A total of 115 nomination papers for the Presidential elections were filed out of which NDA’s candidate Droupadi Murmu and Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha were found to fulfil all the requirements of a valid nomination. The announcement was made in a press briefing addressed by Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Modi.

The process of filing nomination papers, which had commenced on June 15, concluded on June 29.

“During the period of filing of nomination papers, I had received 115 nomination papers. Out of these, 28 nomination papers pertaining to 26 candidates were rejected at the time of presentation itself, under section 5B(4) of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Act, 1952, as they were not accompanied by a certified copy of the electoral roll,” Modi said.

“The remaining 87 Nomination papers pertaining to 72 candidates were taken up for scrutiny today, the 30th June, at 11 am by me. Out of the 87 nomination papers taken up for scrutiny, 79 were rejected during the course of the scrutiny under section 5B(1)(a) for want of a requisite number of proposers and seconders; and under section 5C, not accompanied by the requisite deposit of rupees fifteen thousand; of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952,” he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/every-day-i-was-praying-please-god-dont-let-anybody-try-to-kill-me-oleksandr-usyk-493657">&nbsp;Every day I was praying ‘Please, god, don’t let anybody try to kill me': Boxer Oleksandr Usyk</a>

Upon conclusion of the entire scrutiny process held today, the Secretary-General further said, the nomination papers for the Presidential elections filed by Murmu and Sinha were found to fulfil all the requirements of a valid nomination.

After the last date for withdrawal of candidature on July 2, a ‘List of Contesting Candidates’ containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order together with their addresses will be prepared and published in the Gazette of India and also in the State Gazettes, said Modi.

He also mentioned that the poll will be held on July 18 and the counting of votes will take place on July 21.

(with inputs from agencies)

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A total of 115 nomination papers for the Presidential elections were filed out of which NDA’s candidate Droupadi Murmu and Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha were found to fulfil all the requirements of a valid nomination.

A total of 115 nomination papers for the Presidential elections were filed out of which NDA’s candidate Droupadi Murmu and Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha were found to fulfil all the requirements of a valid nomination. The announcement was made in a press briefing addressed by Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Modi. The process of filing nomination papers, which had commenced on June 15, concluded on June 29. “During the period of filing of nomination papers, I had received 115 nomination papers. Out of these, 28 nomination papers pertaining to 26 candidates were rejected at the time of presentation itself, under section 5B(4) of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Act, 1952, as they were not accompanied by a certified copy of the electoral roll,” Modi said. “The remaining 87 Nomination papers pertaining to 72 candidates were taken up for scrutiny today, the 30th June, at 11 am by me. Out of the 87 nomination papers taken up for scrutiny, 79 were rejected during the course of the scrutiny under section 5B(1)(a) for want of a requisite number of proposers and seconders; and under section 5C, not accompanied by the requisite deposit of rupees fifteen thousand; of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952,” he added. Also Read: Every day I was praying ‘Please, god, don’t let anybody try to kill me': Boxer Oleksandr Usyk Upon conclusion of the entire scrutiny process held today, the Secretary-General further said, the nomination papers for the Presidential elections filed by Murmu and Sinha were found to fulfil all the requirements of a valid nomination. After the last date for withdrawal of candidature on July 2, a ‘List of Contesting Candidates’ containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order together with their addresses will be prepared and published in the Gazette of India and also in the State Gazettes, said Modi. He also mentioned that the poll will be held on July 18 and the counting of votes will take place on July 21. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Presidential election in India: 115 nominations filed, but only two candidates will contest for the post

Soon after Vladimir Putin unleashed Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine on 24 February, Oleksandr Usyk, the IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion and his friend Vasiliy Lomachenko, another of the best boxers in the world, joined the military. But as he patrolled the streets, carrying a machine gun rather than boxing gloves, dread gripped Usyk.

As reported by The Guardian, Oleksandr said, “Every day I was there, I was praying and asking: ‘Please, God, don’t let anybody try to kill me. Please don’t let anybody shoot me. And please don’t make me shoot any other person.”

“My family is not in Ukraine but a lot of my close friends are still in the country. I’m in touch with them every day. I ask them because it’s very important for me, how are they feeling? Are they in a safe place? I want to live there and right after the fight I’m going back to Ukraine,” he added.

On being asked if he will return as a soldier? Usyk said that “nobody will let me go to the front line. But a lot of my close friends are on the front line. I’m supporting them and with this fight, I want to bring them some kind of joy in between what they do.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-move-to-legalise-cannabis-may-lead-to-cascading-effect-493649">Germany’s move to legalise cannabis may lead to cascading effect</a>

As reported by The Guardian, Usyk shrugs and concentrates instead on the propaganda that is being beamed into ordinary Russian homes. “I don’t believe what they are saying because they are not showing what is true in their country. They are bombing soldiers. They are bombing army battalions. But they are not showing the bombs landing on civilian houses or hospitals. Two days ago in Kyiv, a bomb landed on the house where civilians lived. Two days ago a rocket landed on a shopping mall in Kremenchuk where all the normal people were. Their soldiers are saying on their TV that [Ukrainians] are shooting each other. So I don’t trust what they say.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Soon after Vladimir Putin unleashed Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine on 24 February, Oleksandr Usyk, the IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion and his friend Vasiliy Lomachenko, another of the best boxers in the world, joined the military.

