<p>Former director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Michael Lockwood, has been charged with nine sexual offences, including the rape of a girl under the age of 16 and multiple counts of indecent assault. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred during the 1980s, said Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the primary&nbsp;public agency responsible for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Background and charges</strong></h2>

<p>Lockwood, 64 years old, resigned from his position at the IOPC in December 2022 following the revelation that he was under investigation by the police regarding a historical allegation.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-meets-bill-gates-regards-him-as-old-friend-605165">Xi Jinping meets Bill Gates, regards him as 'old friend'</a></p>

<p>Having served as the first director general of the IOPC since its establishment in 2018, Lockwood's charges include three counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault against a minor girl. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between October 1985 and March 1986.</p>

<h2><strong>Legal proceedings and reaction</strong></h2>

<p>The CPS, having examined the evidence provided by Humberside Police, authorised the charges against Lockwood under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, stated that careful consideration had been given to the evidence before approving the charges against Lockwood.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-japans-historic-move-redefines-rape-and-raises-age-of-consent-605159">Japan's historic move redefines rape and raises age of consent</a></p>

<p>"After carefully considering all of the evidence provided to us by Humberside Police, we have authorised charges against Michael Lockwood, 64, for nine offences under the Sexual Offences Act 1956," she said adding,&nbsp;"Mr Lockwood has been charged with six counts of indecent assault and three offences of rape against a girl under the age of 16, alleged to have been committed during the 1980s."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK: Conservative party in split over partygate report</strong></p>

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<p>A court hearing is scheduled for June 28 at the magistrates' court in Hull.</p>

<h2><strong>Lockwood's career and resignation</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to his role at the IOPC, Lockwood served as the chief executive of the London Borough of Harrow. He was also appointed by a government task force to lead recovery and remediation efforts and to liaise with the Grenfell Tower fire's bereaved families, survivors, and the broader community in 2017. Following Lockwood's resignation, the IOPC initiated a review to assess whether appropriate measures were taken before his departure.</p>

<h2><strong>Government response and action&nbsp;taken</strong></h2>

<p>Upon learning of the ongoing police investigation, Home Secretary Suella Braverman took immediate action, directing officials to request Lockwood's resignation or face immediate suspension.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Michael Lockwood, has been charged with nine sexual offences, including the rape of a girl under the age of 16 and multiple counts of indecent assault.

Former director general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Michael Lockwood, has been charged with nine sexual offences, including the rape of a girl under the age of 16 and multiple counts of indecent assault. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred during the 1980s, said Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the primary public agency responsible for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. Background and charges Lockwood, 64 years old, resigned from his position at the IOPC in December 2022 following the revelation that he was under investigation by the police regarding a historical allegation. Also Read | Xi Jinping meets Bill Gates, regards him as 'old friend' Having served as the first director general of the IOPC since its establishment in 2018, Lockwood's charges include three counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault against a minor girl. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between October 1985 and March 1986. Legal proceedings and reaction The CPS, having examined the evidence provided by Humberside Police, authorised the charges against Lockwood under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, stated that careful consideration had been given to the evidence before approving the charges against Lockwood. Also Read | Japan's historic move redefines rape and raises age of consent "After carefully considering all of the evidence provided to us by Humberside Police, we have authorised charges against Michael Lockwood, 64, for nine offences under the Sexual Offences Act 1956," she said adding, "Mr Lockwood has been charged with six counts of indecent assault and three offences of rape against a girl under the age of 16, alleged to have been committed during the 1980s." Watch | UK: Conservative party in split over partygate report × A court hearing is scheduled for June 28 at the magistrates' court in Hull. Lockwood's career and resignation Prior to his role at the IOPC, Lockwood served as the chief executive of the London Borough of Harrow. He was also appointed by a government task force to lead recovery and remediation efforts and to liaise with the Grenfell Tower fire's bereaved families, survivors, and the broader community in 2017. Following Lockwood's resignation, the IOPC initiated a review to assess whether appropriate measures were taken before his departure. Government response and action taken Upon learning of the ongoing police investigation, Home Secretary Suella Braverman took immediate action, directing officials to request Lockwood's resignation or face immediate suspension. (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. ×

Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault

<p>The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As these talks resumed, the US also authorised the transfer of 2.5 billion euros (which is equivalent to $2.7 billion) by the Iraqi government for Iranian electricity and gas imports. The amount had been previously frozen due to American economic sanctions.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's demands for prisoner release, access to trapped funds</strong></h2>

<p>In return for the release of prisoners and limitations on nuclear work, reports said Iran is seeking access to billions of dollars in Iranian energy revenue currently held abroad due to US sanctions.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a></p>

<p>Iranian officials have consistently linked the potential release of prisoners to gaining access to $7 billion in Iranian funds held in South Korea. They have also demanded access to billions of dollars held in Iraq, intended for gas and oil deliveries.</p>

<h2><strong>Transfer of funds 'routine', unrelated to discussions: US officials&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>US officials stated that the fund transfer of 2.5 billion euros by the Iraqi government was a routine process and they are not connected to the ongoing discussions. According to reports, similar transfers have been made in the past. The only difference is that this time the funds were released in euros rather than local currencies.</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that US President Joe Biden had previously promised to revive an international nuclear agreement that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in November, he declared that such a deal was no longer feasible.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a></p>

<p>Under former president Donald Trump, the Iran Nuclear Deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was&nbsp;revoked unilaterally by the US in May 2018. At the time, Trump termed the nuke deal with Iran as the “most horrible deal ever”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indirect contact between US, Iranian officials</strong></h2>

<p>The initial discussions were made between senior US officials and officials from Iran in New York in the month of December last year. Following those discussions, the White House representatives have made multiple trips to Oman for further indirect contacts, according to media reports quoting sources.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead</strong></p>

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<p>WSJ report said that Omani officials have served as intermediaries often between US and Iran in order to facilitate communication between the two warring sides.</p>

<h2><strong>Balancing act for Biden administration</strong></h2>

<p>The current diplomatic effort aims to manage escalating tensions between Iran and US. This is especially crucial as Iran has allegedly ramped up its supply of drones to Russia to back Moscow in its war on Ukraine which has been waging on for over a year now. Other points of infliction are Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities along with the seizure of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.</p>

<h2>Political considerations, opposition to nuke deal&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The discussions with Iran will also be keenly watched by American voters back home. Therefore, the Biden administration is cautious about thrusting negotiations with Iran into the spotlight as the presidential campaign approaches.</p>

<p>Any formal agreement or even an informal understanding, which seems more likely, could trigger a review in Congress. Both Republicans and some Democrats strongly oppose a nuclear deal with Iran.</p>

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The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter.

