Did Navjot Singh Sidhu dump Congress for IPL? The cricketer-turned-politician is returning to the commentary box after a decade with IPL. This year's IPL runs parallel to the Lok Sabha elections. Sidhu appears to have chosen commentary over campaigning for Congress.

Gravitas: Did Navjot Singh Sidhu dump Congress for IPL?

The world is facing a losing battle against electronic waste, said an&nbsp;UN expert on Wednesday (March 20),&nbsp;following a report revealing that 62 million tonnes of mobile phones and devices were discarded worldwide in just one year, with projections indicating a one-third increase by 2030.

Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, encompasses discarded items containing an electric plug or battery, often laden with toxic additives like mercury, posing significant environmental and health risks.

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Kees Baldé, a senior scientific specialist at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sustainable Cycles Programme, emphasised, "These products are frequently not easily repairable, leading to their swift disposal and consequent escalation of global waste generation. We're unequivocally losing the battle."

In 2022, the annual global e-waste output reached 62 million tonnes, marking an 82 per cent surge since 2010. The annual increase in e-waste generation stands at 2.6 million tonnes, potentially reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030.

Baldé expressed concern over the inadequate management of e-waste, highlighting its tendency to end up in landfills, including smaller items like mobile phones or toothbrushes discarded with residual waste.

Experts attribute this surge in e-waste to factors such as heightened consumption, limited repair options, shortened electronic lifecycles, and insufficient infrastructure for e-waste management.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-claim-they-successfully-eliminated-hiv-from-infected-cells-702225">Scientists claim they successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells</a>

Baldé also pointed out that even energy-efficient items like solar panels contribute to e-waste, with an estimated 600,000 tonnes discarded in 2022.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stressed the responsibility of manufacturers in ensuring product longevity and consumer satisfaction. He urged the private sector to adopt a responsible approach, envisioning themselves as good corporate citizens.

(With inputs from agencies)

The world is facing a losing battle against electronic waste, said an UN expert on Wednesday (March 20), following a report revealing that 62 million tonnes of mobile phones and devices were discarded worldwide in just one year, with projections indicating a one-third increase by 2030.

The world is facing a losing battle against electronic waste, said an UN expert on Wednesday (March 20), following a report revealing that 62 million tonnes of mobile phones and devices were discarded worldwide in just one year, with projections indicating a one-third increase by 2030. Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, encompasses discarded items containing an electric plug or battery, often laden with toxic additives like mercury, posing significant environmental and health risks. Also read: Is Vaping better than smoking? Study links e-cigarettes to cancer, changes to DNA as smokers Kees Baldé, a senior scientific specialist at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sustainable Cycles Programme, emphasised, "These products are frequently not easily repairable, leading to their swift disposal and consequent escalation of global waste generation. We're unequivocally losing the battle." In 2022, the annual global e-waste output reached 62 million tonnes, marking an 82 per cent surge since 2010. The annual increase in e-waste generation stands at 2.6 million tonnes, potentially reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Baldé expressed concern over the inadequate management of e-waste, highlighting its tendency to end up in landfills, including smaller items like mobile phones or toothbrushes discarded with residual waste. Experts attribute this surge in e-waste to factors such as heightened consumption, limited repair options, shortened electronic lifecycles, and insufficient infrastructure for e-waste management. Also read: Scientists claim they successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells Baldé also pointed out that even energy-efficient items like solar panels contribute to e-waste, with an estimated 600,000 tonnes discarded in 2022. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stressed the responsibility of manufacturers in ensuring product longevity and consumer satisfaction. He urged the private sector to adopt a responsible approach, envisioning themselves as good corporate citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

62 million tonnes of e-waste piled up in just one year, we’re losing the battle: UN expert

Hong Kong lawmakers have unanimously passed a new tough national security bill that critics believe will curtail civil liberties.

Hong Kong legislature passes new national security law

Hong Kong passes new national security bill which critics say will curb liberties

NATO Chief Jen Stoltenberg visited the Armenian capital of Yerevan on Tuesday. Speaking to residents of the village of Voskepar in Tavush region Nikol Pashinyan warned Armenia's refusal to delineate the Border could trigger a new confrontation. Watch to know more!

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg visits Armenia, calls for peace with Azerbaijan

Flash floods caused by heavy rainfall have wreaked havoc in the Iraqi city of Dohuk. Authorities have reported at least about two casualties due to the heavy flooding that has swept the entire city in the early hours of Tuesday. Watch to know more!

