The Election Commission on Thursday released data on the electoral bonds, following a Supreme Court order that directed the State Bank of India to hand over all data regarding the bonds to the election authority. Watch to know more!

Electoral Bonds Data Released: Top 10 contributors to political parties

The Ukrainian Air Force has carried out several strikes in Russian positions Ukrainian attacks have particularly increased in Russia's border region of Belgorod and as per the regional governor two people were killed and 19 others are said to been injured on Thursday after Ukrainian attacks. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian strike on Russia's Belgorod region leaves 2 dead, 19 Injured

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Thursday that he would not hold a general election in early May, in the strongest indication yet that the national vote would take place later this year. Watch to know more!

UK: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rules out May 2 general elections

India's Election Commission will be announcing the dates for the 2024 General Elections tomorrow and with that the model code of conduct will come into force from the time the dates are announced. Watch to know more!

India General Elections 2024: Election Commission to announce election schedule on March 16

According to an exclusive report, during his presidency, former President Donald Trump authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct a covert operation on Chinese social media. The operation aimed to sow discontent among the Chinese public against its government, as per former U.S. officials familiar with the classified mission.

US: Donald Trump authorised CIA to carry out covert operation against Chinese social media in 2019

India has reacted to America's remarks on the implementation of the Citizeship Amendment Act, which was passed in 2019. India's Ministry of External Affairshas rebuffed America's concerns over the CAA.

India rebuffs US' remark on Citizenship Amendment Act, says 'implementation is our internal matter'

The deepening and now-public rift between benjamin netanyahu and joe biden now threatens the US-Israel relationship. The latest flash-point is rafah. Experts say, united states can possibly limit weapons delivery to israel if netanyahu orders incursion into the cramped city.

Israel war: Tensions between US, Israel over Gaza war

A rare sigh in Iran. Large crowds have packed the streets to celebrate the tradition of Chaahaar Shanbeh Suri. Iran has banned dancing in public. It is seen as a way to protest.

Iranians voice outrage during fire festival, Iranians use holiday to defy curbs

Will India hold simultaneous polls at the state & central levels in the future? That's the million-dollar question in the minds of policymakers. Such an exercise will be unprecedented in size and execution. But will it also have a major socio-economic impact? We find out in this report.

India elections 2024: Decoding the economics behind simultaneous polls

Electoral Bonds Data Unveiled: Top 10 contributors to political parties

An aircraft carrying UK defence secretary Grant Shapps faced technical problems with its GPS signal, which happened when it flew close to Russian territory.

Russia: Shapps' jet signals jammed while flying close to Russian territory

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Thursday that he would not hold a general election in early May, in the strongest indication yet that the national vote would take place later this year.

UK: Opposition Parties try to provoke Sunak on holding General Elections

McDonald’s has encountered a significant system failure, leading to the closure of stores and disruption of online and app orders in various countries including Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

"We are aware of a technology outage, which impacted our restaurants; the issue is now being resolved," stated McDonald’s (MCD) in a statement&nbsp;on Friday.

"We thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Notably, the issue is not related to a cybersecurity event," it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-unveils-ambitious-expansion-plans-aiming-for-50000-restaurants-by-2027-667143" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-unveils-ambitious-expansion-plans-aiming-for-50000-restaurants-by-2027-667143&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi759z1j_aEAxWjzDgGHTAPCIUQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zjeAA0yOreVqh-UoBzMLh&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-unveils-ambitious-expansion-plans-aiming-for-50000-restaurants-by-2027-667143" target="_blank">McDonald's&nbsp;unveils ambitious expansion plans</a>

McDonald’s did not provide further details about the cause or extent of the outage.

In Japan, McDonald’s announced on Friday through a post that "Many stores across the country have temporarily suspended operations."

Maria Avram, an employee at a McDonald’s restaurant in London, informed CNN that there was a system outage between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time (2 a.m. and 3 a.m. ET), resulting in staff having to take orders manually and communicate with kitchen colleagues verbally.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s Australia confirmed to CNN that the outage affected its restaurants nationwide.

Similar issues were reported in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

McDonald’s Hong Kong posted on Facebook, "Due to a computer system failure, the mobile ordering and self-ordering kiosks are not functioning. Please order directly at the restaurant counter."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/mcdonalds-comes-under-fire-in-mumbai-for-misleading-customers-with-cheese-substitutes-instead-of-real-thing-693148" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-story/mcdonalds-comes-under-fire-in-mumbai-for-misleading-customers-with-cheese-substitutes-instead-of-real-thing-693148&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi759z1j_aEAxWjzDgGHTAPCIUQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0M7FnrwYeX37-AMb_3ImOY&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/mcdonalds-comes-under-fire-in-mumbai-for-misleading-customers-with-cheese-substitutes-instead-of-real-thing-693148" target="_blank">McDonald's&nbsp;comes under fire in Mumbai for 'misleading' customers&nbsp;</a>

Meanwhile, the McDelivery service in Taiwan announced on its website, "The system is under maintenance, and online and telephone ordering services are temporarily suspended."

