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<p>Thousands of international students in Canada have been forced to hit the streets over fears that they may face deportation after key policy changes. Several provinces, including Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, have been hit hard as students vow to force the Justin Trudeau government to roll back recent changes in federal immigration policies.</p>

<p>At some places, protests have been going on for months.</p>

<h2><strong>What are new immigration policies?</strong></h2>

<p>The Canadian government has introduced a 25 per cent reduction in permanent residency nominations, leaving thousands of students unexpectedly vulnerable. Students allege they invested their family’s life savings on studying in Canada, in hopes that they will receive permanent residency. However, now they are being told to leave abruptly, thus hanging their future in balance.</p>

<p>"I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us," Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, was quoted as saying by City News Toronto.</p>

<p>According to a students’ advocacy group called the Naujawan Support Network, many students may face forced deportations after their work permits expire towards the end of this year.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Canada is cracking down on international students?</strong></h2>

<p>The massive inflow of students from nations like India and China has further strained Canada’s housing and health sector, leading to massive inflation and a full-blown crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjp1Za9q5WIAxUPV2wGHW5BCIoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/canada-tightens-rules-for-temporary-foreign-worker-permits-753568" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/canada-tightens-rules-for-temporary-foreign-worker-permits-753568&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp1Za9q5WIAxUPV2wGHW5BCIoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Canada tightens rules for temporary foreign worker permits</a></strong></p>

<p>Ottawa hopes that it may be able to contain the situation by mandating a cap on international student permit applications.</p>

<p>Now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) believes that such a cap would end up allowing only 360,000 study permits in 2024,&nbsp; a massive 35 per cent reduction from the last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Students’ argument</strong></h2>

<p>Student groups such as the International Sikh Student Organisation argue that Canada’s housing crisis stems from policy failures on multiple fronts and has little to do with international students.</p>

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<p>In Brampton, Indian students are leading the protests, who believe they are being unfairly targeted by Ottawa.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thousands of international students in Canada have been forced to hit the streets over fears that they may face deportation after key policy changes. Several provinces, including Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, have been hit hard as students vow to force the Justin Trudeau government to roll back recent changes in federal immigration policies.

Thousands of international students in Canada have been forced to hit the streets over fears that they may face deportation after key policy changes. Several provinces, including Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, have been hit hard as students vow to force the Justin Trudeau government to roll back recent changes in federal immigration policies. At some places, protests have been going on for months. What are new immigration policies? The Canadian government has introduced a 25 per cent reduction in permanent residency nominations, leaving thousands of students unexpectedly vulnerable. Students allege they invested their family’s life savings on studying in Canada, in hopes that they will receive permanent residency. However, now they are being told to leave abruptly, thus hanging their future in balance. "I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us," Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, was quoted as saying by City News Toronto. According to a students’ advocacy group called the Naujawan Support Network, many students may face forced deportations after their work permits expire towards the end of this year. Why Canada is cracking down on international students? The massive inflow of students from nations like India and China has further strained Canada’s housing and health sector, leading to massive inflation and a full-blown crisis. Also read: Canada tightens rules for temporary foreign worker permits Ottawa hopes that it may be able to contain the situation by mandating a cap on international student permit applications. Now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) believes that such a cap would end up allowing only 360,000 study permits in 2024, a massive 35 per cent reduction from the last year. Students’ argument Student groups such as the International Sikh Student Organisation argue that Canada’s housing crisis stems from policy failures on multiple fronts and has little to do with international students. Also read: Canada imposes 100% tariff on Chinese EVs including Tesla In Brampton, Indian students are leading the protests, who believe they are being unfairly targeted by Ottawa. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Unfair to Indians,’ Canada witnesses massive protests as 70,000 students face deportation

