<p>Hundreds of thousands have lost jobs across sectors in 2023 as technology behemoths raced to cut costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The job cuts in the technology sector neared 90,000 in January 2023 and came down to 39,471 in February, 37,662 in March, 19,807 in April and 11,491 in the month of May so far, according to&nbsp;layoffs tracking platform Layoffs.fyi.</p>

<p>The platform&nbsp;showed that 695 tech companies have executed job cuts of around 198,000 employees so far in 2023. In 2022, over 1,000 tech companies laid off more than 161,000 employees. This indicates about a 19 per cent increase in the number of tech professionals who have lost their jobs in 2023 compared to the previous year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/thousands-lose-jobs-as-big-four-deloitte-ernst-young-kpmg-announce-job-cuts-one-after-another-584954">Thousands set to lose jobs as 'Big Four' announce job cuts one after another</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a Business Today report, in January 2023, nearly 100,000 tech employees were affected globally as technology-majors such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google contributed to a high number of job cuts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why such mass layoffs?</strong></h2>

<p>Companies have cited reasons such as over-hiring during the pandemic's Work-From-Home era and uncertain global macroeconomic conditions.</p>

<p>Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta eliminated thousands of positions across Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs, as part of the company's goal of "greater efficiency. Meta had a hiring-freeze through the first three months of 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | Gravitas: Tech layoffs: Is your job safe?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tech-layoffs-is-your-job-safe-557687/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Among the 'Big Four' financial consulting giants, Ernst &amp; Young executed 3,000 job cuts in the United States last month.</p>

<p>KPMG laid off close to 2 per cent of its US staff in February.</p>

<p>Accenture has announced it would cut 2.6 per cent of its global workforce over the next 18 months.</p>

<p>McKinsey's restructuring will reportedly reduce about 3 per cent of its workforce in 2023.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, global telecom carrier Vodafone has declared plans to reduce its workforce by 11,000 employees over the next three years. The company aims to streamline both its headquarters and local markets, seeking a more simplified operational structure.</p>

<p>Adding to the challenging environment, Microsoft has decided not to provide salary increases to its salaried employees, including senior leaders, this year.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Hundreds of thousands have lost jobs across sectors in 2023 as technology behemoths raced to cut costs. The job cuts in the technology sector neared 90,000 in January 2023 and came down to 39,471 in February, 37,662 in March, 19,807 in April and 11,491 in the month of May so far, according to layoffs tracking platform Layoffs.

Hundreds of thousands have lost jobs across sectors in 2023 as technology behemoths raced to cut costs. The job cuts in the technology sector neared 90,000 in January 2023 and came down to 39,471 in February, 37,662 in March, 19,807 in April and 11,491 in the month of May so far, according to layoffs tracking platform Layoffs.fyi. The platform showed that 695 tech companies have executed job cuts of around 198,000 employees so far in 2023. In 2022, over 1,000 tech companies laid off more than 161,000 employees. This indicates about a 19 per cent increase in the number of tech professionals who have lost their jobs in 2023 compared to the previous year. ALSO READ | Thousands set to lose jobs as 'Big Four' announce job cuts one after another According to a Business Today report, in January 2023, nearly 100,000 tech employees were affected globally as technology-majors such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google contributed to a high number of job cuts. Why such mass layoffs? Companies have cited reasons such as over-hiring during the pandemic's Work-From-Home era and uncertain global macroeconomic conditions. Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta eliminated thousands of positions across Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Reality Labs, as part of the company's goal of "greater efficiency. Meta had a hiring-freeze through the first three months of 2023. ALSO READ | Gravitas: Tech layoffs: Is your job safe? × Among the 'Big Four' financial consulting giants, Ernst & Young executed 3,000 job cuts in the United States last month. KPMG laid off close to 2 per cent of its US staff in February. Accenture has announced it would cut 2.6 per cent of its global workforce over the next 18 months. McKinsey's restructuring will reportedly reduce about 3 per cent of its workforce in 2023. Meanwhile, global telecom carrier Vodafone has declared plans to reduce its workforce by 11,000 employees over the next three years. The company aims to streamline both its headquarters and local markets, seeking a more simplified operational structure. Adding to the challenging environment, Microsoft has decided not to provide salary increases to its salaried employees, including senior leaders, this year. 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.