Iraq: 2 victims washed away by floodwaters in Dohuk

The British scientists have just returned from a groundbreaking Expedition but this isn't your typical research. What these scientists have in fact Enlisted the help of some unexpected allies in their quest to unlock the secrets of the Southern Ocean. Watch to know more!

Antarctic Seals assist British scientists in Southern Ocean research

Polish farmers blocked roads with tractors and flares on Wednesday in escalating protests against EU environmental regulations and cheap food imports from neighbouring Ukraine which the bloc provisionally agreed to prolong.

Placards depicted a farmer swinging from the gallows next to wind farms and an EU-emblazoned executioner with the words: "Green Deal equals death of Polish agriculture", referring to the bloc's plan to tackle climate change.

Farmers in Poland and elsewhere in the bloc have been protesting in recent months to demand the re-imposition of customs duties on agricultural imports from Ukraine that were waived after Russia's invasion in 2022.

They say Ukraine's farmers are flooding Europe with cheap imports that leave them unable to compete.

With hundreds of protests planned, Reuters footage from Zakret, east of Warsaw, showed farmers blocking ways into the capital. Tractors lined roads mounted with Polish flags while red flares were set off.

"We demand the withdrawal of the 'Green Deal' as a whole, we demand the withdrawal of the 'Fit for 55' (EU climate plan), the limits on all emissions, all the bans and orders," said protest organiser Lukasz Komorowski, speaking to fellow rallying farmers at the Zakret blockade.

QUOTA CONTROVERSY

On Wednesday, the EU reached provisional agreement to extend Ukrainian food producers' tariff-free access to its markets until June 2025 - albeit with new limits on grain imports.

Polish protest leaders said they were not happy with the latest deal as it included the last few years as a reference for import limits. They want quotas based on figures from well before the war in Ukraine began, when imports were much lower.

"We demand quotas and that they be calculated for the period from 2000, and not as Ukraine wants 2022-2023, because that was when the (import) levels were the highest. This does not fully satisfy us, because it is not a good solution," Slawomir Izdebski, leader of the OPZZ farmers' union, told Reuters.

Polish police said they knew of more than 580 protests planned for Wednesday, with an estimated participation of 70,000 people.

Last Friday, the European Commission also offered concessions to farmers as it proposed an easing of rules on leaving land fallow or rotating crops.

Farmers in the Czech Republic held similar protests.

They drove an estimated 1,600 tractors and other agricultural machinery onto the streets, Barbora Pankova, a spokesperson for the Czech Agrarian Chamber, told Czech Television.

Polish farmers blocked roads with tractors and flares on Wednesday in escalating protests against EU environmental regulations and cheap food imports from neighbouring Ukraine which the bloc provisionally agreed to prolong.

Polish farmers blocked roads with tractors and flares on Wednesday in escalating protests against EU environmental regulations and cheap food imports from neighbouring Ukraine which the bloc provisionally agreed to prolong. Placards depicted a farmer swinging from the gallows next to wind farms and an EU-emblazoned executioner with the words: "Green Deal equals death of Polish agriculture", referring to the bloc's plan to tackle climate change. Farmers in Poland and elsewhere in the bloc have been protesting in recent months to demand the re-imposition of customs duties on agricultural imports from Ukraine that were waived after Russia's invasion in 2022. They say Ukraine's farmers are flooding Europe with cheap imports that leave them unable to compete. With hundreds of protests planned, Reuters footage from Zakret, east of Warsaw, showed farmers blocking ways into the capital. Tractors lined roads mounted with Polish flags while red flares were set off. "We demand the withdrawal of the 'Green Deal' as a whole, we demand the withdrawal of the 'Fit for 55' (EU climate plan), the limits on all emissions, all the bans and orders," said protest organiser Lukasz Komorowski, speaking to fellow rallying farmers at the Zakret blockade. QUOTA CONTROVERSY On Wednesday, the EU reached provisional agreement to extend Ukrainian food producers' tariff-free access to its markets until June 2025 - albeit with new limits on grain imports. Polish protest leaders said they were not happy with the latest deal as it included the last few years as a reference for import limits. They want quotas based on figures from well before the war in Ukraine began, when imports were much lower. "We demand quotas and that they be calculated for the period from 2000, and not as Ukraine wants 2022-2023, because that was when the (import) levels were the highest. This does not fully satisfy us, because it is not a good solution," Slawomir Izdebski, leader of the OPZZ farmers' union, told Reuters. Polish police said they knew of more than 580 protests planned for Wednesday, with an estimated participation of 70,000 people. Last Friday, the European Commission also offered concessions to farmers as it proposed an easing of rules on leaving land fallow or rotating crops. Farmers in the Czech Republic held similar protests. They drove an estimated 1,600 tractors and other agricultural machinery onto the streets, Barbora Pankova, a spokesperson for the Czech Agrarian Chamber, told Czech Television.

