A Ukrainian&nbsp;soldier&nbsp;was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday.

The Ukrainian&nbsp;army&nbsp;has been locked in simmering trench conflict with breakaway fighters in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula.

The military said in a Facebook post that separatists had fired on its troops with mortars and anti-tank weapons from near their administrative centre of Donetsk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-its-time-to-make-russia-pull-back-from-ukraine-says-foreign-minister-dmytro-kuleba-392238">Now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba</a>

"As a result of the&nbsp;shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman received a fatal shrapnel wound," the Ukrainian military's statement said.

It added that Ukrainian troops had returned fire and also accused separatists of near daily violations of a ceasefire brokered last year that has been left in tatters.

After an uptick in violence in the beginning of the year, Russia in April amassed 100,000 troops on&nbsp;Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Moscow soon announced a pullback, but both Washington and Kiev say that the withdrawal has been limited.

The war has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow has denied.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday.

A Ukrainian soldier was killed in the conflict-ridden east of the country in a mortar and grenade attack launched from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, the military said Saturday. The Ukrainian army has been locked in simmering trench conflict with breakaway fighters in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula. The military said in a Facebook post that separatists had fired on its troops with mortars and anti-tank weapons from near their administrative centre of Donetsk. Also read | Now it's time to make Russia pull back from Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba "As a result of the shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman received a fatal shrapnel wound," the Ukrainian military's statement said. It added that Ukrainian troops had returned fire and also accused separatists of near daily violations of a ceasefire brokered last year that has been left in tatters. After an uptick in violence in the beginning of the year, Russia in April amassed 100,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, raising fears of a major escalation in the long-running conflict. Moscow soon announced a pullback, but both Washington and Kiev say that the withdrawal has been limited. The war has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, which Moscow has denied.

Ukraine army says soldier killed in separatist shelling

A mammoth trek across southern China by a herd of elephants that has captivated the world with their playful antics has thrown a spotlight on the loss of their habitat and conservation challenges.

The lumbering mammals have journeyed around 500 kilometres&nbsp;(310 miles) from their home in one of the longest animal migrations of its kind recorded in China.

Scientists are still baffled by what prompted the elephants to leave their home at the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, bordering Laos.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-15-asian-elephants-on-the-loose-in-china-390461/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since setting off in spring last year they have pilfered shops and trampled crops worth over $1 million, and thousands of residents have been evacuated from their path.

"For some reason these elephants felt that their traditional home range was no longer suitable... and then&nbsp;they just left to find somewhere else," Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, an&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;specialist at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, told AFP.

"But they didn't have a destination in mind. They are just moving around trying to find a place that will work for them."

Officials have been tracking the wandering herd with drones round the clock, worried they might go on a rampage if they are stressed.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-sleepers-elephants-on-epic-trek-take-a-nap-390422">Heavy sleepers: Elephants on epic trek take a nap</a>

Elephants rely on infrasonic sound;&nbsp;the vibration of their feet, to communicate but in towns, they can be easily confused due to vehicle noises.

"What has surprised me the most is that these elephants are very healthy and look very happy despite roaming in densely populated, unfamiliar areas," Campos-Arceiz said.

"These elephants are very playful, which tells me that they are fine," he added.

Forest destructionForests in far southwest Yunnan province where the elephants came from are rapidly giving way to rubber and tea plantations, and herds have become marooned in disconnected preserves.&nbsp;

China is one of the few places in the world where the population of the endangered Asian&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;is increasing, due to strict anti-poaching laws and conservation efforts.

The country's wild&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;numbers have doubled to over 300 animals in the past three decades.

But their habitats have shrunk by nearly two-thirds over the same period, said Zhang Li, a professor of ecology at Beijing Normal University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-why-did-a-herd-of-elephants-recently-travel-500-kms-in-china-389003">Watch: Why did a herd of elephants recently travel 500 kms in China?</a>

Habitat fragmentation, with hydropower plants and highways blocking old migration paths, makes it difficult to find mates and socialise.&nbsp;

Electric fences built to safeguard villagers also risk injuring wandering animals.

Forest destruction has led to a surge in conflicts between elephants and villagers in the region in recent years.&nbsp;

From 2013 to 2019, more than 70 people have been trampled to death and dozens injured by marauding elephants in Yunnan, data from the local wildlife office shows.

Mammoth task&nbsp;

Scientists are unsure whether a changing landscape was the prompt for the herd's migration, which has made them famous online and drawn international media to follow the march.

Fans have cooed over videos showing a matriarch saving a calf from a gutter and one where elephants line up in a courtyard to drink water with one successfully turning on a tap with its trunk.

State TV launched a 24/7 live&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;video stream to follow the movements of the 15 animals, which includes two calves born on the road.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-poetic-justice-elephants-on-the-loose-in-china-389309/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But with the elephants showing no sign of returning home or settling down in a new place, attempts by wildlife officials to direct them could be risky, experts warn.

Using truckloads of pineapple and sugarcane to bait them could irreversibly domesticate the herd.&nbsp;

"It's like getting a child used to eating sugar," said Wang Hongxin from Beijing Normal University.

During his surveys of&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;habitats in Yunnan, Wang has seen how "elephant&nbsp;canteens" planted with corn, bamboo and wild bananas to dissuade the beasts from pilfering fields have changed their diet, making them more prone to disease.&nbsp;

"The current march spotlights the threats facing Asian elephants," he added, warning conflicts would rise if habitat size is further reduced.