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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1909}">The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:302,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}">The daring rescue operation</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2007}">The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:163,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2057}">According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:764,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:684,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-all-out-war-in-middle-east-lowered-after-israel-hezbollah-clash-top-us-general-reveals-753588">Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals...</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:290,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}">Israel's successful rescues</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:293,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2187}">This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:343,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2237}">Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:393,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}">With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:426,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:458,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2352}">Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:797,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-france-against-intimidating-pavel-durov-telegram-ceos-custody-extended-till-aug-28-753699">Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:523,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2417}">Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes."</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:189,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2517}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:147,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:647,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:180,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:152,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:637,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:185,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:213,&quot;y&quot;:673,&quot;w&quot;:550,&quot;h&quot;:75,&quot;abs_x&quot;:246,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2567}" dir="ltr" lang="en">The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:674,&quot;y&quot;:703,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:707,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2597}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:488,&quot;y&quot;:718,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:521,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2612}" />
This operation joins a series of actions…</p>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:570,&quot;y&quot;:761,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:603,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2655}" href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1828414653510066647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:913,&quot;y&quot;:624,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:946,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2518}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:828,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2722}">Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:860,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2754}">"However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:910,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2804}">Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:960,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2854}">"We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7. The daring rescue operation The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos. According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital. Also read | Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals... Israel's successful rescues This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group. Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground. With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250. Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF. Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation. Also read | Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28 Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes." The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip. This operation joins a series of actions… — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 27, 2024 × Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal. "However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said. Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward." "We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidmsljD2Mrl7BI" /></p>

<p>United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.</p>

<p>The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.</p>

<p>"We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza."</p>

<p>The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago.</p>

<p>"Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind.</p>

<p>The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended.</p>

<p>"We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel."</p>

<p>Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while&nbsp;UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges.</p>

<p>"We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-un-says-9-gaza-aid-members-may-have-been-involved-in-october-7-attack-747565"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Food aid halved</h2>

<p>The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p>Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.</p>

<p>"The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday.</p>

<p>The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid&nbsp;"total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-preparing-to-temporarily-remove-gaza-pier-heres-why-731893"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...'</strong></a></p>

<p>The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads.</p>

<p>Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday.</p>

<p>"Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.

United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official. The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years. "We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza." The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago. "Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind. The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended. "We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel." Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges. "We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life." Watch | Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack × Food aid halved The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. "The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday. The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid "total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...' The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads. Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday. "Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said. 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.

UN halts aid operations in Gaza Strip after Israeli evacuation orders

West Asia came to a stand still early Sunday as reports of Hezbollah unleashing a massive rocket attack on Northern Israel started making the rounds. The Israeli military announced striking Lebanon with around 100 Jets to thwart a bigger attack, this in fact was one of the biggest clashes in more than 10 months of the Border Warfare. Hezbollah reported firing over 320 rockets and drones at Northern Israel. Watch in for more details!

West Asia Crisis: Did Hezbollah overestimate Israeli damages in Sunday's attack

<p>An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing&nbsp;allegations of sexual misconduct.</p>

<p>It was in 2020 when journalist and former Democratic fundraiser Yashar Ali accused Rick Jacobs, a top advisor to then-Los Angeles Mayor and the current United States envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, of sexual misconduct.</p>

<p>“I remember him (Jacobs) walking towards me with his two hands out and grabbing my face and kissing me forcibly on the lips — two times,” Ali reportedly said in a podcast series with NPR.</p>

<p>“I was frozen. It made me very, very uncomfortable. And once he did that, and I didn’t object to it, he continued. But not objecting to something is not consent. It’s just not objecting,” he said.</p>

<p>There are allegations that despite Jacobs having a “reputation for touching and forcibly kissing people on the lips without their consent,” Garcetti went on to hire him.</p>

<h2><strong>Did Garcetti lie under oath?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the NPR report, Garcetti was accused of “witnessing and enabling harassment by a close friend and top political adviser for years.” During his 2021 testimony, when he had been&nbsp;serving as mayor of LA&nbsp;for eight years and had served as co-chair of President Joe&nbsp;Biden’s 2020 campaign.</p>

<p>Yashar Ali alleges that the accusations&nbsp;against Garcetti were serious, due to which the Biden administration couldn’t send him to India for two years and also denied him any seat in the cabinet.</p>

