In a rare event, the monsoon on Sunday covered both Delhi and Mumbai together. While it hit the national capital two days earlier than schedule, its entry into the financial capital is two weeks late, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "The Southwest Monsoon has advanced over Mumbai and Delhi today (June 25)," an IMD official said.

The monsoon, which had a slow start, has now made swift progress, covering numerous regions, including some parts of Maharashtra, entire Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, northeast India, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, most parts of Himachal Pradesh, and some parts of Haryana, according to an IMD official.

Normally, the rain-bearing system reaches Kerala by June 1, Mumbai by June 11, and the national capital by June 27.

Although the monsoon has covered a significant portion of north India, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and a large part of Jammu and Kashmir, on schedule or slightly ahead, it is currently running 10-12 days behind schedule for a considerable part of central India, where a significant number of farmers heavily rely on it.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at Sindhudurg, Palghar, Mumbai, and Thane during the next 3-4 hours: IMD <a href="https://t.co/aJFyTPIoDj">https://t.co/aJFyTPIoDj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672840450158526464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

D S Pai, a senior scientist at the IMD, explained that Cyclone Biparjoy had impacted the monsoon's progress over southern India and the adjoining western and central parts of the country.

He said, "Since the system absorbed most of the moisture, the monsoon's progress along the west coast was slow." However, the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, responsible for bringing rains to the northeast and east India, remained stronger between June 11 and June 23.

Pai attributed this to a low-pressure system that formed over the Bay of Bengal in mid-June and the remnants of cyclone Biparjoy, which aided the monsoon's advancement over east India.

Pai noted that the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is now gaining strength with a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal. "The monsoon may cover the entire Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan on Sunday," added the senior meteorologist.

He said that it represents a new pulse of the monsoon, and rapid progress is expected.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a rare event, the monsoon on Sunday covered both Delhi and Mumbai together. While it hit the national capital two days earlier than schedule, its entry into the financial capital is two weeks late, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a rare event, the monsoon on Sunday covered both Delhi and Mumbai together. While it hit the national capital two days earlier than schedule, its entry into the financial capital is two weeks late, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "The Southwest Monsoon has advanced over Mumbai and Delhi today (June 25)," an IMD official said. The monsoon, which had a slow start, has now made swift progress, covering numerous regions, including some parts of Maharashtra, entire Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, northeast India, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, most parts of Himachal Pradesh, and some parts of Haryana, according to an IMD official. Normally, the rain-bearing system reaches Kerala by June 1, Mumbai by June 11, and the national capital by June 27. Although the monsoon has covered a significant portion of north India, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and a large part of Jammu and Kashmir, on schedule or slightly ahead, it is currently running 10-12 days behind schedule for a considerable part of central India, where a significant number of farmers heavily rely on it. Moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at Sindhudurg, Palghar, Mumbai, and Thane during the next 3-4 hours: IMD https://t.co/aJFyTPIoDj — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023 × D S Pai, a senior scientist at the IMD, explained that Cyclone Biparjoy had impacted the monsoon's progress over southern India and the adjoining western and central parts of the country. He said, "Since the system absorbed most of the moisture, the monsoon's progress along the west coast was slow." However, the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, responsible for bringing rains to the northeast and east India, remained stronger between June 11 and June 23. Pai attributed this to a low-pressure system that formed over the Bay of Bengal in mid-June and the remnants of cyclone Biparjoy, which aided the monsoon's advancement over east India. Pai noted that the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is now gaining strength with a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal. "The monsoon may cover the entire Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan on Sunday," added the senior meteorologist. He said that it represents a new pulse of the monsoon, and rapid progress is expected. 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: Monsoon arrives in Delhi, Mumbai together, says IMD

A Sikh man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Peshawar on Saturday (June 24). According to a report by the news agency PTI, the victim, Manmohan Singh was on his way to the interior city area of Peshawar from Rasheed Garhi, a suburban locality of Peshawar, when unidentified armed men attacked him near Guldara Chowk Kakshal.