The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter. As these talks resumed, the US also authorised the transfer of 2.5 billion euros (which is equivalent to $2.7 billion) by the Iraqi government for Iranian electricity and gas imports. The amount had been previously frozen due to American economic sanctions. Iran's demands for prisoner release, access to trapped funds In return for the release of prisoners and limitations on nuclear work, reports said Iran is seeking access to billions of dollars in Iranian energy revenue currently held abroad due to US sanctions. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security Iranian officials have consistently linked the potential release of prisoners to gaining access to $7 billion in Iranian funds held in South Korea. They have also demanded access to billions of dollars held in Iraq, intended for gas and oil deliveries. Transfer of funds 'routine', unrelated to discussions: US officials US officials stated that the fund transfer of 2.5 billion euros by the Iraqi government was a routine process and they are not connected to the ongoing discussions. According to reports, similar transfers have been made in the past. The only difference is that this time the funds were released in euros rather than local currencies. It is pertinent to note that US President Joe Biden had previously promised to revive an international nuclear agreement that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in November, he declared that such a deal was no longer feasible. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display Under former president Donald Trump, the Iran Nuclear Deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was revoked unilaterally by the US in May 2018. At the time, Trump termed the nuke deal with Iran as the “most horrible deal ever”. Indirect contact between US, Iranian officials The initial discussions were made between senior US officials and officials from Iran in New York in the month of December last year. Following those discussions, the White House representatives have made multiple trips to Oman for further indirect contacts, according to media reports quoting sources. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × WSJ report said that Omani officials have served as intermediaries often between US and Iran in order to facilitate communication between the two warring sides. Balancing act for Biden administration The current diplomatic effort aims to manage escalating tensions between Iran and US. This is especially crucial as Iran has allegedly ramped up its supply of drones to Russia to back Moscow in its war on Ukraine which has been waging on for over a year now. Other points of infliction are Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities along with the seizure of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Political considerations, opposition to nuke deal The discussions with Iran will also be keenly watched by American voters back home. Therefore, the Biden administration is cautious about thrusting negotiations with Iran into the spotlight as the presidential campaign approaches. Any formal agreement or even an informal understanding, which seems more likely, could trigger a review in Congress. Both Republicans and some Democrats strongly oppose a nuclear deal with Iran. 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. ×

Biden administration holds quiet talks with Iran to free US prisoners, curb nuke programme

<p>A UK parliamentary committee has released a report stating that former prime minister Boris Johnson intentionally deceived lawmakers regarding his knowledge of numerous parties that violated lockdown restrictions at his office and government buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The committee, consisting of seven members from both the Conservative Party and opposition parties, was established in April 2022 to investigate Johnson's actions during the "Partygate" scandal, which involved unauthorised gatherings attended by Johnson and his staff. The findings of the committee ultimately contributed to Boris Johnson's downfall.</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the key findings from the report</strong></h2>

<h2><strong>1. Investigation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The committee's main objective was to examine Johnson's statements to the House of Commons regarding gatherings at Downing Street between 2020 and 2021. They assessed whether any misleading statements were genuine errors or intentional and reckless acts, as well as whether corrective actions were taken promptly.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-harvard-medical-school-morgue-manager-indicted-for-stealing-selling-human-remains-604855">Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains</a></p>

<p>The committee emphasised that this investigation was of significant importance, as misleading the House of Commons is a matter that strikes at the core of democracy.</p>

<h2><strong>2. Details of the gatherings</strong></h2>

<p>The report provided evidence of six gatherings held in government buildings, contrary to the strict social distancing rules that Johnson himself had been advocating for on television.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-biggest-meth-bust-with-drug-hidden-in-maple-syrup-bottles-six-arrested-604782">New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested</a></p>

<p>These events included farewell parties for staff and a Christmas drinks event. Johnson was present at some of these gatherings, including one in May 2020 where alcohol was provided, and over 200 people were invited. Another event took place in June 2020 in the Cabinet Room to celebrate Johnson's birthday, with at least 17 other attendees present.&nbsp;Johnson and others were later fined by the police.</p>

<h2><strong>3. Johnson's statements on these events</strong></h2>

<p>Johnson repeatedly assured parliament that all COVID-19 rules and guidelines were followed at Downing Street and claimed to have relied on advisors' repeated assurances that no rules were broken. He argued that the gatherings were essential for work purposes, specifically to boost staff morale.</p>

<h2><strong>4. Committee's conclusions</strong></h2>

<p>The committee concluded that as the leading promoter of the government's COVID-19 rules and guidance, Johnson was fully aware of what was not permitted at the time and had knowledge of rule breaches at Downing Street.</p>

<p>UK parliamentary committee deemed it highly improbable that he genuinely believed the rules were being followed. It determined that Johnson misled parliament by failing to disclose his awareness of the rule-breaking events, stating that he deliberately distorted his statements to avoid their true meaning. They characterised his conduct as intentional and serious contempt of the House.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>“We came to the view that some of Mr Johnson’s denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the Committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth,” the report said, adding, “We conclude that Mr Johnson’s conduct was deliberate and that he has committed a serious contempt of the House."</p>

<h2><strong>5. Sanctions proposed</strong></h2>

<p>The committee recommended a 90-day suspension for Johnson from the House of Commons due to his repeated contempt and attempts to undermine the parliamentary process.</p>

<p>Additionally, they suggested revoking his former member's pass to access parliament's grounds. However, Johnson preemptively avoided suspension by resigning as a lawmaker before the report's publication.</p>

<p>Lawmakers are set to vote on Monday on whether to uphold the committee's recommendations, and Johnson's supporters may propose amendments to reduce the proposed sanctions. One interesting point to note here is that even if the sanctions are imposed, they would not prevent Johnson from seeking re-election as a lawmaker in the future.</p>

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A UK parliamentary committee has released a report stating that former prime minister Boris Johnson intentionally deceived lawmakers regarding his knowledge of numerous parties that violated lockdown restrictions at his office and government buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A UK parliamentary committee has released a report stating that former prime minister Boris Johnson intentionally deceived lawmakers regarding his knowledge of numerous parties that violated lockdown restrictions at his office and government buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee, consisting of seven members from both the Conservative Party and opposition parties, was established in April 2022 to investigate Johnson's actions during the "Partygate" scandal, which involved unauthorised gatherings attended by Johnson and his staff. The findings of the committee ultimately contributed to Boris Johnson's downfall. Here are the key findings from the report 1. Investigation The committee's main objective was to examine Johnson's statements to the House of Commons regarding gatherings at Downing Street between 2020 and 2021. They assessed whether any misleading statements were genuine errors or intentional and reckless acts, as well as whether corrective actions were taken promptly. Also Read | Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains The committee emphasised that this investigation was of significant importance, as misleading the House of Commons is a matter that strikes at the core of democracy. 2. Details of the gatherings The report provided evidence of six gatherings held in government buildings, contrary to the strict social distancing rules that Johnson himself had been advocating for on television. Also Read | New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested These events included farewell parties for staff and a Christmas drinks event. Johnson was present at some of these gatherings, including one in May 2020 where alcohol was provided, and over 200 people were invited. Another event took place in June 2020 in the Cabinet Room to celebrate Johnson's birthday, with at least 17 other attendees present. Johnson and others were later fined by the police. 3. Johnson's statements on these events Johnson repeatedly assured parliament that all COVID-19 rules and guidelines were followed at Downing Street and claimed to have relied on advisors' repeated assurances that no rules were broken. He argued that the gatherings were essential for work purposes, specifically to boost staff morale. 4. Committee's conclusions The committee concluded that as the leading promoter of the government's COVID-19 rules and guidance, Johnson was fully aware of what was not permitted at the time and had knowledge of rule breaches at Downing Street. UK parliamentary committee deemed it highly improbable that he genuinely believed the rules were being followed. It determined that Johnson misled parliament by failing to disclose his awareness of the rule-breaking events, stating that he deliberately distorted his statements to avoid their true meaning. They characterised his conduct as intentional and serious contempt of the House. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report × “We came to the view that some of Mr Johnson’s denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the Committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth,” the report said, adding, “We conclude that Mr Johnson’s conduct was deliberate and that he has committed a serious contempt of the House." 5. Sanctions proposed The committee recommended a 90-day suspension for Johnson from the House of Commons due to his repeated contempt and attempts to undermine the parliamentary process. Additionally, they suggested revoking his former member's pass to access parliament's grounds. However, Johnson preemptively avoided suspension by resigning as a lawmaker before the report's publication. Lawmakers are set to vote on Monday on whether to uphold the committee's recommendations, and Johnson's supporters may propose amendments to reduce the proposed sanctions. One interesting point to note here is that even if the sanctions are imposed, they would not prevent Johnson from seeking re-election as a lawmaker in the future. 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. ×

'Partygate scandal': 5 key takeaways from committee report accusing Boris Johnson of lockdown parties