<p>“Just know that the Biden administration, including the president, was aware of these details, had all the facts, and ignored them in favor of allowing the nomination of the despicable Eric Garcetti to be held up for two years,” Ali said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiYlfDInZWIAxVSR2wGHf2cHYMQFnoECCYQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-envoy-garcetti-miffed-by-indias-strategic-autonomy-after-pm-modis-russia-visit-740135" jsname="UWckNb" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-envoy-garcetti-miffed-by-indias-strategic-autonomy-after-pm-modis-russia-visit-740135&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYlfDInZWIAxVSR2wGHf2cHYMQFnoECCYQAQ">US envoy Garcetti miffed by India's 'strategic autonomy'&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>“At some point in the future I’ll find out why the president was so loyal to such a mediocre man and was willing to allow India to go without a U.S. Ambassador for two years,” he continued.</p>

<p>He alleged that Garcetti was finally able to get cleared for the role in India “due to $100,000 spent on a lobbyist by his parents.”</p>

<p>Yashar Ali shared more details to corroborate his claims about Garcetti being fully aware of sexual misconduct by one of his top aides.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/come-to-india-us-ambassador-eric-garcettis-message-goes-viral-709785">&nbsp;'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Ali wrote on his website that LAPD officer Matthew Garza, who worked on Garcetti’s security detail, had also accused Jacobs of assault and harassment.</p>

<p>And he claimed Garcetti witnessed the misconduct by Jacobs.</p>

<h2><strong>Garcetti has denied allegations</strong></h2>

<p>As per NPR, Garcetti has categorically denied these allegations, claiming he would have stopped the misconduct if he knew.</p>

<p>“I want to say unequivocally that I never witnessed nor was it brought to my attention the behavior that's been alleged. And I also want to assure you, if it had been, I would have immediately taken action to stop that,” NPR quoted the US envoy to India as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing allegations of sexual misconduct. It was in 2020 when journalist and former Democratic fundraiser Yashar Ali accused Rick Jacobs, a top advisor to then-Los Angeles Mayor and the current United States envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, of sexual misconduct. “I remember him (Jacobs) walking towards me with his two hands out and grabbing my face and kissing me forcibly on the lips — two times,” Ali reportedly said in a podcast series with NPR. “I was frozen. It made me very, very uncomfortable. And once he did that, and I didn’t object to it, he continued. But not objecting to something is not consent. It’s just not objecting,” he said. There are allegations that despite Jacobs having a “reputation for touching and forcibly kissing people on the lips without their consent,” Garcetti went on to hire him. Did Garcetti lie under oath? As per the NPR report, Garcetti was accused of “witnessing and enabling harassment by a close friend and top political adviser for years.” During his 2021 testimony, when he had been serving as mayor of LA for eight years and had served as co-chair of President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Yashar Ali alleges that the accusations against Garcetti were serious, due to which the Biden administration couldn’t send him to India for two years and also denied him any seat in the cabinet. “Just know that the Biden administration, including the president, was aware of these details, had all the facts, and ignored them in favor of allowing the nomination of the despicable Eric Garcetti to be held up for two years,” Ali said. Also read: US envoy Garcetti miffed by India's 'strategic autonomy' “At some point in the future I’ll find out why the president was so loyal to such a mediocre man and was willing to allow India to go without a U.S. Ambassador for two years,” he continued. He alleged that Garcetti was finally able to get cleared for the role in India “due to $100,000 spent on a lobbyist by his parents.” Yashar Ali shared more details to corroborate his claims about Garcetti being fully aware of sexual misconduct by one of his top aides. Also read: 'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral Ali wrote on his website that LAPD officer Matthew Garza, who worked on Garcetti’s security detail, had also accused Jacobs of assault and harassment. And he claimed Garcetti witnessed the misconduct by Jacobs. Garcetti has denied allegations As per NPR, Garcetti has categorically denied these allegations, claiming he would have stopped the misconduct if he knew. “I want to say unequivocally that I never witnessed nor was it brought to my attention the behavior that's been alleged. And I also want to assure you, if it had been, I would have immediately taken action to stop that,” NPR quoted the US envoy to India as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy to India Garcetti accused of shielding aide facing charges of sexual misconduct

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi around nine months ago in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. An FIR claims that the nuts and bolts used in constructing the structure had rusted. CM Eknath Shinde has ordered a probe into the incident.

