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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos Russia said on Monday (Sept 16) that its military retook control of two villages in its western Kursk region from Ukraine.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos Russia said on Monday (Sept 16) that its military retook control of two villages in its western Kursk region from Ukraine. Russia has been battling Ukrainian troops in Kursk since August 6, when Kyiv surprised Moscow with the biggest foreign attack on Russian soil since World War Two. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the military retook the settlements of Uspenovka and Borki. However, this claim cannot be independently verified by WION. Also read | Ukraine war: Kyiv loses two of its last Su-27 jets, a MiG-29 to Russian forces, say reports Both the villages lie about 20 kilometres apart on the border with Ukraine's Sumy region. Russia took back control of 10 settlements in Kursk last week Last week, a senior Russian commander and pro-Kremlin war bloggers said that Moscow had taken back control of about 10 settlements in Kursk. Again, this claim could not be independently verified by WION. "Throughout the week, the units of the "North" troop grouping continued operations to destroy formations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region. During the offensive actions, 10 settlements were taken under control," Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson said. Ukraine has said that its military controls about 100 villages in Kursk over an area of over 1,300 square kilometres, which Russia disputes. Ukraine's Kursk incursion slowed Russia's east advance: Zelensky Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv's Kursk invasion produced the desired results, slowing Moscow's advance in the Ukrainian east. President Zelensky said on September 13 that the Russian counterattack in the Kursk region had no major success so far. “What did the Kursk operation give us? Maybe someone expected other results. But it gave the results that, frankly speaking, we counted on. In the Kharkiv region, the enemy was stopped, their advance in the Donetsk region was slowed down, although it is very difficult there and the situation is far from positive," he said during a conference in Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia says it has retaken control of two villages in western Kursk region

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired a missile from Yemen that appeared to hit an open area of central Israel, and Israel signaled it would respond to the attack. Watch in for more details!

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More rivers in central Europe burst their banks on Monday and the number of deaths increased from the worst flooding in at least two decades, with some authorities starting to count the costs and others preparing for waters rising further.

Border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland were hit hard over the weekend as heavy rain seen since last week and surging water levels collapsed some bridges, forced evacuations, and left a trail of destruction.

At least 15 people have died in flooding from Austria to Romania.

Poland's government was due to meet on Monday to call a state of disaster.

Michal Piszko, mayor of the Polish town of Klodzko along the Czech border, said waters had receded there but help was needed.

"We need bottled water and dry provisions, because we have also set up a point for flood victims evacuated from flooded areas," he told private broadcaster RMF FM.

"Children will not go to school until the end of the week. At the moment, half of the city has no electricity."

Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said that around 420 schools across four provinces had been closed. In the town of Nysa, a hospital was evacuated.

In the Czech town of Jesenik, across the Polish border where floods ripped through the town on Sunday, clean-up was starting after waters receded to show damaged cars and debris left on streets.

In eastern Romania, where villages and towns were submerged over the weekend, Emil Dragomir, mayor of Slobozia Conachi, told television station Digi24 the flooding had devastating impact.

"If you were here, you would cry instantly because people are desperate, their whole lives' work is gone, there were people who were left with just the clothes they had on," he said.

While rivers in the Czech-Polish border area were starting to recede on Monday, flooding was widening and leaving bigger cities on alert.

Jacek Sutryk, mayor of Poland's Wroclaw, said the city of some 600,000 was preparing water levels peaking on Wednesday.

"This high wave will pass through Wroclaw for several days," he said.

In the Czech Republic, a rising Morava River overnight put Litovel, a city 230 km (140 miles) east of the capital Prague with a population of nearly 10,000, around 70% under water and shut down schools and health facilities, its mayor said in a video on Facebook.

Flooded parts of northeastern Czech regional capital Ostrava forced closures of a power plant supplying heat and hot water to the city as well as two chemical plants.

More than 12,000 people have been evacuated in the Czech Republic. A quarter of a million Czech households had been without power over the weekend, although that figure had fallen to 118,000 on Monday, CTK news agency reported.