"Humans must retreat and let land return to the wild."

A mammoth trek across southern China by a herd of elephants that has captivated the world with their playful antics has thrown a spotlight on the loss of their habitat and conservation challenges.

A mammoth trek across southern China by a herd of elephants that has captivated the world with their playful antics has thrown a spotlight on the loss of their habitat and conservation challenges. The lumbering mammals have journeyed around 500 kilometres (310 miles) from their home in one of the longest animal migrations of its kind recorded in China. Scientists are still baffled by what prompted the elephants to leave their home at the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, bordering Laos. Since setting off in spring last year they have pilfered shops and trampled crops worth over $1 million, and thousands of residents have been evacuated from their path. "For some reason these elephants felt that their traditional home range was no longer suitable... and then they just left to find somewhere else," Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, an elephant specialist at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, told AFP. "But they didn't have a destination in mind. They are just moving around trying to find a place that will work for them." Officials have been tracking the wandering herd with drones round the clock, worried they might go on a rampage if they are stressed. Also read | Heavy sleepers: Elephants on epic trek take a nap Elephants rely on infrasonic sound; the vibration of their feet, to communicate but in towns, they can be easily confused due to vehicle noises. "What has surprised me the most is that these elephants are very healthy and look very happy despite roaming in densely populated, unfamiliar areas," Campos-Arceiz said. "These elephants are very playful, which tells me that they are fine," he added. Forest destructionForests in far southwest Yunnan province where the elephants came from are rapidly giving way to rubber and tea plantations, and herds have become marooned in disconnected preserves. China is one of the few places in the world where the population of the endangered Asian elephant is increasing, due to strict anti-poaching laws and conservation efforts. The country's wild elephant numbers have doubled to over 300 animals in the past three decades. But their habitats have shrunk by nearly two-thirds over the same period, said Zhang Li, a professor of ecology at Beijing Normal University. Also read | Watch: Why did a herd of elephants recently travel 500 kms in China? Habitat fragmentation, with hydropower plants and highways blocking old migration paths, makes it difficult to find mates and socialise. Electric fences built to safeguard villagers also risk injuring wandering animals. Forest destruction has led to a surge in conflicts between elephants and villagers in the region in recent years. From 2013 to 2019, more than 70 people have been trampled to death and dozens injured by marauding elephants in Yunnan, data from the local wildlife office shows. Mammoth task Scientists are unsure whether a changing landscape was the prompt for the herd's migration, which has made them famous online and drawn international media to follow the march. Fans have cooed over videos showing a matriarch saving a calf from a gutter and one where elephants line up in a courtyard to drink water with one successfully turning on a tap with its trunk. State TV launched a 24/7 live elephant video stream to follow the movements of the 15 animals, which includes two calves born on the road. But with the elephants showing no sign of returning home or settling down in a new place, attempts by wildlife officials to direct them could be risky, experts warn. Using truckloads of pineapple and sugarcane to bait them could irreversibly domesticate the herd. "It's like getting a child used to eating sugar," said Wang Hongxin from Beijing Normal University. During his surveys of elephant habitats in Yunnan, Wang has seen how "elephant canteens" planted with corn, bamboo and wild bananas to dissuade the beasts from pilfering fields have changed their diet, making them more prone to disease. "The current march spotlights the threats facing Asian elephants," he added, warning conflicts would rise if habitat size is further reduced. "Humans must retreat and let land return to the wild."

March of the elephants: China's rogue herd spotlights habitat loss

About 5,000&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key&nbsp;northern&nbsp;city.

The Taliban briefly seized the&nbsp;city&nbsp;twice in recent years but have now captured the surrounding districts and a nearby border crossing with Tajikistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-makes-further-inroads-in-northern-afghanistan-seizes-border-port-with-tajikistan-393655">Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan</a>

"About 5,000 families have been&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;by the&nbsp;fighting," Ghulam Sakhi Rasouli, director of the Kunduz Refugees and Repatriation Department, told AFP.

He said up to 2,000 of those families had fled to Kabul and other provinces.

Many people took refuge in a school in the&nbsp;city&nbsp;and had been provided with food and other relief items, Kunduz provincial council member Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani said.

Video footage taken by AFP showed dozens of people, many of them women and children, sitting inside tents set up in a school compound.

"We are six families living together here for three days... you can see my children are sitting on the ground," Juma Khan, who fled with his family, told AFP.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-blames-pakistan-for-growing-unrest-394102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have still not received any help. A team came today to survey some families but after a few minutes they left," said Akhtar Mohammad, who has also taken refuge in the school.

Another 8,000 families have been&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;across the province of Kunduz following a month of sporadic clashes between the insurgents and government forces, Rasouli added.

He said authorities were unable to provide relief items to all the&nbsp;displaced&nbsp;families across the province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-peace-talks-should-go-on-unless-taliban-pull-out-abdullah-394131">Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah</a>

Kunduz&nbsp;city's public health director Ehsanullah Fazli said that since the&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;erupted more than a week ago, 29 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded.

Fighting&nbsp;has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;forces engaged in bloody battles.

On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-calls-on-afghans-to-decide-their-future-as-withdrawal-nears-end-394144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since early May, the Taliban have launched several major offensives targeting government forces across the rugged countryside and say they have seized nearly 90 of the country's more than 400 districts.

Many of their claims are disputed by the government and difficult to independently verify.

