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<p>A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The arson was started by the man while he was trying the get rid of the dead body of someone whom he had strangled in the rundown apartment complex's basement after receiving orders from a drug dealer. The fire in the building had killed more than 76 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South African man made the shocking and unexpected confession when he was testifying at an ongoing inquiry into the incidents which led to the fire at an apartment building in Johannesburg in August 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-triple-murder-what-is-the-online-love-scam-that-involves-pakistani-origin-man-683166">Spanish triple murder: What is the online 'love scam' that involves Pakistani origin man?</a></p>

<p>The 29-year-old, whose identity was not revealed, confessed that he had killed another man by strangling him on the night the fire started, as per reports of the testimony published in the South African media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said&nbsp;that after the murder, he poured petrol on the body of the man and set it alight using a match, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Man given orders to commit murder</strong></h2>

<p>The man further testified that he was a drug user and was given the orders to murder the man by another drug dealer who was living in the building.</p>

<p>In a statement, the police said that the man was facing 76 counts of murder as well as 120 counts of attempted murder and was charged with arson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/divya-pahuja-murder-case-former-models-body-found-in-a-canal-in-haryana-679795/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The inquiry in which the man testified was not a criminal proceeding and his confession regarding arson came as a surprise.</p>

<p>The inquiry is trying to investigate what caused the fire and the safety failures which may have resulted in the death of so many people.</p>

<p>At the inquiry, the man also testified that he was a resident of the building.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him.

A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him. The arson was started by the man while he was trying the get rid of the dead body of someone whom he had strangled in the rundown apartment complex's basement after receiving orders from a drug dealer. The fire in the building had killed more than 76 people. The South African man made the shocking and unexpected confession when he was testifying at an ongoing inquiry into the incidents which led to the fire at an apartment building in Johannesburg in August 2023. Also read: Spanish triple murder: What is the online 'love scam' that involves Pakistani origin man? The 29-year-old, whose identity was not revealed, confessed that he had killed another man by strangling him on the night the fire started, as per reports of the testimony published in the South African media. He said that after the murder, he poured petrol on the body of the man and set it alight using a match, as per media reports. Man given orders to commit murder The man further testified that he was a drug user and was given the orders to murder the man by another drug dealer who was living in the building. In a statement, the police said that the man was facing 76 counts of murder as well as 120 counts of attempted murder and was charged with arson. Watch: Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana The inquiry in which the man testified was not a criminal proceeding and his confession regarding arson came as a surprise. The inquiry is trying to investigate what caused the fire and the safety failures which may have resulted in the death of so many people. At the inquiry, the man also testified that he was a resident of the building. (With inputs from agencies)

South African man confesses to starting fire that killed 76 while trying to hide murder

<p>China was fiercely criticised by the United States, United Kingdom and several other countries at a UN meeting on Tuesday (Jan 23) over its chequered human rights record in its restive regions of Xinjiang, Tibet as well as its Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK called on China to "cease the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans and allow genuine freedom of religion or belief and cultural expression without fear of surveillance, torture, forced labour or sexual violence", while the US said China should "release all arbitrarily detained individuals” and cease the operation of "forcible assimilation policies including boarding schools in Tibet and Xinjiang".</p>

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<p>Each country at the UN headquarters in Geneva was given 45 seconds to make recommendations as part of the UN Human Rights Council's universal periodic review.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a mechanism by which the 193 United Nations member states review each others' human rights records every five years.</p>

<h2><strong>Drop Jimmy Lai's prosecution: UK urges China</strong></h2>

<p>The UK also recommended that the national security law in Hong Kong be repealed. London also specifically urged Beijing to drop the persecution of the pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.</p>

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<p>Some 163 countries spoke at the Tuesday session.</p>

<p>A UN report published in August 2022 found that China was committing "serious human rights violations" against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Beijing had described it as "disinformation".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's human rights record condemned at UN</strong></p>

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<p>Washington's envoy Ambassador Michèle Taylor repeated the accusation of genocide in Xinjiang.</p>

<p>"We condemn the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and trans-national repression to silence individuals abroad," Taylor said.</p>

<h2><strong>China's response</strong></h2>

<p>While responding to the recommendations, China's UN ambassador, Chen Xu, said that concerns of the countries were caused by "misunderstanding or misinformation".</p>

<p>Chen said: "A few countries groundlessly accuse and smear China, based not on facts but on ideological bias and unfounded rumours and lies."</p>

<p>Bhutan, India's neighbour in the northeast said: "We commend the significant progress in poverty alleviation and the achievement of the poverty reduction target of the 2030 agenda ahead of schedule."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China was fiercely criticised by the United States, United Kingdom and several other countries at a UN meeting on Tuesday (Jan 23) over its chequered human rights record in its restive regions of Xinjiang, Tibet as well as its Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.

China was fiercely criticised by the United States, United Kingdom and several other countries at a UN meeting on Tuesday (Jan 23) over its chequered human rights record in its restive regions of Xinjiang, Tibet as well as its Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. The UK called on China to "cease the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans and allow genuine freedom of religion or belief and cultural expression without fear of surveillance, torture, forced labour or sexual violence", while the US said China should "release all arbitrarily detained individuals” and cease the operation of "forcible assimilation policies including boarding schools in Tibet and Xinjiang". Also read | Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India - Safeguard Defenders to WION Each country at the UN headquarters in Geneva was given 45 seconds to make recommendations as part of the UN Human Rights Council's universal periodic review. It is a mechanism by which the 193 United Nations member states review each others' human rights records every five years. Drop Jimmy Lai's prosecution: UK urges China The UK also recommended that the national security law in Hong Kong be repealed. London also specifically urged Beijing to drop the persecution of the pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Also read | Explained | What is the national security trial against Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media mogul? Some 163 countries spoke at the Tuesday session. A UN report published in August 2022 found that China was committing "serious human rights violations" against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Beijing had described it as "disinformation". Also watch | China's human rights record condemned at UN × Washington's envoy Ambassador Michèle Taylor repeated the accusation of genocide in Xinjiang. "We condemn the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and trans-national repression to silence individuals abroad," Taylor said. China's response While responding to the recommendations, China's UN ambassador, Chen Xu, said that concerns of the countries were caused by "misunderstanding or misinformation". Chen said: "A few countries groundlessly accuse and smear China, based not on facts but on ideological bias and unfounded rumours and lies." Bhutan, India's neighbour in the northeast said: "We commend the significant progress in poverty alleviation and the achievement of the poverty reduction target of the 2030 agenda ahead of schedule." (With inputs from agencies)

