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Three people were killed after a power line fell onto a vehicle in the US state of Oregon, on Wednesday (Jan 17) while a two-year-old toddler in diapers survived after a witness retrieved the child from the site,&nbsp;said the&nbsp;local officials.&nbsp;

<h2>About the incident</h2>

The incident took place in northeast Portland around 11:45 am (local time).&nbsp;A spokesperson for Portland Fire and Rescue, Rick Graves, who was present at the scene said a fallen tree branch brought the power line on&nbsp;top of an SUV&nbsp;when the two adults and the teen were inside the car.&nbsp;

Officials speculate that the occupants of the car got scared after the power line was downed and tried to leave the vehicle but got electrocuted after stepping on the wet ground.

“In all likelihood, had they stayed in the vehicle, we might not have been having this conversation,” said Graves

The bodies of both the adults and the teenager were found about eight metres from the car, said the local fire official.

WATCH |&nbsp;Major winter storm slams US with power outages

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The deaths are also being linked to the severe winter storms and subfreezing temperatures that have affected millions of Americans over the past few days.

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The local fire official also warned that people should never approach downed wires, and if a power line lands on their vehicle, stay in the vehicle and call for help unless there is an “imminent danger.”&nbsp;

“Once you drop your feet onto the ground, you become part of that electrical current,” said Graves.&nbsp;

<h2>Two-year-old rescued</h2>

According to a report by KGW television, a neighbour took the toddler from the arms of one of the bodies before paramedics arrived.

“In my mind I’m just thinking, ‘I have to get this baby.’ That’s the only thing I was thinking. I have to get this baby,” said the neighbour, who asked to remain unidentified. The two-year-old was later taken to a hospital.

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Daniel Buck, who lives just a few steps from the site of the incident, told the Associated Press that he heard an explosion and then saw a person running out of a car with a downed power line lying on top in flames.

“All of them were making contact with the live wire, so nobody could touch them to help,” said Buck. “It was just terrible.”

Portland transportation officials asked people to stay off the roads through Thursday (Jan 18) morning, and numerous school districts cancelled classes for a third straight day amid safety concerns.

At least 10 deaths, including the three in Oregon, and seven others due to fallen trees and suspected hypothermia have been linked to the ongoing snowstorm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Three people were killed after a power line fell onto a vehicle in the US state of Oregon, on Wednesday (Jan 17) while a two-year-old toddler in diapers survived after a witness retrieved the child from the site, said the local officials.

Three people were killed after a power line fell onto a vehicle in the US state of Oregon, on Wednesday (Jan 17) while a two-year-old toddler in diapers survived after a witness retrieved the child from the site, said the local officials. About the incident The incident took place in northeast Portland around 11:45 am (local time). A spokesperson for Portland Fire and Rescue, Rick Graves, who was present at the scene said a fallen tree branch brought the power line on top of an SUV when the two adults and the teen were inside the car. Officials speculate that the occupants of the car got scared after the power line was downed and tried to leave the vehicle but got electrocuted after stepping on the wet ground. “In all likelihood, had they stayed in the vehicle, we might not have been having this conversation,” said Graves The bodies of both the adults and the teenager were found about eight metres from the car, said the local fire official. WATCH | Major winter storm slams US with power outages The deaths are also being linked to the severe winter storms and subfreezing temperatures that have affected millions of Americans over the past few days. ALSO READ | US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze The local fire official also warned that people should never approach downed wires, and if a power line lands on their vehicle, stay in the vehicle and call for help unless there is an “imminent danger.” “Once you drop your feet onto the ground, you become part of that electrical current,” said Graves. Two-year-old rescued According to a report by KGW television, a neighbour took the toddler from the arms of one of the bodies before paramedics arrived. “In my mind I’m just thinking, ‘I have to get this baby.’ That’s the only thing I was thinking. I have to get this baby,” said the neighbour, who asked to remain unidentified. The two-year-old was later taken to a hospital. ALSO READ | US to face brutal Arctic blast, temperatures likely to drop to minus 30s Daniel Buck, who lives just a few steps from the site of the incident, told the Associated Press that he heard an explosion and then saw a person running out of a car with a downed power line lying on top in flames. “All of them were making contact with the live wire, so nobody could touch them to help,” said Buck. “It was just terrible.” Portland transportation officials asked people to stay off the roads through Thursday (Jan 18) morning, and numerous school districts cancelled classes for a third straight day amid safety concerns. At least 10 deaths, including the three in Oregon, and seven others due to fallen trees and suspected hypothermia have been linked to the ongoing snowstorm. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Three killed after power line falls on vehicle in Oregon, two-year-old saved

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Pakistan military carries out strikes on Iran, 9 killed

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Amid the Pakistan-Iran strikes targeting militants in border regions, China on Thursday (Jan 18) said that it is willing to play a "constructive role" in case the two sides agree to let Beijing mediate in ensuring de-escalation in the region.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid an escalation of tension," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a regular press conference.

"We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish," she added.&nbsp;

China has earlier played a crucial role in brokering the Saudi-Iran deal in March last year, in a move that brought a thaw after years of rivalry between the Middle Eastern nations. In the statement, Mao also said that Iran and Pakistan were "friendly countries to China, and countries with important influence".