India: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district

The Indian government has reportedly launched a major investigation into Telegram, examining the platform’s potential involvement in criminal activities such as extortion and gambling. This probe could result in a ban if the findings warrant it.

Telegram's 5 million Indian users at risk amid prob

New research has suggested that up to one in eight people who are diagnosed with dementia actually could be suffering from a treatable condition of the liver. This discovery could potentially change the way we approach dementia diagnosis and treatment.

Misdiagnosed dementia: Study challenges Dementia diagnoses

Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for president as a Democrat just four years ago, endorsed former US President Donald Trump’s bid for the White House on Monday against Kamala Harris.

US Elections 2024: Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard backs Donald Trump against Harris

Students in West Bengal are marching to the Secretariat in Kolkata today, this in protest over the rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor in the state run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They are demanding for the resignation of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Protest march to state secretariat today

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan arrives in Beijing, in a new bid to manage tensions months before US elections. He will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

US NSA Jake Sullivan arrives in Beijing for talks with Wang Yi

<p>Uganda sentenced an Islamic State-linked group member to 10 years over a thwarted terror attack on the funeral of a top army commander three years ago, an official confirmed to AFP on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Rashid Katumba arrested in August 2021 was in possession of explosives in the northern town of Pader on the eve of the funeral for Major General Paul Lokech, nicknamed the "Lion of Mogadishu".</p>

<p>President Yoweri Museveni blamed the plot on the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which emerged in Uganda in 1996 but has been active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for decades.</p>

<p>The International Crimes Division of Uganda's high court handed down the sentences for Katumba, as well as two other defendants Luyenjje Najjimu and Arafat Jamil Kiyemba in the capital Kampala on August 23.</p>

<p>"Upon their own plea of guilty, Katumba was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail" for his involvement in the attempted funeral attack, Jacquelyn Okui, spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, told AFP Tuesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourists-at-queen-elizabeth-national-park-killed-in-ambush-during-safari-648379"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Uganda: Two tourists among 3 killed in ambush during safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park</strong></a></p>

<p>She said that "Najjimu and Kiyemba were convicted and sentenced to five years each".</p>

<p>The three were Ugandan citizens and all admitted to belonging to a terror organisation, she said.</p>

<p>Lokech, who died in 2021 from blood clots, served two stints as a commander in Somalia with AMISOM, the African Union military operation fighting the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents.</p>

<p>He led the units that routed Al-Shabaab fighters from the capital Mogadishu in 2011, a feat that earned him his nickname.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ugandan president appoints son as military chief</strong></p>

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<p>The ADF, originally made up of mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, has been accused of killing thousands of civilians.</p>

<p>It also carried&nbsp;out attacks in Uganda, claiming responsibility for the murder of a honeymooning couple visiting the East African country in 2023.</p>

<p>Since the end of 2021, the Congolese and Ugandan armies have conducted joint operations against the ADF in North Kivu and the neighbouring province of Ituri.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Uganda sentenced an Islamic State-linked group member to 10 years over a thwarted terror attack on the funeral of a top army commander three years ago, an official confirmed to AFP on Tuesday.

Uganda sentenced an Islamic State-linked group member to 10 years over a thwarted terror attack on the funeral of a top army commander three years ago, an official confirmed to AFP on Tuesday. Rashid Katumba arrested in August 2021 was in possession of explosives in the northern town of Pader on the eve of the funeral for Major General Paul Lokech, nicknamed the "Lion of Mogadishu". President Yoweri Museveni blamed the plot on the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which emerged in Uganda in 1996 but has been active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for decades. The International Crimes Division of Uganda's high court handed down the sentences for Katumba, as well as two other defendants Luyenjje Najjimu and Arafat Jamil Kiyemba in the capital Kampala on August 23. "Upon their own plea of guilty, Katumba was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail" for his involvement in the attempted funeral attack, Jacquelyn Okui, spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, told AFP Tuesday. Also read | Uganda: Two tourists among 3 killed in ambush during safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park She said that "Najjimu and Kiyemba were convicted and sentenced to five years each". The three were Ugandan citizens and all admitted to belonging to a terror organisation, she said. Lokech, who died in 2021 from blood clots, served two stints as a commander in Somalia with AMISOM, the African Union military operation fighting the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents. He led the units that routed Al-Shabaab fighters from the capital Mogadishu in 2011, a feat that earned him his nickname. Watch: Ugandan president appoints son as military chief × The ADF, originally made up of mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, has been accused of killing thousands of civilians. It also carried out attacks in Uganda, claiming responsibility for the murder of a honeymooning couple visiting the East African country in 2023. Since the end of 2021, the Congolese and Ugandan armies have conducted joint operations against the ADF in North Kivu and the neighbouring province of Ituri. 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.