Polish farmers intensify protests against 'executioner' EU, demand re-imposition of customs duties

Children's agency UNICEF said last week nearly 1 in 3 children under two in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, twice as many as in January. Watch in for more details!

Gaza crisis: UN says Israel's aid curbs may be a war crime

Every year in the month of March thousands of visitors descend on the quad the University of Washington in Seattle to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Watch to know more!

US: Cherry blossom season in Washington University

A spark can ignite a blaze that can actually engulf the entire world. Ukraine's war is casting an ominous Shadow is the Spectre of NATO and Russia stumbling into an open conflict looms large over the world. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: Decoding the ripple effect of NATO's expansion | Tensions Simmer in Europe

A pristine Treasure of United Kingdom's natural heritage is now under Siege. The river Test renowned for its crystal clear waters and also vibrant ecosystem in the United Kingdom is facing a dire threat from raw sewage that is being pumped into the rivers. Watch to know more!

UK: Heavy rainfall causing sewage overflow in river Test

Here we bring to you WION's climate tracker that showcases climate stories from across the globe: Every major global climate record was broken last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday, with its chief voicing particular concern about ocean heat and shrinking sea ice. Flash floods caused by heavy rainfall have wreaked havoc in the Iraqi city of Dohuk. Authorities have reported at least about two casualties due to the heavy flooding that has swept the entire city in the early hours of Tuesday. Watch to know more!

UN 'red alert' for planet earth | Flash floods wreak havoc in Iraqi city

Two former top US Generals have blamed the Biden Administration for the chaotic departure of US forces from Afghanistan. Watch to know more!

US: Ex-Generals blame Biden administration for chaotic Kabul exit

Ukraine is on the brink of a catastrophe. Russia has amped up its aggression on Ukraine. Moscow is adamant to capture Kyiv but to defend itself from the Russian troops Ukraine urgently awaits more weapons from the west...Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: US Defense Chief vows continued aid to Ukraine

The Supreme Court has allowed the state of Texas to enforce a law (Senate Bill 4) that gives the police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing the border. Watch in for more details!

Race for White House: Biden, Obama & Pelosi to rally virtually with activists | World News | WION

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump in an interview to GB News ( gbnews.com) drew outrage from the White House, Democrats and leaders of Jewish groups for saying Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats hate their religion and Israel.

US: Clock ticks for Trump to meet $454 million bond

Hours after a telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a formal invitation to Modi to Moscow.

Russia President Vladimir Putin invites PM Modi to Russia, invite hours after Modi-Zelensky talk

As the Lok Sabha Elections are nearing political parties are gearing up...in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from organizing a string of rallies and Road shows in the 39 Lok Sabha seat State, the BJP has already stitched up an alliance with GK Vasan's Tamil Maanila Congress. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Will Bhartiya Janata Party open its tally in Tamil Nadu?

China launched a new relay satellite to provide Earth-Moon communications services. It will act as a communications bridge between ground operations on Earth and an upcoming mission on the far side of the moon.

China launches satellite to probe moon 's hidden side, new lunar signal relay satellites

The International Monetary Fund has reached a staff-level agreement to release 1.1 billion for the debt rid in South Asian economy. This comes after Pakistan met key benchmarks set by the IMF including budget adjustments and reforms.

Pakistan vows to continue economic refrms set by IMF, meets IMF benchmarks

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday (March 20) that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but that Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan raises alarm over Chinese military bases | Palestinians lose hope for truce

Armed assailants have forcibly entered the Gwadar port authority complex and opened firing. Multiple blasts have been reported from the area. Pakistan authorities say all the 8 terrorists have been killed, while trying to enter into the Gwadar port. Wion's anas mallick is tracking the development's from Islamabad.