China is often touted as Pakistan's "all-weather" friend. Iran also holds good ties with Beijing, which is its comprehensive strategic partner. Therefore, China can play a crucial role in the evolving situation in Southwest Asia.&nbsp;

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It could play a role in bringing about a diplomatic solution to the issue that saw a further intensification after Pakistan struck Iran a day after Tehran hit "terrorist" bases there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan strikes Iran&nbsp;</h2>

Pakistani air strikes on Iran killed nine people in the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 18).&nbsp;Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, who was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, is returning after the situation snowballed with Iran&nbsp;summoning Pakistan's charge d'affaires.&nbsp;

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"Following the early morning attack by Pakistan on a border village in Sistan Baluchistan province, an hour ago the Pakistani charge d'affaires in Tehran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry for an explanation," Tasnim news agency said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan has initiated an Operation, codenamed&nbsp;Marg Bar Sarmachar, to carry out retaliatory strikes against Iran.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign ministry, in a statement, said, "A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation." As per Islamabad, there were a "series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts".&nbsp;

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"Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the ministry said adding,&nbsp;"the sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised."&nbsp;

Iran&nbsp;on Tuesday (Jan 16) struck two bases of terror group Jaish al-Adl in the Balochistan province, resulting&nbsp;in the killing of two children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Amid the Pakistan-Iran strikes targeting militants in border regions, China on Thursday (Jan 18) said that it is willing to play a "constructive role" in case the two sides agree to let Beijing mediate in ensuring de-escalation in the region.

Amid the Pakistan-Iran strikes targeting militants in border regions, China on Thursday (Jan 18) said that it is willing to play a "constructive role" in case the two sides agree to let Beijing mediate in ensuring de-escalation in the region. "The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid an escalation of tension," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a regular press conference. "We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish," she added. China has earlier played a crucial role in brokering the Saudi-Iran deal in March last year, in a move that brought a thaw after years of rivalry between the Middle Eastern nations. In the statement, Mao also said that Iran and Pakistan were "friendly countries to China, and countries with important influence". China is often touted as Pakistan's "all-weather" friend. Iran also holds good ties with Beijing, which is its comprehensive strategic partner. Therefore, China can play a crucial role in the evolving situation in Southwest Asia. Also Read | Western officials explore confiscating $300 bn Russian assets: Report It could play a role in bringing about a diplomatic solution to the issue that saw a further intensification after Pakistan struck Iran a day after Tehran hit "terrorist" bases there. Pakistan strikes Iran Pakistani air strikes on Iran killed nine people in the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 18). Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, who was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, is returning after the situation snowballed with Iran summoning Pakistan's charge d'affaires. Also Read | Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says "Following the early morning attack by Pakistan on a border village in Sistan Baluchistan province, an hour ago the Pakistani charge d'affaires in Tehran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry for an explanation," Tasnim news agency said. Meanwhile, Pakistan has initiated an Operation, codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar, to carry out retaliatory strikes against Iran. Pakistan's foreign ministry, in a statement, said, "A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation." As per Islamabad, there were a "series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts". Watch | Hunter Biden prosecutor argues gun charges should proceed × "Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the ministry said adding, "the sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised." Iran on Tuesday (Jan 16) struck two bases of terror group Jaish al-Adl in the Balochistan province, resulting in the killing of two children. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan-Iran strikes: China ready to play 'constructive role' in de-escalating conflict

Iran-Pakistan tensions: Pak caretaker PM Anwar ul Haq Kakar, FM cut short foreign trips | WION

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Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- According to the latest estimates released by the World Gold Council (WGC), India has emerged as the country having the ninth-largest gold reserves in the world. With its gold reserves measuring 2,191.53 tonnes, valued at $ 131,795 million, India is ranked ahead of wealthy Arab and Western nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

India's gold reserves now larger than Saudi Arabia & UK

India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.

Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances.

The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades.

The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor.

The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview.

"On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business."

He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing.

Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there."

The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals.

Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict.

The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June.

But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve."

A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.

India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.

India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted. Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances. The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades. The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor. The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview. "On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business." He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing. Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there." The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals. Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March. Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict. The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June. But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve." A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.

India could ease China investment curbs if border stays calm: Report

The ban comes 18 months after historic decriminalisation. The relaxed law saw a boom in the cannabis industry. PM Srettha Thavisin had pledged to ban cannabis. The new law will ban advertising, and marketing of cannabis products. Watch to know more!

Thailand to ban recreational Cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation

The Red Sea crisis has disrupted the global shipping industry. But that's hardly the only issue that shipping giants are facing right now. The industry fears it will continue to face significant disruptions in 2024.

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Islamabad says several terrorists have been killed during the intelligence-based operation named Marg Bar Sarmachar. Tensions between Iran and Pakistan have hit a new low. How will things unfold going forward?

Pakistan-Iran tensions: Afghanistan calls violence 'concerning & alarming' | World News | WION

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a pivotal Commons vote, emerged victorious over internal party dissidents, securing approval for his contentious Rwanda deportation bill. Sunak's Rwanda policy, which will allow the UK government to send asylum seekers who arrive without permission in Britain to Rwanda, cleared the last obstacle in the Commons. A total of 320 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill against 276. Watch to know more!

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An American woman who pleaded guilty to helping kill her mother and stuffing her body in a suitcase during a vacation in Bali in 2014 has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after a hearing on Wednesday (Jan 17). The recent sentence comes years after the woman was first convicted in Indonesia.&nbsp;

<h2>About the recent sentencing</h2>

Heather Mack, 28, pleaded guilty to helping boyfriend kill Sheila Wiese-Mack in 2014. She was first convicted in Indonesia in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, she was released six years later.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old was arrested again and has spent the last two years in custody in Chicago, Illinois awaiting trial since her return to the United States in 2021.&nbsp;

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On Wednesday (Jan 17), Judge Matthew Kennelly ruled that Mack will receive credit for the time she has served, bringing her formal sentence down to around 23 years.