China slammed at UN for human rights abuses, repression of democracy in Hong Kong

Prince Albert faces scrutiny over financial irregularities revealed by his ex-property manager, Claude Palmero. Princess Charlene reportedly exceeds her €1.5 million allowance, and Albert covers extra expenses, including support for his former mistress and illegitimate children. Watch the video to know more.

Prince of Monaco Prince Albert's 'secret payments' revealed

<p>An online romance scam in a small Spanish town led to the murders of three elderly siblings. The suspect in the case, a Pakistani-origin man turned himself in and confessed that he murdered the three siblings as they were unable to pay their debt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bodies of the three siblings- Amelia, 67, Ángeles, 74, and José Gutiérrez Ayuso, 77, were found at their home last week. They had been partially burned.</p>

<p>The horrifying incident took place in a town of Madrid called Morata de Tajuna. The Spanish Police are currently investigating the case and the circumstances under which the siblings would have been murdered.</p>

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<h2><strong>What is the whole case of the Spanish triple murder?</strong></h2>

<p>As per neighbours and friends of the siblings, Amelia and Angeles were dating two men online whom they supposedly called their fiancés. The third sibling Ayuso was not involved in any such online relationship, but all three of them used to live together.</p>

<p>As per local media, Amelia and Angeles used to claim that they had been engaged online for several years with these men, who they believed were in the US Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The siblings used to send money online to these men and as per reports, the two women had sent up to €400,000 ($436,232) to a man they knew as ‘Edward’. &nbsp;Ayuso, who had a mental disability, was not involved in the sending of the money.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-at-un-slammed-for-human-rights-abuses-repression-of-democracy-in-hong-kong-683162">China at UN slammed for human rights abuses, repression of democracy in Hong Kong</a></p>

<p>These relationships exhausted the siblings’ finances, forcing sisters to ask local people for money and ask for help from informal moneylenders. &nbsp;As per Spain’s ABC newspaper, they even asked the mayor and priest of the town for money.<br />
<br />
Hussain knew the siblings when he lived in their home as a lodger for several months. He told police that the sisters owed him a large sum of money which he had given them as a high-interest loan, but they never paid him back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hussain accepted that he first attacked Amelia twice with a hammer in February 2023, after which he was sentenced to two years in jail. But he was released after seven months last September.</p>

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<p>Police entered the home of the three siblings on Thursday after neighbours said they had not seen or heard from them for several weeks.</p>

<p>Neighbours said that even their bank warned them of a possible online scam&nbsp;but they were not ready to hear the word ‘scam’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An online romance scam in a small Spanish town led to the murders of three elderly siblings. The suspect in the case, a Pakistani-origin man turned himself in and confessed that he murdered the three siblings as they were unable to pay their debt.

An online romance scam in a small Spanish town led to the murders of three elderly siblings. The suspect in the case, a Pakistani-origin man turned himself in and confessed that he murdered the three siblings as they were unable to pay their debt. The bodies of the three siblings- Amelia, 67, Ángeles, 74, and José Gutiérrez Ayuso, 77, were found at their home last week. They had been partially burned. The horrifying incident took place in a town of Madrid called Morata de Tajuna. The Spanish Police are currently investigating the case and the circumstances under which the siblings would have been murdered. Also Read | US elections 2024: 'Very sharp' Donald Trump shed weight 'the hard way' What is the whole case of the Spanish triple murder? As per neighbours and friends of the siblings, Amelia and Angeles were dating two men online whom they supposedly called their fiancés. The third sibling Ayuso was not involved in any such online relationship, but all three of them used to live together. As per local media, Amelia and Angeles used to claim that they had been engaged online for several years with these men, who they believed were in the US Army. The siblings used to send money online to these men and as per reports, the two women had sent up to €400,000 ($436,232) to a man they knew as ‘Edward’. Ayuso, who had a mental disability, was not involved in the sending of the money. Also Read | China at UN slammed for human rights abuses, repression of democracy in Hong Kong These relationships exhausted the siblings’ finances, forcing sisters to ask local people for money and ask for help from informal moneylenders. As per Spain’s ABC newspaper, they even asked the mayor and priest of the town for money. Hussain knew the siblings when he lived in their home as a lodger for several months. He told police that the sisters owed him a large sum of money which he had given them as a high-interest loan, but they never paid him back. Hussain accepted that he first attacked Amelia twice with a hammer in February 2023, after which he was sentenced to two years in jail. But he was released after seven months last September. Also Read | LA Times layoffs 115 journalists over 'Zoom call' amid financial turmoil Police entered the home of the three siblings on Thursday after neighbours said they had not seen or heard from them for several weeks. Neighbours said that even their bank warned them of a possible online scam but they were not ready to hear the word ‘scam’. (With inputs from agencies)

Spanish triple murder: What is online ‘love scam’ that led to killings, Pakistani-origin man’s arrest?