Islamic State-linked Uganda suicide bomb attacker sentenced to 10 years in prison

Japan had to scramble its Fighter Jets after a Chinese military war plane violated its airspace. The 2-minute incursion by the surveillance aircraft by the Chinese reportedly the first such incident by a military aircraft from China comes amidst regional tensions in the Asia Pacific region. Watch in for more details!

Chinese military aircraft violates Japanese airspace

In Pakistan more than 100 people including 50 armed forces personnel have been killed in Balochistan after armed men offloaded passengers from trucks and buses and shot at them. Watch WION to know more.

Balochistan Shocker: 102 Pakistani soldiers killed in attacks on army camps

Days after Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah engaged in the heaviest exchange of fire since the start of the Gaza War, the United States said that it was keeping a close watch on the developments in West Asia. Watch WION for more on the story.

Israel-Iran Conflict: Iran says 'revenge is certain' for Hamas leader's killing

Days after his Ukraine visit, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Joe Biden. The two leader discussed Regional and Global issues including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

PM Modi speaks with President Joe Biden, discuss regional and global issues

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 26) received a phone call from United States&nbsp;President Joe Biden following his historic visit to Ukraine last week. The two leaders discussed the war in&nbsp;Ukraine as well as the Bangladesh crisis, where an interim government has just taken charge following the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. However, a readout released by the White House after the Biden-Modi call omitted mention of Bangladesh, fuelling speculations on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s press release mentioned Bangladesh</strong></h2>

<p>A press release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did mention the ‘Bangladesh situation’.</p>

<p>"They (PM Modi and Biden) emphasised the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh," the MEA statement said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;But the one issued by the White House focused exclusively on Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjj3_CIgZWIAxVtTWwGHQ7LDpEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dhaka-protest-turns-violent-as-students-and-ansar-force-clash-50-injured-753525" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dhaka-protest-turns-violent-as-students-and-ansar-force-clash-50-injured-753525&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj3_CIgZWIAxVtTWwGHQ7LDpEQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Dhaka protest turns violent as students and Ansar force clash; 50 injured</a></strong></p>

<p>"The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," it said.</p>

<h2><strong>USA’s striking silence on Bangladesh</strong></h2>

<p>The US has refrained from issuing any statement on the Bangladesh crisis, which started off with massive student protests and culminated in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent installation of Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.</p>

<p>Amidst this crisis, some have blamed the US for staging a virtual coup in Dhaka as the Hasina government was at odds with Washington&nbsp;over the past months. Meanwhile, media reports emerged which quoted the deposed PM as accusing the US of pressuring her to allow the establishment of a naval base on St Martin's Island. However, Hasina’s son later claimed that these remarks were never passed by his mother.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh protests: Over 40 injured in Bangladesh violence</strong></p>

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<p>Now, the USA’s striking silence on the Bangladesh crisis has once again fuelled speculations online, with some accusing Washington&nbsp;of silently interfering in Dhaka affairs.</p>

