The governments of South Korea and Japan said on Wednesday (July 12) that North Korea fired a ballistic missile, which is said to be its 12th this year. Japan's Coast Guard noted that the missile seemed to land outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, roughly 550 kilometres east of the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump lost his legal shield as the Department of Justice reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E Jean Carroll. In the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence surfaced since Trump left office.&nbsp;

LandSpace, a Chinese aerospace company, defeated Elon Musk's SpaceX by successfully launching a rocket using methane and liquid oxygen.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-long-range-ballistic-missile-12th-this-year-614512">North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile, 12th this year</a>

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South Korea and Japan said on Wednesday (July 12) that North Korea has fired a ballistic missile, which is said to be its 12th this year.&nbsp;This comes amid fierce claims and counterclaims over US "spy" planes "violating" North Korean airspace.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-loses-his-legal-shield-as-doj-reverses-its-position-in-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-614509">Trump loses his legal shield as DoJ reverses its position in Carroll defamation lawsuit</a>

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Donald Trump might be staring at an uphill legal battle after the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.&nbsp;In the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence had surfaced since Trump left office

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-defeats-spacex-to-successfully-launch-worlds-first-methane-powered-rocket-614515">China defeats SpaceX to successfully launch world’s first methane-powered rocket</a>

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Beating Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a Chinese aerospace company called LandSpace has successfully launched a rocket using methane and liquid oxygen. The rocket, called Zhuque-2, blasted off Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert. It successfully deposited a test payload into the sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-of-using-similar-weapons-if-us-provides-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-614506">Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine</a>

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In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies.

Watch | Is South Sudan ready for election?

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The governments of South Korea and Japan said on Wednesday (July 12) that North Korea fired a ballistic missile, which is said to be its 12th this year. Japan's Coast Guard noted that the missile seemed to land outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, roughly 550 kilometres east of the Korean peninsula.

The governments of South Korea and Japan said on Wednesday (July 12) that North Korea fired a ballistic missile, which is said to be its 12th this year. Japan's Coast Guard noted that the missile seemed to land outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, roughly 550 kilometres east of the Korean peninsula. Former US president Donald Trump lost his legal shield as the Department of Justice reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E Jean Carroll. In the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence surfaced since Trump left office. LandSpace, a Chinese aerospace company, defeated Elon Musk's SpaceX by successfully launching a rocket using methane and liquid oxygen. Click on the headlines to read more: North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile, 12th this year South Korea and Japan said on Wednesday (July 12) that North Korea has fired a ballistic missile, which is said to be its 12th this year. This comes amid fierce claims and counterclaims over US "spy" planes "violating" North Korean airspace. Trump loses his legal shield as DoJ reverses its position in Carroll defamation lawsuit Donald Trump might be staring at an uphill legal battle after the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday reversed its earlier position in a lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. In the court documents filed on Tuesday, the department said new evidence had surfaced since Trump left office China defeats SpaceX to successfully launch world’s first methane-powered rocket Beating Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a Chinese aerospace company called LandSpace has successfully launched a rocket using methane and liquid oxygen. The rocket, called Zhuque-2, blasted off Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert. It successfully deposited a test payload into the sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies. Watch | Is South Sudan ready for election? ×

Morning brief: North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile, and more

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's wife Sita Dahal passed away on Wednesday (July 12) morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Sita, 69, was suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP),&nbsp;a rare neurological disorder. According to a statement from the Norvic International Hospital, Sita went into cardiac arrest at 8 am on Wednesday, and despite resuscitation, she could not be revived and was declared dead at 8:33 am.&nbsp;

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Announcement by Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu: <a href="https://t.co/46Mwpsf2mE">https://t.co/46Mwpsf2mE</a> <a href="https://t.co/RiHtmgMnyf">pic.twitter.com/RiHtmgMnyf</a>
— Saloni Murarka (@murarka_saloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/murarka_saloni/status/1678974631104102403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Mrs Sita Dahal, 69 years/female, known case Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Diabetes Mellitus-II and hypertension under (on/off) Domiciliary oxygen with PEG feeding and indwelling catheter went into cardiac arrest at 8 am on July 12. Despite resuscitation, she could not be revived and was declared dead at 8.33 am," the statement read.&nbsp;