Federal prosecutors had recommended a 28-year prison sentence for Mack who pleaded guilty to conspiring with her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer to kill her mother, a wealthy academic, to gain access to a $1.5 million trust fund.&nbsp;

The government also wanted her to receive five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution of $262,708.&nbsp;

Mack – who was 18 at the time of the murder and pregnant – covered her mother’s mouth while Schaefer bludgeoned Wiese-Mack with a fruit bowl in a hotel room, according to the prosecutors.&nbsp;

US agents&nbsp;arrested Mack and her then-six-year-old daughter upon their arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport&nbsp;in 2021.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty last June to one count of conspiring to kill Wiese-Mack.&nbsp;

<h2>‘If it were up to me…’</h2>

The sentencing hearing began on Wednesday morning with testimonies from Bill Wiese, Wiese-Mack’s brother and Mack’s uncle.&nbsp;Heather was present in the court wearing an orange jumpsuit, orange slip-on shoes and glasses.&nbsp;

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He asked the judge presiding over the case to impose the maximum sentence possible given that the 28-year-old had never shown remorse. “If it were up to me, Heather would spend the rest of her life behind bars,” said Bill.

Schaefer was convicted of murder and he is serving an 18-year sentence in a prison in Indonesia.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An American woman who pleaded guilty to helping kill her mother and stuffing her body in a suitcase during a vacation in Bali in 2014 has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after a hearing on Wednesday (Jan 17).

An American woman who pleaded guilty to helping kill her mother and stuffing her body in a suitcase during a vacation in Bali in 2014 has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after a hearing on Wednesday (Jan 17). The recent sentence comes years after the woman was first convicted in Indonesia. About the recent sentencing Heather Mack, 28, pleaded guilty to helping boyfriend kill Sheila Wiese-Mack in 2014. She was first convicted in Indonesia in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, she was released six years later. The 28-year-old was arrested again and has spent the last two years in custody in Chicago, Illinois awaiting trial since her return to the United States in 2021. ALSO READ | US woman who assisted Bali 'suitcase' murder released from jail On Wednesday (Jan 17), Judge Matthew Kennelly ruled that Mack will receive credit for the time she has served, bringing her formal sentence down to around 23 years. Federal prosecutors had recommended a 28-year prison sentence for Mack who pleaded guilty to conspiring with her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer to kill her mother, a wealthy academic, to gain access to a $1.5 million trust fund. The government also wanted her to receive five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution of $262,708. Mack – who was 18 at the time of the murder and pregnant – covered her mother’s mouth while Schaefer bludgeoned Wiese-Mack with a fruit bowl in a hotel room, according to the prosecutors. US agents arrested Mack and her then-six-year-old daughter upon their arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in 2021. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty last June to one count of conspiring to kill Wiese-Mack. ‘If it were up to me…’ The sentencing hearing began on Wednesday morning with testimonies from Bill Wiese, Wiese-Mack’s brother and Mack’s uncle. Heather was present in the court wearing an orange jumpsuit, orange slip-on shoes and glasses. ALSO READ | 'I would love it': Trump courts controversy in E. Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat with defiance He asked the judge presiding over the case to impose the maximum sentence possible given that the 28-year-old had never shown remorse. “If it were up to me, Heather would spend the rest of her life behind bars,” said Bill. Schaefer was convicted of murder and he is serving an 18-year sentence in a prison in Indonesia. (With inputs from agencies)

US woman sentenced to 26 years in prison for role in mother’s ‘suitcase murder’ in Bali

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran&nbsp;resigned after being charged in court for graft, on Thursday (Jan 18), amid a corruption probe that also involves a billionaire hotel tycoon. The city-state has long prided itself on its squeaky-clean governance and the case has since shocked the nation as it witnesses one of the most high-profile graft cases involving a minister after nearly four decades.&nbsp;

<h2>About the case</h2>

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)&nbsp;said Iswaran, who was arrested in July last year, faces a total of 27 charges, including corruption, “obtaining gratification as a public servant,” and obstructing the course of justice.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Row over South Africa's Deputy President's lifestyle, Singapore Transport Minister under probe&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The city-state’s anti-graft agency has alleged that the minister obtained kickbacks valued at $286,181 (S$384,340.98) from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, partly to advance the billionaire’s business interests.&nbsp;

Iswaran, 61, allegedly received gifts worth more than $119,136 in the form of flights, hotel stays and tickets to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The charge sheet against the now-former minister also purportedly shows favours like tickets to football matches, West End musicals, and flights on Ong’s private plane. Both Iswaran and Ong were arrested last year.&nbsp;

Notably, Iswaran was an advisor to the Grand Prix’s steering committee, while Ong owns the rights to the race. It is also said that the property tycoon played a significant role in bringing the F1 race to Singapore in 2008.

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The case has shocked the city-state, whose government is rarely affected by graft and scandals. Government officials and civil servants are highly paid to discourage corruption, with many cabinet ministers’ annual salaries being more than $744,602 (S$1 million).

Notably, the last corruption case that Singapore witnessed involving a minister was nearly four decades ago. In 1986, the national development minister was probed for allegedly accepting bribes but died before he could be charged.&nbsp;

<h2>Iswaran resigns</h2>

Iswaran, a veteran of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), who has held multiple portfolios over the years, submitted his resignation from the government, parliament and ruling party, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed shortly after Thursday’s hearing&nbsp;

Iswaran quit on January 16 after being given formal notice of the charges against him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-deputy-pm-wong-to-lead-ruling-party-before-general-election-pm-655723">Singapore Deputy PM Wong to lead ruling party before general election - PM</a>

The 61-year-old joined Loong’s cabinet as a junior minister in 2006 and became transport minister in May 2021.&nbsp;

In his resignation letter, Iswaran has pledged to return the money received as part of his salary and allowances since his arrest and rejected the allegations against him.&nbsp;

“I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name,” Iswaran wrote in his resignation letter&nbsp;published on the website of the PM’s office.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran resigned after being charged in court for graft, on Thursday (Jan 18), amid a corruption probe that also involves a billionaire hotel tycoon.