<p>She never dances with her husband, but when the bandages were peeled from her eyes after a double cataract operation to cure her blindness, Nepali farmer Santi Maya leapt up to clasp his hands.</p>

<p>"I am so happy," said Maya, who does not know how old she is, as the elderly couple swayed on the playground of a school converted into a temporary eye hospital.</p>

<p>"I can see the world," she cried. "Yesterday everything was closed. Today, I can see everywhere."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-harvard-medical-school-morgue-manager-indicted-for-stealing-selling-human-remains-604855">Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains</a></p>

<p>Now she will be able to do household chores again and collect grass for the cattle, she added.</p>

<p>Maya was one of more than 200 beneficiaries of a cataract treatment camp in Basantapur, a small town perched high on a Himalayan hillside.</p>

<p>It was run by a pioneering surgeon who has performed more than 130,000 operations, funded by a tech multimillionaire once jailed in the United States for mail fraud. The pair plan to restore the vision of 500,000 people worldwide by 2030.</p>

<p>Nepal has one of the world's highest rates of cataracts, where the lens of the eye slowly clouds over, with vision blurring before giving way to blindness.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-biggest-meth-bust-with-drug-hidden-in-maple-syrup-bottles-six-arrested-604782">New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested</a></p>

<p>It has multiple causes but in the developing world poverty is a key driver.</p>

<p>For subsistence farmers whose livelihoods are marginal at the best of times, the impact can be devastating – and doubly so for their families, who lose a breadwinner and at the same time have to take on the burden of care.</p>

<p>"It feels like you have become a corpse," said farmer Rudra Prasad Nepal, 66, after his left eye was unwrapped.</p>

<p>"I could not differentiate what is seed, what is fertiliser, what is pesticide and what to use," he explained.</p>

<p>"If you are old and cannot see, you feel hated in your home or family."</p>

<h2><strong>A Clockwork Orange</strong></h2>

<p>Anaesthetised with an injection into the eyeball, each patient has their eyelids drawn back with retractors recalling a scene from "A Clockwork Orange".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>Surgeon Sanduk Ruit sliced into the cornea from the side, removing the clouded lens whole or cutting it up with an ultrasound knife, working barefoot to better adjust the pedals under the operating table that control his microscope's focus and suction.</p>

<p>He slid in a new lens matching the patient's vision prescription, made for as little as four dollars by his institute's factory in Kathmandu, before cauterising the wound. Each operation was finished in around seven minutes.</p>

<p>At 68, he is well into six figures for lifetime surgeries and has multiple international awards to his name, but remains keenly aware that every procedure "could change not only the vision of this patient, but the entire outcome of his life, his family".</p>

<p>"That's not a small thing to be given responsibility" for, he added.</p>

<p>But when he removes the bandages the next day and sees their reaction, "every time that makes me giggle".</p>

<h2><strong>Yak herders&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ruit grew up in Olangchung Gola, a remote village towards both the Chinese border and Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain -- and nine hours' walk from the nearest motorable dirt road.</p>

<p>Culturally Tibetan, its people are Walung, one of the smallest groups in Nepal's ethnic patchwork, and largely yak herders and traders.</p>

<p>It is an unlikely origin for a pioneering surgeon, but Ruit's father recognised his potential early and enrolled him at missionary school in Darjeeling, the best education he could afford.</p>

<p>The pair took two weeks to walk to the institution, sometimes sleeping in caves along the way.</p>

<p>As a teenager he moved to a school in Kathmandu where he shared a small room with his sister, until she contracted tuberculosis.</p>

<p>"We were very close," he said. "She finally succumbed, a very sad part of my life," his voice still trailing away decades later.</p>

<p>Before she died, weak and emaciated, the 13-year-old told him to do something "that will have impact on the people".</p>

<p>Her words, he said, stuck in his mind. He qualified as a doctor and specialised in ophthalmology. "In such a short time, you can make a difference in so many people's life."</p>

<h2><strong>Redemption</strong></h2>

<p>Ruit had run cataract camps for years, and since the coronavirus pandemic has set up a foundation with Indian-born, British-based entrepreneur Tej Kohli to accelerate operations and train surgeons in several countries for a multiplier effect, and which brought AFP to the camp.</p>

<p>Kohli, 64, has the trappings of wealth –- a mansion in the English countryside and a collection of supercars -– and declines to specify his net worth.</p>

<p>He expects to spend at least $100 million on the project this decade and describes the sum as "well within my limits".</p>

<p>It was not always thus.</p>

<p>In the 1990s he pleaded guilty to multiple mail fraud charges in the United States over a multi-million-dollar real estate scam -– he said an associate misled him -- and was handed a nearly seven-year prison sentence.</p>

<p>He served much of it at a military camp in Nevada and was released early but said it was "still a bad experience. And it taught me a lot".</p>

<p>An electrical engineering graduate, he set up a company in Costa Rica operating online payment systems and for a time owned a number of gaming websites, when regulation was lax and internet businesses boomed.</p>

<p>His investment portfolio now includes an e-commerce platform, property interests and an artificial blood company in Florida.</p>

<p>"If I were blind, I wouldn't want to live," he told AFP.</p>

<p>He believes needless blindness has been unfairly sidelined by donors, and that at around $50 per operation all in, there is no better way to spend his fortune.</p>

<p>"There is some element of redemption," he acknowledged.</p>

<p>There are "hundreds of them, thousands of them. And when you scale it up, then you feel like you've done something good in life.</p>

<p>"Not doing it is absolutely a crime in my humble opinion."</p>

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She never dances with her husband, but when the bandages were peeled from her eyes after a double cataract operation to cure her blindness, Nepali farmer Santi Maya leapt up to clasp his hands.