Soon after Vladimir Putin unleashed Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine on 24 February, Oleksandr Usyk, the IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion and his friend Vasiliy Lomachenko, another of the best boxers in the world, joined the military. But as he patrolled the streets, carrying a machine gun rather than boxing gloves, dread gripped Usyk. As reported by The Guardian, Oleksandr said, “Every day I was there, I was praying and asking: ‘Please, God, don’t let anybody try to kill me. Please don’t let anybody shoot me. And please don’t make me shoot any other person.” “My family is not in Ukraine but a lot of my close friends are still in the country. I’m in touch with them every day. I ask them because it’s very important for me, how are they feeling? Are they in a safe place? I want to live there and right after the fight I’m going back to Ukraine,” he added. On being asked if he will return as a soldier? Usyk said that “nobody will let me go to the front line. But a lot of my close friends are on the front line. I’m supporting them and with this fight, I want to bring them some kind of joy in between what they do.” Also Read: Germany’s move to legalise cannabis may lead to cascading effect As reported by The Guardian, Usyk shrugs and concentrates instead on the propaganda that is being beamed into ordinary Russian homes. “I don’t believe what they are saying because they are not showing what is true in their country. They are bombing soldiers. They are bombing army battalions. But they are not showing the bombs landing on civilian houses or hospitals. Two days ago in Kyiv, a bomb landed on the house where civilians lived. Two days ago a rocket landed on a shopping mall in Kremenchuk where all the normal people were. Their soldiers are saying on their TV that [Ukrainians] are shooting each other. So I don’t trust what they say. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Every day I was praying ‘Please, god, don’t let anybody try to kill me': Boxer Oleksandr Usyk

Germany is mulling over the consequences of soon becoming the world’s largest potential market for legally sold cannabis, as the country’s left-liberal government presses ahead with plans to allow the controlled distribution of the drug among adults, as reported by The Guardian.

The German government is moving forward with plans for legislation to legalize cannabis consumption. &nbsp;Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Thursday that a draft law is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year. &nbsp;

The upcoming legislation is "a long-awaited step for many," Lauterbach said, adding that the government will apply a "safety first" principle to its efforts toward legalizing marijuana use. "The current, primarily repressive way of dealing with cannabis has failed," Lauterbach added.&nbsp;

Europe’s largest economy joining Canada and California in legalising cannabis for recreational use could create momentum to change the UN convention that restricts the cultivation of the plant and also puts pressure on neighbouring European states to follow Germany’s lead.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-borshch-soup-inscribed-as-endangered-heritage-by-unesco-russia-slammed-the-move-493625">Ukrainian borshch soup inscribed as endangered heritage by UNESCO, Russia slammed the move</a>

As reported by The Guardian, Justus Haucap, the director of the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics said, “There will be a domino effect, for sure. European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, like France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing at the moment.”

The hemp industry is lobbying the German government to tax cannabis products at no more than €10 a gramme of bud, with a lower rate for plants with lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. A higher rate of taxation would give an advantage to illicit dealers, they argue, as would a wholesale ban on advertising state-offered weed.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Germany is mulling over the consequences of soon becoming the world’s largest potential market for legally sold cannabis, as the country’s left-liberal government presses ahead with plans to allow the controlled distribution of the drug among adults, as reported by The Guardian.

Germany is mulling over the consequences of soon becoming the world’s largest potential market for legally sold cannabis, as the country’s left-liberal government presses ahead with plans to allow the controlled distribution of the drug among adults, as reported by The Guardian. The German government is moving forward with plans for legislation to legalize cannabis consumption. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Thursday that a draft law is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year. The upcoming legislation is "a long-awaited step for many," Lauterbach said, adding that the government will apply a "safety first" principle to its efforts toward legalizing marijuana use. "The current, primarily repressive way of dealing with cannabis has failed," Lauterbach added. Europe’s largest economy joining Canada and California in legalising cannabis for recreational use could create momentum to change the UN convention that restricts the cultivation of the plant and also puts pressure on neighbouring European states to follow Germany’s lead. Also Read: Ukrainian borshch soup inscribed as endangered heritage by UNESCO, Russia slammed the move As reported by The Guardian, Justus Haucap, the director of the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics said, “There will be a domino effect, for sure. European countries that have a much bigger problem with illegal cannabis use, like France, are watching very closely what Germany is doing at the moment.” The hemp industry is lobbying the German government to tax cannabis products at no more than €10 a gramme of bud, with a lower rate for plants with lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. A higher rate of taxation would give an advantage to illicit dealers, they argue, as would a wholesale ban on advertising state-offered weed. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany’s move to legalise cannabis may lead to cascading effect

Toyota Motor Corp on Friday unveiled its first mass market hybrid car for India, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), charting a new course for the Japanese automaker in one of the world's fastest growing car markets.