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran resigned after being charged in court for graft, on Thursday (Jan 18), amid a corruption probe that also involves a billionaire hotel tycoon. The city-state has long prided itself on its squeaky-clean governance and the case has since shocked the nation as it witnesses one of the most high-profile graft cases involving a minister after nearly four decades. About the case The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said Iswaran, who was arrested in July last year, faces a total of 27 charges, including corruption, “obtaining gratification as a public servant,” and obstructing the course of justice. WATCH | Row over South Africa's Deputy President's lifestyle, Singapore Transport Minister under probe The city-state’s anti-graft agency has alleged that the minister obtained kickbacks valued at $286,181 (S$384,340.98) from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, partly to advance the billionaire’s business interests. Iswaran, 61, allegedly received gifts worth more than $119,136 in the form of flights, hotel stays and tickets to the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. The charge sheet against the now-former minister also purportedly shows favours like tickets to football matches, West End musicals, and flights on Ong’s private plane. Both Iswaran and Ong were arrested last year. Notably, Iswaran was an advisor to the Grand Prix’s steering committee, while Ong owns the rights to the race. It is also said that the property tycoon played a significant role in bringing the F1 race to Singapore in 2008. ALSO READ | Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Indian-origin economist, sworn in as Singapore president The case has shocked the city-state, whose government is rarely affected by graft and scandals. Government officials and civil servants are highly paid to discourage corruption, with many cabinet ministers’ annual salaries being more than $744,602 (S$1 million). Notably, the last corruption case that Singapore witnessed involving a minister was nearly four decades ago. In 1986, the national development minister was probed for allegedly accepting bribes but died before he could be charged. Iswaran resigns Iswaran, a veteran of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), who has held multiple portfolios over the years, submitted his resignation from the government, parliament and ruling party, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed shortly after Thursday’s hearing Iswaran quit on January 16 after being given formal notice of the charges against him. ALSO READ | Singapore Deputy PM Wong to lead ruling party before general election - PM The 61-year-old joined Loong’s cabinet as a junior minister in 2006 and became transport minister in May 2021. In his resignation letter, Iswaran has pledged to return the money received as part of his salary and allowances since his arrest and rejected the allegations against him. “I reject the allegations in the charges and will now focus on clearing my name,” Iswaran wrote in his resignation letter published on the website of the PM’s office. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore minister Subramaniam Iswaran resigns after being charged in rare corruption case

Iran-Pakistan tensions escalate: China says willing to play constructive role to ease tensions

Chinese researchers mapped the virus that causes COVID-19 in late December 2019, at least two weeks before the World Health Organization <a href="&lt;blockquote class=&quot;twitter-tweet&quot; data-media-max-width=&quot;560&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=&quot;en&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#coronavirus&lt;/a&gt; (2019-nCoV) identified in &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#Wuhan&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#China&lt;/a&gt;🇨🇳. &lt;a href=&quot;https://t.co/Fnl5P877VG&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com/Fnl5P877VG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1217043229427761152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;January 14, 2020&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src=&quot;https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js&quot; charset=&quot;utf-8&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;">downplayed</a> the danger posed by the contagion virus that snowballed into a pandemic shortly after. According to a probe by the US congressional investigators, the Chinese researchers isolated the virus on December 28, 2019.

The documents describing a new timeline were obtained by US House Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The findings imply that China knew of the pandemic during the crucial early days of the virus when it was potentially still limited to certain pockets in China. Days later, as people moved across China to celebrate the New Year, the virus spread.&nbsp;

Consequently, the virus spread across the world and became the most devastating global health threat in the twenty-first century so far.

The extra two weeks could have been crucial in helping the global medical community to ascertain the danger posed by COVID-19.&nbsp;

Scientists worldwide in the early days of the mysterious disease spread were racing to understand the disease that came to be named COVID-19. It killed millions across the world, infected tens of millions and pushed the global economy into turmoil.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the Congressional investigators' report say?</h2>

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, a Chinese researcher in Beijing submitted a nearly complete sequence of the structure of the virus to a US government-run database on December 28, 2019.&nbsp;

The sequence was never published and was deleted from the database on Jan. 16, 2020, after the US National Institute of Health, following its protocols, asked the Chinese researcher for more technical details and she didn’t respond.

On Jan 12, NIH received and published a SARS-CoV-2 sequence from another source.

China shared the sequence of the Covid virus with the World Health Organization on January 11, 2020, according to the US government.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | China working on Wuhan virus 2.0?

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When the Chinese scientist submitted the Covid sequence, the officials in Wuhan were still describing the viral outbreak as pneumonia of "unknown cause". The Chinese had not even closed down the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, the site of one of the initial Covid outbreaks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-urges-china-to-reveal-information-about-covid-19-origins-report-637102">WHO urges China to reveal information about COVID-19 origins</a>

The Chinese scientist who submitted the virus sequence to a US database&nbsp;was a researcher at the Beijing-based Institute of Pathogen Biology, part of the state-affiliated Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the bottom line?</h2>

The latest information does not clarify if or not Covid emerged from an infected animal or a lab leak but it suggests that the world still does not exactly have a full understanding of the pandemic's origin.

Chinese researchers mapped the virus that causes COVID-19 in late December 2019, at least two weeks before the World Health Organization downplayed the danger posed by the contagion virus that snowballed into a pandemic shortly after.