In Romania, the flooding killed six people over the weekend. An Austrian firefighter died on Sunday. In Lower Austria, two men aged 70 and 80 were found drowned in their homes, a police spokesperson said on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-reintroduces-temporary-controls-on-borders-irking-neighbours-759087">Germany reintroduces temporary controls on borders, irking neighbours</a>

State news agency PAP reported five deaths in Poland and in the Czech Republic, one person died, a police official said.

Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said the government in Budapest was fully prepared to act and efforts for the time being focused on keeping the Danube River and its tributaries within their banks.

Pinter said up to 12,000 soldiers were on standby to help if needed.

Slovakia's capital Bratislava and Hungarian capital Budapest were both preparing as the River Danube rose.

In Austria, the levels of rivers and reservoirs fell overnight as rain eased but officials said they were bracing for a second wave as heavier rain was expected in the coming hours.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

More rivers in central Europe burst their banks on Monday and the number of deaths increased from the worst flooding in at least two decades, with some authorities starting to count the costs and others preparing for waters rising further.

More rivers in central Europe burst their banks on Monday and the number of deaths increased from the worst flooding in at least two decades, with some authorities starting to count the costs and others preparing for waters rising further. Border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland were hit hard over the weekend as heavy rain seen since last week and surging water levels collapsed some bridges, forced evacuations, and left a trail of destruction. At least 15 people have died in flooding from Austria to Romania. Poland's government was due to meet on Monday to call a state of disaster. Michal Piszko, mayor of the Polish town of Klodzko along the Czech border, said waters had receded there but help was needed. "We need bottled water and dry provisions, because we have also set up a point for flood victims evacuated from flooded areas," he told private broadcaster RMF FM. "Children will not go to school until the end of the week. At the moment, half of the city has no electricity." Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said that around 420 schools across four provinces had been closed. In the town of Nysa, a hospital was evacuated. In the Czech town of Jesenik, across the Polish border where floods ripped through the town on Sunday, clean-up was starting after waters receded to show damaged cars and debris left on streets. In eastern Romania, where villages and towns were submerged over the weekend, Emil Dragomir, mayor of Slobozia Conachi, told television station Digi24 the flooding had devastating impact. "If you were here, you would cry instantly because people are desperate, their whole lives' work is gone, there were people who were left with just the clothes they had on," he said. While rivers in the Czech-Polish border area were starting to recede on Monday, flooding was widening and leaving bigger cities on alert. Jacek Sutryk, mayor of Poland's Wroclaw, said the city of some 600,000 was preparing water levels peaking on Wednesday. "This high wave will pass through Wroclaw for several days," he said. In the Czech Republic, a rising Morava River overnight put Litovel, a city 230 km (140 miles) east of the capital Prague with a population of nearly 10,000, around 70% under water and shut down schools and health facilities, its mayor said in a video on Facebook. Flooded parts of northeastern Czech regional capital Ostrava forced closures of a power plant supplying heat and hot water to the city as well as two chemical plants. More than 12,000 people have been evacuated in the Czech Republic. A quarter of a million Czech households had been without power over the weekend, although that figure had fallen to 118,000 on Monday, CTK news agency reported. In Romania, the flooding killed six people over the weekend. An Austrian firefighter died on Sunday. In Lower Austria, two men aged 70 and 80 were found drowned in their homes, a police spokesperson said on Monday. Also read: Germany reintroduces temporary controls on borders, irking neighbours State news agency PAP reported five deaths in Poland and in the Czech Republic, one person died, a police official said. Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said the government in Budapest was fully prepared to act and efforts for the time being focused on keeping the Danube River and its tributaries within their banks. Pinter said up to 12,000 soldiers were on standby to help if needed. Slovakia's capital Bratislava and Hungarian capital Budapest were both preparing as the River Danube rose. In Austria, the levels of rivers and reservoirs fell overnight as rain eased but officials said they were bracing for a second wave as heavier rain was expected in the coming hours. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Central European floods devastate cities as rivers swell and death toll rises

Zimbabwe&nbsp;will cull 200 elephants as it faces an unprecedented drought that has led to food shortages, a move that will also allow it to tackle a ballooning population of the animal, the country's wildlife authority said Friday.

The country has "more elephants than it needed",&nbsp;Zimbabwe's environment minister said in parliament on Wednesday, adding that the government had instructed the&nbsp;Zimbabwe&nbsp;Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin the culling process.