According to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday, Sita was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in October last year after her health deteriorated. She was taken to various hospitals in Nepal as well as in India for further treatment but her condition did not improve.&nbsp;

<h2><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTC6T1RShfD0C" /><meta charset="utf-8" />What is PSP?</h2>

PSP is a rare neurological disorder that causes problems with movement, walking and balance, and eye movement. PSP results from damage to nerve cells in the brain that control thinking and body movement. The ANI report said that at present, there is no effective treatment for PSP, but some symptoms can be managed with medication or other interventions.&nbsp;

According to doctors, it is a rare disease and is seen in only five-six people out of 100,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's wife Sita Dahal passed away on Wednesday (July 12) morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Sita, 69, was suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's wife Sita Dahal passed away on Wednesday (July 12) morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Sita, 69, was suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder. According to a statement from the Norvic International Hospital, Sita went into cardiac arrest at 8 am on Wednesday, and despite resuscitation, she could not be revived and was declared dead at 8:33 am. Announcement by Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu: https://t.co/46Mwpsf2mE pic.twitter.com/RiHtmgMnyf — Saloni Murarka (@murarka_saloni) July 12, 2023 × "Mrs Sita Dahal, 69 years/female, known case Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Diabetes Mellitus-II and hypertension under (on/off) Domiciliary oxygen with PEG feeding and indwelling catheter went into cardiac arrest at 8 am on July 12. Despite resuscitation, she could not be revived and was declared dead at 8.33 am," the statement read. According to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday, Sita was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in October last year after her health deteriorated. She was taken to various hospitals in Nepal as well as in India for further treatment but her condition did not improve. What is PSP? PSP is a rare neurological disorder that causes problems with movement, walking and balance, and eye movement. PSP results from damage to nerve cells in the brain that control thinking and body movement. The ANI report said that at present, there is no effective treatment for PSP, but some symptoms can be managed with medication or other interventions. According to doctors, it is a rare disease and is seen in only five-six people out of 100,000. (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.

Nepal PM's wife Sita Dahal dies after suffering cardiac arrest

The corporate ethics watchdog of Canada on Tuesday (July 11) launched separate investigations into Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold to probe allegations that the two companies used or benefitted from forced labour in their operations in China.

The corporate ethics watchdog of Canada on Tuesday (July 11) launched separate investigations into Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold to probe allegations that the two companies used or benefitted from forced labour in their operations in China. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday, the investigations were launched after an initial assessment of complaints about the overseas operations of 13 Canadian companies filed by a coalition of civil society organisations in June last year. A statement from the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) said that Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold were alleged to have had supply chains or operations in China identified as using or benefitting from the use of Uyghur forced labour. The statement said complaints against the other 11 companies were being assessed and the reports were expected in the coming weeks. Ombudsperson Sheri Meyerhoffer said in the statement that he has not pre-judged the outcome of the investigations. "We will await the results and we will publish final reports with my recommendations," Meyerhoffer said, adding the watchdog was very concerned about how these companies had chosen to respond to the allegations. The complaints against Nike, Dynasty Gold The report said that the initial assessment of Nike Canada showed supply relationships with Chinese companies identified as using or benefiting from the use of Uyghur forced labour. Nike maintained that it no longer had any ties with these companies and provided the watchdog information on its due diligence practices. In March, an activist shareholder called on the footwear and sporting equipment giant to offer more transparency on the working conditions of its supply chain. On the other hand, the complaint against Dynasty Gold is that it benefited from the use of Uyghur forced labour at a mine in China in which the company holds a majority interest. Last year, the company said it did not have operational control over the mine and the allegations arose after it left the region. And speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Dynasty Gold said that the allegations were unfounded. A first-of-its-kind probe CORE, which was launched in 2017, monitors and investigates human rights abuses mainly by Canadian garment, mining oil and gas companies that operate overseas. The agency has no legal powers to prosecute. If companies are found guilty, CORE said it could refer findings to a parliamentary committee for further action. On Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa reiterated that Beijing has repeatedly denied the use of forced labour against Uyghurs and that the rights of workers of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang were duly protected. This is the first such investigation by CORE since it launched its complaint mechanism in 2021. The report said that no other agencies in Canada in the past launched investigations of this kind. (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.