BREAKING | Pakistan: Balochistan's Gwadar under attack, eight gunmen killed

Public health strategies aimed at young people must address issues such as violence against women and risky sexual behaviours associated with exposure to pornography, according to a new research by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers.

The study, conducted by Professor Michael Flood and Ph.D. candidates Maree Crabbe and Kelsey Adams from the QUT School of Justice, drew upon a nationally representative survey of 1,985 Australians aged 15 to 20 regarding their exposure to and use of pornography. Their findings have been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

The survey, conducted by Our Watch, an organisation focused on preventing violence against women and children in Australia, highlighted the public health implications of young people being exposed to pornography.

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Crabbe explained that there is growing evidence indicating that pornography exposure and use have significant impacts on public health, particularly in shaping young people's sexual understandings, expectations, and experiences.

She noted that research has linked pornography with harmful attitudes and behaviours, including risky sexual behaviours, objectification of women, acceptance of rape myths, and sexual coercion and aggression. The aim of the study was to provide comprehensive research examining young people's pornography exposure nationwide, inclusive of demographic and geographical differences.

The survey findings revealed that pornography had a widespread presence in the lives of young Australians, with 86 per cent of male and 69 per cent of female participants reporting exposure to pornography.

Of those, 50.1 per cent of young men and 40.3 per cent of young women reported deliberately seeking pornography the first time they viewed it. Curiosity was cited as the main motivation for seeking pornography, followed by sexual stimulation, peer influence, and the desire to learn more about sex.

Crabbe further highlighted that the average age of first exposure to pornography was 13.2 years for males and 14.1 years for females.

Professor Flood emphasised that the extent of pornography exposure revealed by the study indicates that it likely significantly influences the sexual attitudes and behaviours of Australian young people.

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He noted that pornography use is associated with both perpetration and victimisation of violence, particularly sexual violence among young people aged 15-19. Therefore, efforts to prevent violence should include measures to mitigate the potential harms of pornography.

Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, emphasised the need for more support for young people, including guidance, honest conversations, and information about sex, sexual relationships, and pornography to foster equal, positive, and healthy relationships.

(With inputs from agencies)

Public health strategies aimed at young people must address issues such as violence against women and risky sexual behaviours associated with exposure to pornography, according to a new research by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers.

Public health strategies aimed at young people must address issues such as violence against women and risky sexual behaviours associated with exposure to pornography, according to a new research by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers. The study, conducted by Professor Michael Flood and Ph.D. candidates Maree Crabbe and Kelsey Adams from the QUT School of Justice, drew upon a nationally representative survey of 1,985 Australians aged 15 to 20 regarding their exposure to and use of pornography. Their findings have been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. The survey, conducted by Our Watch, an organisation focused on preventing violence against women and children in Australia, highlighted the public health implications of young people being exposed to pornography. Also read: Scientists find 12,000-year-old preserved human brains resisting decomposition Crabbe explained that there is growing evidence indicating that pornography exposure and use have significant impacts on public health, particularly in shaping young people's sexual understandings, expectations, and experiences. She noted that research has linked pornography with harmful attitudes and behaviours, including risky sexual behaviours, objectification of women, acceptance of rape myths, and sexual coercion and aggression. The aim of the study was to provide comprehensive research examining young people's pornography exposure nationwide, inclusive of demographic and geographical differences. The survey findings revealed that pornography had a widespread presence in the lives of young Australians, with 86 per cent of male and 69 per cent of female participants reporting exposure to pornography. Of those, 50.1 per cent of young men and 40.3 per cent of young women reported deliberately seeking pornography the first time they viewed it. Curiosity was cited as the main motivation for seeking pornography, followed by sexual stimulation, peer influence, and the desire to learn more about sex. Crabbe further highlighted that the average age of first exposure to pornography was 13.2 years for males and 14.1 years for females. Professor Flood emphasised that the extent of pornography exposure revealed by the study indicates that it likely significantly influences the sexual attitudes and behaviours of Australian young people. Also read: More youngsters experiencing unhappiness similar to mid-life crisis: Research He noted that pornography use is associated with both perpetration and victimisation of violence, particularly sexual violence among young people aged 15-19. Therefore, efforts to prevent violence should include measures to mitigate the potential harms of pornography. Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, emphasised the need for more support for young people, including guidance, honest conversations, and information about sex, sexual relationships, and pornography to foster equal, positive, and healthy relationships. (With inputs from agencies)

High exposure to pornography among young Australians leads to violence against women, says research

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