According to Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS, McDonald’s Taiwan stated on Friday that some of its eateries, as well as McDelivery, were temporarily unable to conduct transactions due to internet disruptions. McDonald’s assured customers that it is investigating the situation and undertaking necessary repairs.

Among the affected countries, Japan has the highest number of McDonald’s stores, nearly 3,000, followed by the UK, with close to 1,500 restaurants, and Australia, with just over 1,000.

Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Kyiv's forces on one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other.

If Putin completes a new six-year term, he will overtake Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to become Russia's longest-serving ruler since Empress Catherine the Great in the 18th century.

(With inputs from agencies)

McDonald’s has encountered a significant system failure, leading to the closure of stores and disruption of online and app orders in various countries including Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

McDonald’s has encountered a significant system failure, leading to the closure of stores and disruption of online and app orders in various countries including Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. "We are aware of a technology outage, which impacted our restaurants; the issue is now being resolved," stated McDonald’s (MCD) in a statement on Friday. "We thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Notably, the issue is not related to a cybersecurity event," it added. Also read: McDonald's unveils ambitious expansion plans McDonald’s did not provide further details about the cause or extent of the outage. In Japan, McDonald’s announced on Friday through a post that "Many stores across the country have temporarily suspended operations." Maria Avram, an employee at a McDonald’s restaurant in London, informed CNN that there was a system outage between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time (2 a.m. and 3 a.m. ET), resulting in staff having to take orders manually and communicate with kitchen colleagues verbally. A spokesperson for McDonald’s Australia confirmed to CNN that the outage affected its restaurants nationwide. Similar issues were reported in Hong Kong and Taiwan. McDonald’s Hong Kong posted on Facebook, "Due to a computer system failure, the mobile ordering and self-ordering kiosks are not functioning. Please order directly at the restaurant counter." Also read: McDonald's comes under fire in Mumbai for 'misleading' customers Meanwhile, the McDelivery service in Taiwan announced on its website, "The system is under maintenance, and online and telephone ordering services are temporarily suspended." According to Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS, McDonald’s Taiwan stated on Friday that some of its eateries, as well as McDelivery, were temporarily unable to conduct transactions due to internet disruptions. McDonald’s assured customers that it is investigating the situation and undertaking necessary repairs. Among the affected countries, Japan has the highest number of McDonald’s stores, nearly 3,000, followed by the UK, with close to 1,500 restaurants, and Australia, with just over 1,000. Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Kyiv's forces on one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. If Putin completes a new six-year term, he will overtake Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to become Russia's longest-serving ruler since Empress Catherine the Great in the 18th century. (With inputs from agencies)

McDonald’s outlets impacted by major IT failure across the world

Karnataka's former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa faces an FIR under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The FIR has been filed against the former CM for allegedly assaulting a minor girl. Watch the video to know more.

Karnataka: BS Yediyurappa accused of sexually assaulting 17-year-old, probe underway

Electoral Bonds Data Unveiled: Top 10 donors to political parties

Polls opened in Russia's Far East for the first of the 3 days of voting in a presidential election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Voting is also taking place in the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine who are the candidates contesting against Putin and who all were barred from running all this in our next report. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Occupied Ukrainian territories encouraged to vote in Russian election

El Salvador will transfer "a big chunk" of its bitcoin assets to an offline device that will be stored in a physical vault within the Central American country's territory, President Nayib Bukele said on Thursday (March 14).

"We've decided to transfer a big chunk of our Bitcoin to a cold wallet, and store that cold wallet in a physical vault within our national territory," Bukele, who last month was re-elected to a second term as president, said in a post on X. "It's not much, but it's honest work."

According to Bukele's social media account on Thursday, El Salvador's bitcoin portfolio is at close to $407 million.

The true size of the holdings remains unclear, but a recent rally in bitcoin values has reignited interest in the world's largest, if volatile, cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin on Thursday hit a record high of $73,800.

In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to establish bitcoin as legal tender, earning it harsh criticism. One of the strongest critics was the International Monetary Fund, which has been negotiating a large loan with the cash-poor country.