Hundreds of thousands lose jobs in 2023 as tech giants race to cut costs

<p>Conservationists in Egypt are racing to save ancient objects buried in the parts of Cairo amid rapid advancement of a highway project.</p>

<p>As part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's modernisation drive, authorities are digging their way through a 7 km-long UNESCO World Heritage site for a highway project. The site is often referred to as the 'City Of Dead'.</p>

<p>The roads reportedly tear through a network of mausoleums dating back as far as the seventh century to link congested central Cairo with Egypt's 'New Administrative Capital'.</p>

<p>In the rush to preserve signs of ancient history in the rubble, teams of amateur historians and volunteers have found artefacts dating back more than a thousand years.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-remains-indias-indispensable-afro-arab-ally-556082">President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the recent discoveries is an ancient Kufi Arabic engraving half encased in concrete and buried among toppled stonework. The tombstone has an inscription dating back to 836AD. It was later donated to the Ministry of Tourism and local museums.</p>

<p>"I'm not sure how many monuments like this have been destroyed. Every day we go, we find burials that have been removed," Mostafa El Sadek, one of the group members, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-discovery-that-dazzled-world-egypt-marks-100-years-of-tomb-of-tutankhamun-531499/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The original mausoleum was demolished in the past to build a new one, and its tombstone was used as a brick. The newer mausoleum had just been demolished when Dr El Sadek found it.</p>

<p>"It is known that there is an older grave under this grave, and when the bulldozer digs, these things appear," cemetery guard Amin Murad said.</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt's ancient historical artifacts: Aren't they protected?</strong></h2>

<p>The government does not demolish antiquities registered under the Egyptian Antiquities Law, but reports citing experts say that most of the City of the Dead's antiquities are unregistered.</p>

<p>Egypt’s heritage is acclaimed to be second to none in the world due to vast records of their existence left by the ancient residents and rulers of the land. But modern-day Egypt is spending heavily on megaprojects such as highways, monorails and big infrastructure projects. The New Administrative Capital (NAC) is the $58 billion administrative capital east of Cairo.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Conservationists in Egypt are racing to save ancient objects buried in the parts of Cairo amid rapid advancement of a highway project. As part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's modernisation drive, authorities are digging their way through a 7 km-long UNESCO World Heritage site for a highway project.

Conservationists in Egypt are racing to save ancient objects buried in the parts of Cairo amid rapid advancement of a highway project. As part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's modernisation drive, authorities are digging their way through a 7 km-long UNESCO World Heritage site for a highway project. The site is often referred to as the 'City Of Dead'. The roads reportedly tear through a network of mausoleums dating back as far as the seventh century to link congested central Cairo with Egypt's 'New Administrative Capital'. In the rush to preserve signs of ancient history in the rubble, teams of amateur historians and volunteers have found artefacts dating back more than a thousand years. ALSO READ | President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally Among the recent discoveries is an ancient Kufi Arabic engraving half encased in concrete and buried among toppled stonework. The tombstone has an inscription dating back to 836AD. It was later donated to the Ministry of Tourism and local museums. "I'm not sure how many monuments like this have been destroyed. Every day we go, we find burials that have been removed," Mostafa El Sadek, one of the group members, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun × The original mausoleum was demolished in the past to build a new one, and its tombstone was used as a brick. The newer mausoleum had just been demolished when Dr El Sadek found it. "It is known that there is an older grave under this grave, and when the bulldozer digs, these things appear," cemetery guard Amin Murad said. Egypt's ancient historical artifacts: Aren't they protected? The government does not demolish antiquities registered under the Egyptian Antiquities Law, but reports citing experts say that most of the City of the Dead's antiquities are unregistered. Egypt’s heritage is acclaimed to be second to none in the world due to vast records of their existence left by the ancient residents and rulers of the land. But modern-day Egypt is spending heavily on megaprojects such as highways, monorails and big infrastructure projects. The New Administrative Capital (NAC) is the $58 billion administrative capital east of Cairo. 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.