<p>At least six people, including three firefighters, have been killed after a truck carrying gas collided with a car in Mongolia’s capital on Wednesday (Jan 24), said local officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple explosions took place on a street in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar after a truck, which according to the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was carrying 60 tonnes of liquified natural gas (LNG), collided with a car.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the accident</strong></h2>

<p>“According to preliminary results, three people died in the fire,” said NEMA, adding that three firefighters had also been killed while 14 people had been sent for medical treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 600 firefighters and 100 vehicles were sent to the scene and eventually, the fire was extinguished.</p>

<p>The accident, which took place near the Dunjingarav market in the country’s capital, prompted an evacuation of residents near the site as emergency workers cleaned the debris, said the local officials&nbsp;in a social media post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The video of the accident shows multiple explosions and a massive fire which engulfed the street.</p>

<p><em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Gas truck explodes in Mongolia's capital, killing at least 20 people and setting multiple buildings on fire <a href="https://t.co/h6SGbsfqIq">pic.twitter.com/h6SGbsfqIq</a></p>
— BNO News (@BNONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1749902893916795176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, images shared by NEMA show emergency services personnel at the scene at night and early morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also showed a number of burnt cars and widespread damage to the street, with windows blown out at a nearby school, reported AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What about the victims?</strong></h2>

<p>“Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, three officers of the 63rd Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit of the National Fire Service were killed while performing their duty,” said NEMA&nbsp;in a post on Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country’s emergency services also said ten people were taken for treatment for burns, one child was being treated for poisoning, and three children were also taken to the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents from a nearby apartment block were evacuated and temporarily relocated, said NEMA, adding roads around the area were closed as debris was being cleared.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Deeply saddened’</strong></h2>

<p>United States Ambassador to Mongolia, Richard Buangan took to X and said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the NEMA staff members who lost their lives in this devastating event.”</p>

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<p>“On behalf of the British embassy I extend my condolences to the...officers who lost their lives during the tragic accident at Dunjingarav,” Fiona Blyth, Britain’s ambassador to Mongolia said on X.</p>

<p>“Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and we wish a fast recovery to those injured in this tragic event.”</p>

<p>The European Union’s ambassador to Mongolia, Axelle Nicaise, also said she was “shocked and devastated” by the accident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


At least six people, including three firefighters, have been killed after a truck carrying gas collided with a car in Mongolia’s capital on Wednesday (Jan 24), said local officials.

At least six people, including three firefighters, have been killed after a truck carrying gas collided with a car in Mongolia’s capital on Wednesday (Jan 24), said local officials. Multiple explosions took place on a street in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar after a truck, which according to the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was carrying 60 tonnes of liquified natural gas (LNG), collided with a car. About the accident “According to preliminary results, three people died in the fire,” said NEMA, adding that three firefighters had also been killed while 14 people had been sent for medical treatment. More than 600 firefighters and 100 vehicles were sent to the scene and eventually, the fire was extinguished. The accident, which took place near the Dunjingarav market in the country’s capital, prompted an evacuation of residents near the site as emergency workers cleaned the debris, said the local officials in a social media post. ALSO READ | New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley The video of the accident shows multiple explosions and a massive fire which engulfed the street. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. BREAKING: Gas truck explodes in Mongolia's capital, killing at least 20 people and setting multiple buildings on fire pic.twitter.com/h6SGbsfqIq — BNO News (@BNONews) January 23, 2024 × Meanwhile, images shared by NEMA show emergency services personnel at the scene at night and early morning. It also showed a number of burnt cars and widespread damage to the street, with windows blown out at a nearby school, reported AFP. What about the victims? “Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, three officers of the 63rd Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit of the National Fire Service were killed while performing their duty,” said NEMA in a post on Facebook. The country’s emergency services also said ten people were taken for treatment for burns, one child was being treated for poisoning, and three children were also taken to the hospital. Residents from a nearby apartment block were evacuated and temporarily relocated, said NEMA, adding roads around the area were closed as debris was being cleared. ‘Deeply saddened’ United States Ambassador to Mongolia, Richard Buangan took to X and said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident”. He added, “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the NEMA staff members who lost their lives in this devastating event.” ALSO READ | US carries out strikes on Iranian-backed militants in Iraq; two dead “On behalf of the British embassy I extend my condolences to the...officers who lost their lives during the tragic accident at Dunjingarav,” Fiona Blyth, Britain’s ambassador to Mongolia said on X. “Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and we wish a fast recovery to those injured in this tragic event.” The European Union’s ambassador to Mongolia, Axelle Nicaise, also said she was “shocked and devastated” by the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

Mongolia: 6 killed, 14 injured after truck carrying 60 tonnes of LNG collides with car

In a not-so-covert move, the US Central Intelligence Agency or the CIA has unveiled a video trying to persuade Russian intelligence employees to switch sides and work as double agents for Washington.

CIA launches video in a bid to recruit Russian double agents

Sweden finally approves overcomes NATO roadblock with the help of Turkey

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Election campaigning picks up pace in Pakistan. Pakistan Peoples Party chief holds rally in Lahore. Bhutto said, "Victory of PPP will be a win for average Pakistani." Watch to know more!

Bilawal Bhutto attacks Nawaz Sharif's 'old politics' of corruption, vendetta

The Russia-Ukraine war looks all set to enter its third year. In the latest Russia has carried out another wave of attacks on Ukraine. Killing 18 people and injuring over 130 as per Vlodymyr Zelensky. What lies ahead? Dr. Malcolm Davis, senior analyst in Defence Strategy and capability at the Australian strategic policy institute joined us to discuss.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia carries out another wave of attacks on Ukraine

Nadezhdin, a Russian opposition politician who has spoken out against the war in Ukraine, collected the necessary 100,000 signatures of support to enter the race, news agency reported on Tuesday.

