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According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm. There is also a possibility that videos that we see on TikTok as "viral" might not be actually trending earlier but made to trend by showing them continuously on your feed.&nbsp;

Six current and former TikTok and ByteDance employees told Forbes that the social media platform and its parent company can use a feature called "heating" to choose which videos go viral.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-netherlands-wants-to-close-europes-largest-gasfield-groningen-554996">Why Netherlands wants to close Europe's largest gasfield, Groningen?</a>

"The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views. The total video views of heated videos account for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics", says the MINT Heating Playbook, an internal TikTok document reviewed by Forbes.

Unlike ads and sponsored content on TikTok, heated content isn't labelled as "heated" or anything like that.

According to the TikTok spokesperson, it is expanding its "why this video" feature to provide more specificity and transparency around recommended content.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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"We promote some videos to help diversify the content experience and introduce celebrities and emerging creators to the TikTok community," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Insider. "Only a few people, based in the US, have the ability to approve content for promotion in the US, and that content makes up approximately .002% of videos in For You feeds".&nbsp;

According to three sources and internal documents reviewed by Forbes, some employees abused the heating feature by boosting their personal accounts or the accounts of people they know, which is against the company policy.

TikTok and ByteDance employees could use the heating feature to "attract influencers," "promote diverse content," "push important information," and promote "relevant videos that were missed by the recommendations algorithms," as well, according to another document reviewed by Forbes. Two sources of Forbes told the publication that employees could decide on their own what content fits the guidelines.

As the company faces pressure from officials concerned that the app could be used as a tool for the Chinese government, ByteDance has faced increasing criticism in the past as well for giving access to its employees.

TikTok is currently blocked on government devices in at least 27 states in the US, as security concerns about the Chinese-owned app grow.

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According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm.

According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm. There is also a possibility that videos that we see on TikTok as "viral" might not be actually trending earlier but made to trend by showing them continuously on your feed. Six current and former TikTok and ByteDance employees told Forbes that the social media platform and its parent company can use a feature called "heating" to choose which videos go viral. Also Read | Why Netherlands wants to close Europe's largest gasfield, Groningen? "The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views. The total video views of heated videos account for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics", says the MINT Heating Playbook, an internal TikTok document reviewed by Forbes. Unlike ads and sponsored content on TikTok, heated content isn't labelled as "heated" or anything like that. According to the TikTok spokesperson, it is expanding its "why this video" feature to provide more specificity and transparency around recommended content. Watch | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app × "We promote some videos to help diversify the content experience and introduce celebrities and emerging creators to the TikTok community," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Insider. "Only a few people, based in the US, have the ability to approve content for promotion in the US, and that content makes up approximately .002% of videos in For You feeds". According to three sources and internal documents reviewed by Forbes, some employees abused the heating feature by boosting their personal accounts or the accounts of people they know, which is against the company policy. TikTok and ByteDance employees could use the heating feature to "attract influencers," "promote diverse content," "push important information," and promote "relevant videos that were missed by the recommendations algorithms," as well, according to another document reviewed by Forbes. Two sources of Forbes told the publication that employees could decide on their own what content fits the guidelines. As the company faces pressure from officials concerned that the app could be used as a tool for the Chinese government, ByteDance has faced increasing criticism in the past as well for giving access to its employees. TikTok is currently blocked on government devices in at least 27 states in the US, as security concerns about the Chinese-owned app grow. 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.

At TikTok's mercy! Staff can pick which video goes viral using a secret 'heating' button

Generosity has many names. Secrecy is one of them. Keeping an act of generosity a secret is often seen as a preferred way to ensure that the act doesn't become a matter of embarrassment for the beneficiary.&nbsp;The generosity of an Alabama couple has become part of the global news cycle. A small town in the US state is honouring a man who paid off his neighbours' medicine bills for years. Hody Childress, a former US air force veteran kept it a secret until shortly before his death when he had to reveal it to his daughter and task her for dropping the money at&nbsp;the pharmacy.&nbsp;

Hody Childress reportedly began his anonymous charitable campaign when he walked into a drug store in his hometown of Geraldine in 2012 in Alabama. There, he learned from the owner that sometimes families cannot afford to pay for their medicines.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-city-takes-down-rabbit-lantern-as-internet-finds-it-ugly-554532">Chinese city takes down rabbit lantern as internet finds it 'ugly'</a>

Childress then handed the pharmacy owner $100 and told her to save it for "anyone who can’t afford their prescription," Alabama-based WVTM reported.

"Do not tell a soul that money came from me," the owner of Geraldine Drugs, Brooke Walker, recalled Childress saying, according to a Washington Post report on Thursday. "If they ask, just tell them it’s a blessing from the Lord."

Childress went back to the pharmacy, which doubles as a meeting place for many of Geraldine’s 900 residents, monthly over the next decade or so, handing Walker a $100 bill each time for the same purpose, telling the pharmacy owner to say to the beneficiaries that it was simply "a blessing from God".&nbsp;

He contributed thousands of dollars to his fund at a pharmacy for several years.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/osman-kavala-turkish-philanthropist-and-activist-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-473917">Osman Kavala: Turkish philanthropist and activist sentenced to life in prison</a>

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It was enough to help two people a month who lacked insurance or adequate health benefits to cover their prescriptions, according to Washington Post.

Once, obstructed by chronic health issues, Childress tasked his daughter Tania Nix to drop the customary $100 bill to the Geraldine Drugs.

Nix was quoted as saying by Washington Post: "I was shocked – I had no idea that he was helping people at the drug store," Tania said, according to WVTM.

She elaborated on the conversation in an interview with the Washington Post.

"He told me he’d been carrying a $100 bill to the pharmacist in Geraldine on the first of each month, and he didn’t want to know who she’d helped with it. He just wanted to bless people with it," Nix, 58, reportedly said.

Childress died on 1 January, 2023. He is survived by his second wife, Martha Jo, two children, three stepchildren and 15 grandchildren.

Nix told those who gathered at his funeral last weekend about what her father would do at Geraldine Drugs. Word of Nix’s revelation spread around town, inspiring communities across the United States and beyond. 
&nbsp;

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Generosity has many names. Secrecy is one of them. Keeping an act of generosity a secret is often seen as a preferred way to ensure that the act doesn't become a matter of embarrassment for the beneficiary.

Generosity has many names. Secrecy is one of them. Keeping an act of generosity a secret is often seen as a preferred way to ensure that the act doesn't become a matter of embarrassment for the beneficiary. The generosity of an Alabama couple has become part of the global news cycle. A small town in the US state is honouring a man who paid off his neighbours' medicine bills for years. Hody Childress, a former US air force veteran kept it a secret until shortly before his death when he had to reveal it to his daughter and task her for dropping the money at the pharmacy. Hody Childress reportedly began his anonymous charitable campaign when he walked into a drug store in his hometown of Geraldine in 2012 in Alabama. There, he learned from the owner that sometimes families cannot afford to pay for their medicines. ALSO READ | Chinese city takes down rabbit lantern as internet finds it 'ugly' Childress then handed the pharmacy owner $100 and told her to save it for "anyone who can’t afford their prescription," Alabama-based WVTM reported. "Do not tell a soul that money came from me," the owner of Geraldine Drugs, Brooke Walker, recalled Childress saying, according to a Washington Post report on Thursday. "If they ask, just tell them it’s a blessing from the Lord." Childress went back to the pharmacy, which doubles as a meeting place for many of Geraldine’s 900 residents, monthly over the next decade or so, handing Walker a $100 bill each time for the same purpose, telling the pharmacy owner to say to the beneficiaries that it was simply "a blessing from God". He contributed thousands of dollars to his fund at a pharmacy for several years. ALSO WATCH | Osman Kavala: Turkish philanthropist and activist sentenced to life in prison × It was enough to help two people a month who lacked insurance or adequate health benefits to cover their prescriptions, according to Washington Post. Once, obstructed by chronic health issues, Childress tasked his daughter Tania Nix to drop the customary $100 bill to the Geraldine Drugs. Nix was quoted as saying by Washington Post: "I was shocked – I had no idea that he was helping people at the drug store," Tania said, according to WVTM. She elaborated on the conversation in an interview with the Washington Post. "He told me he’d been carrying a $100 bill to the pharmacist in Geraldine on the first of each month, and he didn’t want to know who she’d helped with it. He just wanted to bless people with it," Nix, 58, reportedly said. Childress died on 1 January, 2023. He is survived by his second wife, Martha Jo, two children, three stepchildren and 15 grandchildren. Nix told those who gathered at his funeral last weekend about what her father would do at Geraldine Drugs. Word of Nix’s revelation spread around town, inspiring communities across the United States and beyond. 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.

Alabama man secretly paid pharmacy bills for others, inspiring deed revealed at funeral

A 47-year-old man named Elvis Francois who spent almost 24 days&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea said that he survived by eating a little more than ketchup.&nbsp;Francois was spotted after an aircraft saw the word "help" engraved on the hull of his sailboat, 120 miles northwest of Colombia's Puerto Bolivar, the Colombian navy said in a statement released on Tuesday, as per a CNN report.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-warns-about-tiktok-challenge-that-left-school-students-intoxicated-554615">Mexico gripped by TikTok challenge that leaves school students intoxicated</a>

The Colombian army released a video in which Francois said, "I had no food. It was just a bottle of ketchup that was on the boat, garlic powder and Maggi (stock cubes) so I mixed it up with some water."

Francois after being rescued was transferred to Cartagena where he received medical care and was later handed over to immigration authorities for his return home, Colombian officials said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alhedaa-saudi-herders-use-special-language-for-camel-training-554666">Alheda'a: Saudi herders use 'special language' for camel training</a>

Francois comes from the island nation of Dominica, where he was repairing his boat near the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in December when adverse weather conditions pulled his boat into the&nbsp;sea.&nbsp;

He added, "Twenty four days – no land, nobody to talk to. Don’t know what to do, don’t know where you are. It was rough.At a certain time, I lost&nbsp;all hope. I think about my family."

He said that he lacked navigational knowledge and was unable to manoeuvre his boat back to shore, spending weeks lost at sea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 47-year-old man named Elvis Francois who spent almost 24 days in the Caribbean Sea said that he survived by eating a little more than ketchup. Francois was spotted after an aircraft saw the word "help" engraved on the hull of his sailboat, 120 miles northwest of Colombia's Puerto Bolivar, the Colombian navy said in a statement released on Tuesday, as per a CNN report.

A 47-year-old man named Elvis Francois who spent almost 24 days in the Caribbean Sea said that he survived by eating a little more than ketchup. Francois was spotted after an aircraft saw the word "help" engraved on the hull of his sailboat, 120 miles northwest of Colombia's Puerto Bolivar, the Colombian navy said in a statement released on Tuesday, as per a CNN report. Also read | Mexico gripped by TikTok challenge that leaves school students intoxicated The Colombian army released a video in which Francois said, "I had no food. It was just a bottle of ketchup that was on the boat, garlic powder and Maggi (stock cubes) so I mixed it up with some water." Francois after being rescued was transferred to Cartagena where he received medical care and was later handed over to immigration authorities for his return home, Colombian officials said. Also read | Alheda'a: Saudi herders use 'special language' for camel training Francois comes from the island nation of Dominica, where he was repairing his boat near the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in December when adverse weather conditions pulled his boat into the sea. He added, "Twenty four days – no land, nobody to talk to. Don’t know what to do, don’t know where you are. It was rough.At a certain time, I lost all hope. I think about my family." He said that he lacked navigational knowledge and was unable to manoeuvre his boat back to shore, spending weeks lost at sea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘I had lost hope’: 47-year-old man survives on ketchup for 24 days at sea

A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year.&nbsp;

Spike achieved the milestone on December 7, 2022, when Guinness World Records (GWR) certified him as the oldest living dog in the world at the age of 23 years and 7 days.&nbsp;

Spike's pet-parent Rita Kimball has had him for nearly 14 years, after he was found abandoned in the parking lot of a grocery store in 2009, CNN reported.

"He had been shaved up his back, had blood stains around his neck from a chain or rope, and looked pretty rough," Kimball said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-here-are-the-winners-of-international-dog-photography-awards-2022-551867">In pics | Here are the winners of International Dog Photography Awards 2022</a>

After a grocery store clerk told her the dog had been there for three days, Kimball took the then 10-year-old pooch home to her farm.

"Spike jumped right in and sat on the seat, as if he knew where we were going. It was meant to be," Kimball said in an official statement.

Kimaball named him Spike after being inspired by the big, aggressive dog from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons, reports said.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-researchers-say-dogs-tail-are-only-a-communication-tool-549132">Trending on WION: Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool</a>

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"Spike was a name for a large dog. My guy was small, but he had the attitude of a big dog," Kimball's official statement adds.

A Guinness World Records statement says that Spike, who weighs just 12.9 pounds, has "survived multiple attacks” from other animals and managed to "come back stronger each time."

Kimball said that she first realised Spike had a shot at becoming world's oldest dog when she heard 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon talking about a former record holder, toy fox terrier Pebbles, who died in October 2022.

Now, Spike is regarded in their family as a bit of a celebrity, Kimball is reported to have said, adding that the elderly dog, who is nearly blind and hard of hearing, prefers spending time with people he knows and visiting the animals on her farm.

According to Guinness World Record, the longest-lived dog reliably recorded was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, who died in 1939 aged 29 years and five days.