A Sikh man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Peshawar on Saturday (June 24). According to a report by the news agency PTI, the victim, Manmohan Singh was on his way to the interior city area of Peshawar from Rasheed Garhi, a suburban locality of Peshawar, when unidentified armed men attacked him near Guldara Chowk Kakshal. Singh was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors, police said. According to a report by the Indian Express on Sunday, a local Sikh community member said that Singh's body was being taken to Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh where the community would pay their last respects and decide the further course of action on being targetted with impunity. Further details regarding the man's killing are awaited. Second armed attack in last 48 hours Manmohan Singh's killing was the second armed attack on a Sikh man in the Yakka Toot area in the last 48 hours. On Friday, Tarlok Singh, a shopkeeper, was injured after he sustained bullet wounds on his legs. In March this year, a well-known Sikh Unani medicine practitioner was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside his clinic in Peshawar. Around 15,000 Sikhs live in Peshawar, mostly in the Jogan Shah neighbourhood of the provincial capital Peshawar. And most members of the community are involved in business, while some also have pharmacies, PTI reported. Singh's killing was the latest in a series of targeted attacks against minority communities in Pakistan. In 2020, news channel anchor Ravinder Singh was killed in 2020 in Peshawar. This comes two years after Charanjit Singh, a prominent Sikh community member, was killed by unknown men. In 2016, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf National Assembly member Soren Singh was also killed in the city. 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.

Pakistan: Sikh man shot dead in Peshawar by unidentified gunmen

A freight train carrying hot asphalt and molten sulfur plunged into the Yellowstone River in Montana as the bridge over the river collapsed early Saturday (June 24).

A freight train carrying hot asphalt and molten sulfur plunged into the Yellowstone River in Montana as the bridge over the river collapsed early Saturday (June 24). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, officials shut down drinking water intakes downstream while they evaluated the danger after the incident that happened at 6 am. David Stamey, chief of Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services, said on Saturday that there was no immediate danger for crew working at the site, adding the hazardous material was being diluted by the swollen river. Railroad crews were at the scene in Stillwater County, near the town of Columbus, about 64 kilometres west of Billings. Here's a look at the video: Laurel, Montana June 24, 2023 Multiple Tanker Cars Derailed After a Bridge Collapsed, Leaking Petroleum Products into Yellowstone River. pic.twitter.com/4agWtie8IG — Tony Kambeitz (@Kambeitz9) June 24, 2023 × Train crew safe, no injuries reported In a statement, Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland said the train crew was safe and injuries were reported. Garland said the asphalt and the sulfur both solidify quickly when exposed to cooler temperatures. “We are committed to addressing any potential impacts to the area as a result of this incident and working to understand the reasons behind the accident,” he added. The cause of the collapse was under investigation. Bridge collapse disrupts internet in Montana Saturday's bridge collapse took out a fibre-optic cable providing internet service to many customers in Montana, internet provider Global Net said, as per the report. "This is the major fibre route ... through Montana," Global Net said, adding all customers were affected and connectivity would be down or extremely slow. In the neighbouring Yellowstone County, officials said they instituted emergency measures at water treatment plants due to the “potential hazmat spill” and asked residents to conserve water. The report further said that an old highway bridge that paralleled the railroad bridge was removed in 2021 after the Montana Department of Transportation determined it was in imminent danger of falling. It was not immediately clear when the railroad bridge was constructed or when it was last inspected. Robert Bea, a retired engineering professor at the University of California Berkeley, said that investigators would also want to look at whether there was wear or rust in bridge components as well as a record of maintenance, repair, and inspections. (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.

WATCH | Freight train falls into Yellowstone River as bridge collapses

Voters in Greece head to a repeat election on Sunday (June 25) where former prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a second term to form the government. Polling stations would open at 7 am (0400 GMT) across Greece and close 12 hours later, according to a report by the news agency Reuters.