Will Russia see a Putin opponent in March polls? Russian missiles hit two Ukrainian cities

<p>Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos. The purported video shows that the two teens are publicly sentenced to 12 years of hard labour, simply for watching K-pop.</p>

<p>Notably, to prevent any potential erosion of the regime's influence, the kim Jong Un government enforces strict measures against those who engage with South Korean culture. North Korea is infamous for tightly controlling the flow of information within its borders and access to foreign media, including South Korean films and dramas.</p>

<p>It is often reported that by punishing those who follow South Korean culture, the government seeks to maintain a monopoly on information and shape the worldview of its citizens.</p>

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<p>"Judging from the heavy punishment, it seems that this is to be shown to people across North Korea to warn them. If so, it appears this lifestyle of South Korean culture is prevalent in North Korean society," President of SAND and Doctor of Political Science at Tokyo University Choi Kyong-hui reportedly said. Kyong-hui, who is now raising alarm on the situation had&nbsp;defected from North Korea in 2001.</p>

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<p>"I think this video was edited around 2022... What is troublesome for (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un is that Millennials and Gen Z young people have changed their way of thinking. I think he's working on turning it back to the North Korean way," Choi added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the video have?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The video depicted a public trial where two students were seen in grey scrubs. They were handcuffed. Meanwhile, the trial was been observed by nearly 1,000 students in an amphitheater. All individuals, including the two 16-year-olds who were punished with hard labour, are seen wearing face masks.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-baby-shower-shocks-netizens-gen-z-tiktok-star-hosts-event-for-five-women-carrying-his-babies-681803">Viral baby shower SHOCKS netizens, Gen-Z TikTok star hosts event for five women&nbsp;carrying his babies</a></p>

<p>Because of the use of masks, it is believed that the recording likely took place when the world was hit by COVID pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-681795">US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name</a></strong></p>

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<p>As per reports, the students received sentences after being found guilty of watching as well as sharing South Korean movies, music, and music videos with others for three months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos.

Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos. The purported video shows that the two teens are publicly sentenced to 12 years of hard labour, simply for watching K-pop. Notably, to prevent any potential erosion of the regime's influence, the kim Jong Un government enforces strict measures against those who engage with South Korean culture. North Korea is infamous for tightly controlling the flow of information within its borders and access to foreign media, including South Korean films and dramas. It is often reported that by punishing those who follow South Korean culture, the government seeks to maintain a monopoly on information and shape the worldview of its citizens. Also Read | VAT-a-shocker: British court rules Walkers' Poppadoms are potato chips, to attract sales tax "Judging from the heavy punishment, it seems that this is to be shown to people across North Korea to warn them. If so, it appears this lifestyle of South Korean culture is prevalent in North Korean society," President of SAND and Doctor of Political Science at Tokyo University Choi Kyong-hui reportedly said. Kyong-hui, who is now raising alarm on the situation had defected from North Korea in 2001. × "I think this video was edited around 2022... What is troublesome for (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un is that Millennials and Gen Z young people have changed their way of thinking. I think he's working on turning it back to the North Korean way," Choi added. What did the video have? The video depicted a public trial where two students were seen in grey scrubs. They were handcuffed. Meanwhile, the trial was been observed by nearly 1,000 students in an amphitheater. All individuals, including the two 16-year-olds who were punished with hard labour, are seen wearing face masks. Also Read | Viral baby shower SHOCKS netizens, Gen-Z TikTok star hosts event for five women carrying his babies Because of the use of masks, it is believed that the recording likely took place when the world was hit by COVID pandemic. Watch | US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name × As per reports, the students received sentences after being found guilty of watching as well as sharing South Korean movies, music, and music videos with others for three months. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea teens sent to 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop

<p>Former US President Donald Trump looks set to clinch the Republican nomination for the White House ahead of the November presidential elections after back-to-back&nbsp;wins in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. But besides his potential presidency, his weight is making headlines as well.</p>

<p>Trump has now broken his silence about significant weight loss during the recent campaign cycle. The Republican frontrunner revealed that he shed around 20 lbs (a little over 9 kilos). Many are speculating whether Trump deployed pharmaceutical interventions like Ozempic or Wegovy during his weight loss journey.</p>

<p>Contrary to such speculations, Trump disclosed to Fox News that his weight loss was achieved "the hard way".</p>

<p>He attributed his slimmer appearance to a hectic schedule, stating, "I have been so busy I haven't been able to eat very much. I'm not able to sit down and eat like a person like you - you can sit down and eat. Me, it's a little bit tougher."</p>

<p>Dr Carolyn Williams, a licensed dietitian in Alabama, noted that Trump's weight loss appears focused on problematic visceral fat, particularly in the abdominal area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, concerns linger about the sustainability and health implications of his approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What's less clear is how healthy his approach is for losing this weight and maintaining it," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Trump is very sharp'</strong></h2>

<p>Dr&nbsp;Williams also cautioned against skipping meals, while pointing out the potential nutritional deficiencies arising from such practices.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-hampshire-us-primaries-donald-trump-delivers-knockout-blow-to-nikky-haley-683000">New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley</a></strong></p>

<p>New York City-based internal medicine physician Dr Stuart Fischer suggested that over-exertion might have contributed to Trump's weight loss, cautioning against attempts to portray his current health as equivalent to his younger self.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fischer remarked, "He cannot convince anyone that he's the picture of health and he shouldn’t try to convince people he’s as fit as he used to be."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Elections: Donald Trump wins Republican primary in New Hampshire</strong></p>

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<p>Amid discussions about Trump's physical health, questions have also emerged regarding his mental fitness, highlighted by recent instances of confusion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Ronny Jackson, the White House physician in 2018,&nbsp;administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to Trump, affirming his mental sharpness with a perfect score of 30 out of 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jackson reportedly stated, "The [former] president is mentally very sharp, very intact."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US President Donald Trump looks set to clinch the Republican nomination for the White House ahead of the November presidential elections after back-to-back wins in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary.