Egypt's ancient history at 'City of the Dead' dug through for highway project

<p>India's central bank, as part of its 'Clean Note Policy', declared that ₹2,000 currency notes will no longer be in circulation in the world’s fifth largest economy. The Reserve Bank of India has declared September 30, 2023, as the deadline to exchange the to-be-scrapped notes. The notes, however, will continue to be legal tender.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of March 31, 2023, ₹2,000 currency notes constituted 10.8 per cent of notes in circulation. This translates to about ₹3.62 lakh crore of currency notes. The Reserve Bank of India, while explaining the move, said that the stock of other banknotes in denominations continues to be "adequate" to meet the currency requirement of the public.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-clean-note-policy-rbi-governor-explains-decision-to-withdraw-rs-2000-notes-594981">'Clean note policy': RBI governor explains decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes</a></strong></p>

<p>For the ₹2,000 currency notes at the end of their lifespan, the Reserve Bank of India will bring back into vogue its remarkable Currency Verification and Processing System (CVPS).</p>

<h2><strong>What RBI will do with scrapped currency notes: About Currency Verification Processing System</strong></h2>

<p>The RBI has&nbsp;rules in place for the disposal of notes unfit for circulation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The currency notes, after collection from the concerned banks, are deposited at the Issue offices of the Reserve Bank. After grouping and sorting them under the Currency Verification and Processing System (CVPS), the RBI examines the currency notes to determine their genuineness.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Reserve Bank of India: 'Clean money policy' reason for withdrawal</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reserve-bank-of-india-clean-money-policy-reason-for-withdrawal-594269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Each CVPS installation is capable of processing up to 60,000 currency notes each hour. CVPS counts the notes and separates genuine ones from fake currency notes. The fake notes are destroyed by shredding.</p>

<p>But there is a catch.</p>

<p>The genuine currency notes which still had quality and life left for circulation before being deemed scrapped, are shredded in a way that they could be recycled into the new currency papers.</p>

<p>This means that the paper used to make the ₹2,000 currency note would eventually come back to your pocket in some other denomination.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens to fake or less-qualitative currency notes?</strong></h2>

<p>They are shredded and converted into briquettes. Such briquettes are sold for industrial use through a tender invited by the Reserve Bank of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, when India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of about 89 per cent of the country's currency in circulation, RBI's state branch in Kerala state's Thiruvananthapuram sold it to India's only hardboard-making factory, The Western India Plywoods Limited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The factory in the state's Kannur district reportedly uses a combination of around five&nbsp;per cent of the paper pulp created from these notes with 95 per cent of conventional wood pulp to make hardboards.</p>

<p>The Kannur factory reportedly received around 80 metric tonnes of shredded demonetised notes in the first three weeks after November 8, 2016, when the demonetisation was implemented.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION has reached out to The Western India Plywoods Limited for a comment on the story. The story will be updated if and when they respond.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's central bank, as part of its 'Clean Note Policy', declared that ₹2,000 currency notes will no longer be in circulation in the world’s fifth largest economy.

India's central bank, as part of its 'Clean Note Policy', declared that ₹2,000 currency notes will no longer be in circulation in the world’s fifth largest economy. The Reserve Bank of India has declared September 30, 2023, as the deadline to exchange the to-be-scrapped notes. The notes, however, will continue to be legal tender. As of March 31, 2023, ₹2,000 currency notes constituted 10.8 per cent of notes in circulation. This translates to about ₹3.62 lakh crore of currency notes. The Reserve Bank of India, while explaining the move, said that the stock of other banknotes in denominations continues to be "adequate" to meet the currency requirement of the public. ALSO READ | 'Clean note policy': RBI governor explains decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes For the ₹2,000 currency notes at the end of their lifespan, the Reserve Bank of India will bring back into vogue its remarkable Currency Verification and Processing System (CVPS). What RBI will do with scrapped currency notes: About Currency Verification Processing System The RBI has rules in place for the disposal of notes unfit for circulation. The currency notes, after collection from the concerned banks, are deposited at the Issue offices of the Reserve Bank. After grouping and sorting them under the Currency Verification and Processing System (CVPS), the RBI examines the currency notes to determine their genuineness. ALSO WATCH | Reserve Bank of India: 'Clean money policy' reason for withdrawal × Each CVPS installation is capable of processing up to 60,000 currency notes each hour. CVPS counts the notes and separates genuine ones from fake currency notes. The fake notes are destroyed by shredding. But there is a catch. The genuine currency notes which still had quality and life left for circulation before being deemed scrapped, are shredded in a way that they could be recycled into the new currency papers. This means that the paper used to make the ₹2,000 currency note would eventually come back to your pocket in some other denomination. What happens to fake or less-qualitative currency notes? They are shredded and converted into briquettes. Such briquettes are sold for industrial use through a tender invited by the Reserve Bank of India. In 2016, when India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of about 89 per cent of the country's currency in circulation, RBI's state branch in Kerala state's Thiruvananthapuram sold it to India's only hardboard-making factory, The Western India Plywoods Limited. The factory in the state's Kannur district reportedly uses a combination of around five per cent of the paper pulp created from these notes with 95 per cent of conventional wood pulp to make hardboards. The Kannur factory reportedly received around 80 metric tonnes of shredded demonetised notes in the first three weeks after November 8, 2016, when the demonetisation was implemented. WION has reached out to The Western India Plywoods Limited for a comment on the story. The story will be updated if and when they respond. 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.

