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A United States government research team probing a group of federal employees claiming symptoms of the "Havana syndrome" ailment that first emerged in 2016 did not find any conclusive evidence of brain injury, according to a study published in a medical journal on Monday (Mar 18).

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also discovered no changes in most clinical measures between a set of 86 employees and their adult family members reporting unexpected health events and a matched group of healthy volunteers who had similar work assignments.

Symptoms of the enigmatic ailment were for the very first time reported by United States embassy officials in Havana, Cuba, later affecting diplomats, spies, and other personnel across the globe.

These included hearing noise and experiencing head pressure followed by headaches, migraines, dizziness, and memory lapses.

"These individuals have symptoms that are real, distressing and very difficult to treat," Dr Leighton Chan, NIH Clinical Center acting chief scientific officer and lead study author, said according to news agency Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan-as-blinken-attends-seoul-summit-701275">North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit</a>

The participants of the study included military personnel stationed in China, Vienna, Cuba, and the United States. They undertook a battery of tests including clinical, auditory, balance, visual, neuropsychological and blood testing.

They also additionally received various types of MRI scans aimed at examining the volume, structure and function of the brain.

Researchers at the NIH did discover that over 25 per cent&nbsp;of patients who reported symptoms went on to acquire persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, a chronic illness. They also reported noticeably higher levels of fatigue, post-traumatic stress and depression as compared to the control group.

The results of the MRI brain imaging study "should be some reassurance for patients," said Louis French, the study's investigator and deputy director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, as he said that the researchers did not find a correlation between odd symptoms and neurodegenerative changes.

“The post-traumatic stress and mood symptoms reported are not surprising given the ongoing concerns of many of the participants,” he said.

The US State Department on Monday (Mar 18) said that it was reviewing the NIH report and that Secretary of State Antony Blinken's primary concern with regard to&nbsp;what the department calls anomalous health incidents (AHI) was the health, safety and security of personnel and family members.

"The Secretary remains resolute in ensuring that the Department does everything possible to ensure employees and family members who report an AHI are treated with respect and compassion and receive timely access to medical care and all benefits to which they are entitled," a spokesperson said by email.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States government research team probing a group of federal employees claiming symptoms of the "Havana syndrome" ailment that first emerged in 2016 did not find any conclusive evidence of brain injury, according to a study published in a medical journal on Monday (Mar 18).

A United States government research team probing a group of federal employees claiming symptoms of the "Havana syndrome" ailment that first emerged in 2016 did not find any conclusive evidence of brain injury, according to a study published in a medical journal on Monday (Mar 18). Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also discovered no changes in most clinical measures between a set of 86 employees and their adult family members reporting unexpected health events and a matched group of healthy volunteers who had similar work assignments. Symptoms of the enigmatic ailment were for the very first time reported by United States embassy officials in Havana, Cuba, later affecting diplomats, spies, and other personnel across the globe. These included hearing noise and experiencing head pressure followed by headaches, migraines, dizziness, and memory lapses. "These individuals have symptoms that are real, distressing and very difficult to treat," Dr Leighton Chan, NIH Clinical Center acting chief scientific officer and lead study author, said according to news agency Reuters. Also read: North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan as Blinken attends key Seoul summit The participants of the study included military personnel stationed in China, Vienna, Cuba, and the United States. They undertook a battery of tests including clinical, auditory, balance, visual, neuropsychological and blood testing. They also additionally received various types of MRI scans aimed at examining the volume, structure and function of the brain. Researchers at the NIH did discover that over 25 per cent of patients who reported symptoms went on to acquire persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, a chronic illness. They also reported noticeably higher levels of fatigue, post-traumatic stress and depression as compared to the control group. The results of the MRI brain imaging study "should be some reassurance for patients," said Louis French, the study's investigator and deputy director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, as he said that the researchers did not find a correlation between odd symptoms and neurodegenerative changes. “The post-traumatic stress and mood symptoms reported are not surprising given the ongoing concerns of many of the participants,” he said. The US State Department on Monday (Mar 18) said that it was reviewing the NIH report and that Secretary of State Antony Blinken's primary concern with regard to what the department calls anomalous health incidents (AHI) was the health, safety and security of personnel and family members. "The Secretary remains resolute in ensuring that the Department does everything possible to ensure employees and family members who report an AHI are treated with respect and compassion and receive timely access to medical care and all benefits to which they are entitled," a spokesperson said by email. (With inputs from agencies)