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A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year.

A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year. Spike achieved the milestone on December 7, 2022, when Guinness World Records (GWR) certified him as the oldest living dog in the world at the age of 23 years and 7 days. Spike's pet-parent Rita Kimball has had him for nearly 14 years, after he was found abandoned in the parking lot of a grocery store in 2009, CNN reported. "He had been shaved up his back, had blood stains around his neck from a chain or rope, and looked pretty rough," Kimball said. ALSO READ | In pics | Here are the winners of International Dog Photography Awards 2022 After a grocery store clerk told her the dog had been there for three days, Kimball took the then 10-year-old pooch home to her farm. "Spike jumped right in and sat on the seat, as if he knew where we were going. It was meant to be," Kimball said in an official statement. Kimaball named him Spike after being inspired by the big, aggressive dog from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons, reports said. ALSO WATCH | Trending on WION: Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool × "Spike was a name for a large dog. My guy was small, but he had the attitude of a big dog," Kimball's official statement adds. A Guinness World Records statement says that Spike, who weighs just 12.9 pounds, has "survived multiple attacks” from other animals and managed to "come back stronger each time." Kimball said that she first realised Spike had a shot at becoming world's oldest dog when she heard 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon talking about a former record holder, toy fox terrier Pebbles, who died in October 2022. Now, Spike is regarded in their family as a bit of a celebrity, Kimball is reported to have said, adding that the elderly dog, who is nearly blind and hard of hearing, prefers spending time with people he knows and visiting the animals on her farm. According to Guinness World Record, the longest-lived dog reliably recorded was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, who died in 1939 aged 29 years and five days. 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.

At over 23, Spike becomes world's oldest living dog

UNESCO has inscribed a traditional connection between camels and the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula in its list of intangible cultural heritage.&nbsp;The UN cultural agency said that a skilled camel herder can use his voice to soothe the animal, make it kneel and change directions as they trudge together through the desert sands with a signal, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-purpose-of-dogs-tail-study-shows-it-does-not-help-in-manoeuvres-but-only-a-communication-tool-548935">Also read |&nbsp;Why does the dog wag its tail? It's only a communication tool, doesn't help in manoeuvres</a>

The cries of camel herder Hamad al-Marri have been recognised as a means of communication with his animals. The cries mean nothing to the untrained animals.

The main motive behind UNESCO listing the communication is to protect the "Alheda'a" and provide an opportunity for its development.&nbsp;

It said, "Herders train their camels to recognise the difference between right and left, to open their mouths when asked, and to kneel down to be ridden."

Known as the ‘ship of the deserts’, camels have been a mode of transportation for long in Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-eco-friendly-tourism-sees-tourists-riding-camels-when-on-safari-477918">Also read |&nbsp;Kenya: Eco-friendly tourism sees tourists riding camels when on safari</a>

Jasser al-Harbash, CEO of the Saudi Arabia Heritage, said there have been rock carvings that painted camels, that tell the story of camels.&nbsp;

Marri, a civil servant who owns around 100 camels, said there is a special language between the camel and its owner. He added that a camel recognises its owner's voice and responds to it immediately, but if someone else calls it, it won't respond.&nbsp;

As per the world organisation, Alheda'a can be deployed for a range of tasks such as bringing together the scattered herd, making them kneel and soothing them as they drink water.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UNESCO has inscribed a traditional connection between camels and the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula in its list of intangible cultural heritage. The UN cultural agency said that a skilled camel herder can use his voice to soothe the animal, make it kneel and change directions as they trudge together through the desert sands with a signal, AFP reported.

UNESCO has inscribed a traditional connection between camels and the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula in its list of intangible cultural heritage. The UN cultural agency said that a skilled camel herder can use his voice to soothe the animal, make it kneel and change directions as they trudge together through the desert sands with a signal, AFP reported. Also read | Why does the dog wag its tail? It's only a communication tool, doesn't help in manoeuvres The cries of camel herder Hamad al-Marri have been recognised as a means of communication with his animals. The cries mean nothing to the untrained animals. The main motive behind UNESCO listing the communication is to protect the "Alheda'a" and provide an opportunity for its development. It said, "Herders train their camels to recognise the difference between right and left, to open their mouths when asked, and to kneel down to be ridden." Known as the ‘ship of the deserts’, camels have been a mode of transportation for long in Saudi Arabia. Also read | Kenya: Eco-friendly tourism sees tourists riding camels when on safari Jasser al-Harbash, CEO of the Saudi Arabia Heritage, said there have been rock carvings that painted camels, that tell the story of camels. Marri, a civil servant who owns around 100 camels, said there is a special language between the camel and its owner. He added that a camel recognises its owner's voice and responds to it immediately, but if someone else calls it, it won't respond. As per the world organisation, Alheda'a can be deployed for a range of tasks such as bringing together the scattered herd, making them kneel and soothing them as they drink water. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Alheda’a: Saudi herders use ‘special language’ for camel training

The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly. The lantern was placed at Sanxia Square in Chongqing, a city of 30 million, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.

"The rabbit has thick eyebrows and looks like a man with a serious expression. Is this a festive rabbit?,"&nbsp;a user is reported to have said on messaging app WeChat.

Another WeChat user reportedly wrote: "It looks like a rabbit goblin."

In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-chinas-chun-yun-the-largest-annual-migration-in-the-world-550353">Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world?</a>

"Internet users say that the rabbit lantern at the square is too embarrassing. After the complaint, we got someone to demolish it," the Sangxia Square Commercial District Management Committee told local media outlet Hongxin News, BBC reported.

But on the other side of the same coin of arguments, some people said it was not necessary to remove the lantern saying that it looked like a traditional rabbit.

In Chinese culture, the rabbit is considered a gentle animal.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-40-day-lunar-new-year-migration-begins-amid-surging-covid-550307">China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid</a>

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Earlier this month, reports emerged saying there was backlash against one of the special stamps for the Year of the Rabbit, released by China Post earlier this month.

The stamp features a blue rabbit with red eyes which has a pen and a piece of paper. People on the internet, however, called it "evil", "scary" and "monstrous", reports said.

But according to local media, the polarising China Post stamp was sold out on the first day of sales itself.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly.

The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly. The lantern was placed at Sanxia Square in Chongqing, a city of 30 million, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. "The rabbit has thick eyebrows and looks like a man with a serious expression. Is this a festive rabbit?," a user is reported to have said on messaging app WeChat. Another WeChat user reportedly wrote: "It looks like a rabbit goblin." In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. ALSO READ | Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world? "Internet users say that the rabbit lantern at the square is too embarrassing. After the complaint, we got someone to demolish it," the Sangxia Square Commercial District Management Committee told local media outlet Hongxin News, BBC reported. But on the other side of the same coin of arguments, some people said it was not necessary to remove the lantern saying that it looked like a traditional rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is considered a gentle animal. ALSO WATCH | China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid × Earlier this month, reports emerged saying there was backlash against one of the special stamps for the Year of the Rabbit, released by China Post earlier this month. The stamp features a blue rabbit with red eyes which has a pen and a piece of paper. People on the internet, however, called it "evil", "scary" and "monstrous", reports said. But according to local media, the polarising China Post stamp was sold out on the first day of sales itself. (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.

Chinese city takes down rabbit lantern as internet finds it ‘ugly’

The dancers' futuristic headgear glints under the lights at a top&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;show, but just two months ago their plastic costumes were sticky bottles tossed into a Tokyo recycling bin.&nbsp;"Plastic", a new production by renowned Japanese company K-BALLET, aims to draw attention to a global pollution crisis through some unusual sets and wardrobe designs.

Tutus made from used bubble wrap, four huge&nbsp;recycled&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;walls and 100 transparent umbrellas left behind in the Japanese capital all feature in the performance, which drew a full house to its first short run in Yokohama.

Resembling space-age creatures with hand-cleaned PET bottles strapped to their bodies, a troupe including US guest star Julian MacKay leapt and spun their way through a shifting labyrinth on stage.

Plastic waste has doubled globally in 20 years and only nine per cent is successfully&nbsp; recycled, according to the OECD group of developed countries.

The United Nations says the volume of plastic entering the oceans will nearly triple by 2040.

MacKay, 25, told AFP that the "huge problem" of plastic waste "really hasn't gotten that spotlight" in the dance world, and he believes performing arts can help inspire people to act.

"When you take a medium like&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;or dance, and you add it together with recycling or upcycling, you kind of force people to think, 'Well, what else can I do, what else works?'."

Back in November, past midnight in Tokyo's Harajuku fashion district, K-BALLET's chief producer Taiju Takano and scenographer Naoya Sakata went rooting through recycling bins to find their plastic props.

Joining staff from waste management company Shirai Eco Centre, they shook out tubs and sorted plastic bottles from piles of used coffee cups, aluminium cans and cigarette butts.

Sakata also used machine-recycled&nbsp;PET bottles provided by Shirai to construct the pixel-like&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;walls and huge letters that descended to spell "party people" in the upbeat finale of the show’s first half.

Overall, more than 10,000&nbsp;recycled&nbsp;and reused bottles were used in "Plastic", and 28-year-old Sakata said it made him realise the amount thrown away each day is "shocking".

Single-use plastic remains a huge problem in&nbsp;Japan, where even individual pieces of fruit frequently come packaged.

But&nbsp;Japan’s residents generate only a third of the plastic waste their American counterparts do, according to the OECD, and less than the average for the organisation’s European members.

Japan&nbsp;also collects and recycles more plastic than many countries, although often for "thermal recycling" where waste is burned for energy.

Takano, 27, said some elements of "Plastic" are intended to evoke old Japanese ideas of sustainability.

"A key word in our culture is 'mottainai'," which describes what a shame it is to waste things, he told AFP.

In the past, it was believed the spirit of an object "would appear as a ghost if you mistreated things and threw them away", he said.

MacKay said the stage design helped him see the plastic items in a different way.

"There's a certain kind of beauty... when light goes through these bottles and creates something that looks almost heavenly," he said.

K-BALLET&nbsp;plans to keep its costumes and props for at least a year, with the hope of re-staging the show, after which Shirai will recycle the bottles.

As audience members filed out of the auditorium, Ayumi Kisaki, a 30-year-old actor, said the performance made her reflect on the problem.

"It's an issue I don't usually think about. But these dancers highlighting the issue of plastic helped me think of it as my own issue to tackle," she told AFP. 
&nbsp;

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The dancers' futuristic headgear glints under the lights at a top ballet show, but just two months ago their plastic costumes were sticky bottles tossed into a Tokyo recycling bin.

The dancers' futuristic headgear glints under the lights at a top ballet show, but just two months ago their plastic costumes were sticky bottles tossed into a Tokyo recycling bin. "Plastic", a new production by renowned Japanese company K-BALLET, aims to draw attention to a global pollution crisis through some unusual sets and wardrobe designs. Tutus made from used bubble wrap, four huge recycled bottle walls and 100 transparent umbrellas left behind in the Japanese capital all feature in the performance, which drew a full house to its first short run in Yokohama. Resembling space-age creatures with hand-cleaned PET bottles strapped to their bodies, a troupe including US guest star Julian MacKay leapt and spun their way through a shifting labyrinth on stage. Plastic waste has doubled globally in 20 years and only nine per cent is successfully recycled, according to the OECD group of developed countries. The United Nations says the volume of plastic entering the oceans will nearly triple by 2040. MacKay, 25, told AFP that the "huge problem" of plastic waste "really hasn't gotten that spotlight" in the dance world, and he believes performing arts can help inspire people to act. "When you take a medium like ballet or dance, and you add it together with recycling or upcycling, you kind of force people to think, 'Well, what else can I do, what else works?'." Back in November, past midnight in Tokyo's Harajuku fashion district, K-BALLET's chief producer Taiju Takano and scenographer Naoya Sakata went rooting through recycling bins to find their plastic props. Joining staff from waste management company Shirai Eco Centre, they shook out tubs and sorted plastic bottles from piles of used coffee cups, aluminium cans and cigarette butts. Sakata also used machine-recycled PET bottles provided by Shirai to construct the pixel-like bottle walls and huge letters that descended to spell "party people" in the upbeat finale of the show’s first half. Overall, more than 10,000 recycled and reused bottles were used in "Plastic", and 28-year-old Sakata said it made him realise the amount thrown away each day is "shocking". Single-use plastic remains a huge problem in Japan, where even individual pieces of fruit frequently come packaged. But Japan’s residents generate only a third of the plastic waste their American counterparts do, according to the OECD, and less than the average for the organisation’s European members. Japan also collects and recycles more plastic than many countries, although often for "thermal recycling" where waste is burned for energy. Takano, 27, said some elements of "Plastic" are intended to evoke old Japanese ideas of sustainability. "A key word in our culture is 'mottainai'," which describes what a shame it is to waste things, he told AFP. In the past, it was believed the spirit of an object "would appear as a ghost if you mistreated things and threw them away", he said. MacKay said the stage design helped him see the plastic items in a different way. "There's a certain kind of beauty... when light goes through these bottles and creates something that looks almost heavenly," he said. K-BALLET plans to keep its costumes and props for at least a year, with the hope of re-staging the show, after which Shirai will recycle the bottles. As audience members filed out of the auditorium, Ayumi Kisaki, a 30-year-old actor, said the performance made her reflect on the problem. "It's an issue I don't usually think about. But these dancers highlighting the issue of plastic helped me think of it as my own issue to tackle," she told AFP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Plastic pirouettes: Japan's recycled bottle ballet

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections&nbsp;constitute an increasing danger and directly cause at least 1.27 million deaths annually. This highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments. According to a new study, intractable lung infections may now be treated using genetically modified bacteria.&nbsp;To combat the danger of antibiotic resistance, research in mice shows drug-resistant illnesses might be targeted and made susceptible to antibiotics that would otherwise be ineffective.