Canadian watchdog launches probes against Nike, Dynasty Gold for alleged use of forced labour in China

A 32-year-old woman was swept away by a giant wave at the Bandra Bandstand in India's financial capital Mumbai last Sunday&nbsp;(July 9) during a family outing, according to media reports. A report by Mid-Day said the victim was identified as Jyoti Sonar and she was at the Bandra Bandstand with her husband Mukesh and their three children. Jyoti and Mukesh&nbsp;had ventured onto a rock to be photographed against the scenic backdrop.&nbsp;

However, Jyoti was swept away by the wave. Bystanders&nbsp;who saw the unfortunate incident unfold called the police who rushed to the spot along with fire brigade officials. The Mid-Day report said that Jyoti's body was recovered late Sunday. She was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.&nbsp;

<h2>I tried my best to save her: Spouse</h2>

Speaking to the publication, Mukesh Sonar, a resident of Gautam Nagar, Rabale,&nbsp;said he tried his best to save his wife. "When the fourth wave hit us from behind, I lost my balance and we both slipped. A bystander held me by the leg while I grabbed my wife’s saree, but she could not be saved,” Mukesh said.&nbsp;

“Though my grip was tight, she slipped out of her saree and got dragged into the sea in front of my eyes. My kids were right there. They screamed for help but there was little that anyone could do. I don’t know how they will overcome this trauma,” he added.&nbsp;

Mukesh further said he, Jyoti and their three children - a daughter and two sons - would picnic once a fortnight. Last Sunday, the family initially decided to visit Juhu Chowpatty. However, entry to the beach was restricted because of high tide and the family decided to alter their plan and head for Bandra.&nbsp;

As they reached the location, the family ventured towards the sea to click photographs.&nbsp;

“Jyoti followed me into the sea&nbsp;and we began enjoying the feel of the water splashing on our clothes. The kids were also trying to move towards us but we restricted them since the sea was rough," Mukesh told the publication.&nbsp;

Mukesh said he and Jyoti sat on a rock and their children, who were at a distance, started clicking photographs. “If I had even a little idea that this could prove so fatal, I would have never gone near the water. I am paranoid about the water now," the man said and added he would never venture into the sea and would also forbid his children from doing so.&nbsp; 
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A 32-year-old woman was swept away by a giant wave at the Bandra Bandstand in India's financial capital Mumbai last Sunday (July 9) during a family outing, according to media reports.

A 32-year-old woman was swept away by a giant wave at the Bandra Bandstand in India's financial capital Mumbai last Sunday (July 9) during a family outing, according to media reports. A report by Mid-Day said the victim was identified as Jyoti Sonar and she was at the Bandra Bandstand with her husband Mukesh and their three children. Jyoti and Mukesh had ventured onto a rock to be photographed against the scenic backdrop. However, Jyoti was swept away by the wave. Bystanders who saw the unfortunate incident unfold called the police who rushed to the spot along with fire brigade officials. The Mid-Day report said that Jyoti's body was recovered late Sunday. She was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. I tried my best to save her: Spouse Speaking to the publication, Mukesh Sonar, a resident of Gautam Nagar, Rabale, said he tried his best to save his wife. "When the fourth wave hit us from behind, I lost my balance and we both slipped. A bystander held me by the leg while I grabbed my wife’s saree, but she could not be saved,” Mukesh said. “Though my grip was tight, she slipped out of her saree and got dragged into the sea in front of my eyes. My kids were right there. They screamed for help but there was little that anyone could do. I don’t know how they will overcome this trauma,” he added. Mukesh further said he, Jyoti and their three children - a daughter and two sons - would picnic once a fortnight. Last Sunday, the family initially decided to visit Juhu Chowpatty. However, entry to the beach was restricted because of high tide and the family decided to alter their plan and head for Bandra. As they reached the location, the family ventured towards the sea to click photographs. “Jyoti followed me into the sea and we began enjoying the feel of the water splashing on our clothes. The kids were also trying to move towards us but we restricted them since the sea was rough," Mukesh told the publication. Mukesh said he and Jyoti sat on a rock and their children, who were at a distance, started clicking photographs. “If I had even a little idea that this could prove so fatal, I would have never gone near the water. I am paranoid about the water now," the man said and added he would never venture into the sea and would also forbid his children from doing so. 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.