The 200 elephants will be hunted in areas where they have clashed with humans, including Hwange, home of&nbsp;Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, ZimParks director general Fulton Mangwanya told AFP.

Zimbabwe&nbsp;is home to an estimated 100,000 elephants, and has the second-biggest elephant population in the world after Botswana.

Thanks to conservation efforts, Hwange is home to 65,000 of the animals, more than four times its capacity, according to ZimParks.&nbsp;Zimbabwe&nbsp;last culled elephants in 1988.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Namibia said this month that it had already killed 160 wildlife in a planned cull of more than 700 animals, including 83 elephants, to cope with its worst drought in decades.&nbsp;

Zimbabwe&nbsp;and Namibia are among a swathe of countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of emergency because of drought.

About 42 per cent of Zimbabweans live in poverty, according to UN estimates, and authorities say about six million will require food assistance during the November to March lean season, when food is scarcest.

The move to hunt the elephants for food was criticised by some, not least because the animals are a major draw for tourists.

"Government must have more sustainable eco-friendly methods to dealing with drought without affecting tourism," said Farai Maguwu, director of the nonprofit Centre for Natural Resource Governance.

"They risk turning away tourists on ethical grounds. The elephants are more profitable alive than dead," he said.

"We have shown that we are poor custodians of natural resources, and our appetite for ill-gotten wealth knows no bounds, so this must be stopped because it is unethical."

But Chris Brown, a conservationist and CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, said that "elephants have a devastating effect on habitat if they are allowed to increase continually, exponentially".

"They really damage ecosystems and habitats, and they have a huge impact on other species which are less iconic and therefore matter less in the eyes of the eurocentric, urban armchair conservation people," he said.&nbsp;

"Those species matter as much as elephants.”

Namibia's cull of elephants has been condemned by conservationists and the animal rights group PETA as short-sighted, cruel, and ineffective.

But the government said the 83 to be culled would be only a small fraction of the estimated 20,000 elephants in the arid country, and would relieve pressure on grazing and water supplies.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Zimbabwe will cull 200 elephants as it faces an unprecedented drought that has led to food shortages, a move that will also allow it to tackle a ballooning population of the animal, the country's wildlife authority said Friday.

Zimbabwe will cull 200 elephants as it faces an unprecedented drought that has led to food shortages, a move that will also allow it to tackle a ballooning population of the animal, the country's wildlife authority said Friday. The country has "more elephants than it needed", Zimbabwe's environment minister said in parliament on Wednesday, adding that the government had instructed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin the culling process. The 200 elephants will be hunted in areas where they have clashed with humans, including Hwange, home of Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, ZimParks director general Fulton Mangwanya told AFP. Zimbabwe is home to an estimated 100,000 elephants, and has the second-biggest elephant population in the world after Botswana. Thanks to conservation efforts, Hwange is home to 65,000 of the animals, more than four times its capacity, according to ZimParks. Zimbabwe last culled elephants in 1988. Neighbouring Namibia said this month that it had already killed 160 wildlife in a planned cull of more than 700 animals, including 83 elephants, to cope with its worst drought in decades. Zimbabwe and Namibia are among a swathe of countries in southern Africa that have declared a state of emergency because of drought. About 42 per cent of Zimbabweans live in poverty, according to UN estimates, and authorities say about six million will require food assistance during the November to March lean season, when food is scarcest. The move to hunt the elephants for food was criticised by some, not least because the animals are a major draw for tourists. "Government must have more sustainable eco-friendly methods to dealing with drought without affecting tourism," said Farai Maguwu, director of the nonprofit Centre for Natural Resource Governance. "They risk turning away tourists on ethical grounds. The elephants are more profitable alive than dead," he said. "We have shown that we are poor custodians of natural resources, and our appetite for ill-gotten wealth knows no bounds, so this must be stopped because it is unethical." But Chris Brown, a conservationist and CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, said that "elephants have a devastating effect on habitat if they are allowed to increase continually, exponentially". "They really damage ecosystems and habitats, and they have a huge impact on other species which are less iconic and therefore matter less in the eyes of the eurocentric, urban armchair conservation people," he said. "Those species matter as much as elephants.” Namibia's cull of elephants has been condemned by conservationists and the animal rights group PETA as short-sighted, cruel, and ineffective. But the government said the 83 to be culled would be only a small fraction of the estimated 20,000 elephants in the arid country, and would relieve pressure on grazing and water supplies. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants amid food shortages

Yemen's Houthi Rebels claim to have shot down another American made MQ9 reaper drone. A video circulating online shows what appears to be a surface to air missile strike and flaming wreckage strawn across the ground.