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, the first car to be built by Toyota as part of a global alliance with Suzuki Motor Corp, will compete with Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motor Corp in a segment that accounts for a large portion of auto sales in India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toyota-subaru-shares-drop-on-recalls-of-their-first-ev-models-491242">Toyota, Subaru shares drop on recalls of their first EV models</a>

The new model will be an "ultimate game changer" for the company in India's electrified auto space, Vikram Kirloskar, vice chairman of local unit Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said at a launch event in New Delhi.

It also reinforces Toyota's decision to take the hybrid route in developing markets like India, where it says infrastructure is not ready for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and much of the electricity is generated using coal or other fossil fuels.

While green investors have criticised the carmaker for slowness in moving its product line-up to all-electric vehicles, Toyota remains steadfast that hybrids make more sense in markets where it needs to offer a variety of choices depending on the energy mix and local needs.

Watch |&nbsp;Toyota recalls its first mass-produced EVs less than 2 months after the launch

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India wants carmakers to build more electric models but the uptake for such vehicles so far has been slow, and only Tata Motors builds them locally. India's biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has said it will not launch an all-electric vehicle before 2025.

In India, Toyota offers a strong hybrid powertrain in its premium models like the Camry sedan and the Vellfire. This is the first time it will offer the technology in a mass segment car where only gasoline and diesel models are currently sold.

The new SUV is expected to be 40% to 50% more fuel efficient than a comparable gasoline-powered car and reduce carbon emissions by 30%, Toyota said. About 90% of the car's parts are sourced from local suppliers - a move that will help it price the car competitively when it goes on sale later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/general-motors-calls-off-plan-to-sell-india-car-plant-to-chinas-great-wall-493561">General Motors calls off plan to sell India car plant to China's Great Wall</a>

Toyota's bigger challenge on pricing, however, will come due to the high taxes that the Indian government levies on hybrid cars of between 28% and 43% versus 5% on all-electric cars.

The SUV, to be manufactured at a Toyota plant in southern Karnataka state, will be sold in India and other global markets including Africa. Suzuki will also take the SUV from Toyota's operation in southern India and sell it under its own label.

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Toyota Motor Corp on Friday unveiled its first mass market hybrid car for India, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), charting a new course for the Japanese automaker in one of the world's fastest growing car markets.

Toyota Motor Corp on Friday unveiled its first mass market hybrid car for India, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), charting a new course for the Japanese automaker in one of the world's fastest growing car markets. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, the first car to be built by Toyota as part of a global alliance with Suzuki Motor Corp, will compete with Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motor Corp in a segment that accounts for a large portion of auto sales in India. Also read | Toyota, Subaru shares drop on recalls of their first EV models The new model will be an "ultimate game changer" for the company in India's electrified auto space, Vikram Kirloskar, vice chairman of local unit Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said at a launch event in New Delhi. It also reinforces Toyota's decision to take the hybrid route in developing markets like India, where it says infrastructure is not ready for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and much of the electricity is generated using coal or other fossil fuels. While green investors have criticised the carmaker for slowness in moving its product line-up to all-electric vehicles, Toyota remains steadfast that hybrids make more sense in markets where it needs to offer a variety of choices depending on the energy mix and local needs. Watch | Toyota recalls its first mass-produced EVs less than 2 months after the launch India wants carmakers to build more electric models but the uptake for such vehicles so far has been slow, and only Tata Motors builds them locally. India's biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has said it will not launch an all-electric vehicle before 2025. In India, Toyota offers a strong hybrid powertrain in its premium models like the Camry sedan and the Vellfire. This is the first time it will offer the technology in a mass segment car where only gasoline and diesel models are currently sold. The new SUV is expected to be 40% to 50% more fuel efficient than a comparable gasoline-powered car and reduce carbon emissions by 30%, Toyota said. About 90% of the car's parts are sourced from local suppliers - a move that will help it price the car competitively when it goes on sale later this year. Also read | General Motors calls off plan to sell India car plant to China's Great Wall Toyota's bigger challenge on pricing, however, will come due to the high taxes that the Indian government levies on hybrid cars of between 28% and 43% versus 5% on all-electric cars. The SUV, to be manufactured at a Toyota plant in southern Karnataka state, will be sold in India and other global markets including Africa. Suzuki will also take the SUV from Toyota's operation in southern India and sell it under its own label. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Toyota charts new course in India with its first mass market hybrid car