What will RBI do with your out-of-use ₹2,000 currency notes?

<p>About 128 km from Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of the world's fifth largest economy, a 14-year-old boy dug a well so that his mother doesn't have to make tiring trips to a rivulet to fetch water.</p>

<p>According to a report by <em>The Times of India</em>, Pranav Ramesh Salkar dug a well for his mother near his hut in Kelve, a sleepy village, earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am happy <em>aai&nbsp;</em>[mother] will no longer have to do daily trips to the rivulet," Pranav was quoted as saying by The Times of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/world-water-day-2023-parched-the-drying-future-of-water-574715">World Water Day 2023: Parched! The drying future of water</a></strong></p>

<p>A Class nine student in a state-funded school nearby, Pranav has turned into a celebrity. He expresses his scepticism over media glare, adding that it will disrupt his daily schedule which entails long walks, climbing trees and watching birds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pranav reportedly loves to experiment with things he can lay his hands on. He recently linked solar panels with a motorbike battery to illuminate his hut, <em>The Times of India </em>report added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Pranav dug the well?</strong></h2>

<p>With a spade, shovel and a small ladder, the 14-year-old began digging a well in the middle of his courtyard against a bunch of tamarind and peepal trees. The boy braved through the scorching May heat while digging the well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pranav would keep scooping out the earth all through the day with a 15-minute lunch break," his father Ramish was quoted as saying by <em>The Times of India</em>.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How India is addressing its water needs?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-india-addressing-its-water-needs-594182/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The boy's happiness knew no bounds when the clean water began to rush out from the earth into a steady flow. The well is now the family's proud possession.</p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government began a flagship programme to ensure the availability of water across the rural hinterland of the world's most populous nation. Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.</p>

<p>But the state of Maharashtra, where Palghar is located, continues to face a severe water crisis during the ongoing summer months of scorching heat. While parts of the state record very high rainfall, the geological structure does not permit much storage. This region is often referred to as the region of wet droughts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts cite sugarcane farming as the key reason behind this water scarcity as it consumes nearly 60 per cent of the water available through irrigation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


About 128 km from Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of the world's fifth largest economy, a 14-year-old boy dug a well so that his mother doesn't have to make tiring trips to a rivulet to fetch water.

About 128 km from Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of the world's fifth largest economy, a 14-year-old boy dug a well so that his mother doesn't have to make tiring trips to a rivulet to fetch water. According to a report by The Times of India, Pranav Ramesh Salkar dug a well for his mother near his hut in Kelve, a sleepy village, earlier this month. "I am happy aai [mother] will no longer have to do daily trips to the rivulet," Pranav was quoted as saying by The Times of India. ALSO READ | World Water Day 2023: Parched! The drying future of water A Class nine student in a state-funded school nearby, Pranav has turned into a celebrity. He expresses his scepticism over media glare, adding that it will disrupt his daily schedule which entails long walks, climbing trees and watching birds. Pranav reportedly loves to experiment with things he can lay his hands on. He recently linked solar panels with a motorbike battery to illuminate his hut, The Times of India report added. How Pranav dug the well? With a spade, shovel and a small ladder, the 14-year-old began digging a well in the middle of his courtyard against a bunch of tamarind and peepal trees. The boy braved through the scorching May heat while digging the well. "Pranav would keep scooping out the earth all through the day with a 15-minute lunch break," his father Ramish was quoted as saying by The Times of India. ALSO WATCH | How India is addressing its water needs? × The boy's happiness knew no bounds when the clean water began to rush out from the earth into a steady flow. The well is now the family's proud possession. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government began a flagship programme to ensure the availability of water across the rural hinterland of the world's most populous nation. Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. But the state of Maharashtra, where Palghar is located, continues to face a severe water crisis during the ongoing summer months of scorching heat. While parts of the state record very high rainfall, the geological structure does not permit much storage. This region is often referred to as the region of wet droughts. Experts cite sugarcane farming as the key reason behind this water scarcity as it consumes nearly 60 per cent of the water available through irrigation. 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 boy, 14, digs well in scorching May heat to prevent mother's river trips to fetch water