New research finds no conclusive evidence of brain injury in Havana syndrome cases

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Israel War: UN agency says 'famine is imminent' in northern Gaza

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Former Brazil&nbsp;president Jair Bolsonaro was indicted on Tuesday (Mar 19)&nbsp;by federal police for&nbsp;suspected fraud on his vaccination records, the news agency Reuters reported citing two sources related to the matter.&nbsp;

The country's comptroller general's office had conducted an investigation which has already shown that Bolsonaro's vaccination records were false.&nbsp;

Mauro Cid, one of Bolsonaro's former aides, was also indicted. Cid was arrested in May last year as part of the investigation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversy-erupts-as-lawmaker-inserts-colleagues-name-while-reading-rape-scene-asked-to-resign-701891">Controversy erupts as lawmaker inserts colleague's name while reading rape scene; asked to resign</a>&nbsp;

The news agency said that the sources further told that Bolsonaro was indicted on charges of entering false data into the country's Unified Health System (SUS) and forming a criminal organisation.&nbsp;

Reuters said that when it contacted Bolsonaro, he reiterated that he had not taken the COVID-19 vaccine and said he was calm.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-seven-countries-meet-who-air-quality-standard-reports-701863">Only these seven countries meet WHO air quality standard: Reports</a>&nbsp;

"It's a selective investigation. I'm calm, I don't owe anything. The world knows that I didn't take the vaccine," said Bolsonaro.&nbsp;

When he was president, Bolsonaro frequently dismissed the need for immunisation and social distancing measures during the pandemic, which killed over 700,000 people in Brazil.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro was indicted on Tuesday (Mar 19) by federal police for suspected fraud on his vaccination records, the news agency Reuters reported citing two sources related to the matter.

Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro was indicted on Tuesday (Mar 19) by federal police for suspected fraud on his vaccination records, the news agency Reuters reported citing two sources related to the matter. The country's comptroller general's office had conducted an investigation which has already shown that Bolsonaro's vaccination records were false. Mauro Cid, one of Bolsonaro's former aides, was also indicted. Cid was arrested in May last year as part of the investigation. Also read: Controversy erupts as lawmaker inserts colleague's name while reading rape scene; asked to resign The news agency said that the sources further told that Bolsonaro was indicted on charges of entering false data into the country's Unified Health System (SUS) and forming a criminal organisation. Reuters said that when it contacted Bolsonaro, he reiterated that he had not taken the COVID-19 vaccine and said he was calm. Also read: Only these seven countries meet WHO air quality standard: Reports "It's a selective investigation. I'm calm, I don't owe anything. The world knows that I didn't take the vaccine," said Bolsonaro. When he was president, Bolsonaro frequently dismissed the need for immunisation and social distancing measures during the pandemic, which killed over 700,000 people in Brazil. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil ex-president Jair Bolsonaro indicted for suspected fraud on vaccine records

The Israeli military says it has taken control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in what it called an operation to "thwart terrorist activity". Watch in for more details!

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During a discussion on an obscenity bill in the Nebraska legislature, Senator Steve Halloran sparked controversy by reading aloud a graphic passage from Alice Sebold’s memoir "Lucky" and inserting a colleague’s name into the text.

Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, one of the senators whose name was inserted into the passage, condemned the incident as harassment and called for Halloran's resignation, supported by bipartisan calls from Senators Megan Hunt and Julie Slama.

Halloran and the Cavanaugh&nbsp;did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Senator Joni Albrecht, the bill's proponent, apologised to Cavanaugh in the chamber, stressing on&nbsp;the inappropriate nature of the reading.

<h2>Legislative context</h2>

The incident occurred during discussions on Legislative Bill 441, which aims to revise Nebraska's obscenity law. Opponents argue that such bills could restrict educators and librarians from sharing important materials.

The debate happened against the backdrop of a national trend in increased attempts to restrict reading materials in schools and libraries, with a notable surge reported by the American Library Association in 2023.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-accuses-us-of-stoking-protests-amid-blackouts-and-food-shortages-summons-top-diplomat-701725">Also read |&nbsp;Cuba accuses US of stoking protests amid blackouts and food shortages, summons top diplomat</a>

Alice Sebold’s "Lucky",&nbsp;the book from which the passage was read, has faced controversy in the past. It tells Sebold's story of being raped during her college years and raises important discussions about trauma and victimisation.