India: Woman swept away by wave at Bandra Bandstand in Mumbai; 'I tried my best to save her,' says spouse

The Spanish Coastguard said on Tuesday (July 11) that it rescued two Nigerian migrants who stowed away on the rudder of a ship that arrived in the Canary Islands from Togo. The migrants were rescued on Monday night in the port of Las Palmas and were then taken to a hospital. After being discharged, they were transferred back to the ship, which now has to return them to their port of origin.&nbsp;

According to a report by the news agency Reuters early Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Guardia Civil Police said that the migrants were aged 19 and 22. A coastguard spokesperson said the container ship's last stop before reaching the Spanish archipelago off the African coast was Lome.

The ship left Lagos on July 2 and stopped in Togo on July 4. This meant that the migrants were onboard for at least a week.&nbsp;Spanish-owned Canary Islands are a dangerous gateway for African migrants attempting to reach Europe.&nbsp;

Also on Tuesday, the Spanish Coastguard was searching for three migrant boats reported lost at sea by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) a day after 78 migrants were rescued from another vessel near the Canary Islands.&nbsp;

Speaking to the news agency AFP, a spokesperson from Salvamento Maritimo said a rescue plane had been deployed to the area but "did not find anything". The spokesperson said that the coastguard requested other ships in the area to be on the lookout.&nbsp;

The three missing boats are believed to have left the coast of Senegal in recent weeks, Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras said. One boat was carrying 200 people and the other two were carrying between 50 and 70 people, the NGO added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Spanish Coastguard said on Tuesday (July 11) that it rescued two Nigerian migrants who stowed away on the rudder of a ship that arrived in the Canary Islands from Togo.

The Spanish Coastguard said on Tuesday (July 11) that it rescued two Nigerian migrants who stowed away on the rudder of a ship that arrived in the Canary Islands from Togo. The migrants were rescued on Monday night in the port of Las Palmas and were then taken to a hospital. After being discharged, they were transferred back to the ship, which now has to return them to their port of origin. According to a report by the news agency Reuters early Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Guardia Civil Police said that the migrants were aged 19 and 22. A coastguard spokesperson said the container ship's last stop before reaching the Spanish archipelago off the African coast was Lome. The ship left Lagos on July 2 and stopped in Togo on July 4. This meant that the migrants were onboard for at least a week. Spanish-owned Canary Islands are a dangerous gateway for African migrants attempting to reach Europe. Also on Tuesday, the Spanish Coastguard was searching for three migrant boats reported lost at sea by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) a day after 78 migrants were rescued from another vessel near the Canary Islands. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a spokesperson from Salvamento Maritimo said a rescue plane had been deployed to the area but "did not find anything". The spokesperson said that the coastguard requested other ships in the area to be on the lookout. The three missing boats are believed to have left the coast of Senegal in recent weeks, Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras said. One boat was carrying 200 people and the other two were carrying between 50 and 70 people, the NGO 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.

Spain rescues two Nigerian migrants from ship's rudder

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) recommended that Pita Limjaroenrat, a top prime ministerial hopeful, should be suspended as a member of parliament (MP) following the commission's investigation, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday (July 12) citing chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong.