Chinese researchers mapped the virus that causes COVID-19 in late December 2019, at least two weeks before the World Health Organization downplayed the danger posed by the contagion virus that snowballed into a pandemic shortly after. According to a probe by the US congressional investigators, the Chinese researchers isolated the virus on December 28, 2019. The documents describing a new timeline were obtained by US House Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. What does it mean? The findings imply that China knew of the pandemic during the crucial early days of the virus when it was potentially still limited to certain pockets in China. Days later, as people moved across China to celebrate the New Year, the virus spread. Consequently, the virus spread across the world and became the most devastating global health threat in the twenty-first century so far. The extra two weeks could have been crucial in helping the global medical community to ascertain the danger posed by COVID-19. Scientists worldwide in the early days of the mysterious disease spread were racing to understand the disease that came to be named COVID-19. It killed millions across the world, infected tens of millions and pushed the global economy into turmoil. What does the Congressional investigators' report say? According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, a Chinese researcher in Beijing submitted a nearly complete sequence of the structure of the virus to a US government-run database on December 28, 2019. The sequence was never published and was deleted from the database on Jan. 16, 2020, after the US National Institute of Health, following its protocols, asked the Chinese researcher for more technical details and she didn’t respond. On Jan 12, NIH received and published a SARS-CoV-2 sequence from another source. China shared the sequence of the Covid virus with the World Health Organization on January 11, 2020, according to the US government. Also watch | Gravitas | China working on Wuhan virus 2.0? × When the Chinese scientist submitted the Covid sequence, the officials in Wuhan were still describing the viral outbreak as pneumonia of "unknown cause". The Chinese had not even closed down the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, the site of one of the initial Covid outbreaks. Also read | WHO urges China to reveal information about COVID-19 origins The Chinese scientist who submitted the virus sequence to a US database was a researcher at the Beijing-based Institute of Pathogen Biology, part of the state-affiliated Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. What is the bottom line? The latest information does not clarify if or not Covid emerged from an infected animal or a lab leak but it suggests that the world still does not exactly have a full understanding of the pandemic's origin.

China knew, but hid COVID-19 details weeks before it became pandemic, US documents show

The tensions in Southwest Asia continue to escalate towards a crisis as Pakistan retaliated with multiple strikes in Iran a day after Tehran targeted a Sunni jihadist group based out of Balochistan. Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war's expansion into the Red Sea shipping route has become a major flashpoint in the region as the US launched a fourth wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Click here to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-attack-in-iran-day-after-deadly-balochistan-strike-report-681019">Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/18/406408-untitled-design-2024-01-18t094347891.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
A day after Iran launched airstrikes to target a jihadist group based in Pakistan, Islamabad has retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran, WION can confirm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-us-launches-fresh-wave-of-strikes-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen-681013">Middle East crisis updates: US launches fresh wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen</a>

<img alt="AFP image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc616ce6-bc61-4e43-94f0-93f633c05198" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-18T095044.562.png" />

The United States has conducted another round of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, as the situation in the Middle East continues to be volatile.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-consecration-live-updates-ram-lalla-idol-enters-ayodhya-temple-using-a-crane-681016">Ram Mandir consecration updates: Ram Lalla idol enters Ayodhya temple using a crane<img alt="Ram Mandir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25f4b688-b358-4192-ac72-b8ac19344a98" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-18T095332.785.png" /></a>

Ram Lalla's idol was taken inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya using a crane in the late evening hours on January 17. Now, the idol will be placed inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-keeps-an-eye-for-100-billion-annual-fdi-boost-in-ambitious-growth-strategy-681045">India keeps an eye for $100 billion annual FDI boost: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/18/406405-2spzcjao7bmq3bl7hzbeteb2wm.jpg?imwidth=3840" />India is setting its sights on attracting a whopping $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment (FDI) in the coming years, according to Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-iii-to-receive-hospital-treatment-for-enlarged-prostate-buckingham-palace-680954">British monarch King Charles III to have treatment for enlarged prostate</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/17/406342-king-charles-iii.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
Buckingham Palace said Wednesday (Jan 17) that the British head of state&nbsp;King&nbsp;Charles&nbsp;III&nbsp;will be hospitalised next week for a corrective procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-beat-afghanistan-in-double-super-over-in-third-t20i-despite-posting-212-complete-3-0-whitewash-680979">India beat Afghanistan in double super over in third T20I despite posting 212; complete 3-0 whitewash</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/17/406353-untitled-design-2024-01-17t220326117.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
India took two super overs to beat Afghanistan in the third T20I on Wednesday (January 17) in Bengaluru&nbsp;despite putting up a 200-plus total in the regular 20 overs. In the second super over, India batted first and scored 11 runs in five balls as they lost two wickets and wasted one ball. Defending 12 runs, Ravi Bishnoi gave only one run in three balls and took two wickets to help India win against Afghanistan.

The tensions in Southwest Asia continue to escalate towards a crisis as Pakistan retaliated with multiple strikes in Iran a day after Tehran targeted a Sunni jihadist group based out of Balochistan.

The tensions in Southwest Asia continue to escalate towards a crisis as Pakistan retaliated with multiple strikes in Iran a day after Tehran targeted a Sunni jihadist group based out of Balochistan. Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war's expansion into the Red Sea shipping route has become a major flashpoint in the region as the US launched a fourth wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Click here to read more: Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack A day after Iran launched airstrikes to target a jihadist group based in Pakistan, Islamabad has retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran, WION can confirm. Middle East crisis updates: US launches fresh wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen The United States has conducted another round of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, as the situation in the Middle East continues to be volatile. Ram Mandir consecration updates: Ram Lalla idol enters Ayodhya temple using a crane Ram Lalla's idol was taken inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya using a crane in the late evening hours on January 17. Now, the idol will be placed inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum. India keeps an eye for $100 billion annual FDI boost: Report India is setting its sights on attracting a whopping $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment (FDI) in the coming years, according to Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. British monarch King Charles III to have treatment for enlarged prostate Buckingham Palace said Wednesday (Jan 17) that the British head of state King Charles III will be hospitalised next week for a corrective procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. India beat Afghanistan in double super over in third T20I despite posting 212; complete 3-0 whitewash India took two super overs to beat Afghanistan in the third T20I on Wednesday (January 17) in Bengaluru despite putting up a 200-plus total in the regular 20 overs. In the second super over, India batted first and scored 11 runs in five balls as they lost two wickets and wasted one ball. Defending 12 runs, Ravi Bishnoi gave only one run in three balls and took two wickets to help India win against Afghanistan.