Voters in Greece head to a repeat election on Sunday (June 25) where former prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a second term to form the government. Polling stations would open at 7 am (0400 GMT) across Greece and close 12 hours later, according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The results are expected by 1700 GMT. Mitsotakis is projected to win comfortably, but his rival Alexis Tsipras is hoping to deprive him of an absolute majority. Mitsotakis' New Democratic party won the election on May 21, twenty points clear of Tsipras' Syriza party. However, it fell short of the majority needed to rule without forming a coalition. As election rules this time would accord up to 50 bonus seats to the winner of the vote, the New Democracy party is widely projected to emerge victorious. A report by the news agency AFP said that Mitsotakis urged supporters to turn up at the election and warned of a possibility of a third election if he failed to get a majority. "I hope we don't have to meet again in early August," he told a TV channel, adding, "All the gains we have made must be consolidated and continued." Mitsotakis, who had been serving as Greece's PM since 2019, stepped down in favour of a caretaker premier after the inconclusive vote last month, as required by the constitution. What do the opinion polls say? Opinion polls in the run-up to the election suggest that Mitsotakis would win with 40-45 per cent. If accurate, that would give him up to 50 bonus seats for the winner, facilitating the formation of a single-party government. Give Greece a stable govt: Mitsotakis On Friday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged voters to give Greece a stable government. “In uncertain times the country needs certain handling, it needs a government which will not be dependent on fragile majorities, which will not be dependent on lobbies, which will not be dependent on the balance of powers,” the former PM said during his final campaign rally in Athens. Mitsotakis also said he would increase the minimum wage and pensions, provide tax breaks, and improve the country’s health and education systems. Migrant shipwreck sidelines other issues in run-up to poll Sunday's election is happening in the shadow of the June 14 migrant shipwreck which killed at least 82 people, with hundreds more feared missing and unlikely to be found. Reuters reported that the disaster sidelined other issues in the run-up to the election, including a cost of living crisis, and a deadly rail crash in February. (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.

Greece votes in repeat poll with former PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis seeking second term

Drought-hit Panama Canal will expand restrictions on the largest ships crossing the waterway, the canal authority's administration said on Wednesday (June 21). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the restrictions would come into effect from Sunday and limit the neo-Panamax container ships to a depth limit of 43.

Drought-hit Panama Canal will expand restrictions on the largest ships crossing the waterway, the canal authority's administration said on Wednesday (June 21). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the restrictions would come into effect from Sunday and limit the neo-Panamax container ships to a depth limit of 43.5 feet. This means that these ships must either carry less cargo or shed weight to float higher. As per an advisory issued by the port administration, the Panamax ships would also face tightened rules from July 19. Speaking to Reuters, Port administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said the July 19 measure would depend on how much rain pours into the lake system surrounding the canal. Vaquez said the current lack of rainfall is worrisome as the canal basin must also provide additional drinking water for residents. The expansion restrictions come after a series of depth restrictions in the Panama Canal since the beginning of this year because of drought. El Nino, a periodic warming weather phenomenon, brought a severe drought along the Pacific coast. Vaquez also said on Wednesday that despite the new rules, the flow of ships the canal carried on is as expected so far. The administrator, however, warned the flow of ships could be impacted depending on rainfall and higher route costs due to the new limits. Water levels in Gatún Lake could hit record lows next month As the restrictions come into effect, meteorologists warned the water levels in Gatún Lake, which is located at the centre of the canal, could hit record lows in July, with El Nino bringing higher temperatures and less rain, a report by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Tuesday said. The report added that disruptions in the canal's operations would impact Southern Hemisphere exporters and importers in the north. The canal is Panama's biggest foreign-revenue generator responsible for more than $3 billion from tolls last year. Officials have spent years planning for more extreme weather events to preserve the canal's role as an important trade route. Speaking to the publication, a spokesperson from Maersk said that low water levels at the canal were a clear example of the effects of climate change that caused a ripple through the supply chain. 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.