<p>US President Joe Biden asserted unwavering support to&nbsp;Ukraine's war-effort against Russian offensive with hundreds of millions in military aid at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima. In the same summit, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the reformation of the UN Security Council.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-vows-response-if-china-acts-against-taiwan-asserts-unwavering-support-for-ukraine-594776"><strong>At G7, Biden vows 'response' if China acts against Taiwan, asserts unwavering support for Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353295-untitled-design-2023-05-21t172511817.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden's closing remarks at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima entailed Washington's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine's war-effort against the Russian offensive as well as addressal of Chinese economic and maritime assertions, especially on Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bakhmut-not-occupied-insists-ukraines-volodymyr-zelensky-despite-russia-claiming-victory-594813"><strong>‘Bakhmut not occupied,’ insists Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky despite Russia claiming victory</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353320-zlew.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to insist on Sunday that the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has “not been occupied”, despite Russia claiming victory.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-indian-pm-modi-call-for-reform-of-security-council-to-reflect-realities-of-today-594807"><strong>UN chief, Indian PM Modi call for reform of security council to reflect ‘realities’ of today</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353315-wion-images-2023-05-21t193347178.png?imwidth=1920" />The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-papua-new-guinea-pm-touches-visiting-indian-pms-feet-in-show-of-respect-wins-hearts-594791"><strong>WATCH | As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353306-wion-images-2023-05-21t185012836.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21), arrived in Papua New Guinea marking the beginning of the second half of his three-nation visit and what is the first visit by an Indian PM to the island country.&nbsp;PM Modi travelled to Papua New Guinea on a historic trip where he received a grand welcome from the island nation’s Prime Minister James Marape.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-to-source-toys-shoes-bicycles-from-india-to-boost-exports-594831"><strong>Walmart to source toys, shoes, bicycles from India to boost exports</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353339-walmart.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>US retail giant Walmart will be procuring toys, shoes and bicycles from suppliers in India as it seeks to boost exports from the subcontinent to $10 billion annually by 2027.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mexicos-first-naked-day-march-leaps-forward-to-normalise-nudity-594750"><strong>Mexico's first 'Naked Day' march leaps forward to normalise nudity</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353282-untitled-design-2023-05-21t161836966.png?imwidth=1920" />The Mexican capital threw an uncommon spectacle this weekend. Hundreds of Mexicans took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to mark North American country's first 'Naked Day'. The city residents marched through the capital's main avenue in a bid to create awareness around nudism and stating to normalise human body's natural state of being.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-shariah-court-rules-self-identifying-as-transgender-un-islamic-activists-to-appeal-decision-594561"><strong>Pakistans’s Shariah court strikes down provisions of transgenders’ rights law; activists to appeal</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353193-new-wion-89.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Transgender activists in Pakistan are planning to appeal a ruling by the Federal Shariat Court, which has struck down several provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. This landmark law, passed in 2018, was aimed at safeguarding the rights of transgender individuals in the country, including access to legal gender recognition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stanford-researchers-develop-e-skin-that-can-help-amputees-experience-touch-594797"><strong>Stanford researchers develop 'e-skin' that can help amputees experience touch</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353309-new-wion-93.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The human skin contains mechanoreceptors that can sense something as delicate as the weight of a butterfly, the heat or cold from a nearby object. It can also detect the delicate rhythm of a loved one's heartbeat and whether the hand raised at us is raised in a fist of aggression or a peace sign. But for people with prosthetic limbs these sensations, good or bad, are something they miss. Now, researchers have found a way that can help restore these sensations for amputees through electronic skin.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-britains-andy-murray-pulls-out-of-french-open-to-concentrate-on-wimbledon-2023-594815"><strong>Tennis - Britain's Andy Murray pulls out of French Open to concentrate on Wimbledon 2023</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353321-untitled-design-2023-05-21t204244333.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Three-time Grand Slam champion Britain's Andy Murray is the latest of the big four to pull out of the French Open 2023 to focus on Wimbledon. Earlier, 14-time winner at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, also withdrew his name from his favourite event as he failed to completely recover from the hip injury he sustained during the Australian Open early this year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-priyanka-chopra%E2%80%99s-citadel-takes-rounchy-jibe-at-kate-middleton-netizens-call-out-meghan-markle-594793"><strong>Priyanka Chopra’s Citadel takes raunchy jibe at Kate Middleton, netizens call out Meghan Markle</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353307-untitled-design-82.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Priyanka Chopra and her recently released spy-thriller series&nbsp;<em>Citadel</em>&nbsp;have triggered a chat on social media handles; any guesses why? Because of Kate Middleton. Yes, you read it right. The Amazon show became the point of discussion over a&nbsp;raunchy&nbsp;dialogue about the Princess of Wales. The dialogue has been taken as a dig at Kate by many due to the closeness Priyanka shares with Meghan Markle.</p>