She never dances with her husband, but when the bandages were peeled from her eyes after a double cataract operation to cure her blindness, Nepali farmer Santi Maya leapt up to clasp his hands. "I am so happy," said Maya, who does not know how old she is, as the elderly couple swayed on the playground of a school converted into a temporary eye hospital. "I can see the world," she cried. "Yesterday everything was closed. Today, I can see everywhere." Also Read | Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains Now she will be able to do household chores again and collect grass for the cattle, she added. Maya was one of more than 200 beneficiaries of a cataract treatment camp in Basantapur, a small town perched high on a Himalayan hillside. It was run by a pioneering surgeon who has performed more than 130,000 operations, funded by a tech multimillionaire once jailed in the United States for mail fraud. The pair plan to restore the vision of 500,000 people worldwide by 2030. Nepal has one of the world's highest rates of cataracts, where the lens of the eye slowly clouds over, with vision blurring before giving way to blindness. Also Read | New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested It has multiple causes but in the developing world poverty is a key driver. For subsistence farmers whose livelihoods are marginal at the best of times, the impact can be devastating – and doubly so for their families, who lose a breadwinner and at the same time have to take on the burden of care. "It feels like you have become a corpse," said farmer Rudra Prasad Nepal, 66, after his left eye was unwrapped. "I could not differentiate what is seed, what is fertiliser, what is pesticide and what to use," he explained. "If you are old and cannot see, you feel hated in your home or family." A Clockwork Orange Anaesthetised with an injection into the eyeball, each patient has their eyelids drawn back with retractors recalling a scene from "A Clockwork Orange". Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × Surgeon Sanduk Ruit sliced into the cornea from the side, removing the clouded lens whole or cutting it up with an ultrasound knife, working barefoot to better adjust the pedals under the operating table that control his microscope's focus and suction. He slid in a new lens matching the patient's vision prescription, made for as little as four dollars by his institute's factory in Kathmandu, before cauterising the wound. Each operation was finished in around seven minutes. At 68, he is well into six figures for lifetime surgeries and has multiple international awards to his name, but remains keenly aware that every procedure "could change not only the vision of this patient, but the entire outcome of his life, his family". "That's not a small thing to be given responsibility" for, he added. But when he removes the bandages the next day and sees their reaction, "every time that makes me giggle". Yak herders Ruit grew up in Olangchung Gola, a remote village towards both the Chinese border and Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain -- and nine hours' walk from the nearest motorable dirt road. Culturally Tibetan, its people are Walung, one of the smallest groups in Nepal's ethnic patchwork, and largely yak herders and traders. It is an unlikely origin for a pioneering surgeon, but Ruit's father recognised his potential early and enrolled him at missionary school in Darjeeling, the best education he could afford. The pair took two weeks to walk to the institution, sometimes sleeping in caves along the way. As a teenager he moved to a school in Kathmandu where he shared a small room with his sister, until she contracted tuberculosis. "We were very close," he said. "She finally succumbed, a very sad part of my life," his voice still trailing away decades later. Before she died, weak and emaciated, the 13-year-old told him to do something "that will have impact on the people". Her words, he said, stuck in his mind. He qualified as a doctor and specialised in ophthalmology. "In such a short time, you can make a difference in so many people's life." Redemption Ruit had run cataract camps for years, and since the coronavirus pandemic has set up a foundation with Indian-born, British-based entrepreneur Tej Kohli to accelerate operations and train surgeons in several countries for a multiplier effect, and which brought AFP to the camp. Kohli, 64, has the trappings of wealth –- a mansion in the English countryside and a collection of supercars -– and declines to specify his net worth. He expects to spend at least $100 million on the project this decade and describes the sum as "well within my limits". It was not always thus. In the 1990s he pleaded guilty to multiple mail fraud charges in the United States over a multi-million-dollar real estate scam -– he said an associate misled him -- and was handed a nearly seven-year prison sentence. He served much of it at a military camp in Nevada and was released early but said it was "still a bad experience. And it taught me a lot". An electrical engineering graduate, he set up a company in Costa Rica operating online payment systems and for a time owned a number of gaming websites, when regulation was lax and internet businesses boomed. His investment portfolio now includes an e-commerce platform, property interests and an artificial blood company in Florida. "If I were blind, I wouldn't want to live," he told AFP. He believes needless blindness has been unfairly sidelined by donors, and that at around $50 per operation all in, there is no better way to spend his fortune. "There is some element of redemption," he acknowledged. There are "hundreds of them, thousands of them. And when you scale it up, then you feel like you've done something good in life. "Not doing it is absolutely a crime in my humble opinion." 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. ×

One vision: The surgeon, the millionaire and 500,000 eyes

<p>New Zealand law enforcement and customs officials have successfully thwarted a plot to smuggle methamphetamine (meth) hidden within maple syrup bottles that had arrived from Canada. This operation is regarded as the largest drug seizure at the country's border, as per media reports. The shipment of maple syrup from Canada was intercepted in January, revealing a concealed package of 713 kilogrammes (1,572 pounds) of methamphetamine. The value of the drugs is estimated to be around $150 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roger-payne-biologist-who-discovered-whales-could-sing-passes-away-at-88-604714">Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88</a></p>

<p>Authorities from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada collaborated to dismantle this multimillion-dollar international drug network.</p>

<p>This particular shipment was part of a larger consignment intended for the Australian market, prompting New Zealand police to work closely with the New Zealand Customs Service to intercept it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a></p>

<p>In February, five individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 45, were apprehended at a rural property near Helensville while taking possession of the majority of the drug consignment. Subsequently, a 28-year-old man was also arrested when attempting to acquire the remaining portion of the shipment. The individuals involved are scheduled to appear in North Shore and Auckland District Courts in due course.</p>

<h2><strong>Collaborative efforts yield successful bust</strong></h2>

<p>New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster emphasised the importance of international cooperation in disrupting the global drug trade.&nbsp;Coster underscored that this significant seizure will help mitigate the harm inflicted upon New Zealand communities by methamphetamine.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a></p>

<p>“The international drug trade and organized crime groups are creating havoc and harm in communities around the globe, and our best opportunity to disrupt, intercept, and keep our communities safe, is to work collaboratively with other agencies, and other nations,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Distributing this shipment throughout the country would have caused severe damage to vulnerable communities targeted by criminal groups. Drugs play a substantial role in driving crime in New Zealand, and the detrimental impact of addiction on local communities is readily apparent.</p>

<h2><strong>Escalating drug smuggling attempts</strong></h2>

<p>Christine Stevenson, the New Zealand Customs controller, highlighted the escalating trend of transnational organized crime groups engaging in large-scale drug smuggling endeavours at the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this interception of drugs disguised as maple syrup aligns with the recent trend of food-related drug busts. Authorities initiated a large-scale investigation following the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala, who passed away on March 7 at Auckland City Hospital after consuming meth-laced beer.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>Additionally, an international, multi-agency investigation was launched after an anomalous shipment bound for Melbourne from Canada was discovered. Among the 18 pallets of canola oil, a staggering three tonnes of meth were concealed, further emphasizing the magnitude of the ongoing drug smuggling challenge.</p>

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New Zealand law enforcement and customs officials have successfully thwarted a plot to smuggle methamphetamine (meth) hidden within maple syrup bottles that had arrived from Canada.

New Zealand law enforcement and customs officials have successfully thwarted a plot to smuggle methamphetamine (meth) hidden within maple syrup bottles that had arrived from Canada. This operation is regarded as the largest drug seizure at the country's border, as per media reports. The shipment of maple syrup from Canada was intercepted in January, revealing a concealed package of 713 kilogrammes (1,572 pounds) of methamphetamine. The value of the drugs is estimated to be around $150 million. Also Read | Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88 Authorities from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada collaborated to dismantle this multimillion-dollar international drug network. This particular shipment was part of a larger consignment intended for the Australian market, prompting New Zealand police to work closely with the New Zealand Customs Service to intercept it. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters In February, five individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 45, were apprehended at a rural property near Helensville while taking possession of the majority of the drug consignment. Subsequently, a 28-year-old man was also arrested when attempting to acquire the remaining portion of the shipment. The individuals involved are scheduled to appear in North Shore and Auckland District Courts in due course. Collaborative efforts yield successful bust New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster emphasised the importance of international cooperation in disrupting the global drug trade. Coster underscored that this significant seizure will help mitigate the harm inflicted upon New Zealand communities by methamphetamine. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters “The international drug trade and organized crime groups are creating havoc and harm in communities around the globe, and our best opportunity to disrupt, intercept, and keep our communities safe, is to work collaboratively with other agencies, and other nations,” he said. Distributing this shipment throughout the country would have caused severe damage to vulnerable communities targeted by criminal groups. Drugs play a substantial role in driving crime in New Zealand, and the detrimental impact of addiction on local communities is readily apparent. Escalating drug smuggling attempts Christine Stevenson, the New Zealand Customs controller, highlighted the escalating trend of transnational organized crime groups engaging in large-scale drug smuggling endeavours at the border. Notably, this interception of drugs disguised as maple syrup aligns with the recent trend of food-related drug busts. Authorities initiated a large-scale investigation following the death of 21-year-old Aiden Sagala, who passed away on March 7 at Auckland City Hospital after consuming meth-laced beer. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × Additionally, an international, multi-agency investigation was launched after an anomalous shipment bound for Melbourne from Canada was discovered. Among the 18 pallets of canola oil, a staggering three tonnes of meth were concealed, further emphasizing the magnitude of the ongoing drug smuggling challenge. 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. ×

New Zealand: Maple bottles filled with record amount of meth seized, six arrested

<p>EVNautilus deep-sea exploration project recently encountered a remarkable 'smiling' creature, a deepsea snailfish, in the Pacific Ocean. This fish was discovered by the project's team at a depth of approximately 2,800 metres while exploring the Pacific Remote Islands waters, specifically "Seamount 9."</p>