Drought-hit Panama Canal to expand restrictions on largest ships crossing the waterway

A day after announcing that Holi celebrations will be banned in universities across Pakistan, the country's Higher Education Commission (HEC) issued a clarification in this regard on Thursday (June 22).

A day after announcing that Holi celebrations will be banned in universities across Pakistan, the country's Higher Education Commission (HEC) issued a clarification in this regard on Thursday (June 22). In a statement, the HEC said that it is "highly respectful" of all religions, faiths and beliefs, and the associated festivals and celebrations observed in Pakistan. "The message communicated in this regard is in no way intended to hurt the sentiments of any individual or group," the statement said. The HEC added that the portrayed impression and disseminated connotation that the commission banned the celebration of any festivities were out of context to the spirit of the communication made, as it emphasised the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country to focus upon the core reason of their existence- academic excellence, research quality and harnessing the talent of youth towards a structured, disciplined, and responsible citizens as per the country's ideology. "Considering that the message inferred from the communication has regrettably led to misinterpretations, the HEC is pleased to withdraw the same," the statement further said. What was the ban about? On Wednesday, the HEC announced the ban on Holi, a Hindu festival, in Pakistan's universities. In a statement, the HEC said, "Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country's Islamic identity." The ban announcement came after videos of students of Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad celebrating Holi went viral on social media. "One such instance that has caused was the fervour exhibited in marking the Hindu festival of Holi. This widely reported/publicised event from the platform of a university has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country's image," the statement said. The HEC said it was advised that HEIs may prudently distance themselves from all such activities obviously incompatible with the country's identity and societal values. The videos that went viral Taking to Twitter, a handle called QAU News posted two videos of students of Quaid-I-Azam University celebrating Holi. And as per media reports, the event was organised by the Mehran Students' Council, which is a non-political cultural organisation of the university. 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.

Pakistan withdraws notice announcing ban on Holi in universities

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the United States for a state visit, pitched his vision to transform the upcoming years of the 2020s into a "tech decade", coining the term "Techade" to encapsulate the idea. Prime Minister Modi said he was confident that India's dream of "techade" would be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents.&nbsp;

In China, at least 31 people were killed in a major explosion at a restaurant in Yinchuan. "A leak of liquefied petroleum gas... caused an explosion during the operation of a barbecue restaurant," state news agency Xinhua said.&nbsp;

And rescue teams from around the world are searching for the missing Titan submersible near the site of the Titanic wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean. The five people onboard the submersible reportedly have a few hours of oxygen left.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-pm-modi-sets-techade-agenda-for-2020s-607153">India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for 2020s</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/22/361298-untitled-design-2023-06-22t083705568.png?imwidth=1920" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched his vision to transform the upcoming years of 2020s into a "tech decade", coining the term "Techade" to encapsulate the idea.&nbsp;"I am confident that India's dream of techade will be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents," Modi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/31-killed-after-major-explosion-rips-apart-restaurant-in-northwestern-china-607145">31 killed after major explosion rips apart restaurant in northwestern China</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/22/361291-whatsapp-image-2023-06-22-at-074823.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

A major explosion at a&nbsp;restaurant in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan has left at least 31 people dead, state media reported Thursday.&nbsp;"A leak of liquefied petroleum gas... caused an explosion during the operation of a barbecue restaurant," state news agency Xinhua said of the Wednesday evening blast, adding that seven more people were "receiving all-out rescue&nbsp;treatment".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breathless-countdown-for-titanic-submersible-left-with-hours-of-air-607169">Breathless countdown for Titanic submersible left with hours of air</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/22/361310-untitled-design-2023-06-22t092801421.png?imwidth=1920" />

The world is looking transfixed as rescue teams from all around the globe frantically search for a lost submersible near the site of the Titanic wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fight-of-the-century-musk-and-zuckerberg-agree-to-fight-each-other-in-cage-match-607165">Fight of the century? Musk and Zuckerberg 'agree' to fight each other in cage match</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/22/361304-copy-of-untitled-1.png?imwidth=1920" />

The greatest Pay-Per-View (PPV) fight of the century might be in the works. If one is to go by the social media posts of Twitter boss Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the duo might soon lock horns, that too in a cage match fight.