According to studies conducted at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, the bacteria-based treatment increased the survival rate of mice by two-folds compared to applying no treatment at all. No toxicity was visible in the lungs following the administration of a single, high dosage of the medication. The immune system eliminated the modified bacteria in four days after the course of therapy was complete.

Dr Maria Lluch at the International University of Catalonia explained the treatment as a “battering ram that lays siege to antibiotic-resistant bacteria”.

“The treatment punches holes in their cell walls, providing crucial entry points for antibiotics to invade and clear infections at their source,” said Lluch. “We believe this is a promising new strategy to address the leading cause of mortality in hospitals.”&nbsp;

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which may cause intractable infections because the bacteria create biofilms, was the focus of the most recent research. These have the ability to attach to body surfaces and create solid structures that are resistant to medicines.

In the study which was published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was genetically modified to lose its capacity to spread disease and be utilised instead to manufacture toxins that would either kill or prevent the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Before beginning clinical trials, the research team intends to do more studies. They see nebulizers being used to give the treatment in the future, allowing the patient to breathe in a mist of germs. Biofilms can also grow on the surface of endotracheal tubes used by critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilators to breathe.

Up to one in four patients who need intubation are affected with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which affects around half of those who need intubation owing to severe Covid-19. Up to one patient in eight dies from ventilator-associated pneumonia.

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Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections constitute an increasing danger and directly cause at least 1.27 million deaths annually. This highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments.

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections constitute an increasing danger and directly cause at least 1.27 million deaths annually. This highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments. According to a new study, intractable lung infections may now be treated using genetically modified bacteria. To combat the danger of antibiotic resistance, research in mice shows drug-resistant illnesses might be targeted and made susceptible to antibiotics that would otherwise be ineffective. According to studies conducted at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, the bacteria-based treatment increased the survival rate of mice by two-folds compared to applying no treatment at all. No toxicity was visible in the lungs following the administration of a single, high dosage of the medication. The immune system eliminated the modified bacteria in four days after the course of therapy was complete. Dr Maria Lluch at the International University of Catalonia explained the treatment as a “battering ram that lays siege to antibiotic-resistant bacteria”. “The treatment punches holes in their cell walls, providing crucial entry points for antibiotics to invade and clear infections at their source,” said Lluch. “We believe this is a promising new strategy to address the leading cause of mortality in hospitals.” Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which may cause intractable infections because the bacteria create biofilms, was the focus of the most recent research. These have the ability to attach to body surfaces and create solid structures that are resistant to medicines. In the study which was published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was genetically modified to lose its capacity to spread disease and be utilised instead to manufacture toxins that would either kill or prevent the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Before beginning clinical trials, the research team intends to do more studies. They see nebulizers being used to give the treatment in the future, allowing the patient to breathe in a mist of germs. Biofilms can also grow on the surface of endotracheal tubes used by critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilators to breathe. Up to one in four patients who need intubation are affected with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which affects around half of those who need intubation owing to severe Covid-19. Up to one patient in eight dies from ventilator-associated pneumonia. 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.

Genetically modified bacteria could treat lung infections, reveals study

In the past, we have seen many incidents where the smart fitness watches of Apple have saved the lives of people but in a new incident in Australia, a trainer's Apple Watch led to a chain of events resulting in police rushing to his gym. The trainer at a Muay Thai gym in Australia accidentally made an emergency call via Siri.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old Jamie Alleyne, who is a Muay Thai and boxing trainer, accidentally activated Siri on his Apple Watch Series 7, calling emergency services while he was training a client. Unlike other instances where Apple Watch's features like fall detection and Emergency SOS have automatically called for help, this time it was Siri that heard Alleyne shouting the combinations of numbers '1-1-2; and 'good shot' in his training session.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-eating-cake-in-office-as-dangerous-as-smoking-uk-food-regulator-calls-for-ban-on-cakes-in-offices-553889">Eating cake in office as dangerous as smoking? UK food regulator calls for ban on cakes in offices</a>

Like in the US, 911 is dialled in case of an emergency, 112 is the number one dials in Australia in case of an emergency. And if this number is coupled with 'good shot' or 'nice shot', the emergency services are prompted automatically, thinking that it is a call for help or perhaps, a case of suicide.

Moments after, nearly a dozen police officers arrived at the scene expecting some kind of emergency but they found Jamie's show was perfectly fine but he was a bit confused by their sudden presence.

Jamie saw a police officer entering the gym while he was training his first client of the day. "I heard someone come in and I looked around and noticed it was a police officer. I said, ‘Hey there mate, can I help you?'," Jamie told the incident to an Australian news agency.&nbsp;

He added, "And then next minute about 15 officers including undercovers showed up, with several ambulances parked out in the front."

"All of them came in and I was like, ‘What is going on?’ One of them asked who Jamie Avery or something was and I said, 'I am Jamie Alleyne.' "

Jamie was informed that he made an emergency call despite the fact that he did not have his phone with him. This seemed impossible to him, but when he checked his dialled numbers, he discovered a call to 112 and a voicemail from NSW Ambulance stating that crews and officers had been dispatched.

Jamie was holding pads for his client, and the pressure of the button against his wrist must have activated Siri, causing an emergency call to be placed. He removed his watch because it was uncomfortable, and Siri kept appearing while he was yelling combinations '1-1-2' to his client and saying 'good shot.' This is when Jamie and the officers realised this could be the source of the emergency call.

&nbsp;

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In the past, we have seen many incidents where the smart fitness watches of Apple have saved the lives of people but in a new incident in Australia, a trainer's Apple Watch led to a chain of events resulting in police rushing to his gym.

In the past, we have seen many incidents where the smart fitness watches of Apple have saved the lives of people but in a new incident in Australia, a trainer's Apple Watch led to a chain of events resulting in police rushing to his gym. The trainer at a Muay Thai gym in Australia accidentally made an emergency call via Siri. The 34-year-old Jamie Alleyne, who is a Muay Thai and boxing trainer, accidentally activated Siri on his Apple Watch Series 7, calling emergency services while he was training a client. Unlike other instances where Apple Watch's features like fall detection and Emergency SOS have automatically called for help, this time it was Siri that heard Alleyne shouting the combinations of numbers '1-1-2; and 'good shot' in his training session. Also Read | Eating cake in office as dangerous as smoking? UK food regulator calls for ban on cakes in offices Like in the US, 911 is dialled in case of an emergency, 112 is the number one dials in Australia in case of an emergency. And if this number is coupled with 'good shot' or 'nice shot', the emergency services are prompted automatically, thinking that it is a call for help or perhaps, a case of suicide. Moments after, nearly a dozen police officers arrived at the scene expecting some kind of emergency but they found Jamie's show was perfectly fine but he was a bit confused by their sudden presence. Jamie saw a police officer entering the gym while he was training his first client of the day. "I heard someone come in and I looked around and noticed it was a police officer. I said, ‘Hey there mate, can I help you?'," Jamie told the incident to an Australian news agency. He added, "And then next minute about 15 officers including undercovers showed up, with several ambulances parked out in the front." "All of them came in and I was like, ‘What is going on?’ One of them asked who Jamie Avery or something was and I said, 'I am Jamie Alleyne.' " Jamie was informed that he made an emergency call despite the fact that he did not have his phone with him. This seemed impossible to him, but when he checked his dialled numbers, he discovered a call to 112 and a voicemail from NSW Ambulance stating that crews and officers had been dispatched. Jamie was holding pads for his client, and the pressure of the button against his wrist must have activated Siri, causing an emergency call to be placed. He removed his watch because it was uncomfortable, and Siri kept appearing while he was yelling combinations '1-1-2' to his client and saying 'good shot.' This is when Jamie and the officers realised this could be the source of the emergency call. 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.

15 police officers rush to gym after trainer’s Apple Watch triggers emergency call over ‘1-1-2’ shouts

Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green.&nbsp;

Billboards reportedly in Belgium, France, Germany and England were sabotaged by the so-called guerrilla subvertisers. For the unversed, subvertising basically means making spoofs or parodies of advertisements, mostly corporate and political.&nbsp;

Brandalism and Extinction Rebellion, the groups behind the campaign, said they highlighted "misleading adverts and aggressive lobbying tactics" used by these two companies.&nbsp;

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1/ Why have subvertisers targetted <a href="https://twitter.com/BMW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMW</a> this week? In 2022, the car brand was ranked 16th worst company in the world for anti-climate lobbying. <a href="https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ">https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ</a> 
 
Art design by <a href="https://twitter.com/mernywernz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mernywernz</a> 
Installation by Brandalism + XR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrusselsMotorShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrusselsMotorShow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdBrake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdBrake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanFossilAds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanFossilAds</a> <a href="https://t.co/RIOcAZLGvi">pic.twitter.com/RIOcAZLGvi</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615762984583692306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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2/ Like many car brands, BMW have promoted oversized SUVs. The car advertising playbook recommends images of open roads, rugged nature or empty streets.... 
 
[image: billboard at Brussels-Midi train station, 2023] <a href="https://t.co/3lvt8sKglY">pic.twitter.com/3lvt8sKglY</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615765803336335372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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3/ But these SUV adverts rarely mention the climate + pollution impacts of driving around in a 2 tonne truck. 
 
Art design by <a href="https://twitter.com/mernywernz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mernywernz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanFossilAds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanFossilAds</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdBrake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdBrake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrusselsMotorShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrusselsMotorShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7J8M2GQ1x">pic.twitter.com/k7J8M2GQ1x</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615766917838422025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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4/ Whilst you might see lots of adverts for BMW's electric i range, just 10% of its vehicles produced in 2021 were electric and of those two-thirds were hybrids i.e. still powered by fossil fuels. <a href="https://t.co/RavBaVabnC">https://t.co/RavBaVabnC</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1616145612394700801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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6/ <a href="https://twitter.com/transenv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@transenv</a> research suggests that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BMW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BMW</a> is using unrealistic and optimistic assumptions about emissions from hybrids “as a compliance strategy to easily meet their CO2 targets without the cars actually achieving these savings in the real world.” 
 
Artwork by <a href="https://twitter.com/darren_cullen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Darren_Cullen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xfmPL5rBlD">pic.twitter.com/xfmPL5rBlD</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1616147555946987530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They further added that both car manufacturers are "heavily invested in selling polluting combustion engine vehicles" even though their adverts emphasise that they are focused on electric vehicles (EVs).&nbsp;

The Guardian reported that the climate activists targeted the billboards when the European Motor Show opened its doors in Brussels for its 100th anniversary over the weekend.&nbsp;

Over time, concerns have been raised over the way car companies present themselves through ads. Some critics believe that some car companies might be misleading the public with their adverts.&nbsp;

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Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green.

Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green. Billboards reportedly in Belgium, France, Germany and England were sabotaged by the so-called guerrilla subvertisers. For the unversed, subvertising basically means making spoofs or parodies of advertisements, mostly corporate and political. Brandalism and Extinction Rebellion, the groups behind the campaign, said they highlighted "misleading adverts and aggressive lobbying tactics" used by these two companies. 1/ Why have subvertisers targetted @BMW this week? In 2022, the car brand was ranked 16th worst company in the world for anti-climate lobbying. https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ Art design by @mernywernz Installation by Brandalism + XR #BrusselsMotorShow #AdBrake #BanFossilAds pic.twitter.com/RIOcAZLGvi — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 2/ Like many car brands, BMW have promoted oversized SUVs. The car advertising playbook recommends images of open roads, rugged nature or empty streets.... [image: billboard at Brussels-Midi train station, 2023] pic.twitter.com/3lvt8sKglY — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 3/ But these SUV adverts rarely mention the climate + pollution impacts of driving around in a 2 tonne truck. Art design by @mernywernz #BanFossilAds #AdBrake #BrusselsMotorShow pic.twitter.com/k7J8M2GQ1x — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 4/ Whilst you might see lots of adverts for BMW's electric i range, just 10% of its vehicles produced in 2021 were electric and of those two-thirds were hybrids i.e. still powered by fossil fuels. https://t.co/RavBaVabnC — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 19, 2023 × 6/ @transenv research suggests that #BMW is using unrealistic and optimistic assumptions about emissions from hybrids “as a compliance strategy to easily meet their CO2 targets without the cars actually achieving these savings in the real world.” Artwork by @Darren_Cullen. pic.twitter.com/xfmPL5rBlD — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 19, 2023 × They further added that both car manufacturers are "heavily invested in selling polluting combustion engine vehicles" even though their adverts emphasise that they are focused on electric vehicles (EVs). The Guardian reported that the climate activists targeted the billboards when the European Motor Show opened its doors in Brussels for its 100th anniversary over the weekend. Over time, concerns have been raised over the way car companies present themselves through ads. Some critics believe that some car companies might be misleading the public with their adverts. 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.