Former US President Donald Trump looks set to clinch the Republican nomination for the White House ahead of the November presidential elections after back-to-back wins in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. But besides his potential presidency, his weight is making headlines as well. Trump has now broken his silence about significant weight loss during the recent campaign cycle. The Republican frontrunner revealed that he shed around 20 lbs (a little over 9 kilos). Many are speculating whether Trump deployed pharmaceutical interventions like Ozempic or Wegovy during his weight loss journey. Contrary to such speculations, Trump disclosed to Fox News that his weight loss was achieved "the hard way". He attributed his slimmer appearance to a hectic schedule, stating, "I have been so busy I haven't been able to eat very much. I'm not able to sit down and eat like a person like you - you can sit down and eat. Me, it's a little bit tougher." Dr Carolyn Williams, a licensed dietitian in Alabama, noted that Trump's weight loss appears focused on problematic visceral fat, particularly in the abdominal area. However, concerns linger about the sustainability and health implications of his approach. "What's less clear is how healthy his approach is for losing this weight and maintaining it," she said. 'Trump is very sharp' Dr Williams also cautioned against skipping meals, while pointing out the potential nutritional deficiencies arising from such practices. Also read | New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley New York City-based internal medicine physician Dr Stuart Fischer suggested that over-exertion might have contributed to Trump's weight loss, cautioning against attempts to portray his current health as equivalent to his younger self. Fischer remarked, "He cannot convince anyone that he's the picture of health and he shouldn’t try to convince people he’s as fit as he used to be." Also watch | US Elections: Donald Trump wins Republican primary in New Hampshire × Amid discussions about Trump's physical health, questions have also emerged regarding his mental fitness, highlighted by recent instances of confusion. Notably, Ronny Jackson, the White House physician in 2018, administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to Trump, affirming his mental sharpness with a perfect score of 30 out of 30. Jackson reportedly stated, "The [former] president is mentally very sharp, very intact." (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2024: 'Very sharp' Donald Trump shed weight 'the hard way'

<p>The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call&nbsp;amid the company's financial turbulence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff. Its owner and billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were important to make the newspaper sustainable and refused to accept that the company was in any kind of turmoil.</p>

<p>The layoffs, which were announced by the newspaper on Tuesday (Jan 23), affected both union and non-union employees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President of Media Guild of the West Matt Pearce, who represents unionised journalists of the Times, wrote on X that 94 union members were notified about being laid off on Wednesday (Jan 24), which is one-quarter of the union members but very few of them had originally anticipated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-tells-employees-to-expect-more-job-cuts-in-2024-report-681271">Google CEO Sundar Pichai tells employees to expect more job cuts in 2024: Report</a></p>

<p>“We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today,” said the Los Angeles Times Guild, in a statement on Wednesday, as it cited an email from the media company's COO and president.</p>

<p>Some of the staff who were laid off took to X to share their news. The staff who posted about layoffs included the chief and deputy chief of the paper’s D.C. bureau Kimbriell Kelly and Nick Baumann, and also Jeff Bercovici and Lindsay Blakely, the editor and deputy editor of the business section, along with others.</p>

<h2><strong>Soon-Shiong says layoffs are 'painful'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview which was published in his own paper, Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were “painful for all,” but added that they were part of a “real plan” of making the paper viable. He added that the newspaper had faced “tumultuous” years, but rejected the fact that the company was in chaos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are not in turmoil,” Soon-Shiong said. The layoffs happened just two weeks after the newspaper’s executive editor Kevin Merida resigned after working for two and a half years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Tech layoffs to continue in 2024?</strong></p>

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<p>The newspaper had already laid off 74 newsroom employees a few months ago. The fresh layoffs happened at the time when the newspaper got its first-ever Oscar nomination for the documentary short film ‘The Last Repair Shop’. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call amid the company's financial turbulence. With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff.

The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call amid the company's financial turbulence. With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff. Its owner and billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were important to make the newspaper sustainable and refused to accept that the company was in any kind of turmoil. The layoffs, which were announced by the newspaper on Tuesday (Jan 23), affected both union and non-union employees. President of Media Guild of the West Matt Pearce, who represents unionised journalists of the Times, wrote on X that 94 union members were notified about being laid off on Wednesday (Jan 24), which is one-quarter of the union members but very few of them had originally anticipated. Also read: Google CEO Sundar Pichai tells employees to expect more job cuts in 2024: Report “We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today,” said the Los Angeles Times Guild, in a statement on Wednesday, as it cited an email from the media company's COO and president. Some of the staff who were laid off took to X to share their news. The staff who posted about layoffs included the chief and deputy chief of the paper’s D.C. bureau Kimbriell Kelly and Nick Baumann, and also Jeff Bercovici and Lindsay Blakely, the editor and deputy editor of the business section, along with others. Soon-Shiong says layoffs are 'painful' In an interview which was published in his own paper, Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were “painful for all,” but added that they were part of a “real plan” of making the paper viable. He added that the newspaper had faced “tumultuous” years, but rejected the fact that the company was in chaos. “We are not in turmoil,” Soon-Shiong said. The layoffs happened just two weeks after the newspaper’s executive editor Kevin Merida resigned after working for two and a half years. Watch: Tech layoffs to continue in 2024? The newspaper had already laid off 74 newsroom employees a few months ago. The fresh layoffs happened at the time when the newspaper got its first-ever Oscar nomination for the documentary short film ‘The Last Repair Shop’. (With inputs from agencies)

LA Times lays off 115 journalists over Zoom call amid financial turmoil

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<p>Russia has mocked the USA and its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for attempting to recruit spies via social media platforms. According to the state-run agency TASS, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov took a jibe at Washington for its rather juvenile recruitment process.</p>

<p>The CIA on Monday (Jan 22) released a video in Russian on X (formerly known as Twitter) which attempted to persuade Russian intelligence employees to switch allegiances and work as double agents for Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Somebody should tell the CIA that VKontakte is much more popular here than the banned X and that VKontakte has a much larger audience,” said Peskov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Moscow blocked complete access to X shortly after its Ukraine invasion as part of a broader effort to control the narrative&nbsp;which was against Russia on the US-based social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CIA's recruitment video</strong></h2>