Houthi rebels claim to have shot down US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was safe after the Secret Service foiled what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt while he was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect left an AK-47-style assault rifle and other items at the scene and fled in a vehicle but was later arrested.

Trump Assassination Bid: FBI probing apparent assassination attempt

If you plan to move your savings to a bank account out of the UK, think again. The UK's Labour government may be mulling to impose an exit tax on Wealthy investors who decide to move their funds out of the country.

UK: Labour could hike CGT for wealthy individuals moving overseas

Russian Aerospace forces claim they have downed two Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets in the last 24 hours. The Russian Aerospace forces downed two SU-27 fighter jets of Ukraine's Air Forces in 24 hours as per the report, the report however did not say where these strikes took place. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Loss of SU-27 jets a serious blow for Ukraine

One of the three American nationals that the Biden administration claims were "wrongfully detained" in China was freed on Sunday. His name is David Lin, a pastor whose confinement since 2006 has caused tensions between Washington and Beijing. Watch to know more.

American pastor detained in China for nearly 20 years released

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}">Casualties and damage</h2>

In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT).

The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:555,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-low-class-move-balloons-filled-with-trash-poop-sent-to-south-korea-726617&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea</a>

This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16).

Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul.

The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:414,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea?</h2>

This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime.

In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ups-the-ante-trash-carrying-balloons-hit-south-korean-presidential-compound-743623" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ups-the-ante-trash-carrying-balloons-hit-south-korean-presidential-compound-743623&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS4tL7-8aIAxWYRmwGHQnEMTwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound</a>

Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward.

Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit.

JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load."

"We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added.

He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally."

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse.

Amid the escalating tensions, a trash balloon sent by North Korea to South Korea on Sunday (Sep 15) landed on a building rooftop in Seoul and sparked a fire that took nearly 20 minutes to douse. Casualties and damage In a statement, Seoul's Gangseo Fire Station said that "a fire broke out on the rooftop of a four-storey commercial building in the Western district of Seoul" at around 9:04 pm local time (1204 GMT). The fire was doused in around 18 minutes, and 15 fire trucks had to be deployed to stop the fire from spreading. As per the fire department, there were no casualties. Also read | North Korea's 'low-class' move: Balloons filled with trash, poop sent to South Korea This comes as North Korea late on Sunday launched 120 trash-filled balloons towards the border towards South Korea. Previously, on Saturday, the nation had sent another 50 balloons, said South Korea's military on Monday (Sep 16). Of these, 40 balloons, as per the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) had already landed in the South — mainly in northern Gyeonggi Province and the capital Seoul. The trash balloons mostly contained "paper and plastic waste" said the JCS, adding that they posed no risk to the public. Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea? This escalation follows instances of South Korean activists launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong Un regime. In retaliation, North Korea in May threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 said that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. Also read | North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound Since then, the North has sent over 5,000 trash balloons southward. Now, the balloons are equipped with timer devices that can cause fires. Earlier this month, these balloons caused two fires: one near an airport and another at a storage unit. JCS spokesperson Lee Chang-hyun, as quoted by the news agency AFP told reporters "Some North Korean trash balloons have thermal timers that could potentially cause fires if they don't separate properly when the heating wire is activated, which acts to detach the balloon from its load." "We have seen it being described as a 'timer explosion', but we would like to explain again that the method is where a thermal timer heats the balloon's material, causing it to tear apart in mid-air," he added. He said that shooting down the balloons in the air "increases the risk of falling debris or hazardous materials," and that for now, "the safest approach is considered to be quickly collecting them after they fall naturally." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Trash balloon from North Korea sparks fire on Seoul rooftop amid escalating tensions

US President Joe Biden and his UK counterpart Kier Starmer have expressed fear that Russia is sharing with Iran secret information and technology that could bring it closer to being able to build nuclear weapons in exchange for ballistic missiles. Biden and Starmer discussed the issue during their meeting in Washington on September 13.