<h2><strong>An unusual appearance with a widespread presence</strong></h2>

<p>The deepsea snailfish has a striking appearance, resembling a character from an animated film. Despite its peculiar looks, this snailfish is quite common in the marine world, according to the EV Nautilus project by the Ocean Exploration Trust.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-harvard-medical-school-morgue-manager-indicted-for-stealing-selling-human-remains-604855">Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains</a></p>

<p>Belonging to the Liparidae family, these ray-finned fishes are widely distributed across the global ocean, inhabiting various latitudes and depths. In fact, some species of snailfish have even been found in the Mariana Trench, which reaches depths of over 8,000 metres.</p>

<h2><strong>EVNautilus&nbsp;mission</strong></h2>

<p>The EV Nautilus project aims to explore the uncharted regions of the ocean in search of new discoveries in biology, geology, and archaeology. This ongoing expedition is funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration through the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute.</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-biggest-meth-bust-with-drug-hidden-in-maple-syrup-bottles-six-arrested-604782">New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested</a></p>

<p>It marks the project's first live expedition of 2023 and focuses on exploring the deep ocean in and around the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), specifically the Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll.</p>

<h2><strong>Exploring the unknown with advanced technology</strong></h2>

<p>The 29-day telepresence-enabled expedition, which took place from May 16 to June 14, 2023, utilised the deep-water mapping and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capabilities of EVNautilus.</p>

<p>The expedition started and concluded in Honolulu, with the primary objective of investigating the deep-sea geology and biology within US waters. Notably, this year's expedition introduced an innovative tool, the Laser Divebot Spectrometer, developed by SETI and Impossible Sensing.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>This sensor collects precise chemical composition data from various materials, including rocks, sediments, and biological samples. Ultimately, this technology aims to reduce the reliance on physical samples.</p>

<h2><strong>Importance of the Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll</strong></h2>

<p>The US waters surrounding Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll house some of the most pristine marine ecosystems on Earth. While recent expeditions have contributed to our understanding of the region's deep-water resources, extensive areas still remain unexplored, especially north of the Kingman/Palmyra Unit of PRIMNM.</p>

<p>Further exploration is crucial to address the management and scientific requirements of the region. These efforts include developing a comprehensive monument management plan, gaining insights into the natural and cultural resources of the deep-water environment, understanding biogeographic species distributions, and exploring the geological context of the area.</p>

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EVNautilus deep-sea exploration project recently encountered a remarkable 'smiling' creature, a deepsea snailfish, in the Pacific Ocean. This fish was discovered by the project's team at a depth of approximately 2,800 metres while exploring the Pacific Remote Islands waters, specifically "Seamount 9.

EVNautilus deep-sea exploration project recently encountered a remarkable 'smiling' creature, a deepsea snailfish, in the Pacific Ocean. This fish was discovered by the project's team at a depth of approximately 2,800 metres while exploring the Pacific Remote Islands waters, specifically "Seamount 9." An unusual appearance with a widespread presence The deepsea snailfish has a striking appearance, resembling a character from an animated film. Despite its peculiar looks, this snailfish is quite common in the marine world, according to the EV Nautilus project by the Ocean Exploration Trust. Also Read | Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains Belonging to the Liparidae family, these ray-finned fishes are widely distributed across the global ocean, inhabiting various latitudes and depths. In fact, some species of snailfish have even been found in the Mariana Trench, which reaches depths of over 8,000 metres. EVNautilus mission The EV Nautilus project aims to explore the uncharted regions of the ocean in search of new discoveries in biology, geology, and archaeology. This ongoing expedition is funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration through the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute. × Also Read | New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested It marks the project's first live expedition of 2023 and focuses on exploring the deep ocean in and around the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), specifically the Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll. Exploring the unknown with advanced technology The 29-day telepresence-enabled expedition, which took place from May 16 to June 14, 2023, utilised the deep-water mapping and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capabilities of EVNautilus. The expedition started and concluded in Honolulu, with the primary objective of investigating the deep-sea geology and biology within US waters. Notably, this year's expedition introduced an innovative tool, the Laser Divebot Spectrometer, developed by SETI and Impossible Sensing. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × This sensor collects precise chemical composition data from various materials, including rocks, sediments, and biological samples. Ultimately, this technology aims to reduce the reliance on physical samples. Importance of the Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll The US waters surrounding Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll house some of the most pristine marine ecosystems on Earth. While recent expeditions have contributed to our understanding of the region's deep-water resources, extensive areas still remain unexplored, especially north of the Kingman/Palmyra Unit of PRIMNM. Further exploration is crucial to address the management and scientific requirements of the region. These efforts include developing a comprehensive monument management plan, gaining insights into the natural and cultural resources of the deep-water environment, understanding biogeographic species distributions, and exploring the geological context of the area. 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 | 'Smiling' deepsea snailfish, a unique creature in Pacific Ocean

<p>A group of 33 academicians, who were part of the development committee of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, have expressed concerns about the significant changes made to the original texts. They have requested the council to remove their names from the current textbooks. This request follows the recent dissociation of two former NCERT advisors, Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar, from the revised political science textbooks.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roger-payne-biologist-who-discovered-whales-could-sing-passes-away-at-88-604714">Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88</a></p>

<p>In a letter addressed to the NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, the 33 political scientists, who were members of the textbook development committee in 2006-07, expressed dissatisfaction with the recent rationalisation exercise conducted by NCERT. They stated that these changes have undermined their collective effort and raised concerns about the lack of transparency and academic contestation in the decision-making process.</p>

<p>“NCERT is now making changes to the textbooks. These involve deletions of sentences and removal of some sections (even chapters) considered unacceptable with emphasis given to others considered desirable. The decision of who decides what is unacceptable and what is desirable has been kept rather opaque, violating the core principles of transparency and contestation that, we believe, underlies academic knowledge production.” read the letter.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a></p>

<p>The academicians found it difficult to associate their names with the revised textbooks, as the substantive revisions have allegedly transformed them into different books. They emphasised that these revisions have “jeopardised their creative collective effort” of the original texts, making it challenging for them to claim ownership of the revised versions.</p>

<p>“Since there are several substantive revisions of the original texts, making them thereby different books, we find it difficult to claim that these are the books we produced and to associate our names with them,” the academicians added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>The signatories of the letter include notable figures such as Pratap Bhanu Mehta, former vice-chancellor of Ashoka University, Radhika Menon from Delhi University, Nivedita Menon from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kanti Prasad Bajpai, Vice-Dean of the National University Singapore, and Rajeev Bhargava, former professor at JNU.</p>

<p>Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar had previously written to NCERT, accusing the rationalisation exercise of mutilating the textbooks beyond recognition and rendering them academically dysfunctional.</p>

<p>The controversy surrounding the removal of various topics from the syllabus in 2022, including references to the theory of evolution, the Cold War, the industrial revolution, the 2002 Gujarat riots, the contribution of agriculture to the Indian economy, the Mughal courts, and challenges to democracy, further fueled their concerns.</p>

<p>In response, NCERT stated that the council has the right to make changes based on copyright ownership and rejected the possibility of any member withdrawing their association. NCERT clarified that textbook development committees were dissolved once the textbooks were published, and the copyright remained with NCERT, independent of the committee.</p>

<p>The 33 academicians sought clarification on the issue of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), accepting that NCERT has the IPR on the textbooks. However, they argued that while NCERT could publish the original texts as many times as it wished, it was not at liberty to make substantive changes, minor or major, and still attribute the revised texts to the same contributors and chief advisors.</p>

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A group of 33 academicians, who were part of the development committee of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, have expressed concerns about the significant changes made to the original texts.