<p>The said recruitment video tries to appeal to what it suggests are patriotic Russians working in intelligence agencies who may feel betrayed by what it called corruption in elite circles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those around you may not want to hear the truth. But we do. You are not powerless," says the recruitment propaganda video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At CIA, we have a solemn duty to protect those who work with us around the world. If you’re reaching out to CIA to share information about Russia, please do so securely via our portal on the dark web. When possible, CIA has verified its social media accounts through each platform’s official process,” it adds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Почему я связался с ЦРУ: Ради Родины<a href="https://t.co/mhQbzet5X2">https://t.co/mhQbzet5X2</a> <a href="https://t.co/sBNWgc93PM">pic.twitter.com/sBNWgc93PM</a></p>
— CIA (@CIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CIA/status/1749496881309184248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video features a dark, melancholic theme and has a fictional 35-year-old male employee working in Russia's military intelligence agency who is on the fence about the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Do I have enough courage to confront this betrayal? The top leadership has sold the country out for palaces and yachts at a time when our soldiers are chewing rotten potatoes and firing from prehistoric weapons," he can be heard saying in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video suggests that patriotism for the country spurred the intelligence agent to contact the CIA and give the US agency clandestine details about Russia's plans concerning Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-completely-abandon-us-dollar-in-bilateral-trade-says-russian-pm-671667"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia, China completely abandon US dollar in bilateral trade, says Russian PM</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, CIA Director William Burns last year in July claimed that the lengthy war with Ukraine had created friction among some Russians which created a rare opportunity for the intelligence agency to recruit spies and attack Kremlin from inside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A CIA official told news agency <em>Reuters </em>on the condition of anonymity that there was an increase in outreach from Russians due to these propaganda videos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russia has mocked the USA and its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for attempting to recruit spies via social media platforms. According to the state-run agency TASS, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov took a jibe at Washington for its rather juvenile recruitment process.

Russia has mocked the USA and its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for attempting to recruit spies via social media platforms. According to the state-run agency TASS, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov took a jibe at Washington for its rather juvenile recruitment process. The CIA on Monday (Jan 22) released a video in Russian on X (formerly known as Twitter) which attempted to persuade Russian intelligence employees to switch allegiances and work as double agents for Washington. “Somebody should tell the CIA that VKontakte is much more popular here than the banned X and that VKontakte has a much larger audience,” said Peskov. Notably, Moscow blocked complete access to X shortly after its Ukraine invasion as part of a broader effort to control the narrative which was against Russia on the US-based social media platform. CIA's recruitment video The said recruitment video tries to appeal to what it suggests are patriotic Russians working in intelligence agencies who may feel betrayed by what it called corruption in elite circles. "Those around you may not want to hear the truth. But we do. You are not powerless," says the recruitment propaganda video. “At CIA, we have a solemn duty to protect those who work with us around the world. If you’re reaching out to CIA to share information about Russia, please do so securely via our portal on the dark web. When possible, CIA has verified its social media accounts through each platform’s official process,” it adds. Почему я связался с ЦРУ: Ради Родиныhttps://t.co/mhQbzet5X2 pic.twitter.com/sBNWgc93PM — CIA (@CIA) January 22, 2024 × The video features a dark, melancholic theme and has a fictional 35-year-old male employee working in Russia's military intelligence agency who is on the fence about the war. "Do I have enough courage to confront this betrayal? The top leadership has sold the country out for palaces and yachts at a time when our soldiers are chewing rotten potatoes and firing from prehistoric weapons," he can be heard saying in the video. The video suggests that patriotism for the country spurred the intelligence agent to contact the CIA and give the US agency clandestine details about Russia's plans concerning Ukraine. Also read | Russia, China completely abandon US dollar in bilateral trade, says Russian PM Notably, CIA Director William Burns last year in July claimed that the lengthy war with Ukraine had created friction among some Russians which created a rare opportunity for the intelligence agency to recruit spies and attack Kremlin from inside. A CIA official told news agency Reuters on the condition of anonymity that there was an increase in outreach from Russians due to these propaganda videos. (With inputs from agencies)

'Somebody tell CIA...': Kremlin mocks US for using social media to recruit Russian spies

Former President Donald Trump won the New Hampshire primary, dealing a blow to his only remaining major rival Nikki Haley and solidifying his status as the Republican party’s likely nominee.

Trump defeats Haley in New Hampshire GOP primary

<p>We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-live-updates-with-2-days-to-go-before-inauguration-security-bolstered-in-up-delhi-681710"><strong>Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/20/406831-untitled-design-2024-01-20t075718967.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all&nbsp;central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-iran-agree-to-de-escalate-tensions-after-trading-deadly-airstrikes-681721"><strong>Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/20/406841-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717"><strong>Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/13/392730-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation.&nbsp;It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-starlink-has-knocked-on-indias-door-positive-response-likely-by-jan-24-681720"><strong>Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303855-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast</strong></p>

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We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi.

We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people. In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Click on the headlines to read more: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said. Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation. It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza. Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24 Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. Also watch | World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast ×

Morning brief: Security beefed up ahead of Ram Temple event; Pak-Iran tensions, and more

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<p>The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This finding is among newly unredacted material about the company’s child-safety policies in a lawsuit filed by New Mexico last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit alleged that Meta recommended sexual content to underage users and promoted underage accounts to predatory adult users. In a 2021 internal document, Meta employees noted that "People You May Know" (PYMK)- one of the recommended algorithms of the platform, was known among employees to connect child users with potential predators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dark-side-of-social-media-do-x-facebook-instagram-care-about-your-mental-health-wion-investigates-679040">Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION&nbsp;investigates</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the lawsuit, the above finding had been flagged to the executive several years earlier. The report said that the executives rejected a staff recommendation that Meta adjust the design of PYMK to stop it from recommending minors to adults.</p>