US and UK alarmed over Iran-Russia military cooperation

Central Europe is paralyzed with heavy torrential rain that has caused widespread flooding in many regions. Watch to know more.

Central Europe: Flood furry kills seven in Central Europe

Israeli fighter jets struck a building in southern Lebanon’s Blida where the IDF says it identified a group of Hezbollah operatives. Another building used by Hezbollah in Blida was also hit, the military added.

Israel vs Hezbollah Conflict: Israeli jets strike Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.

In a heart-wrenching incident, a Chinese husband brutally beat his wife and blinded her two months after their marriage because the latter refused to top up his online gaming account.&nbsp;

The woman, who hailed from Inner Mongolia in northern China, was introduced to her husband through a relative in 2022.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-trial-of-frenchman-accused-of-mass-rape-of-wife-suspended-know-why-759056">Court trial of Frenchman accused of mass rape of wife suspended. Know why</a>

Before their marriage, the couple had a lot of arguments over the man's gaming obsession, however, since he treated his to-be-wife with care, the woman went ahead with the marriage.

<h2>Wife suffers irreversible blindness in domestic violence</h2>

The couple relocated to Henan province after their marriage when the husband started demanding money from his wife for gaming.&nbsp;

Two months after their marriage, the husband demanded 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) from his wife, however, she refused to pay as her bride price had depleted.&nbsp;

The husband then started punching her in rage because of which her nose bled. “He punched me, then hit me with a frying pan,” the wife said.

The husband's mother, who was on a video call, said to his son, “If she does not give you money, beat her to death.”

The husband stopped beating his wife when the former's cousin intervened while he was trying to strangle her with pyjamas.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-man-waits-for-estranged-wifes-lover-to-come-out-of-airport-stabs-him-to-death-754223">Bengaluru man waits for estranged wife's lover to come out of airport, stabs him to death</a>

The wife was taken to the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, where she spent three months in coma in the ICU.

Once she woke up, the doctors found that she had lost her sight. She was diagnosed with optic atrophy, which made her blind.

Her family spent a lot of money on medical treatments, however, doctors informed them that she had suffered damage to her optic nerves, which is irreversible.

“He comes from a wealthy family, worth millions, but they only gave us 36,000 yuan (US$5000); a contribution made in the hope it would reduce his sentence,” said the victim's mother, while speaking to Spot News.

The court sentenced the husband to 11 years of imprisonment for intentional homicide and he was asked to pay 657,000 yuan (US$93,000) in compensation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a heart-wrenching incident, a Chinese husband brutally beat his wife and blinded her two months after their marriage because the latter refused to top up his online gaming account.

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a heart-wrenching incident, a Chinese husband brutally beat his wife and blinded her two months after their marriage because the latter refused to top up his online gaming account. The woman, who hailed from Inner Mongolia in northern China, was introduced to her husband through a relative in 2022. Also Read: Court trial of Frenchman accused of mass rape of wife suspended. Know why Before their marriage, the couple had a lot of arguments over the man's gaming obsession, however, since he treated his to-be-wife with care, the woman went ahead with the marriage. Wife suffers irreversible blindness in domestic violence The couple relocated to Henan province after their marriage when the husband started demanding money from his wife for gaming. Two months after their marriage, the husband demanded 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) from his wife, however, she refused to pay as her bride price had depleted. The husband then started punching her in rage because of which her nose bled. “He punched me, then hit me with a frying pan,” the wife said. The husband's mother, who was on a video call, said to his son, “If she does not give you money, beat her to death.” The husband stopped beating his wife when the former's cousin intervened while he was trying to strangle her with pyjamas. Also Read: Bengaluru man waits for estranged wife's lover to come out of airport, stabs him to death The wife was taken to the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, where she spent three months in coma in the ICU. Once she woke up, the doctors found that she had lost her sight. She was diagnosed with optic atrophy, which made her blind. Her family spent a lot of money on medical treatments, however, doctors informed them that she had suffered damage to her optic nerves, which is irreversible. “He comes from a wealthy family, worth millions, but they only gave us 36,000 yuan (US$5000); a contribution made in the hope it would reduce his sentence,” said the victim's mother, while speaking to Spot News. The court sentenced the husband to 11 years of imprisonment for intentional homicide and he was asked to pay 657,000 yuan (US$93,000) in compensation. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Husband brutally beats and blinds wife for not topping up his online gaming account