A group of 33 academicians, who were part of the development committee of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, have expressed concerns about the significant changes made to the original texts. They have requested the council to remove their names from the current textbooks. This request follows the recent dissociation of two former NCERT advisors, Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar, from the revised political science textbooks. Also Read | Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88 In a letter addressed to the NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, the 33 political scientists, who were members of the textbook development committee in 2006-07, expressed dissatisfaction with the recent rationalisation exercise conducted by NCERT. They stated that these changes have undermined their collective effort and raised concerns about the lack of transparency and academic contestation in the decision-making process. “NCERT is now making changes to the textbooks. These involve deletions of sentences and removal of some sections (even chapters) considered unacceptable with emphasis given to others considered desirable. The decision of who decides what is unacceptable and what is desirable has been kept rather opaque, violating the core principles of transparency and contestation that, we believe, underlies academic knowledge production.” read the letter. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters The academicians found it difficult to associate their names with the revised textbooks, as the substantive revisions have allegedly transformed them into different books. They emphasised that these revisions have “jeopardised their creative collective effort” of the original texts, making it challenging for them to claim ownership of the revised versions. “Since there are several substantive revisions of the original texts, making them thereby different books, we find it difficult to claim that these are the books we produced and to associate our names with them,” the academicians added. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × The signatories of the letter include notable figures such as Pratap Bhanu Mehta, former vice-chancellor of Ashoka University, Radhika Menon from Delhi University, Nivedita Menon from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kanti Prasad Bajpai, Vice-Dean of the National University Singapore, and Rajeev Bhargava, former professor at JNU. Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar had previously written to NCERT, accusing the rationalisation exercise of mutilating the textbooks beyond recognition and rendering them academically dysfunctional. The controversy surrounding the removal of various topics from the syllabus in 2022, including references to the theory of evolution, the Cold War, the industrial revolution, the 2002 Gujarat riots, the contribution of agriculture to the Indian economy, the Mughal courts, and challenges to democracy, further fueled their concerns. In response, NCERT stated that the council has the right to make changes based on copyright ownership and rejected the possibility of any member withdrawing their association. NCERT clarified that textbook development committees were dissolved once the textbooks were published, and the copyright remained with NCERT, independent of the committee. The 33 academicians sought clarification on the issue of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), accepting that NCERT has the IPR on the textbooks. However, they argued that while NCERT could publish the original texts as many times as it wished, it was not at liberty to make substantive changes, minor or major, and still attribute the revised texts to the same contributors and chief advisors. 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: 33 academicians demand removal of names from 'rationalised' NCERT textbooks

<p>The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) concluded in New Orleans with the expulsion of two churches that have female pastors.&nbsp;The decision came&nbsp;at the&nbsp;annual convention&nbsp;after a contentious clash between the ultraconservative wing of the SBC and those seeking to reverse what they perceive as a liberal shift within the denomination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The churches that were expelled in February are the Saddleback Church in Southern California, one of the largest within the SBC, and the Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;Both churches were given the opportunity to appeal the decision at the convention, which ended on Wednesday. However, the churches failed to sway the more than 10,000 delegates in their favour.</p>

<h2><strong>Overwhelming rejection of appeals</strong></h2>

<p>Leaders from the two expelled churches passionately pleaded their cases to the delegates, but their appeals were resoundingly rejected.&nbsp;The vote results showed that more than 90 per cent of the delegates voted in favour of Fern Creek's expulsion, while almost as many voted to confirm the removal of Saddleback, which was founded by prominent preacher Rick Warren.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a></p>

<p>Another church in Florida, accused of non-cooperation in a sexual abuse investigation, also faced expulsion and received affirmation from the delegates.</p>

<h2><strong>Proposal to ban women from leadership roles</strong></h2>

<p>During the convention, delegates also voted on a proposal to amend the SBC constitution, aiming to more clearly and strictly prohibit women from holding leadership roles within the denomination. The vote on this proposal was scheduled to take place on the final day of the convention.</p>

<h2><strong>Emotional appeals from ousted church leaders</strong></h2>

<p>Linda Barnes Popham, the pastor of Fern Creek Baptist Church, spoke about her lifelong dedication to Jesus and her church's commitment to sharing the gospel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a></p>

<p>Rick Warren, the founder of Saddleback Church, emphasised the denomination's history of "agreed to disagree" on various doctrines and urged delegates to act like Southern Baptists who focus on a common mission.&nbsp;However, the&nbsp;appeals fell on deaf ears, and the delegates voted to uphold the expulsions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead</strong></p>

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<p>While the principle that the office of pastor should be limited to men has been embedded in various Southern Baptist statements, the SBC has traditionally respected the autonomy of individual churches to make their own leadership decisions.</p>

<p>However, a rising conservative faction within the denomination has been advocating for stricter enforcement of this principle, viewing the acceptance of female pastors as a threat to the denomination's theological and ideological purity.</p>

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The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) concluded in New Orleans with the expulsion of two churches that have female pastors. The decision came at the annual convention after a contentious clash between the ultraconservative wing of the SBC and those seeking to reverse what they perceive as a liberal shift within the denomination.

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) concluded in New Orleans with the expulsion of two churches that have female pastors. The decision came at the annual convention after a contentious clash between the ultraconservative wing of the SBC and those seeking to reverse what they perceive as a liberal shift within the denomination. The churches that were expelled in February are the Saddleback Church in Southern California, one of the largest within the SBC, and the Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Both churches were given the opportunity to appeal the decision at the convention, which ended on Wednesday. However, the churches failed to sway the more than 10,000 delegates in their favour. Overwhelming rejection of appeals Leaders from the two expelled churches passionately pleaded their cases to the delegates, but their appeals were resoundingly rejected. The vote results showed that more than 90 per cent of the delegates voted in favour of Fern Creek's expulsion, while almost as many voted to confirm the removal of Saddleback, which was founded by prominent preacher Rick Warren. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security Another church in Florida, accused of non-cooperation in a sexual abuse investigation, also faced expulsion and received affirmation from the delegates. Proposal to ban women from leadership roles During the convention, delegates also voted on a proposal to amend the SBC constitution, aiming to more clearly and strictly prohibit women from holding leadership roles within the denomination. The vote on this proposal was scheduled to take place on the final day of the convention. Emotional appeals from ousted church leaders Linda Barnes Popham, the pastor of Fern Creek Baptist Church, spoke about her lifelong dedication to Jesus and her church's commitment to sharing the gospel. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display Rick Warren, the founder of Saddleback Church, emphasised the denomination's history of "agreed to disagree" on various doctrines and urged delegates to act like Southern Baptists who focus on a common mission. However, the appeals fell on deaf ears, and the delegates voted to uphold the expulsions. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × While the principle that the office of pastor should be limited to men has been embedded in various Southern Baptist statements, the SBC has traditionally respected the autonomy of individual churches to make their own leadership decisions. However, a rising conservative faction within the denomination has been advocating for stricter enforcement of this principle, viewing the acceptance of female pastors as a threat to the denomination's theological and ideological purity. 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. ×

US: Southern Baptists expel two churches led by female pastors despite fervent appeals

<p>Canadian authorities, in a recent development, have decided against the immediate deportation of Indian students who were ensnared in an alleged immigration scam, wherein they arrived in the country with fraudulent university admission letters, as per media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Canada's immigration minister Sean Fraser on Wednesday said that a task force has been established to thoroughly investigate each case.&nbsp;The primary objective is to distinguish between genuine students and those who tried to game the system and carried out this fraud. Those found to be complicit in the scam will face legal prosecution under Canadian law, the immigration minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a></p>

<p>"Only those candidates found genuine or victims of fraud will be allowed to stay in Canada. But those found to be guilty will be prosecuted under Canadian law," he said as quoted by media portals.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Ma déclaration concernant la situation à laquelle sont confrontés les étudiants internationaux ayant reçu des lettres d'acceptation frauduleuses: <a href="https://t.co/nbNw3yAcma">https://t.co/nbNw3yAcma</a>. Votre bien-être reste notre priorité, et on prend des mesures pour résoudre ce problème. Sommaire ci-dessous.</p>
— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanFraserMP/status/1669041098465898497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Temporary suspension of deportation</strong></h2>