US President Joe Biden asserted unwavering support to Ukraine's war-effort against Russian offensive with hundreds of millions in military aid at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima.

US President Joe Biden asserted unwavering support to Ukraine's war-effort against Russian offensive with hundreds of millions in military aid at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima. In the same summit, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the reformation of the UN Security Council. Click on the headlines to read more: At G7, Biden vows 'response' if China acts against Taiwan, asserts unwavering support for Ukraine US President Joe Biden's closing remarks at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima entailed Washington's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine's war-effort against the Russian offensive as well as addressal of Chinese economic and maritime assertions, especially on Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan. ‘Bakhmut not occupied,’ insists Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky despite Russia claiming victory Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to insist on Sunday that the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has “not been occupied”, despite Russia claiming victory. UN chief, Indian PM Modi call for reform of security council to reflect ‘realities’ of today The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21) amid the ongoing Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan’s Hiroshima called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the realities of the present world. WATCH | As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday (May 21), arrived in Papua New Guinea marking the beginning of the second half of his three-nation visit and what is the first visit by an Indian PM to the island country. PM Modi travelled to Papua New Guinea on a historic trip where he received a grand welcome from the island nation’s Prime Minister James Marape. Walmart to source toys, shoes, bicycles from India to boost exports US retail giant Walmart will be procuring toys, shoes and bicycles from suppliers in India as it seeks to boost exports from the subcontinent to $10 billion annually by 2027. Mexico's first 'Naked Day' march leaps forward to normalise nudity The Mexican capital threw an uncommon spectacle this weekend. Hundreds of Mexicans took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to mark North American country's first 'Naked Day'. The city residents marched through the capital's main avenue in a bid to create awareness around nudism and stating to normalise human body's natural state of being. Pakistans’s Shariah court strikes down provisions of transgenders’ rights law; activists to appeal Transgender activists in Pakistan are planning to appeal a ruling by the Federal Shariat Court, which has struck down several provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. This landmark law, passed in 2018, was aimed at safeguarding the rights of transgender individuals in the country, including access to legal gender recognition. Stanford researchers develop 'e-skin' that can help amputees experience touch The human skin contains mechanoreceptors that can sense something as delicate as the weight of a butterfly, the heat or cold from a nearby object. It can also detect the delicate rhythm of a loved one's heartbeat and whether the hand raised at us is raised in a fist of aggression or a peace sign. But for people with prosthetic limbs these sensations, good or bad, are something they miss. Now, researchers have found a way that can help restore these sensations for amputees through electronic skin. Tennis - Britain's Andy Murray pulls out of French Open to concentrate on Wimbledon 2023 Three-time Grand Slam champion Britain's Andy Murray is the latest of the big four to pull out of the French Open 2023 to focus on Wimbledon. Earlier, 14-time winner at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, also withdrew his name from his favourite event as he failed to completely recover from the hip injury he sustained during the Australian Open early this year. Priyanka Chopra’s Citadel takes raunchy jibe at Kate Middleton, netizens call out Meghan Markle Priyanka Chopra and her recently released spy-thriller series Citadel have triggered a chat on social media handles; any guesses why? Because of Kate Middleton. Yes, you read it right. The Amazon show became the point of discussion over a raunchy dialogue about the Princess of Wales. The dialogue has been taken as a dig at Kate by many due to the closeness Priyanka shares with Meghan Markle.