Violence surged after the US military began the withdrawal of its last remaining 2,500 troops from the country to meet the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war.

Peace talks between the two warring sides remain deadlocked in Qatar.

About 5,000 Afghan families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key northern city.

About 5,000 Afghan families have fled their homes in Kunduz after days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, officials said Saturday, with the insurgents continuing to surround the key northern city. The Taliban briefly seized the city twice in recent years but have now captured the surrounding districts and a nearby border crossing with Tajikistan. Also read | Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan "About 5,000 families have been displaced by the fighting," Ghulam Sakhi Rasouli, director of the Kunduz Refugees and Repatriation Department, told AFP. He said up to 2,000 of those families had fled to Kabul and other provinces. Many people took refuge in a school in the city and had been provided with food and other relief items, Kunduz provincial council member Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani said. Video footage taken by AFP showed dozens of people, many of them women and children, sitting inside tents set up in a school compound. "We are six families living together here for three days... you can see my children are sitting on the ground," Juma Khan, who fled with his family, told AFP. "We have still not received any help. A team came today to survey some families but after a few minutes they left," said Akhtar Mohammad, who has also taken refuge in the school. Another 8,000 families have been displaced across the province of Kunduz following a month of sporadic clashes between the insurgents and government forces, Rasouli added. He said authorities were unable to provide relief items to all the displaced families across the province. Also read | Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah Kunduz city's public health director Ehsanullah Fazli said that since the fighting erupted more than a week ago, 29 civilians have been killed and 225 wounded. Fighting has raged across Kunduz province for days, with the Taliban and Afghan forces engaged in bloody battles. On Tuesday the insurgents captured Shir Khan Bandar, Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan, in one of their most significant gains in recent months. Since early May, the Taliban have launched several major offensives targeting government forces across the rugged countryside and say they have seized nearly 90 of the country's more than 400 districts. Many of their claims are disputed by the government and difficult to independently verify. Violence surged after the US military began the withdrawal of its last remaining 2,500 troops from the country to meet the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war. Peace talks between the two warring sides remain deadlocked in Qatar.

Thousands displaced by fighting around northern Afghan city

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has resigned over uproar on revelations of him violating&nbsp;coronavirus restrictions by hugging and kissing his aide in office.

Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera still obtained apparently from a whistleblower showing him kissing the aide in his office on May 6.

The frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology.

"We owe it to people who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service.

Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers.

Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines.

The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team.&nbsp;

Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has resigned over uproar on revelations of him violating coronavirus restrictions by hugging and kissing his aide in office. Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera still obtained apparently from a whistleblower showing him kissing the aide in his office on May 6.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has resigned over uproar on revelations of him violating coronavirus restrictions by hugging and kissing his aide in office. Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera still obtained apparently from a whistleblower showing him kissing the aide in his office on May 6. The frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology. "We owe it to people who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service. Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers. Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines. The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team. Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigns after kissing aide in violation of Covid curbs he advocated

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well&nbsp;in the second round. The voter turnout for the second round has been low.

Macron's ruling party could not break into double figures nationwide while the National Rally (RN) of Le Pen could not realise its main ambition of winning the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region that includes Marseille and Nice, according to the estimates by polling organisations broadcast by French television.&nbsp;

The region was seen as Le Pen's best chance to bring credibility to her claims that her party is fit to be in power ahead of next year's presidential election.

An exit poll by IFOP showed the far-right winning 44.2% of the run-off vote in PACA compared to 55.8% for the mainstream conservatives. A second survey by Opinionway showed the far-right taking 45% of the vote compared to 55% for its rivals.

In another key battleground in Sunday's regional elections, the northern Hauts-de-France region, exit polls showed the centre-right ticket headed by conservative Xavier Bertrand, another contender for the 2022 presidential vote, headed for a comfortable victory over the far-right.

If the projections are confirmed, they will raise questions over how successful Le Pen's strategy of softening the image of her anti-immigration euro-sceptic party to try to eat into the traditional right's vote has been.

Even so, analysts say the apparent failure of Le Pen and her party to win in two of its strongholds should not be extrapolated on to next year's presidential election.

Voter turnout in the country's 13 regions was very low and voters typically have little affinity with their regional administrations that are responsible for promoting economic development, transport and high schools.

(With inputs from agencies)

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well in the second round.

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well in the second round. The voter turnout for the second round has been low. Macron's ruling party could not break into double figures nationwide while the National Rally (RN) of Le Pen could not realise its main ambition of winning the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region that includes Marseille and Nice, according to the estimates by polling organisations broadcast by French television. The region was seen as Le Pen's best chance to bring credibility to her claims that her party is fit to be in power ahead of next year's presidential election. An exit poll by IFOP showed the far-right winning 44.2% of the run-off vote in PACA compared to 55.8% for the mainstream conservatives. A second survey by Opinionway showed the far-right taking 45% of the vote compared to 55% for its rivals. In another key battleground in Sunday's regional elections, the northern Hauts-de-France region, exit polls showed the centre-right ticket headed by conservative Xavier Bertrand, another contender for the 2022 presidential vote, headed for a comfortable victory over the far-right. If the projections are confirmed, they will raise questions over how successful Le Pen's strategy of softening the image of her anti-immigration euro-sceptic party to try to eat into the traditional right's vote has been. Even so, analysts say the apparent failure of Le Pen and her party to win in two of its strongholds should not be extrapolated on to next year's presidential election. Voter turnout in the country's 13 regions was very low and voters typically have little affinity with their regional administrations that are responsible for promoting economic development, transport and high schools. (With inputs from agencies)

French far-right headed for defeat in regional vote, say exit polls

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting".