Bukele has also sketched plans for a tax-free crypto haven powered by geothermal energy from a volcano. As he prepares to enter his second term as president, ground has yet to be broken on this so-called Bitcoin City.

El Salvador will transfer "a big chunk" of its bitcoin assets to an offline device that will be stored in a physical vault within the Central American country's territory, President Nayib Bukele said on Thursday (March 14).

El Salvador will transfer "a big chunk" of its bitcoin assets to an offline device that will be stored in a physical vault within the Central American country's territory, President Nayib Bukele said on Thursday (March 14). "We've decided to transfer a big chunk of our Bitcoin to a cold wallet, and store that cold wallet in a physical vault within our national territory," Bukele, who last month was re-elected to a second term as president, said in a post on X. "It's not much, but it's honest work." According to Bukele's social media account on Thursday, El Salvador's bitcoin portfolio is at close to $407 million. The true size of the holdings remains unclear, but a recent rally in bitcoin values has reignited interest in the world's largest, if volatile, cryptocurrency. Bitcoin on Thursday hit a record high of $73,800. In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country in the world to establish bitcoin as legal tender, earning it harsh criticism. One of the strongest critics was the International Monetary Fund, which has been negotiating a large loan with the cash-poor country. Bukele has also sketched plans for a tax-free crypto haven powered by geothermal energy from a volcano. As he prepares to enter his second term as president, ground has yet to be broken on this so-called Bitcoin City.

El Salvador to transfer 'big chunk' of bitcoin to physical vault

Europe’s credibility will be destroyed if Russia is allowed to win in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has warned, as he defended his refusal to rule out sending troops to the country...

Russia-Ukraine war: If Ukraine falls, Europe's security will be at risk warns Macron

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Israel to hold new elections saying that he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way and is an obstacle to peace in the region (a growing humanitarian crisis that is taking place inside Gaza). Schumer the Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest ranking Jewish official in the United States strongly criticized Netanyahu in a 40 minute speech on the senate floor. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Top Biden ally says Israeli PM Netanyahu has 'lost his way'

Chiang Mai, a popular destination for Thai tourists, was shrouded in a thick haze of smog on Friday (March 15), leaving both residents and visitors struggling to breathe in the normally picturesque northern city.

According to IQAir, an&nbsp;air monitoring website, Chiang Ma ranked at the top of the list of the world's most polluted cities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0nPivhPaEAxUeRmcHHWGuCDkQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_IlMIJzgiGGXLhJ_D0jfB&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" target="_blank">Electric vehicles emit more particle&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;than petrol, diesel cars</a>

The level of PM2.5 pollutant, tiny particles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs and cause cancer, surpassed the World Health Organization's annual guideline by more than 35 times.

"People are struggling. I only have this mask, the same one I used during Covid," remarked Kamol, a 62-year-old orange seller&nbsp;to news agency AFP at Warorot Market in the city.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was serving jail term for graft and abuse of power also visited the market on Friday after his release, and was seen posing for photos with supporters.

Chiang Mai, Thaksin's hometown, often faces high levels of pollution in the early months of the year due to crop burning by farmers, as well as forest fires and vehicle emissions exacerbating the problem.

Also read:<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-worlds-worst-air-pollution-disasters-of-all-time-602909" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-worlds-worst-air-pollution-disasters-of-all-time-602909&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0nPivhPaEAxUeRmcHHWGuCDkQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SUVQS78XkA8a6fSdEQtJF&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-worlds-worst-air-pollution-disasters-of-all-time-602909" target="_blank">&nbsp;World's worst air&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;disasters of all time</a>

Heightened awareness of the health risks has prompted some government action, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet approving a Clean Air Act in January to address the issue. The premier is scheduled to visit the city later on Friday and is expected to meet with organisations working on forest fire prevention on Saturday.

However, residents of Chiang Mai, like Kamol, expressed frustration, stating they have received no assistance. Kamol mentioned the necessity of annual health check-ups, particularly for respiratory illnesses.

Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, a government agency recently warned that more action is needed, as last year alone, at least 10 million people required treatment for pollution-related health issues.

"The pollution is always severe, especially at this time of year," remarked Sariya, a 50-year-old shopper in Chiang Mai. "There's little we can do since it's consistently high."

Sariya also pointed out that the city's geography, nestled amidst hills which trap the toxic smog, exacerbates the situation. However, he expressed greater concern for those with pre-existing health conditions, emphasising the need for collective action.