<p>“It is not neglecting; It is ignoring for convenience,” one user said on X. “Will obviously neglect whatever they're responsible for,” a second commented.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 26) received a phone call from United States President Joe Biden following his historic visit to Ukraine last week.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 26) received a phone call from United States President Joe Biden following his historic visit to Ukraine last week. The two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine as well as the Bangladesh crisis, where an interim government has just taken charge following the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. However, a readout released by the White House after the Biden-Modi call omitted mention of Bangladesh, fuelling speculations on social media. India’s press release mentioned Bangladesh A press release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did mention the ‘Bangladesh situation’. "They (PM Modi and Biden) emphasised the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh," the MEA statement said. But the one issued by the White House focused exclusively on Ukraine. Also read: Dhaka protest turns violent as students and Ansar force clash; 50 injured "The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector," it said. USA’s striking silence on Bangladesh The US has refrained from issuing any statement on the Bangladesh crisis, which started off with massive student protests and culminated in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent installation of Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Amidst this crisis, some have blamed the US for staging a virtual coup in Dhaka as the Hasina government was at odds with Washington over the past months. Meanwhile, media reports emerged which quoted the deposed PM as accusing the US of pressuring her to allow the establishment of a naval base on St Martin's Island. However, Hasina’s son later claimed that these remarks were never passed by his mother. Watch: Bangladesh protests: Over 40 injured in Bangladesh violence × Now, the USA’s striking silence on the Bangladesh crisis has once again fuelled speculations online, with some accusing Washington of silently interfering in Dhaka affairs. “It is not neglecting; It is ignoring for convenience,” one user said on X. “Will obviously neglect whatever they're responsible for,” a second commented. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Ignoring for convenience’: Speculations rife as US skips ‘Bangladesh’ in readout after Biden-Modi call

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will not agree to a government led by the left-wing New Popular Front alliance (NFP), which won the most seats in last month's legislative election.

France: Emmanuel Macron rules out government led by left-wing new popular front

Kolkata hospital horror: Protest march to state secretariat today

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<p>South Korea is witnessing an outcry over sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of women found in Telegram chatrooms, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday (Aug 27), citing state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a televised cabinet meeting, President&nbsp;Yoon Suk Yeol called for digital sex crimes to be thoroughly investigated. "It's an exploitation of technology while relying on the protection of anonymity. It's a clear criminal act," President Yoon added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-political-motive-behind-telegram-ceo-pavel-durovs-arrest-says-french-president-macron-753482">No 'political' motive behind Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's arrest, says French President Macron</a></strong></p>

<p>He talked about&nbsp;sex crimes on social media in general and did not mention Telegram by name.</p>

<h2><strong>Surge in online deepfakes in South Korea</strong></h2>

<p>Citing the police, Reuters reported on Tuesday that online deepfake crimes surged in South Korea. The police said that 297 cases were reported in the first seven months of 2024.&nbsp;That's up from 180 last year and nearly double the number in 2021 when data first began to be collated.</p>

<p>The police added that most of the accused were teenagers and people in their 20s.</p>

<p>An analysis by a local newspaper looked at Telegram channels where it said that deepfakes of female university and high and middle school students were being shared.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why has the Telegram founder and CEO been arrested?</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this week, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union said that it had been informed of some cases where school students had been the victims of sexual deepfakes.</p>

<p>Sexually explicit deepfakes targeting female military personnel have also been found in Telegram chatrooms, according to the Military Sexual Abuse Victim Support Center, a group that supports victims of sexual abuse in the military.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact on Telegram's reputation in South Korea</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters further reported that Telegram's reputation has been tarnished for some years in the country&nbsp;after it emerged that an online sexual blackmail ring was operating mostly in the app's chatrooms.</p>

<p>In 2020, the ring's leader, Cho Ju-bin, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for blackmailing at least 74 females, including 16 teenagers, into sending&nbsp;degrading and sometimes violent sexual imagery of themselves.</p>

<p>These developments in South Korea come as Telegram's founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)&nbsp;Pavel Durov was arrested in France a few days back.</p>

<p>On Monday, French prosecutors said that Durov's arrest was part of an investigation&nbsp;into crimes related to images of child sex abuse, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions on Telegram.</p>

<p>On Tuesday,&nbsp;a spokesperson for the public prosecutor said Durov's detention had been extended by up to 48 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korea is witnessing an outcry over sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of women found in Telegram chatrooms, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday (Aug 27), citing state media.