<p>The Canadian government last week temporarily halted the deportation of these students following protests against their forced repatriation. However, the future course of action and the duration of this relief were not immediately clarified.</p>

<h2><strong>Scam background</strong></h2>

<p>The Canada Border Services Agency recently issued deportation notices to approximately 700 Indian students, primarily from Punjab, after discovering that their admission letters to Canadian universities were counterfeit.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a></p>

<p>While most of these students arrived in Canada in 2018, the issue of fake letters only came to light five years later when they applied for permanent residency.</p>

<h2><strong>Government stance, international support</strong></h2>

<p>This issue garnered attention in the Canadian parliament, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasising the need to identify the culprits rather than penalise the victims. Trudeau expressed support for the victims, stating that they would have an opportunity to present evidence in their defence. He also acknowledged the substantial contributions made by international students to the country.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead</strong></p>

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<p>"Victims of this fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate and present evidence for their case. We recognise the immense contributions that the international students bring to our country," Trudeau had said at the time.</p>

<p>Furthermore, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar previously stated that the Indian government raised the matter with Canadian authorities. It was agreed upon that it would be unfair to deport the students if they were innocent parties in the scam.</p>

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Canadian authorities, in a recent development, have decided against the immediate deportation of Indian students who were ensnared in an alleged immigration scam, wherein they arrived in the country with fraudulent university admission letters, as per media reports.

Canadian authorities, in a recent development, have decided against the immediate deportation of Indian students who were ensnared in an alleged immigration scam, wherein they arrived in the country with fraudulent university admission letters, as per media reports. Canada's immigration minister Sean Fraser on Wednesday said that a task force has been established to thoroughly investigate each case. The primary objective is to distinguish between genuine students and those who tried to game the system and carried out this fraud. Those found to be complicit in the scam will face legal prosecution under Canadian law, the immigration minister said. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security "Only those candidates found genuine or victims of fraud will be allowed to stay in Canada. But those found to be guilty will be prosecuted under Canadian law," he said as quoted by media portals. Ma déclaration concernant la situation à laquelle sont confrontés les étudiants internationaux ayant reçu des lettres d'acceptation frauduleuses: https://t.co/nbNw3yAcma. Votre bien-être reste notre priorité, et on prend des mesures pour résoudre ce problème. Sommaire ci-dessous. — Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 14, 2023 × Temporary suspension of deportation The Canadian government last week temporarily halted the deportation of these students following protests against their forced repatriation. However, the future course of action and the duration of this relief were not immediately clarified. Scam background The Canada Border Services Agency recently issued deportation notices to approximately 700 Indian students, primarily from Punjab, after discovering that their admission letters to Canadian universities were counterfeit. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display While most of these students arrived in Canada in 2018, the issue of fake letters only came to light five years later when they applied for permanent residency. Government stance, international support This issue garnered attention in the Canadian parliament, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasising the need to identify the culprits rather than penalise the victims. Trudeau expressed support for the victims, stating that they would have an opportunity to present evidence in their defence. He also acknowledged the substantial contributions made by international students to the country. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × "Victims of this fraud will have an opportunity to demonstrate and present evidence for their case. We recognise the immense contributions that the international students bring to our country," Trudeau had said at the time. Furthermore, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar previously stated that the Indian government raised the matter with Canadian authorities. It was agreed upon that it would be unfair to deport the students if they were innocent parties in the scam. 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. ×

Indian students not to be deported immediately, task force to investigate: Canadian minister

<p>A fire broke out at a coaching centre in the&nbsp;capital city&nbsp;of India, Delhi, on Thursday. It was reported in the northwest&nbsp; Mukherjee Nagar area, media reports said quoting Delhi Fire Service officials. However, there have been no major injuries reported, the officials said.&nbsp;At about 12:27 pm on Thursday, a call was made to report the blaze. Director of Delhi Fire Service Atul Garg said as many as 11 fire tenders were deployed at the fire scene to contain the blaze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fire breaks out at a building near Batra Cinema in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar. Several fire tenders are at the spot and the operation to rescue those inside the building is currently underway," PTI news agency said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals of coaching institute in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar where the fire broke out earlier today. Some students rappelled down the building. A rescue operation is currently underway. <a href="https://t.co/avsFyo2vLx">pic.twitter.com/avsFyo2vLx</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1669261483199307776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The footage of the coaching institute in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar is circulating&nbsp;on social media. As per reports, several students rappelled down the building. A rescue operation is currently underway.</p>

<p>“We have learnt that the fire broke out in an (electricity) metre in the building and its smoke led the students of a coaching centre to panic and escape through the windows. Some of the students were injured and shifted to the hospital. However, no major injuries have been reported so far,” Delhi Police DCP Suman Nalwa said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protests over fire in Delhi&nbsp;coaching centre</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Following the blaze at the Delhi coaching centre, students of various coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar staged a protest. The students in rage over the incident also blocked the road.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Students of various coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar, stage protest and block the road after a fire broke out in a building of coaching centres, earlier today <a href="https://t.co/SrjDb2DyRr">pic.twitter.com/SrjDb2DyRr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1669343739817656323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to officials, a fire broke out in a three-storey building that houses the Sanskriti IAS centre and various commercial offices. At least 22 students were injured in the incident, media reports said citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fire started on the ground floor, where the main electricity board is located, and initial investigations suggest that it was caused by a short circuit. The smoke then spread to the upper floors of the building.</p>

<p>A student at the centre Said Aman who witnessed the blaze breaking out at the coaching centre said, “When I saw thick smoke billowing from the building, I and a few other students went inside the centre… we helped a few students get out by breaking window grills with a hammer and climbing down using ropes that a few of us had arranged from local shops.”</p>

<p>Another student Pawan claimed that he was able to rescue at least five students who were stuck in the blaze. He added, “We could not see anything due to the thick black smoke and had trouble breathing. However, before firefighters arrived, we somehow arranged ropes, water bottles and blankets so students could escape safely.”</p>

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A fire broke out at a coaching centre in the capital city of India, Delhi, on Thursday. It was reported in the northwest Mukherjee Nagar area, media reports said quoting Delhi Fire Service officials.

A fire broke out at a coaching centre in the capital city of India, Delhi, on Thursday. It was reported in the northwest Mukherjee Nagar area, media reports said quoting Delhi Fire Service officials. However, there have been no major injuries reported, the officials said. At about 12:27 pm on Thursday, a call was made to report the blaze. Director of Delhi Fire Service Atul Garg said as many as 11 fire tenders were deployed at the fire scene to contain the blaze. "Fire breaks out at a building near Batra Cinema in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar. Several fire tenders are at the spot and the operation to rescue those inside the building is currently underway," PTI news agency said. Visuals of coaching institute in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar where the fire broke out earlier today. Some students rappelled down the building. A rescue operation is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/avsFyo2vLx — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 15, 2023 × The footage of the coaching institute in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar is circulating on social media. As per reports, several students rappelled down the building. A rescue operation is currently underway. “We have learnt that the fire broke out in an (electricity) metre in the building and its smoke led the students of a coaching centre to panic and escape through the windows. Some of the students were injured and shifted to the hospital. However, no major injuries have been reported so far,” Delhi Police DCP Suman Nalwa said. Protests over fire in Delhi coaching centre Following the blaze at the Delhi coaching centre, students of various coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar staged a protest. The students in rage over the incident also blocked the road. #WATCH | Delhi: Students of various coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar, stage protest and block the road after a fire broke out in a building of coaching centres, earlier today pic.twitter.com/SrjDb2DyRr — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 × According to officials, a fire broke out in a three-storey building that houses the Sanskriti IAS centre and various commercial offices. At least 22 students were injured in the incident, media reports said citing sources. The fire started on the ground floor, where the main electricity board is located, and initial investigations suggest that it was caused by a short circuit. The smoke then spread to the upper floors of the building. A student at the centre Said Aman who witnessed the blaze breaking out at the coaching centre said, “When I saw thick smoke billowing from the building, I and a few other students went inside the centre… we helped a few students get out by breaking window grills with a hammer and climbing down using ropes that a few of us had arranged from local shops.” Another student Pawan claimed that he was able to rescue at least five students who were stuck in the blaze. He added, “We could not see anything due to the thick black smoke and had trouble breathing. However, before firefighters arrived, we somehow arranged ropes, water bottles and blankets so students could escape safely.” 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 | Fire breaks out at Delhi coaching centre, students jump out of window