Also watch |&nbsp;What's behind Indian student deaths in the US?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whats-behind-indian-student-deaths-in-the-us-701864/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Senator John Cavanaugh defended the value of literature and the importance of understanding context, emphasising that stories like "Lucky" provide meaning and perspective to readers.

The legislature adjourned early following the incident, highlighting the severity of the fallout and the need for resolution.

(With inputs from agencies)

During a discussion on an obscenity bill in the Nebraska legislature, Senator Steve Halloran sparked controversy by reading aloud a graphic passage from Alice Sebold’s memoir "Lucky" and inserting a colleague’s name into the text.

During a discussion on an obscenity bill in the Nebraska legislature, Senator Steve Halloran sparked controversy by reading aloud a graphic passage from Alice Sebold’s memoir "Lucky" and inserting a colleague’s name into the text. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, one of the senators whose name was inserted into the passage, condemned the incident as harassment and called for Halloran's resignation, supported by bipartisan calls from Senators Megan Hunt and Julie Slama. Halloran and the Cavanaugh did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Senator Joni Albrecht, the bill's proponent, apologised to Cavanaugh in the chamber, stressing on the inappropriate nature of the reading. Legislative context The incident occurred during discussions on Legislative Bill 441, which aims to revise Nebraska's obscenity law. Opponents argue that such bills could restrict educators and librarians from sharing important materials. The debate happened against the backdrop of a national trend in increased attempts to restrict reading materials in schools and libraries, with a notable surge reported by the American Library Association in 2023. Also read | Cuba accuses US of stoking protests amid blackouts and food shortages, summons top diplomat Alice Sebold’s "Lucky", the book from which the passage was read, has faced controversy in the past. It tells Sebold's story of being raped during her college years and raises important discussions about trauma and victimisation. Also watch | What's behind Indian student deaths in the US? Senator John Cavanaugh defended the value of literature and the importance of understanding context, emphasising that stories like "Lucky" provide meaning and perspective to readers. The legislature adjourned early following the incident, highlighting the severity of the fallout and the need for resolution. (With inputs from agencies)

Controversy erupts as US lawmaker inserts colleague’s name while reading rape scene; asked to resign

National Democratic Alliance partners are announcing seat-sharing for the upcoming General Elections. Watch the video to know more.

India elections: Battle for Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a roadshow in Kerala's Palakkad district on Tuesday. Ahead of PM Modi's roadshow, the Bharatiya Janata Party held a bike rally in Kerala's Palakkad on Monday evening.

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US State Secretary Antony Blinken is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt to meet with government leaders this week and discuss efforts to reach an “immediate ceasefire agreement” between Israel and Hamas.

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Former President Donald Trump can't find an insurance company to underwrite his bond to cover the massive judgment against him in the New York attorney general’s civil fraud case, his lawyers told a New York appeals court. Watch in for more details!

US: Appeal court refuses to halt Donald Trump's fraud penalty of $454 million

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong on Tuesday (March 19), unanimously approved a new national security bill just two weeks after its initial introduction, expediting a significant legislative measure criticised for further endangering the city's freedoms under Chinese rule.

Dubbed as Article 23, the legislation encompasses updates and new provisions aimed at outlawing acts of treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets, and espionage, carrying penalties including life imprisonment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hong-kongs-article-23-of-basic-law-heres-what-it-means-for-city-685359" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hong-kongs-article-23-of-basic-law-heres-what-it-means-for-city-685359&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAp7mnoICFAxW6fGwGHYLTA8kQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jhjlbN3M0wVxV3_Ij_tZm&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hong-kongs-article-23-of-basic-law-heres-what-it-means-for-city-685359" target="_blank">What is Hong Kong's&nbsp;Article 23&nbsp;of basic law? Here's what it means</a>

Presented to the 90-seat council, largely composed of pro-Beijing members, on March 8 after a month-long public consultation, Hong Kong's leader John Lee urged for its swift enactment.

With all 88 lawmakers and the council president in agreement, the legislation is set to be enforced starting March 23.