Morning brief: Pakistan retaliates with strikes inside Iran; Red Sea crisis escalates amid Gaza war

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a pivotal Commons vote, emerged victorious over internal party dissidents, securing approval for his contentious Rwanda deportation bill. Sunak's Rwanda policy, which will allow the UK government to send asylum seekers who arrive without permission in Britain to Rwanda, cleared the last obstacle in the Commons. A total of 320 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill against 276.

Meanwhile, 11 Tory MPs dissented. Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who earlier called on Sunak to harden up his stance on the Rwandan bill, and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick, also voted against the bill.&nbsp;

The contentious legislation will now advance to the House of Lords where the bill may face potential amendments. The third reading was a major win for Sunak. If it had failed, the UK Prime Minister would have been in a tough spot with the general elections coming up and his perceived weakening leadership.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sheryl-sandberg-former-coo-of-meta-platforms-announces-exit-from-board-after-12-years-681052">Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta Platforms, announces exit from board after 12 years</a>

Even as Conservative rebels threatened to derail the legislation, most from the party opted not to challenge the bill.

<h2>Injunctions by&nbsp;European Court of Human Rights troubling Sunak&nbsp;</h2>

Even as the Rwandan bill was given a green light in the House of Commons, there is a greater worry for Sunak in the form of&nbsp;Injunctions by the European Court of Human Rights which can halt deportations to Rwanda.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-attack-in-iran-day-after-deadly-balochistan-strike-report-681019">Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack</a>

The government earlier pledged to eliminate this guidance which directed civil servants to comply with these injunctions.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has declared willingness to refund UK taxpayers' money if no asylum seekers arrive in the African nation. A total of £240 million is already paid to Rwanda, with an additional £50 million pending.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/election-commission-of-pakistan-warns-of-poll-delay-due-to-symbol-changes-681056">Election Commission of Pakistan warns of poll delay due to symbol changes</a>

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The prime minister's allies perceive this outcome as a decisive victory against the right wing.&nbsp;

Despite the win, discontent lingers within the Conservative party, with moderates expressing frustration over the damage caused during the rebellion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a pivotal Commons vote, emerged victorious over internal party dissidents, securing approval for his contentious Rwanda deportation bill.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a pivotal Commons vote, emerged victorious over internal party dissidents, securing approval for his contentious Rwanda deportation bill. Sunak's Rwanda policy, which will allow the UK government to send asylum seekers who arrive without permission in Britain to Rwanda, cleared the last obstacle in the Commons. A total of 320 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill against 276. Meanwhile, 11 Tory MPs dissented. Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who earlier called on Sunak to harden up his stance on the Rwandan bill, and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick, also voted against the bill. The contentious legislation will now advance to the House of Lords where the bill may face potential amendments. The third reading was a major win for Sunak. If it had failed, the UK Prime Minister would have been in a tough spot with the general elections coming up and his perceived weakening leadership. Also Read | Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta Platforms, announces exit from board after 12 years Even as Conservative rebels threatened to derail the legislation, most from the party opted not to challenge the bill. Injunctions by European Court of Human Rights troubling Sunak Even as the Rwandan bill was given a green light in the House of Commons, there is a greater worry for Sunak in the form of Injunctions by the European Court of Human Rights which can halt deportations to Rwanda. Also Read | Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack The government earlier pledged to eliminate this guidance which directed civil servants to comply with these injunctions. Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has declared willingness to refund UK taxpayers' money if no asylum seekers arrive in the African nation. A total of £240 million is already paid to Rwanda, with an additional £50 million pending. Watch | Election Commission of Pakistan warns of poll delay due to symbol changes × The prime minister's allies perceive this outcome as a decisive victory against the right wing. Despite the win, discontent lingers within the Conservative party, with moderates expressing frustration over the damage caused during the rebellion. (With inputs from agencies)

UK House of Commons OKs bill to send migrants to Rwanda, 320 back PM Rishi Sunak's plan

Former US President Donald Trump faced a stern warning from New York federal judge Lewis Kaplan during the trial in the sex assault defamation case by E. Jean Carroll. However, the judge's threat was met by a casual and defiant response from the Republican.&nbsp;

The judge on Wednesday (Jan 17) threatened to kick Trump out of the trial for making disruptive comments, to which Trump responded, "I would love it."

Carroll's lawyer had complained about Trump's audible comments, including calling it a "con job." Upon this, Judge Kaplan cautioned Trump to keep his voice down and said that though the former US president had the right to be present there, "it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, and if he disregards court orders.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germans-protest-nationwide-after-far-right-meeting-on-deportation-plan-680981">Germans protest nationwide after far-right meeting on deportation plan</a>

“Mr. Trump, I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial. I understand you are very eager for me to do that,” the judge said.

These comments by the judge led to a defiant response by Trump, which later spiralled even more.&nbsp;

In the courtroom, Trump responded to the judge saying, “I would love it, I would love it.” Reacting to this casual comment by the former US president, Kaplan said, “I know you would because you just can’t control yourself in this circumstance.”

<h2>Trump's tirade on social media&nbsp;</h2>

In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump criticised Judge Kaplan while citing a perceived bias.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calls-for-tax-the-rich-echo-again-at-world-economic-forum-when-will-you-tax-extreme-wealth-680999">Calls for 'tax the rich' echo again at World Economic Forum: 'When will you tax extreme wealth?'</a>

“I feel an obligation to be at every moment of this ridiculous trial because we have a seething and hostile Clinton-appointed Judge, Lewis Kaplan, who suffers from a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” Trump wrote.