Watch | FTC sues Amazon for allegedly tricking millions of users into Prime subscriptions

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ftc-sues-amazon-for-allegedly-tricking-millions-of-users-into-prime-subscriptions-607155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the United States for a state visit, pitched his vision to transform the upcoming years of the 2020s into a "tech decade", coining the term "Techade" to encapsulate the idea.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the United States for a state visit, pitched his vision to transform the upcoming years of the 2020s into a "tech decade", coining the term "Techade" to encapsulate the idea. Prime Minister Modi said he was confident that India's dream of "techade" would be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents. In China, at least 31 people were killed in a major explosion at a restaurant in Yinchuan. "A leak of liquefied petroleum gas... caused an explosion during the operation of a barbecue restaurant," state news agency Xinhua said. And rescue teams from around the world are searching for the missing Titan submersible near the site of the Titanic wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean. The five people onboard the submersible reportedly have a few hours of oxygen left. Click on the headlines to read more: India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for 2020s Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched his vision to transform the upcoming years of 2020s into a "tech decade", coining the term "Techade" to encapsulate the idea. "I am confident that India's dream of techade will be fulfilled by its innovators and their patents," Modi said. 31 killed after major explosion rips apart restaurant in northwestern China A major explosion at a restaurant in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan has left at least 31 people dead, state media reported Thursday. "A leak of liquefied petroleum gas... caused an explosion during the operation of a barbecue restaurant," state news agency Xinhua said of the Wednesday evening blast, adding that seven more people were "receiving all-out rescue treatment". Breathless countdown for Titanic submersible left with hours of air The world is looking transfixed as rescue teams from all around the globe frantically search for a lost submersible near the site of the Titanic wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean. Fight of the century? Musk and Zuckerberg 'agree' to fight each other in cage match The greatest Pay-Per-View (PPV) fight of the century might be in the works. If one is to go by the social media posts of Twitter boss Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the duo might soon lock horns, that too in a cage match fight. Watch | FTC sues Amazon for allegedly tricking millions of users into Prime subscriptions ×

Morning brief: Modi sets 'techade' agenda for 2020s, 31 killed in explosion in China, and more

A new seven-member bench of Pakistan's Supreme Court has been formed to hear petitions against the trial of civilians in military courts on Thursday (June 22). This comes as a previous nine-member bench was dissolved following the concerns of two senior judges- Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood.

A new seven-member bench of Pakistan's Supreme Court has been formed to hear petitions against the trial of civilians in military courts on Thursday (June 22). This comes as a previous nine-member bench was dissolved following the concerns of two senior judges- Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood. According to a report by Geo News, Justice Isa and Justice Masoor are not a part of the new bench. The bench was set to meet at 2 pm. Earlier in the day, Justice Isa said that he did not consider the nine-member bench a bench with Justice Masood supporting him. Isa said the Supreme Court should first issue a verdict on the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023, and then constitute new benches. "I will not accept this court until a decision is issued on the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act. All decisions are unconstitutional until the verdict on this act is issued," he added. Isa also said he was not recusing from the bench. His remarks came during the hearing of petitions separately filed by former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, former chief justice Jawwad S Khawaja and others against the trial of military courts. The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023 On April 13 this year, an SC bench said that Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023 got the assent of the president, and the law would not be acted upon in any manner till further order. The ruling was issued on three petitions challenging the bill, under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, the report added. The law aimed at curbing the Chief Justice of Pakistan's (CJP) suo moto powers in an individual capacity. On Thursday, Justice Isa pointed out that he was surprised to see his name for Wednesday's hearing related to the bill. Nine member-bench constituted in line with law: CJP The previous nine-member bench that was to hear the petitions (against the trial of civilians in military courts) included CJP Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Isa, Justice Masood and Justice Ijazul Ahsan among others. Reacting to Isa's concerns, CJP Bandial said the bench was constituted in line with the law. What do the pleas say? In his plea against the trial of civilians in military courts, former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan urged the Supreme Court to declare arrests, investigation, and trial of civilians in peacetime under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act against the Constitution. Former CJP Khawaja, meanwhile, filed his plea under Article 184(3), challenging the trials of civilians through military courts. “The petitioner has no personal interest in this case and the relief sought is for the benefit of all citizens regardless of political affiliation,” Khawaja said in his petition. 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.