<h2><strong>'Meta failed to address widespread predation'</strong></h2>

<p>New Mexico alleged that Meta has failed to address widespread predation on its platform or limit design features that recommended children to adults with malicious intentions. The state's lawsuit further said that instead of publicly acknowledging internal findings, the company falsely assured people that its platforms were safe.</p>

<p>The report said that much of the internal discussion in the unredacted material focused on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of “sex talk” to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than on Facebook Messenger in the US. The employees urged Meta to enact more safeguards on the platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users</strong></p>

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<p>In that year, a presentation called “Child Safety: State of Play” said that Instagram employed “minimal child safety protections” and described policies regarding “minor sexualisation” as “immature.”</p>

<p>Meta officials did not take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022, the lawsuit further alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WSJ report also said that rather than broadly stopping recommendations of&nbsp;the accounts of children to adults,&nbsp;Instagram and Facebook&nbsp;sought to block such suggestions to adults who already demonstrated suspicious behaviour towards children.</p>

<p>Apart from New Mexico, over 40 other states in the US sued Meta in October last year alleging the company misled people about the dangers that its platforms posed to young people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content.

The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content. This finding is among newly unredacted material about the company’s child-safety policies in a lawsuit filed by New Mexico last month. The lawsuit alleged that Meta recommended sexual content to underage users and promoted underage accounts to predatory adult users. In a 2021 internal document, Meta employees noted that "People You May Know" (PYMK)- one of the recommended algorithms of the platform, was known among employees to connect child users with potential predators. Also read | Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION investigates According to the lawsuit, the above finding had been flagged to the executive several years earlier. The report said that the executives rejected a staff recommendation that Meta adjust the design of PYMK to stop it from recommending minors to adults. 'Meta failed to address widespread predation' New Mexico alleged that Meta has failed to address widespread predation on its platform or limit design features that recommended children to adults with malicious intentions. The state's lawsuit further said that instead of publicly acknowledging internal findings, the company falsely assured people that its platforms were safe. The report said that much of the internal discussion in the unredacted material focused on Instagram. In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of “sex talk” to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than on Facebook Messenger in the US. The employees urged Meta to enact more safeguards on the platform. Also watch | Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users × In that year, a presentation called “Child Safety: State of Play” said that Instagram employed “minimal child safety protections” and described policies regarding “minor sexualisation” as “immature.” Meta officials did not take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022, the lawsuit further alleged. The WSJ report also said that rather than broadly stopping recommendations of the accounts of children to adults, Instagram and Facebook sought to block such suggestions to adults who already demonstrated suspicious behaviour towards children. Apart from New Mexico, over 40 other states in the US sued Meta in October last year alleging the company misled people about the dangers that its platforms posed to young people. (With inputs from agencies)

US state says children on Instagram, Facebook are often targets of sexual harassment: Report

<p>The Constitutional Court in Thailand on Wednesday (Jan 24) reinstated the thwarted prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, as an MP, nearly six months after he was suspended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Punya Udchachon delivered the verdict and said the court decided that&nbsp;Limjaroenrat's MP status had not ended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"ITV was not operating as media company on the day the party submitted the respondent's name for election.&nbsp;Holding the shares did not violate the law. The court has ruled his MP status has not ended," said Judge&nbsp;Udchachon, reading the verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, if the court had ruled against Pita, he would have faced disqualification from parliament altogether.</p>

<h2><strong>Why was&nbsp;Pita suspended?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It was in&nbsp;July last year that Pita, the&nbsp;ex-leader of Thailand's reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), was suspended while he was waiting for the ruling of the Constitutional Court over his ownership of shares in a media company, which is now defunct.<br />
<br />
As per the Constitution of Thailand, MPs are not allowed to own media shares. Emphasising the importance of the role, Pita said that it was like "the prow (of a ship) that determines the direction of the opposition".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM</strong></p>

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<p>In September, he submitted his resignation as the party leader stating he was paving the way for an "MP that is able to have a voice in the parliament".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Due to my MP suspension, I won't be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future,"&nbsp;wrote Pita&nbsp;on his official Facebook page.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does the future hold for Pita?</strong></h2>

<p>While Pita led his party to win the most votes in last year's general elections, he was blocked from becoming the PM due to his suspension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, even before Wednesday's ruling, the media-savvy politician insisted he would run for office again and remained confident of getting his MP title back.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-result-2023-pheu-thai-and-move-forward-party-stun-military-loyalists-592442"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists</strong></a></p>

<p>Last year, during an interview with news agency AFP, Pita reiterated that he would take another crack at the PM role, saying he was "not giving up".&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the election canvassing trail, Pita capitalised on the majority of voters who were disenchanted by the decades-long junta-backed rule that had pushed the country's economy on a downward slope.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Constitutional Court in Thailand on Wednesday (Jan 24) reinstated the thwarted prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, as an MP, nearly six months after he was suspended.

The Constitutional Court in Thailand on Wednesday (Jan 24) reinstated the thwarted prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, as an MP, nearly six months after he was suspended. Judge Punya Udchachon delivered the verdict and said the court decided that Limjaroenrat's MP status had not ended. "ITV was not operating as media company on the day the party submitted the respondent's name for election. Holding the shares did not violate the law. The court has ruled his MP status has not ended," said Judge Udchachon, reading the verdict. Notably, if the court had ruled against Pita, he would have faced disqualification from parliament altogether. Why was Pita suspended? It was in July last year that Pita, the ex-leader of Thailand's reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), was suspended while he was waiting for the ruling of the Constitutional Court over his ownership of shares in a media company, which is now defunct. As per the Constitution of Thailand, MPs are not allowed to own media shares. Emphasising the importance of the role, Pita said that it was like "the prow (of a ship) that determines the direction of the opposition". WATCH | Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM In September, he submitted his resignation as the party leader stating he was paving the way for an "MP that is able to have a voice in the parliament". "Due to my MP suspension, I won't be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future," wrote Pita on his official Facebook page. What does the future hold for Pita? While Pita led his party to win the most votes in last year's general elections, he was blocked from becoming the PM due to his suspension. However, even before Wednesday's ruling, the media-savvy politician insisted he would run for office again and remained confident of getting his MP title back. Also read | Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists Last year, during an interview with news agency AFP, Pita reiterated that he would take another crack at the PM role, saying he was "not giving up". During the election canvassing trail, Pita capitalised on the majority of voters who were disenchanted by the decades-long junta-backed rule that had pushed the country's economy on a downward slope. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand’s blocked PM challenger Pita Limjaroenrat reinstated as MP by court