<h2>What is Hong Kong's Article 23?</h2>

The proposed law, set to be incorporated into Hong Kong's mini-constitution after the end of the consultation period, will work in conjunction with the existing national security law imposed by China's central government in 2020.&nbsp;

Article 23, outlined in the territory's Basic Law enacted after the 1997 handover from British colonial rule, mandates the prohibition of acts endangering national security.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-minister-affirms-no-social-media-ban-under-security-law-697223" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-minister-affirms-no-social-media-ban-under-security-law-697223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAp7mnoICFAxW6fGwGHYLTA8kQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1EqiHMUJGL7qSQwxvEVLTR&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-minister-affirms-no-social-media-ban-under-security-law-697223" target="_blank">No social media ban in Hong Kong under security law, affirms minister</a>

Previous attempts to introduce such laws in 2003 faced widespread protests.&nbsp;

However, following the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, China imposed a separate national security law on Hong Kong, pointing to the local government's failure to legislate Article 23.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The proposed law will encompass five broad categories of offences: treason, insurrection, espionage, destructive activities endangering national security, and external interference.&nbsp;

While Lee asserted that the new law would respect human rights and freedoms, he acknowledged that most rights were "not absolute."&nbsp;

The 2019 protests, according to Lee, demonstrated that national security was essential for the enjoyment of rights and freedoms.&nbsp;

The consultation document, set for release on Tuesday, will address issues like the definition of theft of state secrets and the "extraterritorial effect" of the law. Public feedback on the law will be accepted until February 28, as announced by Lee during a press conference.

According to Tang Pink-keung, Hong Kong’s secretary for security, the consultation document would also address “shortcomings” in the current handling of alleged national security cases.

Among current prosecutions, the trial of newspaper proprietor and activist Jimmy Lai is currently before a national security court after about a year of successive delays.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-national-security-trial-against-jimmy-lai-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-media-mogul-670940">Explained | What is the national security trial against Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media mogul?</a>

Lai has been charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the NSL, as well as sedition charges under a separate law. Lai has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong on Tuesday (March 19), unanimously approved a new national security bill just two weeks after its initial introduction, expediting a significant legislative measure criticised for further endangering the city's freedoms under Chinese rule.

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong on Tuesday (March 19), unanimously approved a new national security bill just two weeks after its initial introduction, expediting a significant legislative measure criticised for further endangering the city's freedoms under Chinese rule. Dubbed as Article 23, the legislation encompasses updates and new provisions aimed at outlawing acts of treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets, and espionage, carrying penalties including life imprisonment. Also read: What is Hong Kong's Article 23 of basic law? Here's what it means Presented to the 90-seat council, largely composed of pro-Beijing members, on March 8 after a month-long public consultation, Hong Kong's leader John Lee urged for its swift enactment. With all 88 lawmakers and the council president in agreement, the legislation is set to be enforced starting March 23. What is Hong Kong's Article 23? The proposed law, set to be incorporated into Hong Kong's mini-constitution after the end of the consultation period, will work in conjunction with the existing national security law imposed by China's central government in 2020. Article 23, outlined in the territory's Basic Law enacted after the 1997 handover from British colonial rule, mandates the prohibition of acts endangering national security. Also read: No social media ban in Hong Kong under security law, affirms minister Previous attempts to introduce such laws in 2003 faced widespread protests. However, following the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, China imposed a separate national security law on Hong Kong, pointing to the local government's failure to legislate Article 23. What does it mean? The proposed law will encompass five broad categories of offences: treason, insurrection, espionage, destructive activities endangering national security, and external interference. While Lee asserted that the new law would respect human rights and freedoms, he acknowledged that most rights were "not absolute." The 2019 protests, according to Lee, demonstrated that national security was essential for the enjoyment of rights and freedoms. The consultation document, set for release on Tuesday, will address issues like the definition of theft of state secrets and the "extraterritorial effect" of the law. Public feedback on the law will be accepted until February 28, as announced by Lee during a press conference. According to Tang Pink-keung, Hong Kong’s secretary for security, the consultation document would also address “shortcomings” in the current handling of alleged national security cases. Among current prosecutions, the trial of newspaper proprietor and activist Jimmy Lai is currently before a national security court after about a year of successive delays. Also read | Explained | What is the national security trial against Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media mogul? Lai has been charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the NSL, as well as sedition charges under a separate law. Lai has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted. (With inputs from agencies)

Article 23: Hong Kong legislature passes new national security law

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Armenia could face a war with Azerbaijan if it does not compromise with Baku and return four Azerbaijani villages it has held since the early 1990s, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a video published on Tuesday.

Pashinyan was speaking during a meeting on Monday with residents of border areas in northern Armenia's Tavush region, close to a string of deserted Azerbaijani villages that Yerevan has controlled since the early 1990s.