Last year, escalating pollution levels deterred international tourists from visiting, impacting local businesses.&nbsp;The Thai Hotel Association Northern Chapter and vendors also reported cancellations by domestic visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-its-not-entirely-stubble-burning-what-else-fueling-air-pollution-656447" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-its-not-entirely-stubble-burning-what-else-fueling-air-pollution-656447&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0nPivhPaEAxUeRmcHHWGuCDkQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FvgQkfUjc3SzpBuflnG9r&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-its-not-entirely-stubble-burning-what-else-fueling-air-pollution-656447" target="_blank">It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air&nbsp;pollution?</a>

Despite the hazardous air quality, on Friday, Chiang Mai's streets were filled with tourists seemingly unfazed by the smog.

"I'm not worried about the pollution," stated Andy, a 32-year-old tourist from Chengdu, China, noting that his country also grapples with severe air pollution. "I simply enjoy the city because it's beautiful."

French programmer Guillaume Tieufri, 44, echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the pollution had not dampened his enjoyment during his four-day trip. "You just have to carry on and make the most of your day."

(With inputs from agencies)

Chiang Mai, a popular destination for Thai tourists, was shrouded in a thick haze of smog on Friday (March 15), leaving both residents and visitors struggling to breathe in the normally picturesque northern city.

Chiang Mai, a popular destination for Thai tourists, was shrouded in a thick haze of smog on Friday (March 15), leaving both residents and visitors struggling to breathe in the normally picturesque northern city. According to IQAir, an air monitoring website, Chiang Ma ranked at the top of the list of the world's most polluted cities. Also read: Electric vehicles emit more particle pollution than petrol, diesel cars The level of PM2.5 pollutant, tiny particles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs and cause cancer, surpassed the World Health Organization's annual guideline by more than 35 times. "People are struggling. I only have this mask, the same one I used during Covid," remarked Kamol, a 62-year-old orange seller to news agency AFP at Warorot Market in the city. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was serving jail term for graft and abuse of power also visited the market on Friday after his release, and was seen posing for photos with supporters. Chiang Mai, Thaksin's hometown, often faces high levels of pollution in the early months of the year due to crop burning by farmers, as well as forest fires and vehicle emissions exacerbating the problem. Also read: World's worst air pollution disasters of all time Heightened awareness of the health risks has prompted some government action, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's cabinet approving a Clean Air Act in January to address the issue. The premier is scheduled to visit the city later on Friday and is expected to meet with organisations working on forest fire prevention on Saturday. However, residents of Chiang Mai, like Kamol, expressed frustration, stating they have received no assistance. Kamol mentioned the necessity of annual health check-ups, particularly for respiratory illnesses. Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, a government agency recently warned that more action is needed, as last year alone, at least 10 million people required treatment for pollution-related health issues. "The pollution is always severe, especially at this time of year," remarked Sariya, a 50-year-old shopper in Chiang Mai. "There's little we can do since it's consistently high." Sariya also pointed out that the city's geography, nestled amidst hills which trap the toxic smog, exacerbates the situation. However, he expressed greater concern for those with pre-existing health conditions, emphasising the need for collective action. Last year, escalating pollution levels deterred international tourists from visiting, impacting local businesses. The Thai Hotel Association Northern Chapter and vendors also reported cancellations by domestic visitors. Also read: It's not entirely stubble burning. What else is fueling air pollution? Despite the hazardous air quality, on Friday, Chiang Mai's streets were filled with tourists seemingly unfazed by the smog. "I'm not worried about the pollution," stated Andy, a 32-year-old tourist from Chengdu, China, noting that his country also grapples with severe air pollution. "I simply enjoy the city because it's beautiful." French programmer Guillaume Tieufri, 44, echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the pollution had not dampened his enjoyment during his four-day trip. "You just have to carry on and make the most of your day." (With inputs from agencies)

This Thai tourist haven leads as world's most polluted city

Iran is using European ports to provide cover for shipments of weapons to Hezbollah, The Telegraph can reveal. The Lebanese terror group has received missiles and bombs on ships that go on to dock in ports in Belgium, Spain and Italy, sources said.

Lebanon received weapons through European ports: Reports

Trump's China operation: US targets Chinese social media, rivalry intesifies

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Sanctions imposed on three Israeli West Bank settlers by Washington, D.C. Penny Wong announces restoration of funds to relief organisation. Watch to know more!

US imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers | Australia to resume UNRWA funding

Fast fashion, the trend which provides inexpensive yet trendy clothes is becoming popular across the world but the trend is under attack in France where Capital Paris is dubbed the fashion capital of the world it's happening there as well. The country's lower house of parliament has passed a bill which seeks penalties on fast fashion products. Watch to know more!

France: Fast fashion under scanner, lawmakers pass bill seeking penalties on products

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