Climate activists target billboards of car companies to highlight 'misleading adverts'

The new statistics from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) show that costlier smartphones have stalled the increase in new Internet users in the country. The Internet sector is one of the largest online markets in the world which has been adding new users every year at a rapid rate. But after seeing rapid growth in this sector for nearly a decade, the numbers seem stuck now at 800 million users for two years.&nbsp;

The data from the telecommunications regulator show that the country earlier had 837 million Internet subscriptions as of June 2022, out of which 92 per cent were mobile broadband connections. TRAI defines broadband as a connection with a speed of at least 512 kilobits per second.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-24-what-should-india-expect-in-the-energy-sector-553994">Budget 2023-24: What should India expect in the energy sector?</a>

The number of connections in January 2021 was 734 million, and in October 2022, the latest month for which data is available, it was 789 million, with an increase of only about 7 per cent. In contrast, from 2016 to 2020, the number of mobile Internet connections doubled every year.

Analysts of these trends say that this is due to the rising price of smartphones which is, in turn, driven by global supply chain problems and chip shortages.&nbsp;The Indian government has said in the past that the country is the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer after China but still relies on imports for semiconductors that power smartphones.&nbsp;

A market research company, International Data Corporation also estimated in 2022 that smartphone prices had risen by 20 per cent on average since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Several leading phone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Samsung increased prices after launching phones.

Watch |&nbsp;Android smartphones might become expensive due to CCI's ruling, says Google

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Another market research company, Counterpoint, also researched this area and found that the smartphone market in India had failed all the growth expectations n 2022. The reasons they cited were-

1) First, it was due to the shortages in mobile components 
2) Second, it was due to higher retail prices and inflation 
But despite having the supply chain back on track by the first half of 2022, demand did not improve as expected.

"The weak demand was especially felt in the entry and mid-level price bands", said the company, which estimates that smartphone sales in India could fall by 5 per cent until March 2023.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-counter-terrorism-defence-india-and-oman-hold-strategic-dialogue-in-delhi-553971">With focus on counter-terrorism, defence, India and Oman hold strategic dialogue in Delhi</a>

On an earnings call in November 2022, Mr Gopal Vittal, chief executive of Bharti Airtel, said, "Imagine a poor customer who has a feature phone and who’s made a decision to change to a smartphone. And he’s been told that the price is about 6,500 to 7,000 rupees (S$105 to S$113). But he lands in the store and finds that it’s actually 10,000 rupees. He will go away".&nbsp;

As a result, the market for used phones has grown. Cashify, an online resale marketplace, recorded a 50 per cent growth in revenue from 3.3 billion rupees in 2021 to 4.9 billion rupees in 2022.

The immediate future for the smartphone market is not rosy, as many telecom analysts believe that any significant growth in this field will be seen only in three to five years from now. And this growth will only be possible when new production incentives will be given to domestic chip manufacturing.&nbsp;

In April 2021, India announced incentives worth 760 billion rupees to companies manufacturing mobile parts, semiconductors and displays in the country. Now, about 15 per cent to 20 per cent of Indian phone is made in India. The government aims to increase this from 35 per cent to 40 per cent.

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The new statistics from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) show that costlier smartphones have stalled the increase in new Internet users in the country.

The new statistics from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) show that costlier smartphones have stalled the increase in new Internet users in the country. The Internet sector is one of the largest online markets in the world which has been adding new users every year at a rapid rate. But after seeing rapid growth in this sector for nearly a decade, the numbers seem stuck now at 800 million users for two years. The data from the telecommunications regulator show that the country earlier had 837 million Internet subscriptions as of June 2022, out of which 92 per cent were mobile broadband connections. TRAI defines broadband as a connection with a speed of at least 512 kilobits per second. Also Read | Budget 2023-24: What should India expect in the energy sector? The number of connections in January 2021 was 734 million, and in October 2022, the latest month for which data is available, it was 789 million, with an increase of only about 7 per cent. In contrast, from 2016 to 2020, the number of mobile Internet connections doubled every year. Analysts of these trends say that this is due to the rising price of smartphones which is, in turn, driven by global supply chain problems and chip shortages. The Indian government has said in the past that the country is the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer after China but still relies on imports for semiconductors that power smartphones. A market research company, International Data Corporation also estimated in 2022 that smartphone prices had risen by 20 per cent on average since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Several leading phone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Samsung increased prices after launching phones. Watch | Android smartphones might become expensive due to CCI's ruling, says Google × Another market research company, Counterpoint, also researched this area and found that the smartphone market in India had failed all the growth expectations n 2022. The reasons they cited were- 1) First, it was due to the shortages in mobile components 2) Second, it was due to higher retail prices and inflation But despite having the supply chain back on track by the first half of 2022, demand did not improve as expected. "The weak demand was especially felt in the entry and mid-level price bands", said the company, which estimates that smartphone sales in India could fall by 5 per cent until March 2023. Also Read | With focus on counter-terrorism, defence, India and Oman hold strategic dialogue in Delhi On an earnings call in November 2022, Mr Gopal Vittal, chief executive of Bharti Airtel, said, "Imagine a poor customer who has a feature phone and who’s made a decision to change to a smartphone. And he’s been told that the price is about 6,500 to 7,000 rupees (S$105 to S$113). But he lands in the store and finds that it’s actually 10,000 rupees. He will go away". As a result, the market for used phones has grown. Cashify, an online resale marketplace, recorded a 50 per cent growth in revenue from 3.3 billion rupees in 2021 to 4.9 billion rupees in 2022. The immediate future for the smartphone market is not rosy, as many telecom analysts believe that any significant growth in this field will be seen only in three to five years from now. And this growth will only be possible when new production incentives will be given to domestic chip manufacturing. In April 2021, India announced incentives worth 760 billion rupees to companies manufacturing mobile parts, semiconductors and displays in the country. Now, about 15 per cent to 20 per cent of Indian phone is made in India. The government aims to increase this from 35 per cent to 40 per cent. 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.

India: Rising price of smartphones stalls the growth of internet users

Retail group Argos has said that as of the end of June this year, it would cease all business activities&nbsp;and close all its stores&nbsp;in the Republic of Ireland. Argos will start the process of progressively winding down its Irish operations. Customers can still visit Argos stores in the Republic of Ireland through June 24. Customers in Ireland won't be able to place purchases through Argos' home delivery service or use its website to pay for them after March 22. Customers will still be able to reserve items online and pay for them in-store till the moment of company closure, and orders placed before this date will be completed. Argos says the decision will result in the closure of 34 stores across Ireland.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is Argos closing Irish stores?&nbsp;</h2>

The company claimed that after giving the matter due thought and reviewing all of its activities and business in the nation, it finally made the choice. According to the company's statement, Argos determined that other areas of its business would benefit more from the expenditure needed to expand and modernise the Irish portion of its operations.

<h2>Will Argos compensate employees?&nbsp;</h2>

According to the company, Argos will present an increased redundancy package (advantages that a company offers to employees who lose their employment) which goes well beyond its statutory duties. It said the small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment. Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, said as with any major change to our business, the company have not made this decision lightly and will do everything it can to support those impacted.&nbsp;

<h2>How many employees are expected to lose their job?&nbsp;</h2>

With the closure of Irish stores by Argos, loss of 580 jobs is likely to take place.&nbsp;

<h2>Irish trade union, Mandate, expresses disappointment</h2>

Mandate, a trade union that advocates for Irish retail employees, voiced unhappiness with the decision. According to mandate official Michael Meegan, the union will work closely with the business to negotiate the best terms for the employees who will be laid off. He said that it is a difficult decision for Argos's staff in Ireland as they got the news that the company will be closing down in Ireland.

"Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage," he said. "We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company," he added.&nbsp;

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Retail group Argos has said that as of the end of June this year, it would cease all business activities and close all its stores in the Republic of Ireland. Argos will start the process of progressively winding down its Irish operations.

Retail group Argos has said that as of the end of June this year, it would cease all business activities and close all its stores in the Republic of Ireland. Argos will start the process of progressively winding down its Irish operations. Customers can still visit Argos stores in the Republic of Ireland through June 24. Customers in Ireland won't be able to place purchases through Argos' home delivery service or use its website to pay for them after March 22. Customers will still be able to reserve items online and pay for them in-store till the moment of company closure, and orders placed before this date will be completed. Argos says the decision will result in the closure of 34 stores across Ireland. Why is Argos closing Irish stores? The company claimed that after giving the matter due thought and reviewing all of its activities and business in the nation, it finally made the choice. According to the company's statement, Argos determined that other areas of its business would benefit more from the expenditure needed to expand and modernise the Irish portion of its operations. Will Argos compensate employees? According to the company, Argos will present an increased redundancy package (advantages that a company offers to employees who lose their employment) which goes well beyond its statutory duties. It said the small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment. Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, said as with any major change to our business, the company have not made this decision lightly and will do everything it can to support those impacted. How many employees are expected to lose their job? With the closure of Irish stores by Argos, loss of 580 jobs is likely to take place. Irish trade union, Mandate, expresses disappointment Mandate, a trade union that advocates for Irish retail employees, voiced unhappiness with the decision. According to mandate official Michael Meegan, the union will work closely with the business to negotiate the best terms for the employees who will be laid off. He said that it is a difficult decision for Argos's staff in Ireland as they got the news that the company will be closing down in Ireland. "Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage," he said. "We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Why is retail group Argos closing all its stores in Ireland?

A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination. The industrial strength "surface protection" creates a transparent water-repellent layer that splashes back urine when it hits, news agency AFP reported.

The special spray-on liquid is being applied at nearly a dozen sites in London's Soho, a hub of entertainment and leisure consisting of a warren of bars, restaurants, theatres and other venues as well as residential apartments.

"It is very effective, the proof is in the pudding," local councillor Aicha Less told AFP, while demonstrating the transparent paint's splash-back ability with a bottle of water.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/londons-nightlife-scene-dormant-since-start-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-328835">London's nightlife scene dormant since start of the Coronavirus pandemic</a>

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Westminster City Council has launched the initiative following complaints from some of Soho's approximately 3,000 residents, as well as from workers and business operators.

"Obviously pee isn't very pleasant and our residents are very upset," Aicha Less added.

"They step out of their front door in the morning and just get the stench of urine," she added. Locals are "entitled to live in a clean, safe environment".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tales-of-the-citiessexy-and-rich-powerful-and-dirty-523">'Tales of the cities': Sexy and Rich, Powerful and Dirty</a>

The Westminster City Council took the idea after it was previously used by another local authority in Germany.&nbsp;

Contractors were seen erecting the signs at targeted sites saying they have been sprayed and the message: "This wall is not a urinal."

Westminster spends nearly £1 million (US$1.24 million) annually on street cleaning, which includes hosing down peed-on side streets. It hopes this new strategy will lower that bill.

"We'll see what impact it makes in, say, six months' time and if there is less of a stench in the air," said Less.

About London's Soho

The 0.6 sq km district in the heart of London&nbsp;boasts of more than 400 premises licensed to sell alcohol, around a quarter of them late into the night.

Westminster City Council is also looking at handing out more fines for public urination, a criminal offence that could cost offenders £50 (US$62) or £80.

It has also rolled out temporary urinal stands in various Soho locations from Thursday to Sunday, when the area is busiest.

 
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A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination.

A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination. The industrial strength "surface protection" creates a transparent water-repellent layer that splashes back urine when it hits, news agency AFP reported. The special spray-on liquid is being applied at nearly a dozen sites in London's Soho, a hub of entertainment and leisure consisting of a warren of bars, restaurants, theatres and other venues as well as residential apartments. "It is very effective, the proof is in the pudding," local councillor Aicha Less told AFP, while demonstrating the transparent paint's splash-back ability with a bottle of water. ALSO WATCH | London's nightlife scene dormant since start of the Coronavirus pandemic × Westminster City Council has launched the initiative following complaints from some of Soho's approximately 3,000 residents, as well as from workers and business operators. "Obviously pee isn't very pleasant and our residents are very upset," Aicha Less added. "They step out of their front door in the morning and just get the stench of urine," she added. Locals are "entitled to live in a clean, safe environment". ALSO READ | 'Tales of the cities': Sexy and Rich, Powerful and Dirty The Westminster City Council took the idea after it was previously used by another local authority in Germany. Contractors were seen erecting the signs at targeted sites saying they have been sprayed and the message: "This wall is not a urinal." Westminster spends nearly £1 million (US$1.24 million) annually on street cleaning, which includes hosing down peed-on side streets. It hopes this new strategy will lower that bill. "We'll see what impact it makes in, say, six months' time and if there is less of a stench in the air," said Less. About London's Soho The 0.6 sq km district in the heart of London boasts of more than 400 premises licensed to sell alcohol, around a quarter of them late into the night. Westminster City Council is also looking at handing out more fines for public urination, a criminal offence that could cost offenders £50 (US$62) or £80. It has also rolled out temporary urinal stands in various Soho locations from Thursday to Sunday, when the area is busiest. 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.

London's Soho district gets pee-repellent paint on walls to deter public urination

The grunge rock band Screaming Trees' co-founder and bassist Van Conner passed away at the age of 55. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, his brother, Gary Lee, confirmed the news and stated that his brother had passed away on Tuesday after a protracted illness. He wrote that pneumonia ultimately took his brother's life. "He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever," he added.&nbsp;

Gary Lee on 5 January gave followers an update on his brother's health, stating that Van had been sent to the hospital with "a liver infection" and had been suffering from an assortment of health problems since late 2021. In a long post, he described Van's health issues, claiming that he was unable to move after being put into a coma before Christmas 2021 due to emergency stomach surgery. During his recovery, Conner also contracted COVID, which led to a blood clot in his lungs that badly damaged the organ.