The World Health Oreganisation (WHO) on Friday (July 1) gave a call for 'urgent' action to prevent further spread of monkeypox in Europe. United Nation's global heath agency said that cases in the continent have tripled in past two weeks.&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said that Hong Kong can’t afford to be destabilised while defending the “one country, two systems” form of governance in a rare visit to the Chinese territory amid a deepening authoritarian crackdown by Beijing.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-calls-for-urgent-action-in-europe-to-contain-monkeypox-spread-493613">WHO calls for 'urgent' action in Europe to contain monkeypox spread</a>
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The World Health Oreganisation (WHO) on Friday (July 1) gave a call for 'urgent' action to prevent further spread of monkeypox in Europe. United Nation's global heath agency said that cases in the continent have tripled in past two weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missile-strike-in-odessa-kills-at-least-ten-people-says-ukraine-493401">Russian missile strike in Odessa kills at least ten people, says Ukraine</a>
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At least ten people were killed after a missile strike on an apartment building in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, a local official said on Friday.&nbsp;"The number of dead in the apartment building missile strike has risen to 10," said Odessa military administration spokesman Sergei Bratchuk according to AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-afford-to-be-destabilised-chinas-xi-defends-one-country-two-systems-governance-in-hong-kong-493440">‘Can’t afford to be destabilised’: China’s Xi defends ‘one country, two systems’ governance in Hong Kong</a>
<img alt="2" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7c9e093-a9d4-4302-8ce9-2ea5cae26f34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/275584-xi.jpg" />
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said that Hong Kong can’t afford to be destabilised while defending the “one country, two systems” form of governance in a rare visit to the Chinese territory amid a deepening authoritarian crackdown by Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-green-signal-from-supreme-court-to-end-remain-in-mexico-immigration-policy-493575">Joe Biden gets green signal from US Supreme Court to end ‘Remain in Mexico’ immigration policy</a>
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President Joe Biden has been given the go-ahead by the US Supreme Court to discontinue the contentious “Remain in Mexico” immigration policy that was implemented under the Trump administration. The Biden administration has worked to abolish the practise of returning certain non-Mexican immigrants who entered US to Mexico rather than holding them or releasing them while their immigration cases were being processed from the start of Biden’s presidency. The Migrant Protection Protocols may be terminated at any time as per the immigration law, according to the 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court, CNN reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-tory-deputy-chief-whip-chris-pincher-resigns-after-allegedly-groping-men-493563">UK: Tory deputy chief whip Chris Pincher resigns after allegedly groping men</a>
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fresh from 'partygate' scandal, may have new political headache as Conservative Party deputy chief whip resigned over allegations that he drunkely groped two men. In a letter to Johnson sent late Thursday, Tory MP Chris Pincher said he was quitting his post after he drank "far too much" and "embarrassed myself and other people" the previous evening. Numerous reports have said that Pincher groped two men in front of others at private members Carlton Club in London.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-stocks-fall-as-sp-500-concludes-worst-h1-class-shares-since-1970-493580">Wall Street stocks fall as S&amp;P 500 concludes worst H1 class shares since 1970</a>
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Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending. The broad-based S&amp;P 500 finished at 3,785.38, down 0.9 per cent for the day and a loss of more than 16 per cent for the last six months, the worst first half of a year since 1970.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-president-putin-hold-telephonic-talks-discuss-trade-energy-food-security-493577">PM Modi, President Putin hold telephonic talks, discuss trade, energy, food security</a>
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin on Friday (July 1) held a telephonic discussion about food security, energy and trade. The talks took place amid rising prices of food commodities globally. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the major reason behind the price rise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kentucky-florida-join-other-us-states-in-blocking-enforcement-of-abortion-ban-493541">Kentucky, Florida judges join other US states in blocking enforcement of abortion ban</a>
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Judges in US states of Florida and Kentucky have temporarily blocked these states from enforcing abortion ban, a week after the Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Wade decision that had given constitutional rights.&nbsp;Florida Circuit Court Judge John Cooper in Tallahassee granted a petition from abortion rights groups on Thursday to temporarily freeze a state law that would bar abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy, reports Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ons-jabeur-frances-tiafoe-win-hard-fought-ties-heather-watson-enters-r4-at-43rd-attempt-493628">Wimbledon: Ons Jabeur, Frances Tiafoe win hard-fought ties, Heather Watson enters R4 at 43rd attempt</a>
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Ons Jabeur was kept on court for more than hour - but only just - as the speedy Tunisian dispatched former junior number one Diane Parry 6-2 6-3 on Friday to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon. The world number two has shown little mercy during her progress to the third round, spending less than two hours on court. Had she not been broken by Parry when serving for the first set at 5-0 up, she would have made it into the last 16 in less than three hours on court during the first five days of the grasscourt major.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rocketry-movie-review-r-madhavans-narrates-a-compelling-story-of-a-maverick-patriot-493444">'Rocketry' movie review: R Madhavan narrates a compelling story&nbsp;of a maverick patriot</a>
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Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan's life makes for great cinema. He is faced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in his lifetime. Worked in his career with stalwarts and pioneers of space research in the world, a brilliant mind who was leading India's rocket program but was rudely removed from the mission slapped with espionage charges - Nambu Narayanan's life has been anything but ordinary. R Madhavan's directorial debut 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' not only talks in detail about Nayaranan's fight to get justice but also highlights the man's passion for science and his love for the nation.&nbsp;

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The World Health Oreganisation (WHO) on Friday (July 1) gave a call for 'urgent' action to prevent further spread of monkeypox in Europe. United Nation's global heath agency said that cases in the continent have tripled in past two weeks.