The four villages, which have been uninhabited for over 30 years, are of strategic value to Armenia as they straddle the main road between Yerevan and the Georgian border.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-oversees-firing-drills-of-super-large-rocket-launchers-to-potentially-target-seoul-701669">North Korean leader oversees firing drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers to potentially target Seoul</a>

Azerbaijan has said the return of its lands, which also include several tiny enclaves entirely surrounded by Armenian territory, is a necessary precondition for a peace deal to end three decades of conflict over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which Baku's forces retook last September.

Russia's TASS state news agency quoted Pashinyan as telling residents in the video clip that was circulated by his government that failure to compromise over the disputed villages could lead to war with Azerbaijan "by the end of the week".

"I know how such a war would end," he added.

Yerevan suffered a major defeat last September when Baku's forces retook Nagorno-Karabakh in a lightning offensive, prompting almost all of that region's estimated 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia.

Though Karabakh is recognised internationally as Azerbaijani territory, the region's ethnic Armenians had enjoyed de facto independence from Baku since the war of the early 1990s.

<h2>PEACE TREATY</h2>

Baku and Yerevan have said they now want to sign a formal peace treaty, but talks have become bogged down in issues including demarcation of their 1,000 km (620 mile) shared border, which remains closed and heavily militarised.

Pashinyan has signalled in recent weeks that he is willing to return Azerbaijani land controlled by Armenia, and suggested rerouting Armenia's road network to avoid Azerbaijani territory.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-accused-of-sexual-assault-by-former-employee-who-sought-career-help-701826">New York Mayor Eric Adams accused of sexual assault by former employee who sought career help</a>

Mainly Muslim Azerbaijan also continues to control areas internationally recognised as part of Christian Armenia.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday his country was "closer than ever" to a peace with Armenia, in remarks made after holding talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Baku.

Stoltenberg held talks on Tuesday with Pashinyan in Armenia, which is nominally a Russian ally though its relations with Moscow have deteriorated in recent months over what Yerevan says is Russia's failure to protect it from Azerbaijan.

As a result, Armenia has pivoted its foreign policy towards the West, to Moscow's chagrin, with senior officials suggesting it might one day apply for European Union membership.

In a statement posted on Tuesday on the Telegram messaging app, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested Yerevan's deepening ties with the West were the reason for Armenia having to make concessions to Azerbaijan.

Armenia could face a war with Azerbaijan if it does not compromise with Baku and return four Azerbaijani villages it has held since the early 1990s, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a video published on Tuesday.

Armenia could face a war with Azerbaijan if it does not compromise with Baku and return four Azerbaijani villages it has held since the early 1990s, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a video published on Tuesday. Pashinyan was speaking during a meeting on Monday with residents of border areas in northern Armenia's Tavush region, close to a string of deserted Azerbaijani villages that Yerevan has controlled since the early 1990s. The four villages, which have been uninhabited for over 30 years, are of strategic value to Armenia as they straddle the main road between Yerevan and the Georgian border. Also Read | North Korean leader oversees firing drills of ‘super-large’ rocket launchers to potentially target Seoul Azerbaijan has said the return of its lands, which also include several tiny enclaves entirely surrounded by Armenian territory, is a necessary precondition for a peace deal to end three decades of conflict over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which Baku's forces retook last September. Russia's TASS state news agency quoted Pashinyan as telling residents in the video clip that was circulated by his government that failure to compromise over the disputed villages could lead to war with Azerbaijan "by the end of the week". "I know how such a war would end," he added. Yerevan suffered a major defeat last September when Baku's forces retook Nagorno-Karabakh in a lightning offensive, prompting almost all of that region's estimated 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia. Though Karabakh is recognised internationally as Azerbaijani territory, the region's ethnic Armenians had enjoyed de facto independence from Baku since the war of the early 1990s. PEACE TREATY Baku and Yerevan have said they now want to sign a formal peace treaty, but talks have become bogged down in issues including demarcation of their 1,000 km (620 mile) shared border, which remains closed and heavily militarised. Pashinyan has signalled in recent weeks that he is willing to return Azerbaijani land controlled by Armenia, and suggested rerouting Armenia's road network to avoid Azerbaijani territory. Also Read | New York Mayor Eric Adams accused of sexual assault by former employee who sought career help Mainly Muslim Azerbaijan also continues to control areas internationally recognised as part of Christian Armenia. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday his country was "closer than ever" to a peace with Armenia, in remarks made after holding talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Baku. Stoltenberg held talks on Tuesday with Pashinyan in Armenia, which is nominally a Russian ally though its relations with Moscow have deteriorated in recent months over what Yerevan says is Russia's failure to protect it from Azerbaijan. As a result, Armenia has pivoted its foreign policy towards the West, to Moscow's chagrin, with senior officials suggesting it might one day apply for European Union membership. In a statement posted on Tuesday on the Telegram messaging app, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested Yerevan's deepening ties with the West were the reason for Armenia having to make concessions to Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s PM says he must return disputed areas to Azerbaijan or face war