Zeman, who has often espoused views outside the mainstream, was responding to a question about the law Hungary passed earlier this month, which bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-adopts-child-sex-abuse-law-that-also-targets-lgbt-community-391725">Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community</a>

"If you undergo a sex-change operation you are basically committing a crime of self-harm," Zeman told CNN Prima. "Every surgery is a risk and these transgender people to me are disgusting."

The Hungarian law has been strongly criticised by opposition parties at home, rights groups and by many of Hungary's fellow European Union members. At an EU summit last week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungarian premier Viktor Orban to respect LGBT rights or leave the bloc.

More than half of the EU's 27 member states have opposed the law but so far the Czechs have not done so. Zeman said the condemnation amounted to meddling in a country's internal affairs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-confront-hungary-pm-over-lgbtq-law-393806">EU leaders confront Hungary PM over LGBTQ law</a>

Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. The president has also leaned toward Russia and China and criticized immigration from Muslim countries.

"Viktor Orbán says that he is not against homosexuals, but that he is against the manipulation not only of parents, but also of children in sex education," Zeman said. "I see no reason to disagree with him, because I am completely annoyed by the suffragettes, the Me Too movement and Prague Pride. "

Unless it rows back on the law, Hungary faces a legal challenge at the EU's highest court. Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Orban should also be subject to an as-yet untested procedure to cut EU funding for those who violate rules.

Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Christian values from what he sees as excessive Western liberalism. Before last week's summit he told reporters the law was aimed at guaranteeing parents' right to decide on their children's sexual education.

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting".

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting". Zeman, who has often espoused views outside the mainstream, was responding to a question about the law Hungary passed earlier this month, which bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change. Also read | Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community "If you undergo a sex-change operation you are basically committing a crime of self-harm," Zeman told CNN Prima. "Every surgery is a risk and these transgender people to me are disgusting." The Hungarian law has been strongly criticised by opposition parties at home, rights groups and by many of Hungary's fellow European Union members. At an EU summit last week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungarian premier Viktor Orban to respect LGBT rights or leave the bloc. More than half of the EU's 27 member states have opposed the law but so far the Czechs have not done so. Zeman said the condemnation amounted to meddling in a country's internal affairs. Also read | EU leaders confront Hungary PM over LGBTQ law Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. The president has also leaned toward Russia and China and criticized immigration from Muslim countries. "Viktor Orbán says that he is not against homosexuals, but that he is against the manipulation not only of parents, but also of children in sex education," Zeman said. "I see no reason to disagree with him, because I am completely annoyed by the suffragettes, the Me Too movement and Prague Pride. " Unless it rows back on the law, Hungary faces a legal challenge at the EU's highest court. Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Orban should also be subject to an as-yet untested procedure to cut EU funding for those who violate rules. Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Christian values from what he sees as excessive Western liberalism. Before last week's summit he told reporters the law was aimed at guaranteeing parents' right to decide on their children's sexual education.

Czech President Zeman calls transgender people 'disgusting'

Israel&nbsp;summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace".

A statement from the&nbsp;Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent&nbsp;of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-president-to-review-holocaust-bill-after-israeli-concern-31024">Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern</a>

"This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said.

The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned&nbsp;Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday.

Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989.

The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jews-slam-polish-pm-for-calling-wwii-restitution-a-win-for-hitler-220215">Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler</a>

The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and&nbsp;Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers.

In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and&nbsp;Israel.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said. Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace". A statement from the Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Also read | Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern "This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said. The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday. Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989. The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years. Also read | Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers. In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and Israel.

Israel summons Polish envoy over Holocaust property bill

A US journalist has alleged that he was punched, slapped and beaten by Myanmar security forces.

Nathan Maung, 44, is the editor-in-chief of the online news platform Kamayut Media, who was detained during a raid on March 9 and after spending over three months in detention he was deported to the US on June 15.

Maung alleges that he was kept in a blindfold for more than a week of interrogation and that a colleague Hanthar Nyein who is still in detention, along with many other people have been subjected to harsher torture methods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-leader-addresses-security-conference-in-moscow-394180">Myanmar's junta leader addresses security conference in Moscow</a>

Spokesmen of the Junta are yet to comment on Nathan Maung’s account. Muang’s account is similar to many others who have been detained by the Junta since its February 1 coup overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Earlier the junta had said that all of the detainees are being treated as per the law.

Speaking to Reuters, Nathan Maung said that, "The first three&nbsp;to&nbsp;four days were the worst," and that he was “punched and slapped&nbsp;several times”.

“No matter what I said, they just beat me. They used both their hands to slap my eardrums many times. They punched my cheekbones on&nbsp;both&nbsp;sides. They punched my shoulders. I was not allowed to stand up. My legs&nbsp;were swollen.&nbsp;I&nbsp;could not&nbsp;move anymore," he added.

Myanmar born Nathan Maung fled to the United States as a refugee in the 1990s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confident-in-its-impunity-the-myanmar-junta-ignores-diplomacy-393894">Confident in its impunity, the Myanmar junta ignores diplomacy</a>

As per his narrative, he was seized at Kamayut&nbsp;Media's office and from there he was taken for questioning about his publication, his role there and how it operates.

"They handcuffed my hands behind my back, tied my eyes with a cloth and covered&nbsp;that with another cloth," he said.