Latest in the Russia-Ukraine war: It's been 2 days since Russia began its counterattack to retake Kursk from Ukraine. Russia has targeted Ukrainian positions in the Eastern region. Russian BM21 grad destroyed positions held by Ukrainian troops near the border in the Kursk region. Moscow's defense Ministry in a statement said that they have hit convoys of M7 howitzers and tanks of the Ukrainian military. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian BM-21 Grad target Ukrainian positions in Kursk

Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii

A new climate study has issued a warning that nearly three out of four people worldwide could face severe weather changes within the next 20 years if current greenhouse gas emissions persist.

<h2>Dangerous climate shifts on the horizon</h2>

The research, led by climate scientist Carley Iles and her team at CICERO, predicts that 70% of the global population will be affected by extreme climate shifts if emissions remain at their current levels. The study suggests that much of this future climate change is already inevitable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brains-of-humans-and-dogs-can-sync-with-each-other-study-explains-how-759032">Brains of humans and dogs can sync with each other. Study explains how</a>

<h2>Natural disasters and food insecurity</h2>

Rising global temperatures have fuelled devastating wildfires, floods, storms,&nbsp;and droughts, which are destroying crops and intensifying the risk of famine. The study emphasises that societies are particularly vulnerable to these escalating extreme events, especially when they occur simultaneously.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-kidding-donald-trump-hates-taylor-swift-759077">No kidding, Donald Trump 'hates' Taylor Swift</a>

<h2>Data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Service</h2>

Recent data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Service revealed that the Earth experienced its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer on record, surpassing last year’s figures. The Southern Hemisphere, meanwhile, has faced an unusually warm winter, further highlighting the growing impact of climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-man-enters-bear-den-finds-frightening-beast-back-home-heres-what-happens-next-759068">Watch: Man enters bear den, finds frightening beast back home. Here's what happens next</a>

<h2>Severe consequences for livelihoods</h2>

The report highlights the potential impacts of these changes, including heat stress, higher mortality rates among humans and livestock, reduced agricultural yields, and significant disruptions to transportation due to extreme heat waves.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shy-smelly-noise-shouter-penguin-named-new-zealands-bird-of-the-year-759033">Shy, smelly 'noise shouter' penguin named New Zealand's Bird of the Year</a>

<h2>Tropical and subtropical regions at greater risk</h2>

According to the study, if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, tropical and subtropical regions— where a large fraction of the global population resides— will likely experience the most extreme weather impacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new climate study has issued a warning that nearly three out of four people worldwide could face severe weather changes within the next 20 years if current greenhouse gas emissions persist.

A new climate study has issued a warning that nearly three out of four people worldwide could face severe weather changes within the next 20 years if current greenhouse gas emissions persist. Dangerous climate shifts on the horizon The research, led by climate scientist Carley Iles and her team at CICERO, predicts that 70% of the global population will be affected by extreme climate shifts if emissions remain at their current levels. The study suggests that much of this future climate change is already inevitable. Also read | Brains of humans and dogs can sync with each other. Study explains how Natural disasters and food insecurity Rising global temperatures have fuelled devastating wildfires, floods, storms, and droughts, which are destroying crops and intensifying the risk of famine. The study emphasises that societies are particularly vulnerable to these escalating extreme events, especially when they occur simultaneously. Also read | No kidding, Donald Trump 'hates' Taylor Swift Data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Service Recent data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Service revealed that the Earth experienced its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer on record, surpassing last year’s figures. The Southern Hemisphere, meanwhile, has faced an unusually warm winter, further highlighting the growing impact of climate change. Also read | Watch: Man enters bear den, finds frightening beast back home. Here's what happens next Severe consequences for livelihoods The report highlights the potential impacts of these changes, including heat stress, higher mortality rates among humans and livestock, reduced agricultural yields, and significant disruptions to transportation due to extreme heat waves. Also read | Shy, smelly 'noise shouter' penguin named New Zealand's Bird of the Year Tropical and subtropical regions at greater risk According to the study, if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, tropical and subtropical regions— where a large fraction of the global population resides— will likely experience the most extreme weather impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Extreme weather to impact 70 per cent of humans in next 20 years, reveals study

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Zelensky asks western allies to speed up weapons supply

Some parts of the Czech Republic and Poland faced their worst flooding in almost three decades. Watch to know more.