The World Health Oreganisation (WHO) on Friday (July 1) gave a call for 'urgent' action to prevent further spread of monkeypox in Europe. United Nation's global heath agency said that cases in the continent have tripled in past two weeks. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said that Hong Kong can’t afford to be destabilised while defending the “one country, two systems” form of governance in a rare visit to the Chinese territory amid a deepening authoritarian crackdown by Beijing. Click on the headlines to read more: WHO calls for 'urgent' action in Europe to contain monkeypox spread The World Health Oreganisation (WHO) on Friday (July 1) gave a call for 'urgent' action to prevent further spread of monkeypox in Europe. United Nation's global heath agency said that cases in the continent have tripled in past two weeks. Russian missile strike in Odessa kills at least ten people, says Ukraine At least ten people were killed after a missile strike on an apartment building in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, a local official said on Friday. "The number of dead in the apartment building missile strike has risen to 10," said Odessa military administration spokesman Sergei Bratchuk according to AFP. ‘Can’t afford to be destabilised’: China’s Xi defends ‘one country, two systems’ governance in Hong Kong Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said that Hong Kong can’t afford to be destabilised while defending the “one country, two systems” form of governance in a rare visit to the Chinese territory amid a deepening authoritarian crackdown by Beijing. Joe Biden gets green signal from US Supreme Court to end ‘Remain in Mexico’ immigration policy President Joe Biden has been given the go-ahead by the US Supreme Court to discontinue the contentious “Remain in Mexico” immigration policy that was implemented under the Trump administration. The Biden administration has worked to abolish the practise of returning certain non-Mexican immigrants who entered US to Mexico rather than holding them or releasing them while their immigration cases were being processed from the start of Biden’s presidency. The Migrant Protection Protocols may be terminated at any time as per the immigration law, according to the 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court, CNN reported. UK: Tory deputy chief whip Chris Pincher resigns after allegedly groping men British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fresh from 'partygate' scandal, may have new political headache as Conservative Party deputy chief whip resigned over allegations that he drunkely groped two men. In a letter to Johnson sent late Thursday, Tory MP Chris Pincher said he was quitting his post after he drank "far too much" and "embarrassed myself and other people" the previous evening. Numerous reports have said that Pincher groped two men in front of others at private members Carlton Club in London. Wall Street stocks fall as S&P 500 concludes worst H1 class shares since 1970 Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending. The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 3,785.38, down 0.9 per cent for the day and a loss of more than 16 per cent for the last six months, the worst first half of a year since 1970. PM Modi, President Putin hold telephonic talks, discuss trade, energy, food security Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin on Friday (July 1) held a telephonic discussion about food security, energy and trade. The talks took place amid rising prices of food commodities globally. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the major reason behind the price rise. Kentucky, Florida judges join other US states in blocking enforcement of abortion ban Judges in US states of Florida and Kentucky have temporarily blocked these states from enforcing abortion ban, a week after the Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Wade decision that had given constitutional rights. Florida Circuit Court Judge John Cooper in Tallahassee granted a petition from abortion rights groups on Thursday to temporarily freeze a state law that would bar abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy, reports Reuters. Wimbledon: Ons Jabeur, Frances Tiafoe win hard-fought ties, Heather Watson enters R4 at 43rd attempt Ons Jabeur was kept on court for more than hour - but only just - as the speedy Tunisian dispatched former junior number one Diane Parry 6-2 6-3 on Friday to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon. The world number two has shown little mercy during her progress to the third round, spending less than two hours on court. Had she not been broken by Parry when serving for the first set at 5-0 up, she would have made it into the last 16 in less than three hours on court during the first five days of the grasscourt major. 'Rocketry' movie review: R Madhavan narrates a compelling story of a maverick patriot Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan's life makes for great cinema. He is faced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in his lifetime. Worked in his career with stalwarts and pioneers of space research in the world, a brilliant mind who was leading India's rocket program but was rudely removed from the mission slapped with espionage charges - Nambu Narayanan's life has been anything but ordinary. R Madhavan's directorial debut 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' not only talks in detail about Nayaranan's fight to get justice but also highlights the man's passion for science and his love for the nation.

Top 10 world news: WHO on monkeypox, Xi defends governance in Hong Kong, and more

In pics: Peru's Machu Picchu threatened by wildfire

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The 51-year-old business tycoon, Elon Musk, has not tweeted in about 10 days and it can’t go unnoticed. Musk, the world’s richest person has 100 million followers on the microblogging site, which he is planning to buy.

His continued absence is unusual as the tech billionaire is known to be highly vocal on social media. Since April, he has been making headlines for the $44 billion deal and his comments and concerns about the presence of a large number of fake accounts on Twitter. Amid the business deal, he had also been making remarks on the ‘imminent’ population crisis the planet is set to face.

Despite the absence, Musk has been facing criticism from some quarters. “@ElonMusk claims to be a moderate/centrist, but he exposed himself as the fraud he is this week. Every day he tweets&nbsp; 
attacks on moderate Democrats, but in a week where Republican extremists go full Gilead — no tweets in 4 days. Convenient. Cc: media, stop buying his lies. (sic)" tweeted Kaivan Shroff, a Democratic commentator and US-based non-profit advisor.

Meanwhile, Matthew Greeley, founder and CEO of software firm Brightidea, suggested Musk’s hectic schedule must be keeping him busy. “Where is @elonmusk? No tweets in seven days? Signing papers?” he wrote.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iskon-temple-in-northern-island-becomes-sanctuary-for-devotees-fleeing-ukraine-493532">&nbsp;ISKCON temple in Northern Ireland becomes sanctuary for devotees fleeing Ukraine</a>

Another user wrote: “And just like that @elonmusk stopped tweeting”.