"They did not allow me to sleep for about three or four days.&nbsp;Nonstop interrogation.&nbsp;There was no time to sleep,".

Maung says that on the fourth day, after they discovered he was a US citizen, the beatings diminished, and "On the eighth day, a colonel came, he removed the cloth blindfolding me,".

Some 'experienced worse torture'

"Some people experienced worse torture than us. There was someone together with me in a room for two days. His body was covered in bruises and injuries. They put his handcuffed hands on the table and beat his hand.

"The bones were not broken, but he was badly injured and his skin was ripped off."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-on-sedition-charges-393182">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges</a>

Narrating this harrowing tale, Nathan Maung says that during his detention, he had met other people who had been mistreated much worse than him. He would hear people shouting, begging and screaming from other buildings.

The US embassy said that after his release Nathan Maung was met by US officials who assisted him and his family.

US remains concerned over the detention of another journalist, Danny Fenster, who has been in detention for more than a month and was only just allowed to speak to the US embassy last week for the first time.

According to the activist group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners since the February 1 coup, nearly 5,200 people remain incarcerated. It also says that since the beginning of the coup, at least 881 people have been killed by the security forces. The junta disputes the figure.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US journalist has alleged that he was punched, slapped and beaten by Myanmar security forces. Nathan Maung, 44, is the editor-in-chief of the online news platform Kamayut Media, who was detained during a raid on March 9 and after spending over three months in detention he was deported to the US on June 15.

A US journalist has alleged that he was punched, slapped and beaten by Myanmar security forces. Nathan Maung, 44, is the editor-in-chief of the online news platform Kamayut Media, who was detained during a raid on March 9 and after spending over three months in detention he was deported to the US on June 15. Maung alleges that he was kept in a blindfold for more than a week of interrogation and that a colleague Hanthar Nyein who is still in detention, along with many other people have been subjected to harsher torture methods. Also read | Myanmar's junta leader addresses security conference in Moscow Spokesmen of the Junta are yet to comment on Nathan Maung’s account. Muang’s account is similar to many others who have been detained by the Junta since its February 1 coup overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Earlier the junta had said that all of the detainees are being treated as per the law. Speaking to Reuters, Nathan Maung said that, "The first three to four days were the worst," and that he was “punched and slapped several times”. “No matter what I said, they just beat me. They used both their hands to slap my eardrums many times. They punched my cheekbones on both sides. They punched my shoulders. I was not allowed to stand up. My legs were swollen. I could not move anymore," he added. Myanmar born Nathan Maung fled to the United States as a refugee in the 1990s. Also read | Confident in its impunity, the Myanmar junta ignores diplomacy As per his narrative, he was seized at Kamayut Media's office and from there he was taken for questioning about his publication, his role there and how it operates. "They handcuffed my hands behind my back, tied my eyes with a cloth and covered that with another cloth," he said. "They did not allow me to sleep for about three or four days. Nonstop interrogation. There was no time to sleep,". Maung says that on the fourth day, after they discovered he was a US citizen, the beatings diminished, and "On the eighth day, a colonel came, he removed the cloth blindfolding me,". Some 'experienced worse torture' "Some people experienced worse torture than us. There was someone together with me in a room for two days. His body was covered in bruises and injuries. They put his handcuffed hands on the table and beat his hand. "The bones were not broken, but he was badly injured and his skin was ripped off." Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges Narrating this harrowing tale, Nathan Maung says that during his detention, he had met other people who had been mistreated much worse than him. He would hear people shouting, begging and screaming from other buildings. The US embassy said that after his release Nathan Maung was met by US officials who assisted him and his family. US remains concerned over the detention of another journalist, Danny Fenster, who has been in detention for more than a month and was only just allowed to speak to the US embassy last week for the first time. According to the activist group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners since the February 1 coup, nearly 5,200 people remain incarcerated. It also says that since the beginning of the coup, at least 881 people have been killed by the security forces. The junta disputes the figure. (With inputs from agencies)

Freed US editor tells horror stories of torture in Myanmar

A team of Israeli engineers and rescue specialists on Sunday reached the site of a Florida apartment building that partially collapsed three days ago, killing at least five people with 156 still missing.

Many members of the local Jewish community were among those affected by the tragedy in Surfside, near Miami Beach, and Israel had vowed to help with the agonizing search through the smoking mountain of debris.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-florida-building-collapse-climbs-to-five-394275">Death toll from Florida building collapse climbs to five</a>

The 12-story oceanfront Champlain Towers South pancaked in the middle of the night Thursday as residents slept. Surveillance video of the collapse showed it coming down in just a few seconds.

The rescue operation has been agonizingly slow and painstaking, and fears of a much higher death toll are climbing with each passing hour, though rescuers have stressed that there may yet be survivors trapped inside the rubble.

"This is one of the best, if not the best, and the most experienced rescue teams, Israeli rescue teams," Israeli diaspora affairs minister Nachman Shai said as the team arrived in Surfside early Sunday.

"They've been all over the world in many similar situations."

The Israeli specialists will join rescuers armed with heavy machinery and sniffer dogs who have been working around the clock since the building came down.