Top 10 world news: Biden asserts support for Ukraine; Modi, Guterres call for UNSC reforms, and more

<p>Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals.</p>

<p><img alt="Sam Altman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e72a54d-7724-4b46-9cb7-1a14231f831c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T212338.370.png" /></p>

<p><em>Samuel Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI | AP</em></p>

<p>The Chief Executive of the world's most successful Artificial Intelligence startup of the day testified in a US Senate hearing this week.</p>

<p>His testimony sent jitters worldwide as despite being dressed down on Capitol Hill, Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, agreed with the US lawmakers on the need to regulate increasingly powerful Artificial Intelligence technology.</p>

<p>"If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong," Sam Altman said at the Senate hearing.</p>

<p>Altman proposed the formation of a US or global agency that would license the most powerful AI systems and have the authority to "take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards."</p>

<p>Read this and more, in The Capitals this week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bangkok, Thailand</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Thailand elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="026799c3-8642-452e-9397-1e7dd9a3b8d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T210546.987.png" /></p>

<p><em>Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat&nbsp;in Bangkok on May 18, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The Thai capital whose tryst with democracy has long been marred by coups witnessed a resounding rejection of the army-backed politicians, as the results of Thailand general elections began pouring in.</p>

<p>The election campaign pitted opposition parties Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party (MFP) and their promises of democracy and reform against the ageing generals leading the government, among them Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha who first came to power in a 2014 coup.</p>

<p>The MFP stunned observers by emerging as the largest party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two more small parties joined the new coalition formed by MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, giving it 313 out of 500 seats in the lower house.</p>

<p>Pita Limjaroenrat has expressed confidence of becoming prime minister as coalition talks continue.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Islamabad, Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief General Asim Munir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c901f86-a8d0-4c9e-bdef-34a3f87a53fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T211109.228.png" /></p>

<p><em>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief General Asim Munir | Commons</em></p>

<p>At the start of this week, a statement from Pakistan Army headquarters at Rawalpindi said that those responsible for attack on state and military assets following ousted prime minister Imran Khan's arrest should be tried under Army Act.</p>

<p>Rawalpindi's wish became Islamabad's command a day later on Tuesday, May 16.</p>

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, while repeating the Army’s statement, declared that protestors who attacked Pakistan's state assets and military installations during protests that erupted after the arrest of ousted prime minister Imran Khan, will be tried under army laws.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Army Act, which was brought into force in 1952, is used to put military personnel on trial under the military’s own legal code.</p>

<p>This author reported earlier this week that as an institution with a long history of coups, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">Pakistan Army is contemplating its options</a> following remarkable acts of defiance against its nearly unimpeachable authority in recent days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Writing for WION, senior journalist and columnist Madhavan Narayanan said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/who-is-the-boatman-who-is-the-passenger-sinking-pakistan-needs-some-answers-591593">sinking Pakistan needs some answers</a>: Who is its boatman and who are its passengers, Narayanan asked while referring to the ongoing tumult across Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Montevideo, Uruguay</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Montevideo 'March of Silence'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="928f72b3-ae1e-4fc6-a0c6-ad66917270b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T211440.569.png" /></p>

<p><em>Demonstrators hold 'March of Silence' in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital on May 20, 2023 | Reuters</em></p>

<p>White daisies bloomed across the Uruguayan capital, each with a missing petal in the memory of those who went missing during the country's dictatorship that began five decades ago.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands took the streets of the Uruguayan capital on Saturday evening in a "March of Silence" to remember those who were forcibly disappeared by the state, both in Uruguay and in neighboring Argentina, during a wave of military rule in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Amsterdam, Netherlands</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Van Gogh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3649d6f0-6490-46f9-b572-6deb40bc3903" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T211734.589.png" /></p>

<p><em>The exhibition in Amsterdam is scheduled to run till September 3, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Vincent Van Gogh's feverish final months in a French village, when he churned out masterpieces even as he spiralled into agonising illness, became the subject of a one-off exhibition opening this week in Amsterdam.<br />
The show at the Van Gogh Museum in the Dutch capital, which opened on May 19, features 50 of the 74 works produced in his frenzied last days in Auvers-sur-Oise, just northwest of Paris, before his death at the age of 37.</p>

<h2><strong>Dhaka, Bangladesh</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Pathaan Dhaka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb063beb-a333-494b-97f2-04e9754f95ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T212006.142.png" /></p>