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) recommended that Pita Limjaroenrat, a top prime ministerial hopeful, should be suspended as a member of parliament (MP) following the commission's investigation, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday (July 12) citing chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong. The commission is set to submit to the Constitutional Court the findings of its investigation into whether Limjaroenrat, a leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), broke campaign rules. The move comes just a day before Limjaroenrat is due to contest a vote in parliament on the premiership. He has the support of eight parties in an alliance seeking to form the next government. "The EC will send a case to the Constitutional Court for ruling," the poll body said. It is not yet clear what the Constitutional Court's ruling will be, should it accept the case, the AFP report said. The Election Commission's investigation centres around Pita's ownership of shares in iTV -- which has not been broadcasting in years. And as per Thai election law, politicians are not allowed to hold media company shares. If found guilty, he could be barred from politics while facing up to 10 years in prison. Limjaroenrat hits out at EC; says in good spirits despite suspension risk On Wednesday, Limjaroenrat hit out at the Election Commission's action and accused it of abuse of power. In a statement, the MFP said, "The decision to submit a case to the court saying there was enough evidence, without informing him of any charges and not allowing him a chance to explain as under the regulations set by the EC... is an abuse of power under the criminal code." The PM hopeful also said that he was in good spirits despite facing the risk of being suspended as a lawmaker. He vowed that Thursday's parliamentary vote to decide the next premier would go ahead. Limjaroenrat eligible to run for PM even if he is suspended as MP Even if Limjaroenrat is suspended as a lawmaker, he is still eligible to run for prime minister, the report further said. In the May elections, his MFP won most seats. But despite the victory, Limjaroenrat faces several challenges including the Election Commission investigation. His alliance together has 312 seats in parliament, but he needs at least 376 votes in a joint sitting of the bicameral legislature. Last Sunday, the PM hopeful held a huge rally for support in Thailand's capital city of Bangkok to thank the voters. "What we are asking is just to return common sense to Thai politics because it’s been irregular for quite a decade now after the constitution that was drawn," he said at the time. "So, we’re not asking for more, we’re not asking for them to vote for me, we’re not asking them to vote for my party, we’re asking them to vote for democracy, for the majority, and return common sense to Thai politics so that we can finally move forward," he said. "Now that we have come to a critical juncture of the country and then we put our personal differences aside, and then we start talking about the people, we start talking about the opportunities and the crisis that are lying ahead of us and then we're starting to have a closer gap, a closer gap (with the senates," 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.

Thailand: Election Commission recommends PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat's suspension as MP; he reacts

In a bid to reduce pollution in France's capital city of Paris, authorities will force owners of larger and heavier cars, such as Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), to pay more for parking.

In a bid to reduce pollution in France's capital city of Paris, authorities will force owners of larger and heavier cars, such as Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), to pay more for parking. The increase in parking fees would come into effect on 1 January 2024. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and those with large families requiring a bigger vehicle are expected to be exempted from this increase, a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (July 11) said. The measure was approved by Paris councillors in a unanimous vote last month. “We would like the city of Paris to change the pricing of paid parking to make it progressive according to the weight and size of vehicles,” Frédéric Badina-Serpette, a councillor from the EELV ecology party said. Badina-Serpette added the aim of the measure was to focus on "auto-besity...the inexorable growth in the weight and size of vehicles circulating in our cities, and particularly in Paris.” Number of SUVs in Paris up by 60% The number of SUVs in Paris has increased by 60 per cent over the last four years and they make up 15 per cent of the 1.15 million vehicles parked in the capital city every evening, according to officials. The officials hope that increasing the fees would put a brake on the increase (in SUVs) and encourage the ownership of lighter vehicles, The Guardian report further said. David Belliard, a deputy mayor responsible for the public space and mobility policy, said SUVs are incongruous in an urban environment. Belliard pointed out that SUVs are absolutely useless in Paris. "They are dangerous, cumbersome and use too many resources to manufacture," the deputy mayor added. 'Number of SUVs rising because...': Drivers' group A drivers' group, meanwhile, said that the number of SUVs in France has risen because of larger families buying them to replace their people carriers. Pierre Chasseray, a spokesperson for 40 Millions d’Automobilistes, told Le Parisien that SUVs are family vehicles used for going away at weekends or on a holiday. "We’re pandering to a tiny minority of the very urban population who have decided to make the SUV the symbol of the battle against pollution,” Chasseray said. 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.

Paris to force SUV owners to pay more for parking to tackle 'auto-besity'

Over 50 officials went on trial in Vietnam on Tuesday (July 11) for the alleged corruption over repatriation flights during the Covid pandemic. Prosecutors would charge 21 officials and civil servants for receiving almost seven million dollars from up to 100 businesses to solve administrative procedures for repatriation, a report by Thanh Nien newspaper said quoting the indictment.