Lee said at the time said that Conner has been confined to a hospital bed at home for several months and has not seemed to be making any progress towards recovery. He added that his brother had been avoiding getting the medical help he needs and asked fans to send positive vibes or pray for him. &nbsp;In a follow-up update on Jan. 9, he said Van seems to be making progress, his liver is not completely shot but it was touch and go for a few days last week.

Conner was confined to a hospital bed at home for a number of months, and according to Lee at the time, he was not appearing to be making any progress toward recovery. He said that his brother had been delaying receiving the necessary medical care and urged supporters to pray or send good vibes his way. he Later, Lee stated in a follow-up update on 9 January that Van seems to be improving and his liver is not entirely damaged.&nbsp;

Midway through the 1980s, the two brothers, drummer Mark Pickerel, and vocalist Mark Lanegan—who passed away last year at the age of 57—formed the Washington-based band. In the 1980s and 1990s, Screaming Trees was a part of the Pacific Northwest's budding grunge music movement, which subsequently gave rise to ground-breaking bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden.

In 1991, Screaming Trees released their fifth album, Uncle Anesthesia, which was co-produced by late Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell and marked the band's debut on a big label. Their debut single, "Bed of Roses," came from that album. With the track "Nearly Lost You," from their subsequent album Sweet Oblivion, which was released in 1992, the band gained widespread recognition. The song was used in the soundtrack for Cameron Crowe's 1992 movie Singles. After leaving the group, Van went on to start the rock groups VALIS and Musk Ox, and in 2010, Gary Lee started the group Microdot Gnome.

 
&nbsp;

The grunge rock band Screaming Trees' co-founder and bassist Van Conner passed away at the age of 55. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, his brother, Gary Lee, confirmed the news and stated that his brother had passed away on Tuesday after a protracted illness.

The grunge rock band Screaming Trees' co-founder and bassist Van Conner passed away at the age of 55. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, his brother, Gary Lee, confirmed the news and stated that his brother had passed away on Tuesday after a protracted illness. He wrote that pneumonia ultimately took his brother's life. "He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever," he added. Gary Lee on 5 January gave followers an update on his brother's health, stating that Van had been sent to the hospital with "a liver infection" and had been suffering from an assortment of health problems since late 2021. In a long post, he described Van's health issues, claiming that he was unable to move after being put into a coma before Christmas 2021 due to emergency stomach surgery. During his recovery, Conner also contracted COVID, which led to a blood clot in his lungs that badly damaged the organ. Lee said at the time said that Conner has been confined to a hospital bed at home for several months and has not seemed to be making any progress towards recovery. He added that his brother had been avoiding getting the medical help he needs and asked fans to send positive vibes or pray for him. In a follow-up update on Jan. 9, he said Van seems to be making progress, his liver is not completely shot but it was touch and go for a few days last week. Conner was confined to a hospital bed at home for a number of months, and according to Lee at the time, he was not appearing to be making any progress toward recovery. He said that his brother had been delaying receiving the necessary medical care and urged supporters to pray or send good vibes his way. he Later, Lee stated in a follow-up update on 9 January that Van seems to be improving and his liver is not entirely damaged. Midway through the 1980s, the two brothers, drummer Mark Pickerel, and vocalist Mark Lanegan—who passed away last year at the age of 57—formed the Washington-based band. In the 1980s and 1990s, Screaming Trees was a part of the Pacific Northwest's budding grunge music movement, which subsequently gave rise to ground-breaking bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. In 1991, Screaming Trees released their fifth album, Uncle Anesthesia, which was co-produced by late Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell and marked the band's debut on a big label. Their debut single, "Bed of Roses," came from that album. With the track "Nearly Lost You," from their subsequent album Sweet Oblivion, which was released in 1992, the band gained widespread recognition. The song was used in the soundtrack for Cameron Crowe's 1992 movie Singles. After leaving the group, Van went on to start the rock groups VALIS and Musk Ox, and in 2010, Gary Lee started the group Microdot Gnome.

Rock band Screaming Trees bassist Van Conner dead at 55, Know the cause of his death

Cinema Lovers Day 2023:&nbsp;Good News is here! Grab your cinema goggles and get ready to watch all the latest movies at just Rs 99. On 20&nbsp;January, moviegoers will be in for a real treat as PVR Cinema returns with another enticing offer to celebrate&nbsp;Cinema Lovers Day.

PVR cinemas are offering a ticket price of Rs 99 for all movies showing on 20&nbsp;January. This is a significant discount from the usual price range of Rs. 200-300. Inox and CinePolis multiplex theatres will&nbsp;also provide similar discounts.

PVR Cinemas announced the magical offer on Twitter, saying that on Cinema Lovers Day, it will offer tickets for any movie or show for Rs 99 to celebrate the magic of movies.

What are the conditions for this offer?

However, there are some conditions attached to this offer. The offer is only valid for standard seats, the rates for recliner seats and those with IMAX and 4DX movie experiences will be the same. This offer is not available in all Indian cities.

It will be available only in Tier 1 cities. The offer is worth Rs 100 in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Taxes will be added to this offer, bringing the ticket price to around Rs 110- 112 and the offer is only available on 20 January.&nbsp;

 
Which all movies will be available under this offer?

Movies like Ved, Avatar, Puss in Boots, Kuttey, Varisu, Thunivu, and Kashmir Files, which will be released in theatres this week, can be seen for just Rs 99. However, the price of snacks and beverages will not be reduced and will be the same as what is listed in the theatre stalls.

Which multiplexes are offering Rs 99 ticket prices for all movies?

PVR Cinemas, Inox and CinePolis. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cinema Lovers Day 2023: Good News is here! Grab your cinema goggles and get ready to watch all the latest movies at just Rs 99. On 20 January, moviegoers will be in for a real treat as PVR Cinema returns with another enticing offer to celebrate Cinema Lovers Day.

Cinema Lovers Day 2023: Good News is here! Grab your cinema goggles and get ready to watch all the latest movies at just Rs 99. On 20 January, moviegoers will be in for a real treat as PVR Cinema returns with another enticing offer to celebrate Cinema Lovers Day. PVR cinemas are offering a ticket price of Rs 99 for all movies showing on 20 January. This is a significant discount from the usual price range of Rs. 200-300. Inox and CinePolis multiplex theatres will also provide similar discounts. PVR Cinemas announced the magical offer on Twitter, saying that on Cinema Lovers Day, it will offer tickets for any movie or show for Rs 99 to celebrate the magic of movies. What are the conditions for this offer? However, there are some conditions attached to this offer. The offer is only valid for standard seats, the rates for recliner seats and those with IMAX and 4DX movie experiences will be the same. This offer is not available in all Indian cities. It will be available only in Tier 1 cities. The offer is worth Rs 100 in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Taxes will be added to this offer, bringing the ticket price to around Rs 110- 112 and the offer is only available on 20 January. Which all movies will be available under this offer? Movies like Ved, Avatar, Puss in Boots, Kuttey, Varisu, Thunivu, and Kashmir Files, which will be released in theatres this week, can be seen for just Rs 99. However, the price of snacks and beverages will not be reduced and will be the same as what is listed in the theatre stalls. Which multiplexes are offering Rs 99 ticket prices for all movies? PVR Cinemas, Inox and CinePolis.

Cinema Lovers Day 2023 Date: Watch Avatar, Kashmir Files and more for just Rs 99 in PVR & Cinepolis

A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid. The bear too ended up losing its life after one of the residents fatally shot the animal following the rampage. The incident took place at 2:30 pm local time on Tuesday in Alaska’s Wales village, the westernmost point of the American mainland that is home to around 170 residents. The state police said the remains of the bodies have been dispatched for autopsy.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Study: Canadian Polar Bears declining at alarming rate&nbsp;

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<h2>Polar bear attack details revealed</h2>

As per the investigators, the victims were 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her son Clyde Ongtowasruk, who were commuting between the community school and clinic during the attack. An Alaska State trooper and an&nbsp;official from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game travelled to Wales to investigate the attack. The state Medical Examiner's Office will examine the bodies and perform the autopsy.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-wipe-out-polar-bears-by-2100-report-314956">Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report</a>

<h2>Bear attacks are on the rise due to climate change</h2>

Fatal polar bear attacks have been rare in the region but a 2017 study found that the trend was rising, owing to the fast-decreasing ice sea which has pushed polar bears towards inland in search of food. Experts worry that encounters between humans and polar bears are expected to rise as the animals are showing signs of starvation following the depletion of sea ice.

Sea ice is necessary for polar bears to relax, reproduce, and reach seals that are their main source of food. Polar bears and numerous other ice-dependent animals are in danger as sea ice recedes year after year. An analysis of polar bear data from northeast Alaska and the Northwest revealed a 40% decline in population from 1,500 to 900 bears between 2001 and 2010.&nbsp;

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A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid.

A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid. The bear too ended up losing its life after one of the residents fatally shot the animal following the rampage. The incident took place at 2:30 pm local time on Tuesday in Alaska’s Wales village, the westernmost point of the American mainland that is home to around 170 residents. The state police said the remains of the bodies have been dispatched for autopsy. Watch: Study: Canadian Polar Bears declining at alarming rate × Polar bear attack details revealed As per the investigators, the victims were 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her son Clyde Ongtowasruk, who were commuting between the community school and clinic during the attack. An Alaska State trooper and an official from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game travelled to Wales to investigate the attack. The state Medical Examiner's Office will examine the bodies and perform the autopsy. Also Read | Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report Bear attacks are on the rise due to climate change Fatal polar bear attacks have been rare in the region but a 2017 study found that the trend was rising, owing to the fast-decreasing ice sea which has pushed polar bears towards inland in search of food. Experts worry that encounters between humans and polar bears are expected to rise as the animals are showing signs of starvation following the depletion of sea ice. Sea ice is necessary for polar bears to relax, reproduce, and reach seals that are their main source of food. Polar bears and numerous other ice-dependent animals are in danger as sea ice recedes year after year. An analysis of polar bear data from northeast Alaska and the Northwest revealed a 40% decline in population from 1,500 to 900 bears between 2001 and 2010. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Polar bear kills woman and child in Alaska. Know what's pushing the arctic animal to attack humans

A recent study that was published in the journal, Frontiers, in Environmental Science suggests that since human waste products like urine and faeces contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, boron, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, they may also be used to make products that could work well and safely as agricultural fertilisers. According to the study, material made from recycled human urine and faeces is effective and secure nitrogen fertilisers for growing cabbage.

Franziska Häfner, the study's lead author and a PhD candidate in agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim, said that when used in the cultivation of cabbage, fertilisers made from nitrified human urine produced yields comparable to those of conventional fertiliser products and posed no risk of pathogen or pharmaceutical transmission.

<h2>Could it become a viable fertiliser in times of crisis?&nbsp;</h2>

Climate change and the Ukraine war are causing trouble for farmers as the prices of fertlisers are shooting up.&nbsp;Humanity will need to transition to a circular ecosystem, where the majority of resources are recycled, in order to tackle global challenges including the climate catastrophe. The combined use of nitrified urine fertilisers and faecal compost, according to Franziska Häfner, resulted in somewhat decreased crop yields over the long run but may improve soil carbon content over time, fostering the growth of climate-resilient agriculture.

<h2>What does the research show?&nbsp;</h2>

According to the research, the marketable output varied between 35 and 72 metric tonnes per hectare, was highest on plots fertilised with Aurin, CROP, or vinasse, lowest on plots fertilised just with faecal compost, and intermediate when faecal compost was supplemented with NUFs. The scientists tested the faecal compost for 310 chemicals, including medicines, flame retardants, UV filters, corrosion inhibitors, rubber additives, and insect repellents, in order to investigate the risk of contamination with diverse goods found in human waste.

They found that only 6.5 per cent of such substances were present above the limit of detection. In addition to that, only the painkiller anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen and the anticonvulsant and mood-stabilising drug carbamazepine were detectable in the edible parts of the cabbages, at insignificant concentrations, 1.05 to 2.8 μg per kg. “In general, the risk for human health of pharmaceutical compounds entering the food system by means of faecal compost use seems low,” the authors said.

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A recent study that was published in the journal, Frontiers, in Environmental Science suggests that since human waste products like urine and faeces contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, boron, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, they may also be used to make products that could work well and safely as agricultural fertilisers.