Pakistan: New SC bench formed to hear pleas against military trial of civilians after senior judges' concerns

A school teacher in the United Kingdom (UK) is facing jail after he admitted paying over $82,000 (around £65,000) to view videos of child sexual abuse in India. Matthew Smith, the former deputy head of pastoral care at Thomas’s prep school, was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in November last year after investigators found that he was sharing the abuse material on the Dark Web, a report by the NCA on Tuesday (June 20) said.

A school teacher in the United Kingdom (UK) is facing jail after he admitted paying over $82,000 (around £65,000) to view videos of child sexual abuse in India. Matthew Smith, the former deputy head of pastoral care at Thomas’s prep school, was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in November last year after investigators found that he was sharing the abuse material on the Dark Web, a report by the NCA on Tuesday (June 20) said. NCA officer Helen Dore said that Smith was a high-risk individual and the police moved quickly to arrest and remand him so that he could no longer pose a threat to children. At the time of his arrest, Smith, 34, was speaking to a teenager in India, encouraging him to send sexual images of a younger child for money. Investigators later established that Smith paid the same teenager and another Indian teenager over $82,000, to abuse children for five years. Chat logs reveal disturbing details Chat logs have shown how Smith ordered the Indian teenagers to perform sexual acts on boys, and then send videos and images in return for payment, according to a report by The Telegraph on Tuesday. The school teacher also advised the teenagers on how to befriend children and build trust. Investigators recovered 120,000 indecent images of children from Smith's devices. They also found evidence that the 34-year-old abused children himself while he was in India. Who is Matthew Smith? Matthew Smith is a school teacher in the UK but has spent many years working in schools, orphanages and non-government organisations (NGOs) across Nepal and India. In September last year, he was appointed the deputy head of pastoral care at Thomas’s prep school, an institution once attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte. In November last year, Smith pleaded guilty to initial offences but was charged with a further 17 counts in May this year which included encouraging the rape of a child under the age of 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and arranging the sexual abuse of a child. On Tuesday, he appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the additional offences. 'Shocked and appalled': School on Smith's actions A spokesperson from the Thomas prep school said that the institution was shocked and appalled beyond measure by the matter. “Mr Smith’s employment at the school, which commenced in September 2022, was terminated with immediate effect when the school first learned of the charges against him in November," the spokesperson said, The Telegraph report said. The spokesperson added that while the NCA confirmed none of the matters under probe related to the school or its students, "these deplorable actions constitute an unforgivable breach of trust and our thoughts are with those who have been impacted or damaged by them." The report also said that Smith was remanded into custody ahead of a sentencing hearing in August. He is expected to receive a substantial prison term. 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.

UK teacher paid money to view child sexual abuse in India, shared material on Dark Web

The government of the Netherlands is proposing curbs on English language courses in universities. According to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (June 20), as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), Dutch universities started offering more courses in the English language.