Over 50 officials went on trial in Vietnam on Tuesday (July 11) for the alleged corruption over repatriation flights during the Covid pandemic. Prosecutors would charge 21 officials and civil servants for receiving almost seven million dollars from up to 100 businesses to solve administrative procedures for repatriation, a report by Thanh Nien newspaper said quoting the indictment. The report said 33 others will face various other charges including "offering or intermediating bribes, fraudulence and power abuse." The total amount of bribery in the case reached $9.5 million. This amount included around $2.65 million given to police to avoid prosecution. The repatriation flight trial, which involves over 100 defence lawyers, is scheduled to last one month. On Tuesday morning, state media published photos of the defendants -- all wearing masks -- as they were led by police to the court building in central Hanoi where they underwent a security check. The scandal In 2020 when the Covid pandemic started, Vietnam closed itself off to the world in a bid to slow the spread of the virus and organised nearly 800 charter flights to bring citizens home from 60 countries and territories. However, citing multiple reports, the news agency AFP reported that travellers faced complications while paying exorbitant airfares and quarantine fees to get back to Vietnam. The alleged bribes totalled millions of dollars. This case is part of a major anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that led to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's sudden resignation earlier this year. To Anh Dung, the former deputy minister of foreign affairs is alleged to have received nearly $910,000 in bribes to add companies to a list of repatriation flight providers, the AFP report said. Dung and Nguyen Quang Linh- the former assistant to the deputy prime minister- could face the death penalty if found guilty. An anti-corruption purge The corruption allegations are part of an anti-corruption purge led by Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that involved several deals done during Vietnam's Covid pandemic response. Earlier this year, the National Assembly removed Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam from their positions as deputy prime ministers. Minh was a minister of foreign affairs while Dam was in charge of Vietnam's handling of the pandemic. At least 100 officials and businesspeople, including Dam's assistant, have been arrested in connection with a scandal involving the distribution of Covid testing kits. (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.

Vietnam rescue flights scandal: Trial opens for over 50 officials

Israel's parliament Knesset on Monday (July 10) adopted a key clause of the controversial bill that would limit courts' powers, in a new offensive to go ahead with the judicial overhaul.

Israel's parliament Knesset on Monday (July 10) adopted a key clause of the controversial bill that would limit courts' powers, in a new offensive to go ahead with the judicial overhaul. The vote was the first reading of a bill aimed at excluding the judiciary's right to rule on the "reasonableness" of government decisions. The bill was adopted in the first reading by 64 votes to 56 following a stormy parliament session, AFP news agency reported. It seeks a curb on Supreme Court's power to void decisions made by the government, ministers, and elected officials by ruling them unreasonable. The bill would now return to the committee for discussion and could be altered. Critics have argued that such a legislation invites corruption and abuses of power. Ahead of the debate in parliament, some protesters entered the Knesset building and had to be dragged out, and hundreds more demonstrated outside. The judicial changes, proposed by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have triggered nationwide protests since the changes were announced in January. Poll shows 43% of Israelis oppose judicial change On Sunday, a poll released by Kan television channel showed that 31 per cent of Israeli citizens were in favour of the judicial change, while 43 per cent opposed it. Since January, tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in weekly rallies, demanding a halt to the planned overhaul of the country's justice system. Following international criticism, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered what he called a pause in March to allow for talks on the proposals. However, two main Israeli opposition leaders- Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz pulled out of the negotiations. The government has argued that the judicial revamp is necessary to ensure a better balance of power. Meanwhile, protestors have vowed to press on and called for mass protests on Tuesday if the vote on the first reading of the "reasonableness" bill passed. 'It's not the end of democracy...': Netanyahu As the Knesset debated the bill, Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Monday, "It is not the end of democracy, it strengthens democracy." "Even after the amendment, court independence and civil rights in Israel will not be harmed in any way. The court will continue to oversee the legality of government action and appointments," he added. The prime minister's remarks, however, did little to calm the demonstrators. (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.