His last post was on June 22 - a response to an article on SpaceX. He is reported to have taken social media hiatus in the past - in 2020 and in 2019.

Meanwhile, Musk's SpaceX has won permission from US regulators to offer its Starlink broadband-from-space service to users in vehicles, vessels and aircraft, news agency Reuters reported.

Musk has been inching closer to owning Twitter at a time when his firm, Tesla, is grappling with production glitches in China and slow output growth at new factories in Texas and Berlin, as per the Reuters report.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The 51-year-old business tycoon, Elon Musk, has not tweeted in about 10 days and it can’t go unnoticed. Musk, the world’s richest person has 100 million followers on the microblogging site, which he is planning to buy.

The 51-year-old business tycoon, Elon Musk, has not tweeted in about 10 days and it can’t go unnoticed. Musk, the world’s richest person has 100 million followers on the microblogging site, which he is planning to buy. His continued absence is unusual as the tech billionaire is known to be highly vocal on social media. Since April, he has been making headlines for the $44 billion deal and his comments and concerns about the presence of a large number of fake accounts on Twitter. Amid the business deal, he had also been making remarks on the ‘imminent’ population crisis the planet is set to face. Despite the absence, Musk has been facing criticism from some quarters. “@ElonMusk claims to be a moderate/centrist, but he exposed himself as the fraud he is this week. Every day he tweets attacks on moderate Democrats, but in a week where Republican extremists go full Gilead — no tweets in 4 days. Convenient. Cc: media, stop buying his lies. (sic)" tweeted Kaivan Shroff, a Democratic commentator and US-based non-profit advisor. Meanwhile, Matthew Greeley, founder and CEO of software firm Brightidea, suggested Musk’s hectic schedule must be keeping him busy. “Where is @elonmusk? No tweets in seven days? Signing papers?” he wrote. Also Read: ISKCON temple in Northern Ireland becomes sanctuary for devotees fleeing Ukraine Another user wrote: “And just like that @elonmusk stopped tweeting”. His last post was on June 22 - a response to an article on SpaceX. He is reported to have taken social media hiatus in the past - in 2020 and in 2019. Meanwhile, Musk's SpaceX has won permission from US regulators to offer its Starlink broadband-from-space service to users in vehicles, vessels and aircraft, news agency Reuters reported. Musk has been inching closer to owning Twitter at a time when his firm, Tesla, is grappling with production glitches in China and slow output growth at new factories in Texas and Berlin, as per the Reuters report. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Twitterati react to Elon Musk's absence on Twitter

Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending. The broad-based S&amp;P 500 finished at 3,785.38, down 0.9 per cent for the day and a loss of more than 16 per cent for the last six months, the worst first half of a year since 1970. 
&nbsp; 
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.8 per cent to 30,775.43, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 1.3 per cent to 11,028.74. The market has fallen most of the year, breaking the trend only in late March and for other brief stretches in a reasonably steady retreat. 
&nbsp; 
A series of bad inflation readings have prompted the Federal Reserve to undertake increasingly aggressive measures to try to rein in growth and pricing pressures. Two weeks ago, the central bank enacted a supersized three-quarter of a point interest rate hike, the biggest increase in nearly 30 years. Markets are weighing whether to expect the same thing in July. 
&nbsp; 
Commerce Department data showed spending rose just 0.2 per cent in May, less than half the increase in April and part of a steady downward drift as consumers pull back amid surging prices. The report also showed that the price index rose 6.3 per cent compared to May 2021, the same annual pace as in the prior month -- a positive sign in the Federal Reserve's battle against inflation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iskon-temple-in-northern-island-becomes-sanctuary-for-devotees-fleeing-ukraine-493532">ISKCON temple in Northern Ireland becomes sanctuary for devotees fleeing Ukraine</a> 
&nbsp; 
But when inflation is taken into account, the data show a decline in real consumer spending. 
&nbsp; 
As reported by AFP, Tom Cahill of Ventura Wealth Management said, "Inflation came in a little bit better than expected today but probably not good enough to prevent the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates 75 basis points at the next meeting." 
&nbsp; 
"At the same time we had the personal spending coming in negative for the month in real terms," Cahill said. "People are starting to get the sense that perhaps the Federal Reserve is going to push the economy into recession," he added. 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending. The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 3,785.

Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending. The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 3,785.38, down 0.9 per cent for the day and a loss of more than 16 per cent for the last six months, the worst first half of a year since 1970. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.8 per cent to 30,775.43, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 1.3 per cent to 11,028.74. The market has fallen most of the year, breaking the trend only in late March and for other brief stretches in a reasonably steady retreat. A series of bad inflation readings have prompted the Federal Reserve to undertake increasingly aggressive measures to try to rein in growth and pricing pressures. Two weeks ago, the central bank enacted a supersized three-quarter of a point interest rate hike, the biggest increase in nearly 30 years. Markets are weighing whether to expect the same thing in July. Commerce Department data showed spending rose just 0.2 per cent in May, less than half the increase in April and part of a steady downward drift as consumers pull back amid surging prices. The report also showed that the price index rose 6.3 per cent compared to May 2021, the same annual pace as in the prior month -- a positive sign in the Federal Reserve's battle against inflation. Also Read: ISKCON temple in Northern Ireland becomes sanctuary for devotees fleeing Ukraine But when inflation is taken into account, the data show a decline in real consumer spending. As reported by AFP, Tom Cahill of Ventura Wealth Management said, "Inflation came in a little bit better than expected today but probably not good enough to prevent the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates 75 basis points at the next meeting." "At the same time we had the personal spending coming in negative for the month in real terms," Cahill said. "People are starting to get the sense that perhaps the Federal Reserve is going to push the economy into recession," he added. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wall Street stocks fall as S&P 500 concludes worst H1 class shares since 1970

General Motors (GM) said on Friday it had called off the sale of a shuttered Indian plant to China's Great Wall Motor after they failed to obtain regulatory approvals, amid a tougher stance by New Delhi towards investments from Beijing.

GM&nbsp;struck a deal in January 2020 to sell the plant to Great Wall, with the Chinese SUV-maker expected to pay up to $300 million as part of a broader plan to invest $1 billion to establish a presence in India's growing car market.

The agreement, which was extended twice, expired on June 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/lightyear-0-solar-panelled-car-is-tested-under-northern-spains-blistering-sun-492195">Lightyear 0: Solar panelled car is tested under northern Spain's blistering sun</a>

"We have been unable to obtain the required approvals within the time frame of the deal," George Svigos, executive director of communications at&nbsp;GM&nbsp;International, told Reuters.

"Our strategy in India remains unchanged and we will now explore further options for the sale of the site," he said, adding the company "hopes to achieve a price that reflects the value of the asset".

"Great Wall Motor will keep its attention to the Indian market in the future and continue looking for new opportunities," the Chinese automaker said in a statement on Friday, while confirming the termination of the plant deal.

The Indian government did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

GM's deal with Great Wall was agreed just months before India toughened its stance in April 2020 on investment from neighbouring countries including China, making them the first major casualty of the move that has held up billions of dollars of capital inflow in sectors such as automobiles and technology.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia's car sales to halve in 2022 as the auto industry grapples with supply issues

This was part of a broader crackdown by India on businesses with Chinese links amid worsening diplomatic relations. Separately, New Delhi also banned more than 300 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, over security concerns.

"It is hoped that the relevant countries will properly honor their commitment to openness and cooperation and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign investors,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters when asked to comment on the matter.

The move draws a line under a more than two-year effort by&nbsp;GM&nbsp;and Great Wall, forcing the U.S. firm to restart its hunt for a buyer while it continues to spend money on maintaining some machinery and tooling in the factory.

Asked if the plant could be used to make electric vehicles, Svigos said it was suitable for a number of industrial uses, including by non-automotive companies, and&nbsp;GM&nbsp;would explore all options.

GM, which stopped selling cars in India at the end of 2017, has already sold its other plant to SAIC Motor Corp, where the Chinese automaker builds cars under its British brand, MG Motor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-car-tyres-produce-more-particle-pollution-than-exhausts-485039">Study reveals car tyres produce more particle pollution than exhausts</a>

This will also send Great Wall back to the drawing board on its plans to enter India, which it considered an important part of its global strategy to break into new markets like Latin America, Thailand and Brazil.

Last year, Great Wall re-allocated to Brazil a portion of its $1-billion investment earmarked for India and reassigned some of its staff after delays in winning government approvals.

General Motors (GM) said on Friday it had called off the sale of a shuttered Indian plant to China's Great Wall Motor after they failed to obtain regulatory approvals, amid a tougher stance by New Delhi towards investments from Beijing.

General Motors (GM) said on Friday it had called off the sale of a shuttered Indian plant to China's Great Wall Motor after they failed to obtain regulatory approvals, amid a tougher stance by New Delhi towards investments from Beijing. GM struck a deal in January 2020 to sell the plant to Great Wall, with the Chinese SUV-maker expected to pay up to $300 million as part of a broader plan to invest $1 billion to establish a presence in India's growing car market. The agreement, which was extended twice, expired on June 30. Also read | Lightyear 0: Solar panelled car is tested under northern Spain's blistering sun "We have been unable to obtain the required approvals within the time frame of the deal," George Svigos, executive director of communications at GM International, told Reuters. "Our strategy in India remains unchanged and we will now explore further options for the sale of the site," he said, adding the company "hopes to achieve a price that reflects the value of the asset". "Great Wall Motor will keep its attention to the Indian market in the future and continue looking for new opportunities," the Chinese automaker said in a statement on Friday, while confirming the termination of the plant deal. The Indian government did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. GM's deal with Great Wall was agreed just months before India toughened its stance in April 2020 on investment from neighbouring countries including China, making them the first major casualty of the move that has held up billions of dollars of capital inflow in sectors such as automobiles and technology. Watch | Russia's car sales to halve in 2022 as the auto industry grapples with supply issues This was part of a broader crackdown by India on businesses with Chinese links amid worsening diplomatic relations. Separately, New Delhi also banned more than 300 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, over security concerns. "It is hoped that the relevant countries will properly honor their commitment to openness and cooperation and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign investors,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters when asked to comment on the matter. The move draws a line under a more than two-year effort by GM and Great Wall, forcing the U.S. firm to restart its hunt for a buyer while it continues to spend money on maintaining some machinery and tooling in the factory. Asked if the plant could be used to make electric vehicles, Svigos said it was suitable for a number of industrial uses, including by non-automotive companies, and GM would explore all options. GM, which stopped selling cars in India at the end of 2017, has already sold its other plant to SAIC Motor Corp, where the Chinese automaker builds cars under its British brand, MG Motor. Also read | Study reveals car tyres produce more particle pollution than exhausts This will also send Great Wall back to the drawing board on its plans to enter India, which it considered an important part of its global strategy to break into new markets like Latin America, Thailand and Brazil. Last year, Great Wall re-allocated to Brazil a portion of its $1-billion investment earmarked for India and reassigned some of its staff after delays in winning government approvals.