South Korea is witnessing an outcry over sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of women found in Telegram chatrooms, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday (Aug 27), citing state media. During a televised cabinet meeting, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for digital sex crimes to be thoroughly investigated. "It's an exploitation of technology while relying on the protection of anonymity. It's a clear criminal act," President Yoon added. Also read | No 'political' motive behind Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's arrest, says French President Macron He talked about sex crimes on social media in general and did not mention Telegram by name. Surge in online deepfakes in South Korea Citing the police, Reuters reported on Tuesday that online deepfake crimes surged in South Korea. The police said that 297 cases were reported in the first seven months of 2024. That's up from 180 last year and nearly double the number in 2021 when data first began to be collated. The police added that most of the accused were teenagers and people in their 20s. An analysis by a local newspaper looked at Telegram channels where it said that deepfakes of female university and high and middle school students were being shared. Also watch | Gravitas: Why has the Telegram founder and CEO been arrested? × Earlier this week, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union said that it had been informed of some cases where school students had been the victims of sexual deepfakes. Sexually explicit deepfakes targeting female military personnel have also been found in Telegram chatrooms, according to the Military Sexual Abuse Victim Support Center, a group that supports victims of sexual abuse in the military. Impact on Telegram's reputation in South Korea Reuters further reported that Telegram's reputation has been tarnished for some years in the country after it emerged that an online sexual blackmail ring was operating mostly in the app's chatrooms. In 2020, the ring's leader, Cho Ju-bin, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for blackmailing at least 74 females, including 16 teenagers, into sending degrading and sometimes violent sexual imagery of themselves. These developments in South Korea come as Telegram's founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pavel Durov was arrested in France a few days back. On Monday, French prosecutors said that Durov's arrest was part of an investigation into crimes related to images of child sex abuse, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions on Telegram. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the public prosecutor said Durov's detention had been extended by up to 48 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea sees outcry over sexual deepfakes in Telegram chatrooms

<p>China has called the&nbsp;United States imposed sanctions on hundreds of entities for aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine,&nbsp;"illegal and unilateral" and "not based on facts".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comment from China comes ahead of White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's arrival in Beijing on Tuesday (Aug 27).</p>

<p>Sullivan is on a three-day visit to China and is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, the US imposed sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals for supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The entities also included Chinese companies that, according to US officials, have helped Moscow in building up its military.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-400-entities-for-aiding-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-752914"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US imposes new sanctions on 400 entities for aiding Russian invasion of Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p>China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, opposed the sanctions at a briefing in Beijing after the latest rounds of meetings with officials from &nbsp;Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa.</p>

<p>"A particular country uses the crisis … to shift blame in an attempt to fabricate the so-called China responsibility theory and threatens countries that have normal economic and trade ties with Russia with illegal and unilateral sanctions," Li said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although Li did not name the US, China's commerce ministry, on Sunday, said that it strongly opposes the sanctions and the foreign ministry has expressed similar opposition to previous curbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Chinese firms rebrand themselves as American to evade sanctions</strong></p>

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<p>"These words and deeds are totally for their selfish interests and are not based on facts, the international community will never accept them," Li added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;warned China over its support for Russia's defence industrial base and&nbsp;issued many sanctions against it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


China has called the United States imposed sanctions on hundreds of entities for aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine, "illegal and unilateral" and "not based on facts".

China has called the United States imposed sanctions on hundreds of entities for aiding Russia in its war with Ukraine, "illegal and unilateral" and "not based on facts". The comment from China comes ahead of White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's arrival in Beijing on Tuesday (Aug 27). Sullivan is on a three-day visit to China and is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Last week, the US imposed sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals for supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The entities also included Chinese companies that, according to US officials, have helped Moscow in building up its military. Also read: US imposes new sanctions on 400 entities for aiding Russian invasion of Ukraine China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, opposed the sanctions at a briefing in Beijing after the latest rounds of meetings with officials from Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. "A particular country uses the crisis … to shift blame in an attempt to fabricate the so-called China responsibility theory and threatens countries that have normal economic and trade ties with Russia with illegal and unilateral sanctions," Li said. Although Li did not name the US, China's commerce ministry, on Sunday, said that it strongly opposes the sanctions and the foreign ministry has expressed similar opposition to previous curbs. Watch | Chinese firms rebrand themselves as American to evade sanctions × "These words and deeds are totally for their selfish interests and are not based on facts, the international community will never accept them," Li added. The US has repeatedly warned China over its support for Russia's defence industrial base and issued many sanctions against it. (With inputs from agencies)