<p>In what can be termed a gory act against humanity, a former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Cedric Lodge, has been accused of stealing and then selling&nbsp;human body parts, as per reports. He has been indicted on charges of stealing, selling, and shipping human body parts, according to media reports citing recent court filings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 55-year-old allegedly took dissected portions of donated cadavers, including heads, brains, skin, bones, and other remains, without the school's knowledge or permission. Lodge is said to have transported these stolen body parts from the Massachusetts morgue to his residence in New Hampshire.</p>

<h2><strong>Lodge's wife involved in conspiracy&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

<p>Cedric Lodge's wife, 63-year-old Denise, is also implicated in the case, accused of conspiring with him. The indictment reveals that human remains were sold to individuals such as 44-year-old Katrina Maclean, 46-year-old Joshua Taylor, and 52-year-old Matthew Lampi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two additional suspects, Jeremy Pauley and Candace Chapman Scott, have been identified in connection with the investigation. The indicted individuals face charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen body parts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roger-payne-biologist-who-discovered-whales-could-sing-passes-away-at-88-604714">Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88</a></p>

<p>Katrina Maclean allegedly sold the stolen body parts through her store called Kat's Creepy Creations located in Peabody, Massachusetts.&nbsp;The case has shocked authorities, with US Attorney Gerard M. Karam stating that the theft and trafficking of humans remain to undermine the very essence of humanity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He emphasized the betrayal suffered by the generous donors who intended their bodies to be used for medical education and scientific advancement.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a></p>

<p>“The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims," he said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Employment terminated&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Harvard Medical School terminated Cedric Lodge's employment on 6 May. University officials expressed their dismay and vowed to support the affected donors' families during this distressing time. The incident has been described as a betrayal of the institution's commitment to healing and serving others.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>Harvard Medical School deans George Daley and Edward Hundert in a joint letter directed to the community wrote, “The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research."</p>

<p>“We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors’ families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time,” they added.</p>

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In what can be termed a gory act against humanity, a former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Cedric Lodge, has been accused of stealing and then selling human body parts, as per reports.

In what can be termed a gory act against humanity, a former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Cedric Lodge, has been accused of stealing and then selling human body parts, as per reports. He has been indicted on charges of stealing, selling, and shipping human body parts, according to media reports citing recent court filings. The 55-year-old allegedly took dissected portions of donated cadavers, including heads, brains, skin, bones, and other remains, without the school's knowledge or permission. Lodge is said to have transported these stolen body parts from the Massachusetts morgue to his residence in New Hampshire. Lodge's wife involved in conspiracy Cedric Lodge's wife, 63-year-old Denise, is also implicated in the case, accused of conspiring with him. The indictment reveals that human remains were sold to individuals such as 44-year-old Katrina Maclean, 46-year-old Joshua Taylor, and 52-year-old Matthew Lampi. Two additional suspects, Jeremy Pauley and Candace Chapman Scott, have been identified in connection with the investigation. The indicted individuals face charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen body parts. Also Read | Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88 Katrina Maclean allegedly sold the stolen body parts through her store called Kat's Creepy Creations located in Peabody, Massachusetts. The case has shocked authorities, with US Attorney Gerard M. Karam stating that the theft and trafficking of humans remain to undermine the very essence of humanity. He emphasized the betrayal suffered by the generous donors who intended their bodies to be used for medical education and scientific advancement. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters “The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims," he said in a statement. Employment terminated Harvard Medical School terminated Cedric Lodge's employment on 6 May. University officials expressed their dismay and vowed to support the affected donors' families during this distressing time. The incident has been described as a betrayal of the institution's commitment to healing and serving others. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × Harvard Medical School deans George Daley and Edward Hundert in a joint letter directed to the community wrote, “The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research." “We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors’ families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time,” they added. 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. ×

Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains

<p>India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said. India’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The defence ministry's initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the U.S. next week.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roger-payne-biologist-who-discovered-whales-could-sing-passes-away-at-88-604714">Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88</a></p>

<p>According to the two sources, Indian defence ministry’s apex body for capital procurement met on Thursday to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when Modi meets U.S. President Joe Biden next week.</p>

<p>Biden has made deepening defence ties with India a priority to counter China’s growing dominance, and has offered to collaborate on military technology even though the two countries lack a formal security alliance.</p>

<p>The ministry's “Acceptance of Necessity” is the first step in the procurement process, which now needs clearance from Modi's cabinet.</p>

<p>The U.S. government approved the sale of 30 drones to India more than two years ago, but the Indian defence ministry had been sitting on the decision.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a></p>

<p>However, once dates for Modi’s four-day U.S. visit starting June 21 were finalised, the Biden administration started nudging India to show progress on the deal.</p>

<p>The drones will predominantly be used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region. Both of India’s traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along India’s land borders.</p>

<p>The Indian navy has leased two MQ-9B unarmed drones since November 2020 for surveillance.</p>

<p>U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan finished his two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, meeting his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Modi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news</strong></p>

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<p>A week earlier American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had spent two days in Delhi and announced a joint roadmap for defence industry cooperation, providing a boost to India’s ambitions of manufacturing more weapons within the country.</p>

<p>The U.S. has been trying to wean India away from its traditional arms dependence on Russia, its largest exporter of weapons for decades.</p>

<p>The Biden administration is also poised to approve manufacturing of General Electric’s engines in India for the country’s domestically produced fighter jets, which will also be announced during Modi's visit.</p>

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India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said.

India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said. India’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The defence ministry's initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the U.S. next week. Also Read | Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88 According to the two sources, Indian defence ministry’s apex body for capital procurement met on Thursday to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when Modi meets U.S. President Joe Biden next week. Biden has made deepening defence ties with India a priority to counter China’s growing dominance, and has offered to collaborate on military technology even though the two countries lack a formal security alliance. The ministry's “Acceptance of Necessity” is the first step in the procurement process, which now needs clearance from Modi's cabinet. The U.S. government approved the sale of 30 drones to India more than two years ago, but the Indian defence ministry had been sitting on the decision. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters However, once dates for Modi’s four-day U.S. visit starting June 21 were finalised, the Biden administration started nudging India to show progress on the deal. The drones will predominantly be used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region. Both of India’s traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along India’s land borders. The Indian navy has leased two MQ-9B unarmed drones since November 2020 for surveillance. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan finished his two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, meeting his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Modi. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × A week earlier American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had spent two days in Delhi and announced a joint roadmap for defence industry cooperation, providing a boost to India’s ambitions of manufacturing more weapons within the country. The U.S. has been trying to wean India away from its traditional arms dependence on Russia, its largest exporter of weapons for decades. The Biden administration is also poised to approve manufacturing of General Electric’s engines in India for the country’s domestically produced fighter jets, which will also be announced during Modi's visit. 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 approves $3 billion deal to procure US predator drones: Report

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