A recent study that was published in the journal, Frontiers, in Environmental Science suggests that since human waste products like urine and faeces contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, boron, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, they may also be used to make products that could work well and safely as agricultural fertilisers. According to the study, material made from recycled human urine and faeces is effective and secure nitrogen fertilisers for growing cabbage. Franziska Häfner, the study's lead author and a PhD candidate in agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim, said that when used in the cultivation of cabbage, fertilisers made from nitrified human urine produced yields comparable to those of conventional fertiliser products and posed no risk of pathogen or pharmaceutical transmission. Could it become a viable fertiliser in times of crisis? Climate change and the Ukraine war are causing trouble for farmers as the prices of fertlisers are shooting up. Humanity will need to transition to a circular ecosystem, where the majority of resources are recycled, in order to tackle global challenges including the climate catastrophe. The combined use of nitrified urine fertilisers and faecal compost, according to Franziska Häfner, resulted in somewhat decreased crop yields over the long run but may improve soil carbon content over time, fostering the growth of climate-resilient agriculture. What does the research show? According to the research, the marketable output varied between 35 and 72 metric tonnes per hectare, was highest on plots fertilised with Aurin, CROP, or vinasse, lowest on plots fertilised just with faecal compost, and intermediate when faecal compost was supplemented with NUFs. The scientists tested the faecal compost for 310 chemicals, including medicines, flame retardants, UV filters, corrosion inhibitors, rubber additives, and insect repellents, in order to investigate the risk of contamination with diverse goods found in human waste. They found that only 6.5 per cent of such substances were present above the limit of detection. In addition to that, only the painkiller anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen and the anticonvulsant and mood-stabilising drug carbamazepine were detectable in the edible parts of the cabbages, at insignificant concentrations, 1.05 to 2.8 μg per kg. “In general, the risk for human health of pharmaceutical compounds entering the food system by means of faecal compost use seems low,” the authors said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IS IT SAFE? Can human faeces be used to produce fertilisers for food crops? Here's what a study reveals

Pathaan release date on OTT is finally out. The much-anticipated film Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone will be screened on Amazon Prime. The advance bookings for tickets will be opened on 20 January, five days before the film's scheduled theatrical premiere. However, Pathaan's OTT release date has been announced prior to its theatrical debut. In April of this year, the Siddharth Anand-directed film Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, will be available for streaming.

Amazon Prime Video will stream the Bollywood movie. However, it will not be too soon. Amazon Prime Video will stream the movie three months after its theatrical debut, on 25 April. “YRF is very excited to release the 4th film of the YRF Spy Universe which marks the entry of superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone &amp; John Abraham to one of India’s biggest franchises," Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Distribution, YRF said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pathaan is the fourth film in YRF's spy universe. "Ek Tha Tiger," "Tiger Zinda Hai," and "War" are part of Aditya Chopra's grandiose spy world. In December, the third instalment in the "Tiger" series will be released. Salman Khan will feature in Pathaan in a special appearance. The movie Pathaan is scheduled to release in theatres on 25 January.

<h2>When is Pathaan theatrical release?&nbsp;</h2>

Pathaan will release in theatres on 25 January.&nbsp;

<h2>When will advance booking for Pathaan open?</h2>

Advance booking for Bollywood movie Pathan will open on 20 January.&nbsp;

<h2>In what all languages Pathaan will be available?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The movie will be available in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.

<h2>What is the Pathaan OTT release date?&nbsp;</h2>

Pathaan will release on OTT on 25 April.&nbsp;

<h2>Where can you watch Pathaan?</h2>

Pathaan can be watched on Amazon Prime Video. 
&nbsp;

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Pathaan release date on OTT is finally out. The much-anticipated film Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone will be screened on Amazon Prime. The advance bookings for tickets will be opened on 20 January, five days before the film's scheduled theatrical premiere.

Pathaan release date on OTT is finally out. The much-anticipated film Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone will be screened on Amazon Prime. The advance bookings for tickets will be opened on 20 January, five days before the film's scheduled theatrical premiere. However, Pathaan's OTT release date has been announced prior to its theatrical debut. In April of this year, the Siddharth Anand-directed film Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, will be available for streaming. Amazon Prime Video will stream the Bollywood movie. However, it will not be too soon. Amazon Prime Video will stream the movie three months after its theatrical debut, on 25 April. “YRF is very excited to release the 4th film of the YRF Spy Universe which marks the entry of superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone & John Abraham to one of India’s biggest franchises," Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Distribution, YRF said in a statement. Pathaan is the fourth film in YRF's spy universe. "Ek Tha Tiger," "Tiger Zinda Hai," and "War" are part of Aditya Chopra's grandiose spy world. In December, the third instalment in the "Tiger" series will be released. Salman Khan will feature in Pathaan in a special appearance. The movie Pathaan is scheduled to release in theatres on 25 January. When is Pathaan theatrical release? Pathaan will release in theatres on 25 January. When will advance booking for Pathaan open? Advance booking for Bollywood movie Pathan will open on 20 January. In what all languages Pathaan will be available? The movie will be available in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. What is the Pathaan OTT release date? Pathaan will release on OTT on 25 April. Where can you watch Pathaan? Pathaan can be watched on Amazon Prime Video.

Pathaan OTT Release Date is OUT! Fans can watch Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika starrer on THIS DATE, check details

Around 700 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is vital to find factors that might stop its start and progression since it can result in kidney failure and death. And now a study&nbsp;has found that consuming oily fish may reduce your chance of developing chronic kidney disease.&nbsp;The George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales served as the principal researchers, and their findings were released in the medical journal BMJ. According to the study, eating at least two servings of oily fish-- such as mackerel, sardines, or herrings -- each week may reduce your chance of developing chronic kidney disease. It can also slow down the decline in the organ's function.&nbsp;

The study discovered a link between consuming more of the omega-3 fatty acids present in oily fish and other seafood and a lower risk of kidney issues. However, the study did not reveal any connection with higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids obtained from plants.

Dr Matti Marklund, a senior research fellow at the George Institute, in a conversation with Guardian over email said, “While we cannot for certain say what specific fishes had the greatest effect on CKD risk, we know that the blood levels of the fatty acids reflect their intake well." 
 
“Among the richest dietary sources of these fatty acids are fatty cold-water fish – for example, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herrings – and to a less extent shellfish, like oysters, mussels, and crab," it added.&nbsp;

“Current dietary recommendations in most countries suggest at least two servings of fish per week, preferably oily fish, which will provide about 250mg/day of long-chain omega 3s,” said Marklund.

Researchers pooled the results of 19 studies from 12 countries&nbsp;

Up until recently, evidence from human research was limited and mostly came from dietary questionnaires. However, the latest research combined the findings of 19 studies from 12 nations and looked at connections between omega 3 fatty acid concentrations and the onset of CKD in adults. The primary analysis comprised about 25,000 individuals, ranging in age from 49 to 77.&nbsp;

When factors including age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, drinking, physical activity, heart disease, and diabetes were included, higher amounts of seafood omega 3 fatty acids were associated with an 8% lower risk of developing CKD.

Participants were divided into five groups based on how much seafood omega-3 fatty acids they consumed, and those in the highest group had a 13% reduced chance of developing CKD than those in the lowest group. The researchers emphasised that since their results were observational, they could not conclusively show that increasing your intake of seafood reduces your chance of developing chronic kidney disease.

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Around 700 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is vital to find factors that might stop its start and progression since it can result in kidney failure and death.

Around 700 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is vital to find factors that might stop its start and progression since it can result in kidney failure and death. And now a study has found that consuming oily fish may reduce your chance of developing chronic kidney disease. The George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales served as the principal researchers, and their findings were released in the medical journal BMJ. According to the study, eating at least two servings of oily fish-- such as mackerel, sardines, or herrings -- each week may reduce your chance of developing chronic kidney disease. It can also slow down the decline in the organ's function. The study discovered a link between consuming more of the omega-3 fatty acids present in oily fish and other seafood and a lower risk of kidney issues. However, the study did not reveal any connection with higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids obtained from plants. Dr Matti Marklund, a senior research fellow at the George Institute, in a conversation with Guardian over email said, “While we cannot for certain say what specific fishes had the greatest effect on CKD risk, we know that the blood levels of the fatty acids reflect their intake well." “Among the richest dietary sources of these fatty acids are fatty cold-water fish – for example, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herrings – and to a less extent shellfish, like oysters, mussels, and crab," it added. “Current dietary recommendations in most countries suggest at least two servings of fish per week, preferably oily fish, which will provide about 250mg/day of long-chain omega 3s,” said Marklund. Researchers pooled the results of 19 studies from 12 countries Up until recently, evidence from human research was limited and mostly came from dietary questionnaires. However, the latest research combined the findings of 19 studies from 12 nations and looked at connections between omega 3 fatty acid concentrations and the onset of CKD in adults. The primary analysis comprised about 25,000 individuals, ranging in age from 49 to 77. When factors including age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, drinking, physical activity, heart disease, and diabetes were included, higher amounts of seafood omega 3 fatty acids were associated with an 8% lower risk of developing CKD. Participants were divided into five groups based on how much seafood omega-3 fatty acids they consumed, and those in the highest group had a 13% reduced chance of developing CKD than those in the lowest group. The researchers emphasised that since their results were observational, they could not conclusively show that increasing your intake of seafood reduces your chance of developing chronic kidney disease. 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.

Eating at least two portions of oily fish a week can reduce risk of chronic kidney disease: Study

Lead guitarist of the American rock band, Fall Out Boy, Joe Trohman has announced that he would be quitting the band before the release of their new album So Much (for) Stardust. The musician has been a part of the rock group since its creation in 2001. The group's other members are drummer Andy Hurley, bassist Pete Wentz, and lead vocalist Patrick Stump. Their next album which is yet to be released is titled So Much (for) Stardust. Scroll on to know why Trohman has decided to quit the American rock band ahead of the release of the album So Much (for) Stardust.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is Joe Trohman quitting the rock bank Fall Out Boy?&nbsp;</h2>

Joe Trohman announced his decision to temporarily leave the band in a social media post, which the group shared on 18 January. Trohman's announcement was accompanied with a picture of him playing the guitar. He also gave justification for leaving the American rock band. Trohman said he needs a break from the band since his mental health has gotten worse over the years.

<h2>Fall Out Boy New Album Release Date&nbsp;</h2>

The first track from Fall Out Boy's next album (So Much (for) Stardust), Love From the Other Side, was made available earlier on Wednesday. Fall Out Boy's eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, will be released on 24 March. Ahead of the album's promotion, which includes a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, Trohman seems to be distancing away from the project marketing. Joe Trohman thanked his family and bandmates for understanding and embracing this painful, but necessary decision. Check the first track from Fall Out Boy's next album, Love From the Other Side.&nbsp;

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<h2>Fall Out Boy songs&nbsp;</h2>

With songs like Sugar, We're Goin Down, and Dance, Dance from their debut album From Under the Cork Tree, Fall Out Boy quickly rose to fame in the rock music industry. After that, the band put out the albums Infinity on High in 2007 and Folie à Deux: in 2008 before deciding to take a break from the group to focus on their individual projects. Save Rock and Roll was published by Fall Out Boy in 2013, American Beauty/American Psycho was released in 2015, and Mania was released in 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lead guitarist of the American rock band, Fall Out Boy, Joe Trohman has announced that he would be quitting the band before the release of their new album So Much (for) Stardust.

Lead guitarist of the American rock band, Fall Out Boy, Joe Trohman has announced that he would be quitting the band before the release of their new album So Much (for) Stardust. The musician has been a part of the rock group since its creation in 2001. The group's other members are drummer Andy Hurley, bassist Pete Wentz, and lead vocalist Patrick Stump. Their next album which is yet to be released is titled So Much (for) Stardust. Scroll on to know why Trohman has decided to quit the American rock band ahead of the release of the album So Much (for) Stardust. Why is Joe Trohman quitting the rock bank Fall Out Boy? Joe Trohman announced his decision to temporarily leave the band in a social media post, which the group shared on 18 January. Trohman's announcement was accompanied with a picture of him playing the guitar. He also gave justification for leaving the American rock band. Trohman said he needs a break from the band since his mental health has gotten worse over the years. Fall Out Boy New Album Release Date The first track from Fall Out Boy's next album (So Much (for) Stardust), Love From the Other Side, was made available earlier on Wednesday. Fall Out Boy's eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, will be released on 24 March. Ahead of the album's promotion, which includes a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, Trohman seems to be distancing away from the project marketing. Joe Trohman thanked his family and bandmates for understanding and embracing this painful, but necessary decision. Check the first track from Fall Out Boy's next album, Love From the Other Side. × Fall Out Boy songs With songs like Sugar, We're Goin Down, and Dance, Dance from their debut album From Under the Cork Tree, Fall Out Boy quickly rose to fame in the rock music industry. After that, the band put out the albums Infinity on High in 2007 and Folie à Deux: in 2008 before deciding to take a break from the group to focus on their individual projects. Save Rock and Roll was published by Fall Out Boy in 2013, American Beauty/American Psycho was released in 2015, and Mania was released in 2018.

Why is Joe Trohman quitting American rock band, Fall Out Boy, ahead of new album release? Check release date

The Henley Passport Index for this year was released recently in which countries all around were ranked according to the performance of their respective passports. Japan topped the list with top rank for the fifth consecutive year and India ranked 85th out of 199 countries. Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan were at the lowest rankings in the Henley Passport Index.&nbsp;

The London-based global citizenship and residence advice firm Henley &amp; Partners issues the Henley Passport Index every year and for the year 2023, they have taken the data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) to make the list.&nbsp;

According to Henley Passport Index 2023, Indian passports have access to travel visa-free to 59 countries.&nbsp; 
The index said, "The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, giving users the most extensive and reliable information about their global access and mobility". Each passport is scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free, it said.