The trial also saw a heated exchange between Kaplan and Trump's lawyer Alina Habba regarding a request to postpone the trial due to his mother-in-law’s funeral.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-steps-up-offensive-near-bakhmut-681025">Russia-Ukraine war | Russia steps up offensive near Bakhmut</a>

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“I said sit down!” Kaplan told Habba.&nbsp;Habba reacted by saying, “I don’t like to be spoken [to] like that … I will not speak to you like that.”

Carroll testified about the emotional and reputational harm caused by Trump's defamatory statements.&nbsp;The trial, focused on monetary damages for defamation, follows a previous verdict where Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million for defamation and civil liability. The current trial aims for at least $10 million in damages.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump faced a stern warning from New York federal judge Lewis Kaplan during the trial in the sex assault defamation case by E. Jean Carroll.

Former US President Donald Trump faced a stern warning from New York federal judge Lewis Kaplan during the trial in the sex assault defamation case by E. Jean Carroll. However, the judge's threat was met by a casual and defiant response from the Republican. The judge on Wednesday (Jan 17) threatened to kick Trump out of the trial for making disruptive comments, to which Trump responded, "I would love it." Carroll's lawyer had complained about Trump's audible comments, including calling it a "con job." Upon this, Judge Kaplan cautioned Trump to keep his voice down and said that though the former US president had the right to be present there, "it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, and if he disregards court orders.” Also Read | Germans protest nationwide after far-right meeting on deportation plan “Mr. Trump, I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial. I understand you are very eager for me to do that,” the judge said. These comments by the judge led to a defiant response by Trump, which later spiralled even more. In the courtroom, Trump responded to the judge saying, “I would love it, I would love it.” Reacting to this casual comment by the former US president, Kaplan said, “I know you would because you just can’t control yourself in this circumstance.” Trump's tirade on social media In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump criticised Judge Kaplan while citing a perceived bias. Also Read | Calls for 'tax the rich' echo again at World Economic Forum: 'When will you tax extreme wealth?' “I feel an obligation to be at every moment of this ridiculous trial because we have a seething and hostile Clinton-appointed Judge, Lewis Kaplan, who suffers from a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” Trump wrote. The trial also saw a heated exchange between Kaplan and Trump's lawyer Alina Habba regarding a request to postpone the trial due to his mother-in-law’s funeral. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war | Russia steps up offensive near Bakhmut × “I said sit down!” Kaplan told Habba. Habba reacted by saying, “I don’t like to be spoken [to] like that … I will not speak to you like that.” Carroll testified about the emotional and reputational harm caused by Trump's defamatory statements. The trial, focused on monetary damages for defamation, follows a previous verdict where Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million for defamation and civil liability. The current trial aims for at least $10 million in damages. (With inputs from agencies)

I would love it: Trump courts controversy in Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat to throw him out

"Tax the rich" remained one of the most popular slogans in recent years to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, as over the years, people have shown frustration over very wealthy people and corporations not paying their fair share of taxes.&nbsp;

The same call was made on Wednesday (Jan 17) at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland as more than 250 billionaires and millionaires demanded an introduction of wealth taxes to be paid for better public services worldwide.&nbsp;

In an open letter to world leaders, the wealthy people said: "We are surprised that you have failed to answer a simple question that we have been asking for three years: when will you tax extreme wealth?"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-sees-india-as-extraordinary-success-story-praises-modi-govt-680985">Blinken says US sees India as ‘extraordinary success story’, praises Modi govt</a>&nbsp;

"Our request is simple: we ask you to tax us, the very richest in society," added the letter, whose title is "Proud To Pay More".&nbsp;

"This will not fundamentally alter our standard of living, nor deprive our children, nor harm our nation’s economic growth. But it will turn extreme and unproductive private wealth into an investment for our common democratic future," it further read.&nbsp;

Those who signed the letter include, screenwriter Simon Pegg, Disney heir Abigail Disney, and Valerie Rockefeller, who is an heir to the famed US family.&nbsp;

As quoted by CNBC, Succession TV series star Brian Cox, who is also a signatory, said: "Billionaires are wielding their extreme wealth to accumulate political power and influence, simultaneously undermining democracy and the global economy."&nbsp;

"It's long past time to act. If our elected officials refuse to address this concentration of money and power, the consequences will be dire," said the actor, who played fictional billionaire Logan Roy in Succession.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Blinken praises India at World Economic Forum

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pakistan-calls-airspace-violation-by-iran-sad-incident-says-have-taken-measures-680919">Exclusive: Pakistan calls airspace violation by Iran ‘sad incident’, says ‘have taken measures’</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Oxfam report on the world's five richest men&nbsp;</h2>

The calls for "tax the rich" come a few days after the charity Oxfam revealed that the world's wealthiest five men have more than doubled their fortune since 2020. It urged the nations to resist the ultra-rich's influence over tax policy.&nbsp;

A report, published at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, said their wealth rose from $405 billion in 2020 to $869 billion last year.&nbsp;

Oxfam said that yet since 2020, nearly five billion people worldwide have grown poorer.&nbsp;

Billionaires are today $3.3 trillion richer than they were in 2020, despite many crises devastating the world's economy since this decade began, including the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

"Tax the rich" remained one of the most popular slogans in recent years to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, as over the years, people have shown frustration over very wealthy people and corporations not paying their fair share of taxes.