'Illegal and unilateral': China on US sanctions over Russia-Ukraine war

<p>A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said.</p>

<p>Administered through the nasal passage, the dose has been licensed to the vaccine maker, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, and is expected to go into clinical trials soon.</p>

<p>The dose, called CDO-7N-1, is an intranasal live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which uses a method known as codon deoptimisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: What reasons did AstraZeneca give while withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine globally?</strong></p>

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<p>With just one shot, CDO-7N-1 was found to induce robust immune response in mice, hamsters and macaques, said its developers, who published their findings in Nature Communications journal on Monday (Aug 26).</p>

<p>The lab test animals were protected from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as its variants like beta, delta and omicron XBB.1.5, said the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-rising-claims-for-covid-19-vaccine-damages-over-14000-seek-compensation-751001">Also read: UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation</a></strong></p>

<p>“This is a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, inducing potential mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity with just a single dose,” said Prof &nbsp;Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, who has been working on the vaccine for four years.</p>

<p>“The vaccine induces strong memory responses in the nasal mucosa, offering long-term protection for up to a year or more. It’s been designed to be administered as single dose, ideally as a booster vaccine, as a safe alternative to needles with no adverse reactions in the short or long term,” he said.</p>

<p>This is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains the entire virus, thereby providing broad immunity, in contrast to a single antigen, which is used in many other vaccine platforms.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-indias-top-court-seeking-investigation-into-covishield-side-effects-717027">Also read: Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covid vaccine Covishield's side effects</a></strong></p>

<p>The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern, and has neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-1, said Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, adding it protects against transmission, prevents reinfection and the spread of the virus, while also reducing the generation of new variants.</p>

<p>“Unlike the mRNA vaccine, which targets only the spike protein, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is highly effective against all major variants to date," said Liu.</p>

<p>“Importantly, the vaccine remains stable at 4°C for seven months, making it ideal for low- and middle-income countries.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said.

A new, nasally administered Covid vaccine candidate could be a game changer as it offers broad protection against the deadly virus and its variants, while also vaccinating those who are averse to needles, its developers have said. Administered through the nasal passage, the dose has been licensed to the vaccine maker, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, and is expected to go into clinical trials soon. The dose, called CDO-7N-1, is an intranasal live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, which uses a method known as codon deoptimisation. Watch: What reasons did AstraZeneca give while withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine globally? × With just one shot, CDO-7N-1 was found to induce robust immune response in mice, hamsters and macaques, said its developers, who published their findings in Nature Communications journal on Monday (Aug 26). The lab test animals were protected from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as its variants like beta, delta and omicron XBB.1.5, said the researchers. Also read: UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation “This is a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, inducing potential mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity with just a single dose,” said Prof Suresh Mahalingam from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, who has been working on the vaccine for four years. “The vaccine induces strong memory responses in the nasal mucosa, offering long-term protection for up to a year or more. It’s been designed to be administered as single dose, ideally as a booster vaccine, as a safe alternative to needles with no adverse reactions in the short or long term,” he said. This is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains the entire virus, thereby providing broad immunity, in contrast to a single antigen, which is used in many other vaccine platforms. Also read: Plea filed in India’s top court seeking investigation into Covid vaccine Covishield's side effects The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern, and has neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-1, said Dr Xiang Liu, the lead author of the study, adding it protects against transmission, prevents reinfection and the spread of the virus, while also reducing the generation of new variants. “Unlike the mRNA vaccine, which targets only the spike protein, CDO-7N-1 induces immunity to all major SARS-CoV-2 proteins and is highly effective against all major variants to date," said Liu. “Importantly, the vaccine remains stable at 4°C for seven months, making it ideal for low- and middle-income countries.” (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine: Single-dose nasal drop protects against virus and variants, can be a gamechanger

Israel-Iran Conflict: US says Iran and its proxies can attack Israel 'any time'

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