Earlier, Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz had vowed the team would "make every effort to help save human life, and to offer our support to the Jewish community and to our American friends."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/makeshift-memorial-honors-missing-in-florida-building-tragedy-394278">Makeshift memorial honors missing in Florida building tragedy</a>

In Surfside, there are about 2,500 Jews. about half the town's population and many of them are members of the Hasidic Chabad-Lubavitch movement, according to the Israeli media, though locals say the numbers have grown since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic.</a>&nbsp;

A team from Mexico had also arrived, Surfside mayor Charles Burkett told ABC on Sunday, without giving more details.

"We don't have a resource problem," he said. "We have a luck problem. We need to get more lucky right now."

At least 18 Latin American nationals are among the missing, including Uruguayans, Argentines and Paraguayans. Canada has also said at least four of its citizens may be "affected," without elaborating.

Late Saturday, officials said they had been able to battle back a fire that for days had hampered their efforts, spreading acrid smoke throughout the site.

Families of the missing have expressed frustration and anger at the wait as concerns have grown about the building's condition before the collapse.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/florida-building-partially-collapses-emergency-search-underway-see-pics-393699">Florida building partially collapses; emergency search underway | See pics</a>

A study in the 1990s had shown land subsidence in the area, while an engineer's survey of the building in 2018 had pointed to "major structural damage" to a concrete slab beneath a ground-level pool deck, as well as "abundant" damage inside the parking garage.

Authorities have stressed that the reason for the collapse is not yet known, and could take months to determine.

US media have reported that one resident filed a class-action lawsuit against the building's owners seeking compensation for victims less than 24 hours after the tragedy.

A team of Israeli engineers and rescue specialists on Sunday reached the site of a Florida apartment building that partially collapsed three days ago, killing at least five people with 156 still missing.

A team of Israeli engineers and rescue specialists on Sunday reached the site of a Florida apartment building that partially collapsed three days ago, killing at least five people with 156 still missing. Many members of the local Jewish community were among those affected by the tragedy in Surfside, near Miami Beach, and Israel had vowed to help with the agonizing search through the smoking mountain of debris. Also read | Death toll from Florida building collapse climbs to five The 12-story oceanfront Champlain Towers South pancaked in the middle of the night Thursday as residents slept. Surveillance video of the collapse showed it coming down in just a few seconds. The rescue operation has been agonizingly slow and painstaking, and fears of a much higher death toll are climbing with each passing hour, though rescuers have stressed that there may yet be survivors trapped inside the rubble. "This is one of the best, if not the best, and the most experienced rescue teams, Israeli rescue teams," Israeli diaspora affairs minister Nachman Shai said as the team arrived in Surfside early Sunday. "They've been all over the world in many similar situations." The Israeli specialists will join rescuers armed with heavy machinery and sniffer dogs who have been working around the clock since the building came down. Earlier, Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz had vowed the team would "make every effort to help save human life, and to offer our support to the Jewish community and to our American friends." Also read | Makeshift memorial honors missing in Florida building tragedy In Surfside, there are about 2,500 Jews. about half the town's population and many of them are members of the Hasidic Chabad-Lubavitch movement, according to the Israeli media, though locals say the numbers have grown since the coronavirus pandemic. A team from Mexico had also arrived, Surfside mayor Charles Burkett told ABC on Sunday, without giving more details. "We don't have a resource problem," he said. "We have a luck problem. We need to get more lucky right now." At least 18 Latin American nationals are among the missing, including Uruguayans, Argentines and Paraguayans. Canada has also said at least four of its citizens may be "affected," without elaborating. Late Saturday, officials said they had been able to battle back a fire that for days had hampered their efforts, spreading acrid smoke throughout the site. Families of the missing have expressed frustration and anger at the wait as concerns have grown about the building's condition before the collapse. Also read | Florida building partially collapses; emergency search underway | See pics A study in the 1990s had shown land subsidence in the area, while an engineer's survey of the building in 2018 had pointed to "major structural damage" to a concrete slab beneath a ground-level pool deck, as well as "abundant" damage inside the parking garage. Authorities have stressed that the reason for the collapse is not yet known, and could take months to determine. US media have reported that one resident filed a class-action lawsuit against the building's owners seeking compensation for victims less than 24 hours after the tragedy.

Israeli rescuers reach Florida building collapse, 156 still missing

AstraZeneca&nbsp;and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Beta variant</a>, which first emerged in South Africa.

The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.

They include people who have been fully vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> with two doses of the original Oxford-AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine or an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer as well as those who have not got the jab at all.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-vaccine-to-be-tested-on-children-to-test-efficacy-363946">AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy</a>

The new vaccine, known as AZD2816, has been designed using the same base as the main&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant.

"Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic coronavirus, should their use be needed," said Andrew Pollard, chief investigator and director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;

Britain has had a successful vaccine roll out the programme, but experts do not know how long protection lasts.&nbsp;

"This study will provide vital evidence on whether further doses including 'tweaks' against new virus variants may be needed in the future," said Maheshi Ramasamy, Principal Investigator at the Oxford Vaccine Group.

Initial data from the trial is expected later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics</a>

Current vaccines are believed to be less effective against the Beta variant, although it is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which emerged in India, that is currently causing most concern.