"Tax the rich" remained one of the most popular slogans in recent years to bridge the gap between the rich and poor, as over the years, people have shown frustration over very wealthy people and corporations not paying their fair share of taxes. The same call was made on Wednesday (Jan 17) at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland as more than 250 billionaires and millionaires demanded an introduction of wealth taxes to be paid for better public services worldwide. In an open letter to world leaders, the wealthy people said: "We are surprised that you have failed to answer a simple question that we have been asking for three years: when will you tax extreme wealth?" Also read: Blinken says US sees India as ‘extraordinary success story’, praises Modi govt "Our request is simple: we ask you to tax us, the very richest in society," added the letter, whose title is "Proud To Pay More". "This will not fundamentally alter our standard of living, nor deprive our children, nor harm our nation’s economic growth. But it will turn extreme and unproductive private wealth into an investment for our common democratic future," it further read. Those who signed the letter include, screenwriter Simon Pegg, Disney heir Abigail Disney, and Valerie Rockefeller, who is an heir to the famed US family. As quoted by CNBC, Succession TV series star Brian Cox, who is also a signatory, said: "Billionaires are wielding their extreme wealth to accumulate political power and influence, simultaneously undermining democracy and the global economy." "It's long past time to act. If our elected officials refuse to address this concentration of money and power, the consequences will be dire," said the actor, who played fictional billionaire Logan Roy in Succession. Watch: Blinken praises India at World Economic Forum × Also read: Exclusive: Pakistan calls airspace violation by Iran ‘sad incident’, says ‘have taken measures’ Oxfam report on the world's five richest men The calls for "tax the rich" come a few days after the charity Oxfam revealed that the world's wealthiest five men have more than doubled their fortune since 2020. It urged the nations to resist the ultra-rich's influence over tax policy. A report, published at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, said their wealth rose from $405 billion in 2020 to $869 billion last year. Oxfam said that yet since 2020, nearly five billion people worldwide have grown poorer. Billionaires are today $3.3 trillion richer than they were in 2020, despite many crises devastating the world's economy since this decade began, including the Covid pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Calls for 'tax the rich' echo again at World Economic Forum: 'When will you tax extreme wealth?'

Two Canadian mayors have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government to tackle increasing extortion threats toward businesses in their cities that particularly target Indo-Canadians.

Local reports mentioned that the mayors of Brampton, Ont., and Surrey, B.C. sent a letter to the federal minister of public safety this week, stating that they are deeply concerned for their communities due to the threats. As per the report, the threats are majorly directed towards South Asians.&nbsp;

The letter signed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, read: "These incidents have instilled fear in our communities and highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response involving multiple jurisdictions."&nbsp;

"We urge your ministry to recognise the inter-jurisdictional nature of these threats and to spearhead a coordinated response that ensures the safety and security of all affected communities across Canada," they added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-pannun-issues-death-threat-to-punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-report-680529">Khalistani terrorist Pannun issues fresh warning to Indian PM Narendra Modi: ‘I dare Modi...’</a>&nbsp;

The situation is quite serious as the mayors said recent reports have confirmed that there are links between the extortion attempts and violent acts in their provinces.&nbsp;

The mayors wrote in their letter, "It is imperative the federal government, through your ministry, takes a leading role in facilitating this collaboration."&nbsp;

"By leveraging the resources and intelligence capabilities of the RCMP, in concert with local law enforcement agencies, we can formulate a robust and unified approach to tackle this issue," they added.&nbsp;

As quoted by CBC, a spokesperson for the federal public safety minister said the RCMP is working with local police forces to tackle the issue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qantas-airways-issues-full-refund-after-passengers-allege-10-hour-flight-sitting-in-urine-680914">Qantas Airways issues full refund after passengers allege 10-hour flight 'sitting in urine'</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Reports find 90% of child sexual abuse content to be self-created&nbsp;

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In a statement, Jean-Sebastien Comeau wrote: "These threats of extortion are deeply concerning. "If Canadians suspect they are the target of an extortion attempt, they should report it immediately to their local police force."&nbsp;

Peel Regional Police last month said that it had launched a task force to assess a "disturbing trend" of extortion threats, which are mostly targeting the South Asian business community.&nbsp;

Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah wrote in a December statement: "This has caused grave safety and security concerns among our community members. Terrorising our residents will not be tolerated."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Two Canadian mayors have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government to tackle increasing extortion threats toward businesses in their cities that particularly target Indo-Canadians.

Two Canadian mayors have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government to tackle increasing extortion threats toward businesses in their cities that particularly target Indo-Canadians. Local reports mentioned that the mayors of Brampton, Ont., and Surrey, B.C. sent a letter to the federal minister of public safety this week, stating that they are deeply concerned for their communities due to the threats. As per the report, the threats are majorly directed towards South Asians. The letter signed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, read: "These incidents have instilled fear in our communities and highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response involving multiple jurisdictions." "We urge your ministry to recognise the inter-jurisdictional nature of these threats and to spearhead a coordinated response that ensures the safety and security of all affected communities across Canada," they added. Also read: Khalistani terrorist Pannun issues fresh warning to Indian PM Narendra Modi: ‘I dare Modi...’ The situation is quite serious as the mayors said recent reports have confirmed that there are links between the extortion attempts and violent acts in their provinces. The mayors wrote in their letter, "It is imperative the federal government, through your ministry, takes a leading role in facilitating this collaboration." "By leveraging the resources and intelligence capabilities of the RCMP, in concert with local law enforcement agencies, we can formulate a robust and unified approach to tackle this issue," they added. As quoted by CBC, a spokesperson for the federal public safety minister said the RCMP is working with local police forces to tackle the issue. Also read: Qantas Airways issues full refund after passengers allege 10-hour flight 'sitting in urine' Watch: Reports find 90% of child sexual abuse content to be self-created × In a statement, Jean-Sebastien Comeau wrote: "These threats of extortion are deeply concerning. "If Canadians suspect they are the target of an extortion attempt, they should report it immediately to their local police force." Peel Regional Police last month said that it had launched a task force to assess a "disturbing trend" of extortion threats, which are mostly targeting the South Asian business community. Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah wrote in a December statement: "This has caused grave safety and security concerns among our community members. Terrorising our residents will not be tolerated." (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian mayors urge Trudeau government to tackle rising extortion threats against Indo-Canadians

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