The government of the Netherlands is proposing curbs on English language courses in universities. According to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (June 20), as the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU), Dutch universities started offering more courses in the English language. However, the government has proposed a cap on the number of students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in some subjects and is forcing universities to offer at least two-thirds of the content of standard bachelor’s degrees in Dutch. The report said that international students might be required to learn basic Dutch to increase their chances of staying in the country. Netherlands' Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said there can be room in the curriculum for any other language, but the proposal is that it should not be more than a third. "That means that most of your education is in Dutch, but if you want to give a few specialist subjects in English, that is allowed," Education Minister Dijkgraaf added, The Guardian reported. Dijkgraaf further said that exceptions are possible, but will require special permission. In April, he sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, saying that Dutch should be strengthened at universities. 'Dutch by default' Djikgraaf said that the current law says "Dutch by default", and there is a huge hole in the net and everyone swims through it. The education minister's bill would come into force in September next year. The bill has had mixed reactions. Democrats 66 party MP Jeanet van der Laan said that high-level Dutch skills needed to be preserved but voiced concerns about the bill, The Guardian further reported. “Conservative parties are proposing to force all international students to follow part of the curriculum in Dutch,” der Laan said, adding this high threshold would make international students think twice before registering in the Netherlands. "So we will miss out on talent we want," she added. The Universities of the Netherlands Association, meanwhile, said that local students should improve their Dutch and international students should learn it. “There are still possibilities for English-language education,” association spokesperson Ruben Puylaert said, adding the association believed that this national control interferes with the autonomy of universities. 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.

Netherlands proposing curbs on English-language courses in universities: Report

The Pakistani government has banned Holi celebrations in universities after videos of students celebrating the Hindu festival at a university in Islamabad went viral on social media.

The Pakistani government has banned Holi celebrations in universities after videos of students celebrating the Hindu festival at a university in Islamabad went viral on social media. In a statement issued on Tuesday (June 20) Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) said, "Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country's Islamic identity." "One such instance that has caused was the fervour exhibited in marking the Hindu festival of Holi. This widely reported/publicised event from the platform of a university has caused concern and has disadvantageously affected the country's image," the statement added. The HEC said that while there is no denying that cultural, ethnic and religious diversity leads towards an inclusive and tolerant society, that profoundly respects all faiths, and creeds; albeit it needs to be done so in a measured manner without going overboard. The viral videos Taking to Twitter, a handle named QAU News posted two videos of students of Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad celebrating Holi. According to media reports, the event was held by the Mehran Students' Council, which is a non-political cultural organisation of the university. The Pakistan HEC's statement said that university students in the country need to be apprised to be aware of the self-serving vested interests who use them for their ends far from the altruistic critical thinking paradigm. Holi celebrations Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad 🖤 🥀#QAU_ISLAMABAD #holi #holi2023 pic.twitter.com/CHVkY5NL1m — QAU News (@NewsQau) June 19, 2023 × "Foregoing in view, it is advised that the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may prudently distance themselves from all such activities obviously incompatible with the country's identity and social values, while ensuring that they rigorously engage their students and faculty in academic pursuits, intellectual debates, and cognitive learning besides identifying, creating and fostering avenues for extra-curricular activities and rational discourse," the statement added. Holi celebrations Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad 🖤 🥀#QAU_ISLAMABAD #holi #holi2023 pic.twitter.com/CHVkY5NL1m — QAU News (@NewsQau) June 19, 2023 × The HEC also said that HEIs are responsible for the dissemination of knowledge and are essential actors in transforming youth into humane, caring and cultured individuals, besides creating a workforce that has skill sets in accordance with the prioritised needs of Pakistan and "also espouses the cultural and moral values as laid down by our religion". 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.

Pakistan bans Holi in universities after videos showing celebrations go viral

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi currently in the United States for a state visit, the White House said on Wednesday (June 21) that India has a vibrant democracy, adding the two countries would continue to work on their bilateral relations.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a "dictator", a day after Xi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Addressing a fundraiser event in California, Biden said &nbsp;Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down.&nbsp;