Israel's parliament adopts key clause of controversial judicial bill

Ukrainian forces on Sunday (July 9) pressed on with their campaign to recapture Russian-held areas in the southeast. Russian accounts said that heavy fighting gripped areas outside the city of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian forces on Sunday (July 9) pressed on with their campaign to recapture Russian-held areas in the southeast. Russian accounts said that heavy fighting gripped areas outside the city of Bakhmut. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said one of his units was deployed in the area. Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that heavy fighting raged in two areas of the southeast. "We are consolidating our gains in those areas," Maliar said. She added that Russian troops were defending Bakhmut while Ukrainian forces registered "a certain advance" on the city's southern flank. Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive which is so far focusing on capturing a cluster of villages in the southwest and also retaking areas around Bakhmut. Reuters reported that there were no changes in position to the north of Bakhmut and Ukrainian forces remained engaged in fighting west of the city and near Lyman, further north in Donetsk. 'We are advancing, not stuck': Zelensky In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine's advances were slower than what he and his generals had wanted, but said the country's forces held the initiative. Also read | Biden says Ukraine not ready for NATO membership in the middle of war "All of us, we want to do it faster because every day means new losses of Ukrainians. We are advancing. We are not stuck," President Zelensky said. "We would all love to see the counteroffensive accomplished in a shorter period of time. But there is reality. Today, the initiative is on our side," he added. The Ukrainian president also noted that the military overcame a kind of stagnation in previous months. Four killed, 11 injured in Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia Meanwhile, four people were killed and 11 others injured in Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia town, the local governor said on Monday, adding the strike happened when the distribution of humanitarian aid was taking place. Governor Yuriy Malashko said those killed included three women and a man, all in their 40s. He added that Russia carried out 36 targeted strikes on 10 settlements of the Zaporizhzhia region. (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.

Ukrainian forces advance in south; four killed in Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia

At least two people were killed and 11 others were injured after an elevated road in Bangkok collapsed on Monday (July 10), the news agency Associated Press reported on Tuesday citing authorities in Thailand's capital city.

At least two people were killed and 11 others were injured after an elevated road in Bangkok collapsed on Monday (July 10), the news agency Associated Press reported on Tuesday citing authorities in Thailand's capital city. The elevated road had been under construction since 2020. The report said that authorities had launched an investigation to find out the reason for the collapse. Addressing a press conference, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipan said that the debris at the accident site was being removed after authorities confirmed that no one else was trapped. Sittipan added that it could take several days for the rubble to be cleared. Inspecting the site, the governor further said the accident should not have happened. “Someone needs to be responsible for this because someone died...this wasn’t something unpreventable,” he added. As per the Office of the Official Information Commission, the construction project (of the elevated road) was commissioned by authorities to Construction and Npa Construction. Further details are awaited. In May, a construction worker was killed and, five others were injured after a floor in a riverside condominium building in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district collapsed, a report by Thai PBS World said. And in February, three workers were killed when a scaffold collapsed at a construction site of a hotel in the Khlong Toei district, the Italian Thai Development (ITD), which is responsible for the project, said. (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.

Thailand: Two killed, 11 injured as underconstruction elevated road collapses in Bangkok

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday (July 10) that the Antarctic sea ice levels reached record lows in June at 17 per cent below average. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, WMO said that global sea surface temperatures were at record highs for the time of the year in May and June.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday (July 10) that the Antarctic sea ice levels reached record lows in June at 17 per cent below average. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, WMO said that global sea surface temperatures were at record highs for the time of the year in May and June. It warned that the warming of the world's oceans was spreading faster beyond their surface. Addressing a press conference in Geneva on Monday, Michael Sparrow, the head of WMO's climate research division said, "This really is completely unprecedented, this kind of reduction in sea ice that we've seen around the Antarctic." "The Antarctic region is normally thought of as being relatively stable. It's much colder than the Arctic. We're used to seeing these big reductions in sea ice in the Arctic, but not in the Antarctic. It's around about five standard deviations for the mathematicians around here, below what we would expect or we have seen in the past. And this is a massive decrease," Sparrow added. 'Scientific community struggling' He said the scientific community was struggling to a certain extent to keep up. "I see a lot of things online in social media with scientists being incredibly concerned about particularly the ocean temperatures and the reduction in sea ice extent, because we have to remember that the oceans absorb more than 90 per cent of the excess heat that humans put into the atmosphere because of greenhouse gases. That's where we need to make these reductions," Sparrow told reporters. The WMO official pointed out that if the oceans were warming considerably, that would have a knock-out effect on the atmosphere, on sea ice and ice worldwide. "There's a lot of concerns from the scientific community and a lot of catch-up in the scientific community trying to understand these incredible changes we're seeing at the moment. And it's very concerning," Sparrow further told reporters. The WMO said that June was drier than average over much of North America. And as per the Copernicus Climate Change Service, June was also drier in Russia, the Horn of Africa, most of southern Africa, South America, and regions of Australia. Meanwhile, the WMO also said Arctic sea ice levels were slightly below average, but well above the June values from the past eight years. (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.

Antarctic sea ice levels reached record lows in June, WMO says

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