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Sex traffickers are making around £21,000 per year from each victim through profits gained from forced labour, according to projections made by&nbsp;the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Worldwide earnings from forced labour soared to $236 billion (£185 billion) annually, with a growing number of individuals being affected by slavery, the United Nations' labour agency said in a report.

Though sexual exploitation accounts for 27 per cent of forced labour cases, it brings in 73 per cent of the total illegal profits, as per ILO data.

The latest figures released by the ILO represent a 37 per cent increase compared to those disclosed in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwif_L-fkoCFAxWR6jgGHesYBAAQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3tM-525aZl1qvcavnRQkcn&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977" target="_blank">A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in&nbsp;forced labou</a>

The ILO highlights that these unlawful gains should rightfully belong to the workers, but are instead kept by their exploiters using illegal methods.

The surge in profits is linked to an increase in individuals facing forced labour and higher revenues generated through exploiting victims.

The report said more than 27 million people are trapped in different forms of modern slavery.

Traffickers, criminals and unethical employers are making nearly $10,000 per victim on average, according to the agency.

Industries utilising labour generate $35 billion annually for exploiters while the service industry contributes around $21 billion.

In terms of profits from forced labour, Europe and central Asia lead the way, with Asia and the Pacific coming close, followed by the Americas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-on-forced-labour-276-million-modern-slaves-across-globe-515796" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-on-forced-labour-276-million-modern-slaves-across-globe-515796&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwif_L-fkoCFAxWR6jgGHesYBAAQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1cdBnAty5yGYEWjWxz2BMF&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-on-forced-labour-276-million-modern-slaves-across-globe-515796" target="_blank">Report on&nbsp;forced labour: '27.6 million modern slaves across globe'</a>

The Director General of the ILO Gilbert Houngbo stressed the importance of taking action to eliminate forced labour.

This harmful practice sustains poverty cycles and exploitation while also degrading dignity, he said.

“Forced labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation and strikes at the heart of human dignity," said the ILO chief.

"We now know that the situation has only got worse. The international community must urgently come together to take action to end this injustice, safeguard workers’ rights and uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Sex traffickers are making around £21,000 per year from each victim through profits gained from forced labour, according to projections made by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Sex traffickers are making around £21,000 per year from each victim through profits gained from forced labour, according to projections made by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Worldwide earnings from forced labour soared to $236 billion (£185 billion) annually, with a growing number of individuals being affected by slavery, the United Nations' labour agency said in a report. Though sexual exploitation accounts for 27 per cent of forced labour cases, it brings in 73 per cent of the total illegal profits, as per ILO data. The latest figures released by the ILO represent a 37 per cent increase compared to those disclosed in 2014. Also read: A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labou The ILO highlights that these unlawful gains should rightfully belong to the workers, but are instead kept by their exploiters using illegal methods. The surge in profits is linked to an increase in individuals facing forced labour and higher revenues generated through exploiting victims. The report said more than 27 million people are trapped in different forms of modern slavery. Traffickers, criminals and unethical employers are making nearly $10,000 per victim on average, according to the agency. Industries utilising labour generate $35 billion annually for exploiters while the service industry contributes around $21 billion. In terms of profits from forced labour, Europe and central Asia lead the way, with Asia and the Pacific coming close, followed by the Americas. Also read: Report on forced labour: '27.6 million modern slaves across globe' The Director General of the ILO Gilbert Houngbo stressed the importance of taking action to eliminate forced labour. This harmful practice sustains poverty cycles and exploitation while also degrading dignity, he said. “Forced labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation and strikes at the heart of human dignity," said the ILO chief. "We now know that the situation has only got worse. The international community must urgently come together to take action to end this injustice, safeguard workers’ rights and uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all.” (With inputs from agencies)

Sex traffickers are making profits of billions of dollars from forced labour: ILO report

US Secy Antony Blinken to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt for Israel-Hamas war negotiations

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