in an instant," Landsbergis added. "Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons many times, but it's always a bluff. He has nothing to gain from nuclear war, he has everything to lose. When his empty threats make us back down, he escalates anyway. Every time. That's the reality of de-escalation," Landsbergis posted on X along with the clip from the interview. Also read: Ukraine war: Over 4,000 evacuated from Kharkiv after Russia claimed to capture five villages The delayed delivery of Western help, according to Landsbergis, is giving President Putin the incorrect impression. He went on to say that it could cause a conflict outside of Ukraine and involve other nations. "Because we are sending a very clear signal to Putin: if you threaten us, we will retreat. We have to ask, if Putin attacks another country and threatens tactical nukes, what would we do?," he added. He said that sending NATO soldiers to Ukraine should "never be ruled out," and that Lithuania will be a part of any coalition that will help Ukraine win. This comes as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen instructed Chinese President Xi Jinping to persuade its ally Russia to halt the war with Ukraine. She said that China is expected to employ all its influence on Russia to halt Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as stated by her. She also said that President Xi has played a substantial role in de-escalating Russia's reckless nuclear threats, and there is trust that he will continue to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin’s nuclear threats could destroy relationship with China: EU diplomat

At least 50 people were killed in floods in Afghanistan's northern province of Baghlan on Friday, according to&nbsp;a spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior, who added that the death toll might rise. Videos of the flash floods are making rounds on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The recent floods in Baghlan province have caused widespread devastation. According to reports, it has taken numerous lives and destroyed hundreds of homes resulting in displacement. Kindly help the victims by donating 👇🏼<a href="https://t.co/vcB5AbI0DF">https://t.co/vcB5AbI0DF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Baghlan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Baghlan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/4kR8nMusDn">pic.twitter.com/4kR8nMusDn</a>
— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) <a href="https://twitter.com/bashir_gharwall/status/1788980951445324238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"The recent floods in Baghlan province have caused widespread devastation. According to reports, it has taken numerous lives and destroyed hundreds of homes resulting in displacement. Kindly help the victims by donating," a user wrote on X along with sharing a video.&nbsp;

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Afghanistan finds itself on the forefront of climate change impacts, with recent flash floods in the north claiming the lives of over a hundred people. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/nmDcje9BZ8">pic.twitter.com/nmDcje9BZ8</a>
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HabibKhanT/status/1788979898230427918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Following heavy rains, more than five districts in Baghlan experienced flooding, according to Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qaniee, who told Reuters that some families were stranded and in need of immediate assistance.

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Here in Afghanistan, flash floods have hit this afternoon wiping out hundreds of houses in villages caught in their path. During the occupation the billions of dollars meant to help Afghans went to corrupt individulas. Now it is the innocent who suffer. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNAMAnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/kYkAUVGiGl">pic.twitter.com/kYkAUVGiGl</a>
— جبرائیل عمر (@AfghanistanSola) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfghanistanSola/status/1788981080663486649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“The Ministry of Interior has sent teams and helicopters to the area, but due to a shortage of night vision lights in helicopters, the operation may not be successful,” he said.

Heavy rains lashed Afghanistan last month, killing around 70 people, according to the government's disaster management agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidXuvFUMlxptUq" /><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-six-killed-eight-injured-after-blast-in-faizabad-city-719337" target="_blank">Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy</a>

Afghanistan had experienced an extremely dry winter, which consequently dehydrated the land, worsening the impact of flash floods caused by spring downpours.

According to disaster management official Janan Sayeq, the rains caused "approximately 70 people to lose their lives." He stated 56 people suffered injuries and over 2,600 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with 95,000 acres of farmland.

"Afghanistan is experiencing major swings in extreme weather conditions," the UN warned last year.

In eastern Afghanistan, heavy snowfall in February caused a landslide that claimed at least 25 lives, and a three-week period of precipitation that ended in March claimed the lives of about 60 people.

The Taliban-controlled Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rains and flooding in 22 provinces on Friday and Saturday, including the northern province of Sar-e-Pul, which might get 15 to 45 millimeters of rain.

At least 50 people were killed in floods in Afghanistan's northern province of Baghlan on Friday, according to a spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior, who added that the death toll might rise.

At least 50 people were killed in floods in Afghanistan's northern province of Baghlan on Friday, according to a spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior, who added that the death toll might rise. Videos of the flash floods are making rounds on social media. The recent floods in Baghlan province have caused widespread devastation. According to reports, it has taken numerous lives and destroyed hundreds of homes resulting in displacement. Kindly help the victims by donating 👇🏼https://t.co/vcB5AbI0DF#Baghlan #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/4kR8nMusDn — Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) May 10, 2024 × "The recent floods in Baghlan province have caused widespread devastation. According to reports, it has taken numerous lives and destroyed hundreds of homes resulting in displacement. Kindly help the victims by donating," a user wrote on X along with sharing a video. Afghanistan finds itself on the forefront of climate change impacts, with recent flash floods in the north claiming the lives of over a hundred people. pic.twitter.com/nmDcje9BZ8 — Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) May 10, 2024 × Following heavy rains, more than five districts in Baghlan experienced flooding, according to Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qaniee, who told Reuters that some families were stranded and in need of immediate assistance. Here in Afghanistan, flash floods have hit this afternoon wiping out hundreds of houses in villages caught in their path. During the occupation the billions of dollars meant to help Afghans went to corrupt individulas. Now it is the innocent who suffer. @POTUS @UN @UNAMAnews pic.twitter.com/kYkAUVGiGl — جبرائیل عمر (@AfghanistanSola) May 10, 2024 × “The Ministry of Interior has sent teams and helicopters to the area, but due to a shortage of night vision lights in helicopters, the operation may not be successful,” he said. Heavy rains lashed Afghanistan last month, killing around 70 people, according to the government's disaster management agency. Also read: Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy Afghanistan had experienced an extremely dry winter, which consequently dehydrated the land, worsening the impact of flash floods caused by spring downpours. According to disaster management official Janan Sayeq, the rains caused "approximately 70 people to lose their lives." He stated 56 people suffered injuries and over 2,600 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with 95,000 acres of farmland. "Afghanistan is experiencing major swings in extreme weather conditions," the UN warned last year. In eastern Afghanistan, heavy snowfall in February caused a landslide that claimed at least 25 lives, and a three-week period of precipitation that ended in March claimed the lives of about 60 people. The Taliban-controlled Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rains and flooding in 22 provinces on Friday and Saturday, including the northern province of Sar-e-Pul, which might get 15 to 45 millimeters of rain.

