World News: 16 October 2022

Astronomers discover heaviest exoplanet element yet on alien world so hot it rains iron
Detecting barium around the extreme exoplanets WASP-76 b and WASP-121 b marks the heaviest element ever found in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a star other than the sun. The finding could reveal more about the exotic conditions found around exoplanets called hot Jupiters, which are gas giants that orbit close to their stars and are often tidally locked, with a hellish star-facing dayside and a relatively cool space-facing nightside. Their proximity means that these Jupiter-size planets orbit their stars in just a few Earth days and can have temperatures in excess of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius).

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China’s Xi calls for military growth amid tension with US
The party’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army, needs to “safeguard China’s dignity and core interests,” Xi said, referring to a list of territorial claims and other issues over which Beijing says it is ready to go to war. China has the world's second-largest defense budget after the United States and is trying to extend its reach by developing ballistic missiles, aircraft carriers and overseas outposts.

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Uganda locks down 2 districts in bid to stem spread of Ebola
All entertainment places, including bars, as well as places of worship are ordered closed, and all burials in those districts must be supervised by health officials, he said. A nighttime curfew also has been imposed. The restrictions will last at least 21 days.

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Iran’s celebrities face reprisals for supporting protests
Among the most notable cases is that of singer Shervin Hajipour, whose song “For …” has become an anthem for the protest movement, which erupted Sept. 17 over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody after she was arrested for not abiding by the Islamic Republic's strict dress code.

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Thousands of Tunisians protest against President Saied
It is the latest in a series of demonstrations in the North African country since Saied seized a host of powers after dismissing the government and freezing parliament on July 25. Critics have dubbed the move a "coup" and rights groups have warned that the country, seen as the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring protests, is sliding towards autocracy.

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Mason Greenwood charged with attempted rape and assault
Janet Potter, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm." "All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West's complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police."

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