<p>After Israel reportedly submitted a proposal of a two-month pause to the war in Gaza&nbsp;and return of hostages return in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a top Egyptian official said Tuesday (Jan 23) that the militant group has rejected it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official remained anonymous when speaking to media outlets, and also disclosed that Hamas will not release hostages until Israel takes away its forces from Gazan soil. However, there is no confirmation regarding this from the Israeli side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Israel has already confirmed that it will not end the war completely, even though it proposed a hiatus for the safe return of over 100 hostages held captive by Hamas.</p>

<p>Israel's government spokesman Eylon Levy reportedly said on Tuesday that Israel will not accede to an agreement that results in Hamas continuing to remain in power in the beseiged Gaza territory.</p>

<p>The Qatari and Egyptian mediators facilitated the submission of the proposal, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-border-crossing-with-afghanistan-after-deadlock-over-visa-requirements-683062">Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements</a></p>

<p>Israel is seeking a gradual release of the remaining 136 hostages. It's important to note that the offer differs from Hamas' demand for a complete end to the ongoing war, which began after the October 7 violence when militants entered Israel and killed and abuducted civilians.</p>

<p>The proposal outlined a phased release of hostages and included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's main population centres.</p>

<p>Additionally, it suggests a gradual return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-cruise-missiles-towards-yellow-sea-says-south-korea-683042">North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea</a></p>

<p>The proposed plan detailed a step-by-step approach, starting with the release of elderly individuals aged over 60, children, women, and critically ill hostages.</p>

<p>Subsequent stages involve the release of female soldiers, men under 60 who are not soldiers, and ultimately, male soldiers along with the bodies of hostages.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/consoles-lead-gaming-resurgence-683066">Consoles lead gaming resurgence</a></strong></p>

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<p>The proposal also mentioned a pre-agreement between Israel and Hamas on the number of prisoners to be released from Israeli jails (approximately 6,000), but a separate negotiation on the specific names of these individuals.</p>

<p>Despite a November truce, hostilities resumed on December 1, making it uncertain whether another pause in the war will be reached.</p>

<h2><strong>Is a truce imminent?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Reuters citing three sources said Israel and Hamas generally agree in principle for a one-month ceasefire and return of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.</p>

<p>However, the report highlighted that the progress of the framework plan is hindered by the divergent views of the two sides on how to achieve a permanent resolution to the Gaza war.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


After Israel reportedly submitted a proposal of a two-month pause to the war in Gaza and return of hostages return in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a top Egyptian official said Tuesday (Jan 23) that the militant group has rejected it.

After Israel reportedly submitted a proposal of a two-month pause to the war in Gaza and return of hostages return in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a top Egyptian official said Tuesday (Jan 23) that the militant group has rejected it. The official remained anonymous when speaking to media outlets, and also disclosed that Hamas will not release hostages until Israel takes away its forces from Gazan soil. However, there is no confirmation regarding this from the Israeli side. Notably, Israel has already confirmed that it will not end the war completely, even though it proposed a hiatus for the safe return of over 100 hostages held captive by Hamas. Israel's government spokesman Eylon Levy reportedly said on Tuesday that Israel will not accede to an agreement that results in Hamas continuing to remain in power in the beseiged Gaza territory. The Qatari and Egyptian mediators facilitated the submission of the proposal, reports said. Also Read | Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements Israel is seeking a gradual release of the remaining 136 hostages. It's important to note that the offer differs from Hamas' demand for a complete end to the ongoing war, which began after the October 7 violence when militants entered Israel and killed and abuducted civilians. The proposal outlined a phased release of hostages and included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's main population centres. Additionally, it suggests a gradual return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza. Also Read | North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea The proposed plan detailed a step-by-step approach, starting with the release of elderly individuals aged over 60, children, women, and critically ill hostages. Subsequent stages involve the release of female soldiers, men under 60 who are not soldiers, and ultimately, male soldiers along with the bodies of hostages. Watch | Consoles lead gaming resurgence × The proposal also mentioned a pre-agreement between Israel and Hamas on the number of prisoners to be released from Israeli jails (approximately 6,000), but a separate negotiation on the specific names of these individuals. Despite a November truce, hostilities resumed on December 1, making it uncertain whether another pause in the war will be reached. Is a truce imminent? A report by Reuters citing three sources said Israel and Hamas generally agree in principle for a one-month ceasefire and return of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. However, the report highlighted that the progress of the framework plan is hindered by the divergent views of the two sides on how to achieve a permanent resolution to the Gaza war. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas rejects Israeli proposal for 2-month Gaza war pause, insists on end to Israeli offensive: Report

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday called on PTI workers to support his party in the upcoming general election, vowing to “bury politics of revenge”.

Pakistan: Bilawal tells PTI workers to support PPP in polls

It's been three months and the Israel-Hamas war is showing no signs of slowing down , far less, ending. Israeli forces have surrounded the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the epicentre of fighting in recent weeks. The heavy clashes come as a white house official is due in the region for talks to secure more hostage releases. watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Khan Younis hospitals in extreme danger: UN

After Donald Trump cemented his place as the front-runner in the GOP primary with his clear win in the Iowa caucus, questions soon turned to whom the former president may pick as his 2024 running mate.

Donald trump's running mate: Four women candidates vying to be GOP's Trump's running mate

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