As per Henley Passport power scores, only 6 per cent of the world's countries gives you access to more than 70 per cent of the global economy. And only 17 per cent of the countries grant you visa-free access to more than four-fifths of the world's 227 destinations.&nbsp;

<h2>Henley Passport Index 2023: Top 10 most powerful passports of the world</h2>

1. Japan- visa-free score: 193

2. Singapore and South Korea- visa-free score: 192&nbsp;

3. Germany and Spain- visa-free score: 190&nbsp;

4. Finland, Italy and Luxembourg- visa-free score: 189&nbsp;

5.&nbsp; Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden- visa-free score: 188

6. France, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom- visa-free score: 187

7. Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United States- visa-free score: 186&nbsp;

8. Australia, Canada, Greece and Malta- visa-free score: 185

9. Hungary and Poland- visa-free score: 184&nbsp;

10. Lithuania and Slovakia- visa-free score: 183

<h2>Henley Passport Index 2023: Performance of Indian passport&nbsp;</h2>

India ranked 85th in the world's most powerful passport index in 2023 and gives visa-free entry to 59 countries worldwide. Earlier in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the country ranked at 82nd, 84th, 85th and 83rd respectively.&nbsp;
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Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to more than 50 destinations that include:

Countries in Oceania with visa-on-arrival for Indians

Cook Islands

Fiji

Marshall Islands&nbsp;

Micronesia

Niue

Palau Islands&nbsp;

Samoa&nbsp;

Tuvalu&nbsp;

Vanuatu

Middle eastern countries offering visa-free trips to Indians

Iran&nbsp;

Jordan&nbsp;

Oman

Qatar

Visa on arrival for Indians in Europe and the Caribbean&nbsp;

Albania

Barbados

British Virgin Islands

Dominica

Grenada

Haiti

Jamaica

Montserrat

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia&nbsp;

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

Travel visa-free in these Asian countries

Bhutan

Cambodia&nbsp;

Indonesia

Laos&nbsp;

Macao (SAR China)

Maldives&nbsp;

Myanmar&nbsp;

Nepal

Sri Lanka&nbsp;

Thailand&nbsp;

Timor-Leste&nbsp;

American countries where Indians can travel without the hassle

Bolivia&nbsp;

El Salvador

Countries in Africa offering visa-on-arrival for Indians

Botswana&nbsp;

Burundi&nbsp;

Cape Verde Islands&nbsp;

Comoro Islands&nbsp;

Ethiopia&nbsp;

Gabon&nbsp;

Guinea-Bissau&nbsp;

Madagascar&nbsp;

Mauritania&nbsp;

Mauritius

Mozambique&nbsp;

Rwanda&nbsp;

Senegal

Seychelles&nbsp;

Sierra Leone&nbsp;

Somalia&nbsp;

Tanzania&nbsp;

Togo&nbsp;

Tunisia

Uganda&nbsp;

Zimbabwe&nbsp;

The Henley Passport Index for this year was released recently in which countries all around were ranked according to the performance of their respective passports.

The Henley Passport Index for this year was released recently in which countries all around were ranked according to the performance of their respective passports. Japan topped the list with top rank for the fifth consecutive year and India ranked 85th out of 199 countries. Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan were at the lowest rankings in the Henley Passport Index. The London-based global citizenship and residence advice firm Henley & Partners issues the Henley Passport Index every year and for the year 2023, they have taken the data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) to make the list. According to Henley Passport Index 2023, Indian passports have access to travel visa-free to 59 countries. The index said, "The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, giving users the most extensive and reliable information about their global access and mobility". Each passport is scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free, it said. As per Henley Passport power scores, only 6 per cent of the world's countries gives you access to more than 70 per cent of the global economy. And only 17 per cent of the countries grant you visa-free access to more than four-fifths of the world's 227 destinations. Henley Passport Index 2023: Top 10 most powerful passports of the world 1. Japan- visa-free score: 193 2. Singapore and South Korea- visa-free score: 192 3. Germany and Spain- visa-free score: 190 4. Finland, Italy and Luxembourg- visa-free score: 189 5. Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden- visa-free score: 188 6. France, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom- visa-free score: 187 7. Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United States- visa-free score: 186 8. Australia, Canada, Greece and Malta- visa-free score: 185 9. Hungary and Poland- visa-free score: 184 10. Lithuania and Slovakia- visa-free score: 183 Henley Passport Index 2023: Performance of Indian passport India ranked 85th in the world's most powerful passport index in 2023 and gives visa-free entry to 59 countries worldwide. Earlier in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the country ranked at 82nd, 84th, 85th and 83rd respectively. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to more than 50 destinations that include: Countries in Oceania with visa-on-arrival for Indians Cook Islands Fiji Marshall Islands Micronesia Niue Palau Islands Samoa Tuvalu Vanuatu Middle eastern countries offering visa-free trips to Indians Iran Jordan Oman Qatar Visa on arrival for Indians in Europe and the Caribbean Albania Barbados British Virgin Islands Dominica Grenada Haiti Jamaica Montserrat St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Travel visa-free in these Asian countries Bhutan Cambodia Indonesia Laos Macao (SAR China) Maldives Myanmar Nepal Sri Lanka Thailand Timor-Leste American countries where Indians can travel without the hassle Bolivia El Salvador Countries in Africa offering visa-on-arrival for Indians Botswana Burundi Cape Verde Islands Comoro Islands Ethiopia Gabon Guinea-Bissau Madagascar Mauritania Mauritius Mozambique Rwanda Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zimbabwe

Henley World's Strongest Passports List 2023: Check full list of countries where Indians can travel visa-free

Canada has updated its alcohol consumption guidance&nbsp;for the year 2023 and according to the new guidelines, it should be Dry January in the country as it is the only risk-free approach. According to the government-backed guidance, if you want to drink at all, then two drinks maximum each week are&nbsp;deemed to be low-risk.&nbsp;

The latest advice is a steep drop from the previous recommendation of 2011 which allowed a maximum of 10 drinks a week for women and 15 drinks for men.&nbsp;

Apart from reducing the levels of alcohol consumption to zero, the new guidelines by Health Canada also suggest mandatory warning labels for all alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/netflix-is-set-for-its-slowest-revenue-growth-553771">Netflix is set for its slowest revenue growth</a>

"The main message from this new guidance is that any amount of alcohol is not good for your health,"&nbsp;said Erin Hobin, a senior scientist with Public Health Ontario and a member of the expert panel that developed the guidelines. "And if you drink, less is better."

The nearly 90-page report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) details a number of health risks involved with previously thought-to-be-low alcohol consumption.

According to CCSA, any more than two standard drinks — the equivalent of a 12-ounce (341ml; 0.6 pints) serving of 5 per cent&nbsp;alcohol beer or a five-ounce (142ml; 0.26 pints) glass of 12 per cent&nbsp;alcohol wine,&nbsp;causes an increase in negative outcomes, including breast and colon cancer.&nbsp;

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After years of research and consultation, Canada has updated its alcohol guidelines. Bottom line: more than 2 drinks per week is risky!! 🥃🍷<a href="https://t.co/Q9LDLypOAr">https://t.co/Q9LDLypOAr</a> <a href="https://t.co/DyNPqpfjl2">pic.twitter.com/DyNPqpfjl2</a>
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This new finding may be a shocker for adult Canadians as around&nbsp;80 per cent of adults in the country like to drink.&nbsp;

"The new guidance is maybe a bit shocking,"&nbsp;Dr Hobin said. "I think it's very new information for the public that at three standard drinks per week, the risk for head and neck cancers increases by 15%, and further increases with every additional drink."&nbsp;

"Three standard drinks per week to most Canadians wouldn't be considered a large amount of alcohol,"&nbsp;she added.

Canadians are calling these changes in the guidelines as "drastic"; from nearly two drinks per day to two per week.&nbsp;Though health experts argue that this is the result of much better and deeper research over time.&nbsp;"The data across the board is improving in terms of how and what we're measuring,"&nbsp;said Jacob Shelley, a professor of health and law at Western University.

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Canada has updated its alcohol consumption guidance for the year 2023 and according to the new guidelines, it should be Dry January in the country as it is the only risk-free approach.

Canada has updated its alcohol consumption guidance for the year 2023 and according to the new guidelines, it should be Dry January in the country as it is the only risk-free approach. According to the government-backed guidance, if you want to drink at all, then two drinks maximum each week are deemed to be low-risk. The latest advice is a steep drop from the previous recommendation of 2011 which allowed a maximum of 10 drinks a week for women and 15 drinks for men. Apart from reducing the levels of alcohol consumption to zero, the new guidelines by Health Canada also suggest mandatory warning labels for all alcoholic beverages. Also Read | Netflix is set for its slowest revenue growth "The main message from this new guidance is that any amount of alcohol is not good for your health," said Erin Hobin, a senior scientist with Public Health Ontario and a member of the expert panel that developed the guidelines. "And if you drink, less is better." The nearly 90-page report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) details a number of health risks involved with previously thought-to-be-low alcohol consumption. According to CCSA, any more than two standard drinks — the equivalent of a 12-ounce (341ml; 0.6 pints) serving of 5 per cent alcohol beer or a five-ounce (142ml; 0.26 pints) glass of 12 per cent alcohol wine, causes an increase in negative outcomes, including breast and colon cancer. After years of research and consultation, Canada has updated its alcohol guidelines. Bottom line: more than 2 drinks per week is risky!! 🥃🍷https://t.co/Q9LDLypOAr pic.twitter.com/DyNPqpfjl2 — Rebecca Shalansky (@ShalanskyR) January 17, 2023 × This new finding may be a shocker for adult Canadians as around 80 per cent of adults in the country like to drink. "The new guidance is maybe a bit shocking," Dr Hobin said. "I think it's very new information for the public that at three standard drinks per week, the risk for head and neck cancers increases by 15%, and further increases with every additional drink." "Three standard drinks per week to most Canadians wouldn't be considered a large amount of alcohol," she added. Canadians are calling these changes in the guidelines as "drastic"; from nearly two drinks per day to two per week. Though health experts argue that this is the result of much better and deeper research over time. "The data across the board is improving in terms of how and what we're measuring," said Jacob Shelley, a professor of health and law at Western University. 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.

Two drinks per week, dry January: Canada's new recommendation for alcohol consumption

A US-born great-grandmother of Spain has become the world’s oldest living person, the Guinness World Records declared Wednesday. The woman, Branyas Morera, is 115 years old and is in good health. Morera grabbed the title following the death of 118-year-old French nun Lucile Randon on Tuesday. Guinness World Records performed document verification process and interviewed the family members of Morera before she was declared the oldest human being alive on earth. She is a resident of the town of Olot in northeastern Spain for the past two decades. She is believed to have survived the two world wars, the 1918 flu, the 1936 Spanish civil war and Covid-19.

<h2>Branyas Morera’s health status</h2>

Branyas Morera’s daughter, 78-year-old Rosa Moret, has attributed her mother’s longevity to her genetics. Moret claims her mother has never been hospitalised, never broke her bones and doesn’t feel any pain. She continues to live a healthy life.

Watch: A Spanish grandmother become the world’s oldest living person

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<h2>Branyas Morera’s life details</h2>

Morera was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907. Eight years after her birth, her family decided to move to Spain in 1915 during World War 1. In 1931, she married a doctor, and the couple lived together for decades until the husband died at the age of 72. She has three children, 11 grandchildren and as many great-grandchildren.&nbsp;

Shortly after her 113th birthday, Morera was diagnosed with Covid-19 after which she was quarantined at her care home in Olot. However, she made a quick recovery.&nbsp;

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A US-born great-grandmother of Spain has become the world’s oldest living person, the Guinness World Records declared Wednesday. The woman, Branyas Morera, is 115 years old and is in good health.

A US-born great-grandmother of Spain has become the world’s oldest living person, the Guinness World Records declared Wednesday. The woman, Branyas Morera, is 115 years old and is in good health. Morera grabbed the title following the death of 118-year-old French nun Lucile Randon on Tuesday. Guinness World Records performed document verification process and interviewed the family members of Morera before she was declared the oldest human being alive on earth. She is a resident of the town of Olot in northeastern Spain for the past two decades. She is believed to have survived the two world wars, the 1918 flu, the 1936 Spanish civil war and Covid-19. Branyas Morera’s health status Branyas Morera’s daughter, 78-year-old Rosa Moret, has attributed her mother’s longevity to her genetics. Moret claims her mother has never been hospitalised, never broke her bones and doesn’t feel any pain. She continues to live a healthy life. Watch: A Spanish grandmother become the world’s oldest living person × Branyas Morera’s life details Morera was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907. Eight years after her birth, her family decided to move to Spain in 1915 during World War 1. In 1931, she married a doctor, and the couple lived together for decades until the husband died at the age of 72. She has three children, 11 grandchildren and as many great-grandchildren. Shortly after her 113th birthday, Morera was diagnosed with Covid-19 after which she was quarantined at her care home in Olot. However, she made a quick recovery. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Meet the world’s oldest living person; a survivor of two world wars, 1918 flu, Spanish civil war and Covid-19

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is planning to update its cabin crew uniforms, and are asking customers if they should make their Kebaya more modest. The Kebaya uniform worn by MAS stewardesses has been in use since 1972 and has become synonymous with the brand. There have been several updates over the years, but it is still unmistakably Malaysian because it incorporates Malaysian elements into the design, such as local flowers.