After meeting Indian PM Modi, Elon Musk responded to Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's claim that the Indian government threatened to boot out the social media giant. “Twitter doesn't have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don't obey local government laws then we will get shut down," Musk said.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-india-has-vibrant-democracy-both-nations-will-continue-to-work-on-bilateral-relations-606720">US says 'India has vibrant democracy,' both nations will continue to work on bilateral relations</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361031-new-wion-14.png?imwidth=1920" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the United States for a state visit. Amid the much-awaited visit, the White House, in a statement, said that India, like the United States, is a vibrant democracy and that the two nations are going to continue to work on their bilateral relations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-chinese-president-dictator-a-day-after-xi-blinken-meet-606690">Joe Biden calls Chinese President ‘dictator’ a day after Xi-Blinken meet in Beijing</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361023-560eb1f5-4450-4ce1-9596-6eac0217c3ec.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

US President Joe Biden called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping “a dictator” on Tuesday while attending a fundraiser event in California. Joe Biden also added that Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-responds-to-jack-dorseys-claims-that-india-threatened-to-eject-twitter-out-606721">Elon Musk responds to Jack Dorsey’s claim that India threatened to boot out Twitter</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/12/344787-elon-musk-4.png?imwidth=1920" />

Twitter boss Elon Musk after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the&nbsp;New York Palace Hotel in New York City on Tuesday commented on the recent statements made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey. Twitter founder and&nbsp;former CEO Dorsey had recently claimed that the social media platform received threats of being booted out of India&nbsp;after not accepting the request to block certain accounts at the peak of the farmers' protest by the government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/former-cnn-producer-john-griffin-given-19-years-in-jail-for-sexually-assaulting-9-year-old-girl-606693">Former CNN producer John Griffin given 19 years in jail for sexually assaulting 9-year-old girl</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361024-2021cnnjohngriffinarrest.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Former CNN producer John Griffin was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl, revealed prosecutors. Griffin earlier pleaded guilty to child sex charges last December as a part of a plea deal which saw two other counts of child sex charges initially filed against him dropped.&nbsp;

Watch | Titanic submarine: Missing submersible has about 30 hours of air

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/titanic-submarine-missing-submersible-has-about-30-hours-of-air-606734/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi currently in the United States for a state visit, the White House said on Wednesday (June 21) that India has a vibrant democracy, adding the two countries would continue to work on their bilateral relations.

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi currently in the United States for a state visit, the White House said on Wednesday (June 21) that India has a vibrant democracy, adding the two countries would continue to work on their bilateral relations. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a "dictator", a day after Xi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Addressing a fundraiser event in California, Biden said Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down. After meeting Indian PM Modi, Elon Musk responded to Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's claim that the Indian government threatened to boot out the social media giant. “Twitter doesn't have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don't obey local government laws then we will get shut down," Musk said. Click on the headlines to read more: US says 'India has vibrant democracy,' both nations will continue to work on bilateral relations Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the United States for a state visit. Amid the much-awaited visit, the White House, in a statement, said that India, like the United States, is a vibrant democracy and that the two nations are going to continue to work on their bilateral relations. Joe Biden calls Chinese President ‘dictator’ a day after Xi-Blinken meet in Beijing US President Joe Biden called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping “a dictator” on Tuesday while attending a fundraiser event in California. Joe Biden also added that Xi was ‘very embarrassed’ when a Chinese spy balloon flying over sensitive American sites was shot down. Elon Musk responds to Jack Dorsey’s claim that India threatened to boot out Twitter Twitter boss Elon Musk after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the New York Palace Hotel in New York City on Tuesday commented on the recent statements made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey. Twitter founder and former CEO Dorsey had recently claimed that the social media platform received threats of being booted out of India after not accepting the request to block certain accounts at the peak of the farmers' protest by the government. Former CNN producer John Griffin given 19 years in jail for sexually assaulting 9-year-old girl Former CNN producer John Griffin was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl, revealed prosecutors. Griffin earlier pleaded guilty to child sex charges last December as a part of a plea deal which saw two other counts of child sex charges initially filed against him dropped. Watch | Titanic submarine: Missing submersible has about 30 hours of air ×

Morning brief: US says India has vibrant democracy, Biden calls Xi a 'dictator', and more

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Harshit Sabarwal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.