Videos show devastating flash floods in Afghanistan; death toll rises to 50

A British court on Thursday (May 9) sentenced a man who called himself a "eunuch-maker" to a minimum of 22 years in prison for mutilating customers and selling gruesome footage of the procedures online.

Marius Gustavson, a 46-year-old Norwegian, pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including five counts of intentionally causing severe harm to others. 
 
During a sentencing hearing at London's Old Bailey, one of Gustavson's victims characterised him as a "lunatic," "an arch-manipulator" and "a butcher".

Gustavson led a "gruesome and grisly" operation, according to Judge Mark Lucraft.

The judge also said that Gustavson's business in severe bodily changes was "extremely dangerous," according to the BBC, describing some of the treatments as "little short of human butchery."

His pay-per-view website promoted several services, including limb freezing, penis removals, and castrations.

In the videos, individuals who appear consenting are seen by Gustavson and his accomplices undergoing physical alterations in London apartments and hotels.

Some of them were as young as 16, according to the BBC report.

In 2020, a man came forward to police and disclosed the operations that had been performed on him.

He was electrocuted while tied to a bed. He also had his testicles clamped.

He added that Gustavson had branded him with the initials "EM," which stands for "eunuch maker."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/trending/us-man-butchers-5-year-old-daughter-carries-her-corpse-to-work-daily-688881" hreflang="en">TRIGGER WARNING: US man butchered 5-year-old daughter, carried her corpse to work daily</a>

Lucraft said that Gustavson had preserved body parts as "trophies" and cooked "what appeared to be human testicles which were then plated to be eaten."

Additionally, according to court records, Gustavson sold human tissue that was collected during the procedures.

While defending him before the Central Criminal Court in London, Gustavson's legal team said his goal was to "put a smile" on the faces of others who shared his body integrity dysphoria (BID) pain.

Prosecutors accused Gustavson of committing "human butchery" for sexual rather than psychological motives.

"We suggest that diagnosis - if it exists - may explain why it is Mr Gustavson acted as he did to have his own body maimed and mutilated, but does not explain why he made a lucrative business out of mutilating others," barrister Caroline Carberry KC was quoted as saying by the BBC.

According to The Guardian, his business made approximately $375,000 from a pool of around 23,000 global subscribers between 2017 and 2021. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A British court on Thursday (May 9) sentenced a man who called himself a "eunuch-maker" to a minimum of 22 years in prison for mutilating customers and selling gruesome footage of the procedures online.

A British court on Thursday (May 9) sentenced a man who called himself a "eunuch-maker" to a minimum of 22 years in prison for mutilating customers and selling gruesome footage of the procedures online. Marius Gustavson, a 46-year-old Norwegian, pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including five counts of intentionally causing severe harm to others. During a sentencing hearing at London's Old Bailey, one of Gustavson's victims characterised him as a "lunatic," "an arch-manipulator" and "a butcher". Gustavson led a "gruesome and grisly" operation, according to Judge Mark Lucraft. The judge also said that Gustavson's business in severe bodily changes was "extremely dangerous," according to the BBC, describing some of the treatments as "little short of human butchery." His pay-per-view website promoted several services, including limb freezing, penis removals, and castrations. In the videos, individuals who appear consenting are seen by Gustavson and his accomplices undergoing physical alterations in London apartments and hotels. Some of them were as young as 16, according to the BBC report. In 2020, a man came forward to police and disclosed the operations that had been performed on him. He was electrocuted while tied to a bed. He also had his testicles clamped. He added that Gustavson had branded him with the initials "EM," which stands for "eunuch maker." Also read: TRIGGER WARNING: US man butchered 5-year-old daughter, carried her corpse to work daily Lucraft said that Gustavson had preserved body parts as "trophies" and cooked "what appeared to be human testicles which were then plated to be eaten." Additionally, according to court records, Gustavson sold human tissue that was collected during the procedures. While defending him before the Central Criminal Court in London, Gustavson's legal team said his goal was to "put a smile" on the faces of others who shared his body integrity dysphoria (BID) pain. Prosecutors accused Gustavson of committing "human butchery" for sexual rather than psychological motives. "We suggest that diagnosis - if it exists - may explain why it is Mr Gustavson acted as he did to have his own body maimed and mutilated, but does not explain why he made a lucrative business out of mutilating others," barrister Caroline Carberry KC was quoted as saying by the BBC. According to The Guardian, his business made approximately $375,000 from a pool of around 23,000 global subscribers between 2017 and 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

TRIGGER WARNING: UK - 'Eunuch Maker' sentenced to 22 years in prison for illegal surgeries and streaming

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