General Motors calls off plan to sell India car plant to China's Great Wall

In pics: Ecuador government, Indigenous leaders sign deal to end protests

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, a Hare Krishna temple, nestled among the reeds of Northern Ireland's Lough Erne, the wooded island of Inish Rath has become a sanctuary for devotees fleeing the city of Mariupol, which fell to Russian troops after a brutal siege in May, as reported by AFP. 
&nbsp; 
"We left Mariupol because it is completely burned down," Ruskin Khabibullin, a leading member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Ukraine. "They bombed the buildings, bombed our apartment and office," he added. 
&nbsp; 
Since April, Inish Rath's temple, located in a 19th-century hunting lodge reachable only by boat, has been home to Khabibullin, 48, his wife Tatiana and their 14-year-old son Nikita. In the peace of the island where deer and peacocks roam, Khabibullin said the family are starting to recover from the horrors of the devastated port city. 
&nbsp; 
ISKCON, which is known commonly as the Hare Krishna movement, was founded in the 1960s and is an offshoot of a historic line of Hinduism. The movement, which claims to have one million members worldwide, expanded rapidly into eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union. 
&nbsp; 
Its purchase of the island in 1982 was inspired, in part, by the tradition of Irish Catholic monks secluding themselves on islands and in other hermitages for spiritual reflection. Tulasi Priyal, a 67-year-old member originally from Dublin, said the island temple had become a "focal point" for Hare Krishna followers and other Hindus across Ireland.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-has-the-indian-startup-party-halted-recent-layoffs-leave-thousands-unemployed-493180">&nbsp;In Pics: Has the Indian startup party halted? Recent layoffs leave thousands unemployed</a> 
&nbsp; 
Even if the future is uncertain, Khabibullin said his faith will remain constant. "It's impossible to predict, to think about returning or not because it is unknown what's going to happen with Ukraine when the war will be over," he said, as reported by AFP. 
&nbsp; 
"We will stay with devotees in any case and keep practising, whether that be in Ireland, in Ukraine, or somewhere else in the world," he added. 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, a Hare Krishna temple, nestled among the reeds of Northern Ireland's Lough Erne, the wooded island of Inish Rath has become a sanctuary for devotees fleeing the city of Mariupol, which fell to Russian troops after a brutal siege in May, as reported by AFP.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, a Hare Krishna temple, nestled among the reeds of Northern Ireland's Lough Erne, the wooded island of Inish Rath has become a sanctuary for devotees fleeing the city of Mariupol, which fell to Russian troops after a brutal siege in May, as reported by AFP. "We left Mariupol because it is completely burned down," Ruskin Khabibullin, a leading member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Ukraine. "They bombed the buildings, bombed our apartment and office," he added. Since April, Inish Rath's temple, located in a 19th-century hunting lodge reachable only by boat, has been home to Khabibullin, 48, his wife Tatiana and their 14-year-old son Nikita. In the peace of the island where deer and peacocks roam, Khabibullin said the family are starting to recover from the horrors of the devastated port city. ISKCON, which is known commonly as the Hare Krishna movement, was founded in the 1960s and is an offshoot of a historic line of Hinduism. The movement, which claims to have one million members worldwide, expanded rapidly into eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union. Its purchase of the island in 1982 was inspired, in part, by the tradition of Irish Catholic monks secluding themselves on islands and in other hermitages for spiritual reflection. Tulasi Priyal, a 67-year-old member originally from Dublin, said the island temple had become a "focal point" for Hare Krishna followers and other Hindus across Ireland. Also Read: In Pics: Has the Indian startup party halted? Recent layoffs leave thousands unemployed Even if the future is uncertain, Khabibullin said his faith will remain constant. "It's impossible to predict, to think about returning or not because it is unknown what's going to happen with Ukraine when the war will be over," he said, as reported by AFP. "We will stay with devotees in any case and keep practising, whether that be in Ireland, in Ukraine, or somewhere else in the world," he added. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ISKCON temple in Northern Ireland becomes sanctuary for devotees fleeing Ukraine

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