The airline’s operator Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) on Monday sent an e-mail with a survey attached to members of its travel and lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, asking for their opinion on switching from the kebaya to a more "modest" uniform.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/two-drinks-per-week-dry-january-canadas-new-recommendation-for-alcohol-consumption-553862">Two drinks per week, dry January: Canada's new recommendation for alcohol consumption</a>

They are asking their customers for a more modern twist into a uniform which looks Malaysian with maintaining&nbsp;the modesty of a kebaya.&nbsp;It also asks customers if they are&nbsp;in favour of making changes to their uniforms to provide an option for female cabin crew to don a hijab while serving onboard both domestic and international flights.

Take a look at the survey form here
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In a follow-up question, Malaysia Airlines also asks if the customers would like to see their crew abandon the Kebaya in favour of more modest and practical uniforms worn by other airlines, such as a pantsuit, skirt, and jacket. It also welcomes additional uniform suggestions and ideas.

The politics over cabin crew uniforms&nbsp;

The modesty of cabin crew members of Malaysia-based airlines has been raised by various local parties in the Parliament. In 2018, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was asked by Rantau Panjang MP Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff if the "revealing" attire can ensure the safety of air travel. Meanwhile, Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali also asked if MAS plans to allow Muslim stewardesses to don the hijab.
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In response to the questions and remarks, Anthony Loke said the design of the uniform is based on the policies set by the airlines and he will discuss the matter of allowing the hijab with the management of the airlines.

Tumpat MP Che Abdullah Mat Nawi later commented that Malaysian stewardesses' uniforms appear to be too "revealing" when compared to cabin crew of other international airlines, including those in the West, which wear pants. When asked for his opinion, Anthony Loke stated that the uniform design is subjective and that anyone who finds it objectionable should not look at the stewardess.

The Kebaya uniform for cabin crew was first worn in the late 1960s by Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). The original design was carried over to Singapore Airlines after the split of MSA by Frenchman Pierre Balmain.

Malaysia Airline System required its own uniform when it began operations in 1972. A local designer was chosen from among nine submissions, and the design featured a Kebaya top complemented by a skirt.

The criticism over the new plan of Malaysia Airlines&nbsp;

The&nbsp;aviation consultancy Endau Analytics’ founder Shukor Yusof said&nbsp;MAB should focus on how the carrier can strategically use its Boeing Max jets that will be delivered this year while pushing the sustainability agenda in general.&nbsp;

He further said, "&nbsp;If changing cabin crew outfits result in the airline posting profits, improves on safety and advances the industry’s move towards ‘net zero’ carbon emissions, then go for it. Otherwise, stick to the tried and tested. As they say, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it".&nbsp;

Another analyst said MAB should focus on improving passenger loads as well as protecting itself from several headwinds such as high-interest rates and foreign exchange volatility, instead of focusing on the uniforms of its cabin crews.&nbsp;

"As the airline has been bleeding in losses for years, they should focus on recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and eyeing to have stronger cashflows in 2023", said the analyst.

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Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is planning to update its cabin crew uniforms, and are asking customers if they should make their Kebaya more modest. The Kebaya uniform worn by MAS stewardesses has been in use since 1972 and has become synonymous with the brand.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is planning to update its cabin crew uniforms, and are asking customers if they should make their Kebaya more modest. The Kebaya uniform worn by MAS stewardesses has been in use since 1972 and has become synonymous with the brand. There have been several updates over the years, but it is still unmistakably Malaysian because it incorporates Malaysian elements into the design, such as local flowers. The airline’s operator Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) on Monday sent an e-mail with a survey attached to members of its travel and lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, asking for their opinion on switching from the kebaya to a more "modest" uniform. Also Read | Two drinks per week, dry January: Canada's new recommendation for alcohol consumption They are asking their customers for a more modern twist into a uniform which looks Malaysian with maintaining the modesty of a kebaya. It also asks customers if they are in favour of making changes to their uniforms to provide an option for female cabin crew to don a hijab while serving onboard both domestic and international flights. Take a look at the survey form here In a follow-up question, Malaysia Airlines also asks if the customers would like to see their crew abandon the Kebaya in favour of more modest and practical uniforms worn by other airlines, such as a pantsuit, skirt, and jacket. It also welcomes additional uniform suggestions and ideas. The politics over cabin crew uniforms The modesty of cabin crew members of Malaysia-based airlines has been raised by various local parties in the Parliament. In 2018, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was asked by Rantau Panjang MP Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff if the "revealing" attire can ensure the safety of air travel. Meanwhile, Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali also asked if MAS plans to allow Muslim stewardesses to don the hijab. In response to the questions and remarks, Anthony Loke said the design of the uniform is based on the policies set by the airlines and he will discuss the matter of allowing the hijab with the management of the airlines. Tumpat MP Che Abdullah Mat Nawi later commented that Malaysian stewardesses' uniforms appear to be too "revealing" when compared to cabin crew of other international airlines, including those in the West, which wear pants. When asked for his opinion, Anthony Loke stated that the uniform design is subjective and that anyone who finds it objectionable should not look at the stewardess. The Kebaya uniform for cabin crew was first worn in the late 1960s by Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). The original design was carried over to Singapore Airlines after the split of MSA by Frenchman Pierre Balmain. Malaysia Airline System required its own uniform when it began operations in 1972. A local designer was chosen from among nine submissions, and the design featured a Kebaya top complemented by a skirt. The criticism over the new plan of Malaysia Airlines The aviation consultancy Endau Analytics’ founder Shukor Yusof said MAB should focus on how the carrier can strategically use its Boeing Max jets that will be delivered this year while pushing the sustainability agenda in general. He further said, " If changing cabin crew outfits result in the airline posting profits, improves on safety and advances the industry’s move towards ‘net zero’ carbon emissions, then go for it. Otherwise, stick to the tried and tested. As they say, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it". Another analyst said MAB should focus on improving passenger loads as well as protecting itself from several headwinds such as high-interest rates and foreign exchange volatility, instead of focusing on the uniforms of its cabin crews. "As the airline has been bleeding in losses for years, they should focus on recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and eyeing to have stronger cashflows in 2023", said the analyst. 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.

Malaysia Airlines drew criticism over its plan to make uniform of cabin crew look "modest"

Scottish Broadcaster Whas made the decision to quit BBC Radio 2. The remarkable 45-year eventful journey of the beloved host is coming to an end. On Tuesday morning, the presenter broke the news to his audience. He said that his final programme would air in March. Bruce stated on his leaving that nothing remains the same forever and that when his current contract expires in March 2023, it is the perfect moment for him to leave Radio 2. He added that it has been a pleasant time for him since he has worked with so many lovely people and made so many new friends.

However, he believed it is time for a change after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio. Bruce also cleared that this is totally his decision, although he would want to continue his work in the next years in a different fashion due to certain new chances, the specifics of which will soon be made public. I will always be proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success, he added.

<h2>What is the next stint for Scottish Broadcaster Ken Bruce?&nbsp;</h2>

Bruce will join Greatest Hits Radio in April. A brand-new mid-morning programme hosted by the popular personality will air from 10 am to 1 pm. The show will begin on April 3. Bruce, while talking about his new job, said that there cannot be a better way to celebrate my 45 years in radio than with a new adventure. It will be a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio. I am saying brand-new but there will still be PopMaster, me and my musings. And there will be all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Bruce commented that there can't be a greater way to commemorate his 45 years in radio than with a new adventure. He said this in reference to his new position. On Greatest Hits Radio, it will be a brand-new programme, he said adding that PopMaster, himself, and his ramblings will still be there. There will also be all the wonderful records from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that people know and love.

<h2>Who is Ken Bruce?&nbsp;</h2>

As a staff presenter for BBC Radio Scotland, Ken joined the BBC in 1977. In 1984, he held his first regular position on Radio 2 as host of the Saturday Late Show. The following year, he took Terry Wogan's place as host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. After a brief run on late nights and early mornings, he went to mid mornings in 1986. In January 1992, he returned to mid mornings, where the show's most recent weekly audience was 8.56 million. Since 1988, Ken has also hosted Sunday Night is Music Night and the Radio 2 broadcast of the Eurovision song contest. Tracks of My Years, in which a renowned person choose their favourite recordings, PopMaster, a quiz that has been running for 25 years, and The Piano Room, which recently debuted, are some of Ken's most well-known programmes.

<h2>Who will host BBC Radio 2 now?&nbsp;</h2>

BBC Radio 2 will announce the details of the new host at the mid-morning show.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Scottish Broadcaster Whas made the decision to quit BBC Radio 2. The remarkable 45-year eventful journey of the beloved host is coming to an end. On Tuesday morning, the presenter broke the news to his audience.

Scottish Broadcaster Whas made the decision to quit BBC Radio 2. The remarkable 45-year eventful journey of the beloved host is coming to an end. On Tuesday morning, the presenter broke the news to his audience. He said that his final programme would air in March. Bruce stated on his leaving that nothing remains the same forever and that when his current contract expires in March 2023, it is the perfect moment for him to leave Radio 2. He added that it has been a pleasant time for him since he has worked with so many lovely people and made so many new friends. However, he believed it is time for a change after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio. Bruce also cleared that this is totally his decision, although he would want to continue his work in the next years in a different fashion due to certain new chances, the specifics of which will soon be made public. I will always be proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success, he added. What is the next stint for Scottish Broadcaster Ken Bruce? Bruce will join Greatest Hits Radio in April. A brand-new mid-morning programme hosted by the popular personality will air from 10 am to 1 pm. The show will begin on April 3. Bruce, while talking about his new job, said that there cannot be a better way to celebrate my 45 years in radio than with a new adventure. It will be a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio. I am saying brand-new but there will still be PopMaster, me and my musings. And there will be all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Bruce commented that there can't be a greater way to commemorate his 45 years in radio than with a new adventure. He said this in reference to his new position. On Greatest Hits Radio, it will be a brand-new programme, he said adding that PopMaster, himself, and his ramblings will still be there. There will also be all the wonderful records from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that people know and love. Who is Ken Bruce? As a staff presenter for BBC Radio Scotland, Ken joined the BBC in 1977. In 1984, he held his first regular position on Radio 2 as host of the Saturday Late Show. The following year, he took Terry Wogan's place as host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. After a brief run on late nights and early mornings, he went to mid mornings in 1986. In January 1992, he returned to mid mornings, where the show's most recent weekly audience was 8.56 million. Since 1988, Ken has also hosted Sunday Night is Music Night and the Radio 2 broadcast of the Eurovision song contest. Tracks of My Years, in which a renowned person choose their favourite recordings, PopMaster, a quiz that has been running for 25 years, and The Piano Room, which recently debuted, are some of Ken's most well-known programmes. Who will host BBC Radio 2 now? BBC Radio 2 will announce the details of the new host at the mid-morning show.

Scottish Broadcaster Ken Bruce quits BBC Radio 2 after 31 years, Check what's his next stint

Archaeologists have found a flat, square block of a brownish runestone in Norway and claimed it to be the world's oldest, with inscriptions dating back to almost 2,000 years. The stone is 31 cm by 32 cm (12.2 inches by 12.3 inches).&nbsp;The Museum of Cultural History in Oslo said that this runestone might be the earliest example of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia. It said that this brown runestone is among "the oldest runic inscriptions ever found" and is the oldest datable in the world, AP&nbsp;reported.&nbsp;

Kristel Zilmer, a professor at the University of Oslo said, "This find will give us a lot of knowledge about the use of runes in the early iron age. This may be one of the first attempts to use runes in Norway and Scandinavia on stone."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/furniture-conservator-solves-mystery-of-20000-year-old-ice-age-drawings-550374">Also read |&nbsp;Furniture conservator solves mystery of 20,000-year-old Ice Age drawings</a>

The runestone was initially found in late December 2021 during an excavation of a grave near Tyrifjord, in West Oslo, but is being announced now because the team&nbsp;needed time to analyse and date it, added&nbsp;Zilmer.

The stone has several types of inscriptions but does not make all linguistic sense.&nbsp;

Other items in the cremation pit included burned bones, and charcoal, indicating that it might have been inscribed between AD1 and AD250.&nbsp;

Zilmer called the discovery as the "most sensational thing" that she has had as an academic.

Older runes have been discovered but not on stone. One of the earliest runic was found in Denmark on a bone cone.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Archaeologists have found a flat, square block of a brownish runestone in Norway and claimed it to be the world's oldest, with inscriptions dating back to almost 2,000 years.

Archaeologists have found a flat, square block of a brownish runestone in Norway and claimed it to be the world's oldest, with inscriptions dating back to almost 2,000 years. The stone is 31 cm by 32 cm (12.2 inches by 12.3 inches). The Museum of Cultural History in Oslo said that this runestone might be the earliest example of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia. It said that this brown runestone is among "the oldest runic inscriptions ever found" and is the oldest datable in the world, AP reported. Kristel Zilmer, a professor at the University of Oslo said, "This find will give us a lot of knowledge about the use of runes in the early iron age. This may be one of the first attempts to use runes in Norway and Scandinavia on stone." Also read | Furniture conservator solves mystery of 20,000-year-old Ice Age drawings The runestone was initially found in late December 2021 during an excavation of a grave near Tyrifjord, in West Oslo, but is being announced now because the team needed time to analyse and date it, added Zilmer. The stone has several types of inscriptions but does not make all linguistic sense. Other items in the cremation pit included burned bones, and charcoal, indicating that it might have been inscribed between AD1 and AD250. Zilmer called the discovery as the "most sensational thing" that she has had as an academic. Older runes have been discovered but not on stone. One of the earliest runic was found in Denmark on a bone cone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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