Flood mayhem in Central Europe: Poland and Czech Republic worst hit

Mexico celebrates Independence Day on September 16 to commemorate the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. Watch to know more.

Mexico's independence day: Tribute to Mexico's heart and soul

To Shield its soldiers from life-threatening operations, Israel is recruiting African refugees for dangerous operations in Gaza. The African refugees are offered deal in exchange for settled status.

Israel recruiting African refugees : Report

Houthis attack Israel: Missile fired by Houthi rebels lands in central Israel

Pakistan's Parliament adjourned on Sunday without the tabling of a historical Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at extending the retirement age of superior judges. Watch to know more.

Pakistan: Increase in judges' retirement age proposed

Germany on Monday (Sep 16) reintroduced temporary controls on its western and northern borders to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime. According to the government, the border checks would now apply at Germany's land borders with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark for an initial six months.

Germany on Monday (Sep 16) reintroduced temporary controls on its western and northern borders to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime. According to the government, the border checks would now apply at Germany's land borders with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark for an initial six months. The restrictions were already in place at crossings with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the border controls were part of a series of measures that the government has taken to toughen its stance on irregular migration following a surge in arrivals. Police to conduct border checks flexibly The German interior ministry said on Monday that the Federal Police would conduct the border checks flexibly, basing their actions on the current security situation and focusing on minimising disruption to commuters, travellers, and trade. Also read | Germany signs labour deal with Kenya, Ruto says agreement benefits both sides Travellers are advised by the ministry to carry valid identification, and non-EU (European Union) citizens should have their entry documents, including visas, ready for checks. The temporary border controls mark a further setback to free movement within the EU. Germany's neighbours criticise measure The measures have prompted criticism from Germany's neighbours. Reuters reported that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for urgent consultations with other affected countries which fear having to absorb more asylum seekers and the impact on trade. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer warned that if Germany introduced measures to send more immigrants back across their shared border, Austria would reciprocate by sending more people eastward towards the Balkans. Also watch | World Business Watch: Germany sees 10.7% increase in insolvencies in August × Border checks with Austria are scheduled to run until November 11. On the other hand, inspections at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are planned to run till December 15. 'Border controls blocked over 30k unauthorised entries' The border controls come against a backdrop of declining asylum applications in Germany, which fell by 21.7 per cent in the first eight months of 2024. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the numbers had fallen, thanks in part to controls introduced last year, which blocked over 30,000 unauthorised entries. "That is why we will expand our temporary border control to include all of Germany's land borders, as I ordered today," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement. "My order is also intended to protect against the acute threat of Islamist extremist terrorism and serious cross-border crime," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany reintroduces temporary controls on borders, irks neighbours

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on Monday as a Category 1 storm, the most powerful tropical cyclone to directly hit the Chinese financial hub in 70 years.

Typhoon Bebinca makes landfall in Shanghai

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Israel-Hamas War: Houthi missile hits open area in central Israel

Israel-Hamas War: Houthi missile hits open area in central Israel

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Houthi rebels claim to have shot down US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone

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Israel vs Hezbollah Conflict: Israeli jets strike Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon

China: Husband brutally beats and blinds wife for not topping up his online gaming account

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian BM-21 Grad target Ukrainian positions in Kursk

Trump Assassination Bid: Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii

Extreme weather to impact 70 per cent of humans in next 20 years, reveals study

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Zelensky asks western allies to speed up weapons supply

Flood mayhem in Central Europe: Poland and Czech Republic worst hit

Mexico's independence day: Tribute to Mexico's heart and soul

Israel recruiting African refugees : Report

Houthis attack Israel: Missile fired by Houthi rebels lands in central Israel

Pakistan: Increase in judges' retirement age proposed

Germany reintroduces temporary controls on borders, irks neighbours

Typhoon Bebinca makes landfall in Shanghai