Although the main vaccines are believed to be highly effective at preventing serious illness, the Delta variant's transmissible nature is leading to a spike in cases in some countries, including Britain.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland. They include people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses of the original Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer as well as those who have not got the jab at all. Also read | AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy The new vaccine, known as AZD2816, has been designed using the same base as the main AstraZeneca shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant. "Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic coronavirus, should their use be needed," said Andrew Pollard, chief investigator and director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford. Britain has had a successful vaccine roll out the programme, but experts do not know how long protection lasts. "This study will provide vital evidence on whether further doses including 'tweaks' against new virus variants may be needed in the future," said Maheshi Ramasamy, Principal Investigator at the Oxford Vaccine Group. Initial data from the trial is expected later this year. Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics Current vaccines are believed to be less effective against the Beta variant, although it is the Delta variant, which emerged in India, that is currently causing most concern. Although the main vaccines are believed to be highly effective at preventing serious illness, the Delta variant's transmissible nature is leading to a spike in cases in some countries, including Britain.

AstraZeneca tests booster jab against Covid variant

In what could prove to be dealbreaker for the United States, Iran has refused to&nbsp;hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)&nbsp;as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired. Presently, Tehran is&nbsp;in the midst of the 2015 JCPOA Nuclear deal revival talks with US and other world leaders, though the talks have been&nbsp;adjourned for consultations. According to US officials, Iran's&nbsp;failure to engage with IAEA&nbsp;would contradict Iran's stated desire&nbsp;to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.

In other news, Former US President Donald Trump while speaking at an event&nbsp;at Ohio's Lorain County Fairgrounds, once again aired his election woes. Five months after he left office, he revisited some of the false claims familiar from his fruitless challenges of President Joe Biden's election victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In today's newsletter, we also bring for you pictures of&nbsp;Pride month's celebrations worldwide.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-nuclear-site-images-wont-be-given-to-iaea-as-deal-has-expired-394257">Iran says nuclear site images won't be given to IAEA as deal has expired</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200118-mohammad-baqer-qalibaf-file-photo.jpg" />Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament said that, Tehran will never hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/secret-uk-defence-documents-found-at-a-bus-stop-in-kent-394292">Secret UK defence documents found at a bus stop in Kent</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200126-hms-defender.jpg" />Secret UK defence documents outlining&nbsp;the movement of the British warship that had led to Russia firing warning shots from the Crimean coast were found&nbsp;at a bus stop in England, UK says investigating.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-airs-old-election-grievances-at-campaign-style-rally-394254">Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200105-trump.jpg" />Former US president Donald Trump&nbsp;reprised his baseless election grievances and painted a dystopian picture of the country under Democratic control in his first campaign-style rally since leaving the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jj-to-stop-selling-opioids-in-us-reaches-usd-230-mn-settlement-394318">J&amp;J to stop selling opioids in US, reaches USD 230 mn settlement</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/06/153257-jnj-reu.jpg" />Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-drones-with-7000-km-range-says-irans-top-commander-394311">We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200135-hossein-salami.jpg" />In a development thatmay be seen by the USA as a threat to regional stability, Iranian state media quoted a top commander of the Revolutionary Guards as saying that the country has drones with a range of 7000 km (4,375 miles).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sisi-marks-first-iraq-visit-by-an-egyptian-leader-in-decades-394312">Sisi marks first Iraq visit by an Egyptian leader in decades</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200133-untitled-design-2021-06-27t182938375.jpg" />Marking the first visit by an Egyptian president to Iraq since the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Baghdad&nbsp;for Tripartite summit involving&nbsp;Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-nepalese-ambassador-to-china-highlights-importance-of-bri-for-nepal-394178">Former Nepalese ambassador to China highlights importance of BRI for Nepal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/19/145662-untitled-design-17.jpg" />Former Nepalese Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal&nbsp;said that Nepal rejects Indo-Pacific Strategy and highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal's foreign policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crowds-flee-dhaka-before-the-beginning-of-a-strict-lockdown-394250">Crowds flee Dhaka before the beginning of a strict lockdown</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/24/199715-covidvaccineindiapti.jpg" />

Starting from Monday,&nbsp;no one in Bangladesh will be allowed to leave their homes unless in an emergency, following this massive crowds in Dhaka have flocked to ferry terminals to&nbsp;try and get out of the city before a strict national lockdown comes into force.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-releases-video-of-zhurong-mars-rover-394304">China releases video of Zhurong Mars rover</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/27/200132-zhurong.jpg" />China's National Space Agency releases&nbsp;video of its Zhurong Mars rover which is part of the Tianwen-1 mission on Mars. It is China's first mission, which arrived in orbit around Mars in February this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-turn-out-for-pride-marches-all-across-the-globe-394272">IN PICS | Thousands turn out for Pride marches all across the globe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/06/27/200108-0009da797.jpg" />

Carrying rainbow flags and a range of placards, the&nbsp;march&nbsp;headed at various cities with people booming with enthusiasm.

In what could prove to be dealbreaker for the United States, Iran has refused to hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired.

In what could prove to be dealbreaker for the United States, Iran has refused to hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired. Presently, Tehran is in the midst of the 2015 JCPOA Nuclear deal revival talks with US and other world leaders, though the talks have been adjourned for consultations. According to US officials, Iran's failure to engage with IAEA would contradict Iran's stated desire to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. In other news, Former US President Donald Trump while speaking at an event at Ohio's Lorain County Fairgrounds, once again aired his election woes. Five months after he left office, he revisited some of the false claims familiar from his fruitless challenges of President Joe Biden's election victory. In today's newsletter, we also bring for you pictures of Pride month's celebrations worldwide. Click on headlines to read more Iran says nuclear site images won't be given to IAEA as deal has expired Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament said that, Tehran will never hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the UN nuclear watchdog as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired. Secret UK defence documents found at a bus stop in Kent Secret UK defence documents outlining the movement of the British warship that had led to Russia firing warning shots from the Crimean coast were found at a bus stop in England, UK says investigating. Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally Former US president Donald Trump reprised his baseless election grievances and painted a dystopian picture of the country under Democratic control in his first campaign-style rally since leaving the White House. J&J to stop selling opioids in US, reaches USD 230 mn settlement Pharma giant Johnson and Johnson, accused of fuelling the deadly US opioid crisis has reached a USD 230 million settlement with the state of New York. The company has confirmed that it will stop making or selling opioids in the US. We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander In a development thatmay be seen by the USA as a threat to regional stability, Iranian state media quoted a top commander of the Revolutionary Guards as saying that the country has drones with a range of 7000 km (4,375 miles). Sisi marks first Iraq visit by an Egyptian leader in decades Marking the first visit by an Egyptian president to Iraq since the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Baghdad for Tripartite summit involving Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. Former Nepalese ambassador to China highlights importance of BRI for Nepal Former Nepalese Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal said that Nepal rejects Indo-Pacific Strategy and highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal's foreign policy. Crowds flee Dhaka before the beginning of a strict lockdown Starting from Monday, no one in Bangladesh will be allowed to leave their homes unless in an emergency, following this massive crowds in Dhaka have flocked to ferry terminals to try and get out of the city before a strict national lockdown comes into force. China releases video of Zhurong Mars rover China's National Space Agency releases video of its Zhurong Mars rover which is part of the Tianwen-1 mission on Mars. It is China's first mission, which arrived in orbit around Mars in February this year. IN PICS | Thousands turn out for Pride marches all across the globe Carrying rainbow flags and a range of placards, the march headed at various cities with people booming with enthusiasm.

Top 10 world news: Iran refuses to share nuclear site images with IAEA, Trump revisits election woes & more

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaliwale said on Sunday that India views Nepal as a sovereign nation and Nepal will not find a better friend than PM Modi.&nbsp;

“The people of Nepal will not find better friend and well-wisher than PM Modi. Despite miscommunication at some level, relations with Nepal remains strong," said Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale at NIICE Global Conclave’s session “India-Nepal relation”.&nbsp;

He said that India has signed several agreements and accords with the intention of a very strong partnership with Nepal.&nbsp;

He believes the political parties and leaders in both countries need to strengthen and initiate proper dialogue.&nbsp;

“In the recent past, the structured dialogues between both the countries have not been functional. The BJP is keen to initiate this dialogue. The exchange of dialogues with Nepali political leaders will be effective,” Chauthaiwale added.&nbsp;

Outlining the long-standing relation between both the countries, he said, ”India and Nepal have equitable partnership and share mutual respect. India would like to work with Nepal on three levels: government to government, people to people and cultural relations”

Attacking the Indian opposition party, Chauthaiwale said, “Prime Minister Modi was the first Prime Minister to visit Nepal in a gap of two decades. Nepal was not given due attention during United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime even when Nepal was going through critical times. For, PM Modi, Nepal is a top priority and required steps will be taken to further strengthen the relation.”

"I simply wish that anti-India rhetoric by Nepal politicians do not hurt the relationship between two countries. India would like to continue partnering with Nepal by contributing on major projects,” he said while concluding his address.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, five former prime ministers of Nepal from different parties cautioned against alleged external influence of India in internal matters of Nepal.

Opposition parties have been consistently saying that India is backing PM KP Sharma Oli since he dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20 last year.&nbsp;

However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called it an internal matter, adding that it should be dealt by Nepal under its own domestic framework and democratic processes. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaliwale said on Sunday that India views Nepal as a sovereign nation and Nepal will not find a better friend than PM Modi.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaliwale said on Sunday that India views Nepal as a sovereign nation and Nepal will not find a better friend than PM Modi. “The people of Nepal will not find better friend and well-wisher than PM Modi. Despite miscommunication at some level, relations with Nepal remains strong," said Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale at NIICE Global Conclave’s session “India-Nepal relation”. He said that India has signed several agreements and accords with the intention of a very strong partnership with Nepal. He believes the political parties and leaders in both countries need to strengthen and initiate proper dialogue. “In the recent past, the structured dialogues between both the countries have not been functional. The BJP is keen to initiate this dialogue. The exchange of dialogues with Nepali political leaders will be effective,” Chauthaiwale added. Outlining the long-standing relation between both the countries, he said, ”India and Nepal have equitable partnership and share mutual respect. India would like to work with Nepal on three levels: government to government, people to people and cultural relations” Attacking the Indian opposition party, Chauthaiwale said, “Prime Minister Modi was the first Prime Minister to visit Nepal in a gap of two decades. Nepal was not given due attention during United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime even when Nepal was going through critical times. For, PM Modi, Nepal is a top priority and required steps will be taken to further strengthen the relation.” "I simply wish that anti-India rhetoric by Nepal politicians do not hurt the relationship between two countries. India would like to continue partnering with Nepal by contributing on major projects,” he said while concluding his address. Earlier this month, five former prime ministers of Nepal from different parties cautioned against alleged external influence of India in internal matters of Nepal. Opposition parties have been consistently saying that India is backing PM KP Sharma Oli since he dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20 last year. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called it an internal matter, adding that it should be dealt by Nepal under its own domestic framework and democratic processes.

No better friend than PM Modi for Nepal, says BJP's Chauthaiwale

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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