<p><em>Fans pose with 'Pathaan' merchandise in Dhaka | Twitter/@SRKUniverse</em></p>

<p>Thousands flocked to cinemas in Dhaka this week to watch one of the Indian subcontinent's biggest stars on big screen. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starrer '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-pathaan-movie-review-it-serves-brand-shah-rukh-khan-well-555803">Pathaan</a>' became the first Indian film to hit the theatres with a full-release status in Bangladesh in more than half a century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhaka banned films from its neighbour soon after its independence in 1971, in the face of lobbying from local movie-makers, despite India backing it in its independence war with Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Samuel Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI | AP The Chief Executive of the world's most successful Artificial Intelligence startup of the day testified in a US Senate hearing this week.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Samuel Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI | AP The Chief Executive of the world's most successful Artificial Intelligence startup of the day testified in a US Senate hearing this week. His testimony sent jitters worldwide as despite being dressed down on Capitol Hill, Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, agreed with the US lawmakers on the need to regulate increasingly powerful Artificial Intelligence technology. "If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong," Sam Altman said at the Senate hearing. Altman proposed the formation of a US or global agency that would license the most powerful AI systems and have the authority to "take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards." Read this and more, in The Capitals this week. Bangkok, Thailand Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat in Bangkok on May 18, 2023 | AFP The Thai capital whose tryst with democracy has long been marred by coups witnessed a resounding rejection of the army-backed politicians, as the results of Thailand general elections began pouring in. The election campaign pitted opposition parties Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party (MFP) and their promises of democracy and reform against the ageing generals leading the government, among them Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha who first came to power in a 2014 coup. The MFP stunned observers by emerging as the largest party. Two more small parties joined the new coalition formed by MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, giving it 313 out of 500 seats in the lower house. Pita Limjaroenrat has expressed confidence of becoming prime minister as coalition talks continue. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief General Asim Munir | Commons At the start of this week, a statement from Pakistan Army headquarters at Rawalpindi said that those responsible for attack on state and military assets following ousted prime minister Imran Khan's arrest should be tried under Army Act. Rawalpindi's wish became Islamabad's command a day later on Tuesday, May 16. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, while repeating the Army’s statement, declared that protestors who attacked Pakistan's state assets and military installations during protests that erupted after the arrest of ousted prime minister Imran Khan, will be tried under army laws. The Pakistan Army Act, which was brought into force in 1952, is used to put military personnel on trial under the military’s own legal code. This author reported earlier this week that as an institution with a long history of coups, Pakistan Army is contemplating its options following remarkable acts of defiance against its nearly unimpeachable authority in recent days. Writing for WION, senior journalist and columnist Madhavan Narayanan said that sinking Pakistan needs some answers: Who is its boatman and who are its passengers, Narayanan asked while referring to the ongoing tumult across Pakistan. Montevideo, Uruguay Demonstrators hold 'March of Silence' in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital on May 20, 2023 | Reuters White daisies bloomed across the Uruguayan capital, each with a missing petal in the memory of those who went missing during the country's dictatorship that began five decades ago. Tens of thousands took the streets of the Uruguayan capital on Saturday evening in a "March of Silence" to remember those who were forcibly disappeared by the state, both in Uruguay and in neighboring Argentina, during a wave of military rule in the region. Amsterdam, Netherlands The exhibition in Amsterdam is scheduled to run till September 3, 2023 | AFP Vincent Van Gogh's feverish final months in a French village, when he churned out masterpieces even as he spiralled into agonising illness, became the subject of a one-off exhibition opening this week in Amsterdam. The show at the Van Gogh Museum in the Dutch capital, which opened on May 19, features 50 of the 74 works produced in his frenzied last days in Auvers-sur-Oise, just northwest of Paris, before his death at the age of 37. Dhaka, Bangladesh Fans pose with 'Pathaan' merchandise in Dhaka | Twitter/@SRKUniverse Thousands flocked to cinemas in Dhaka this week to watch one of the Indian subcontinent's biggest stars on big screen. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starrer 'Pathaan' became the first Indian film to hit the theatres with a full-release status in Bangladesh in more than half a century. Dhaka banned films from its neighbour soon after its independence in 1971, in the face of lobbying from local movie-makers, despite India backing it in its independence war with Pakistan. 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.

The Capitals: Washington's AI reckoning; Rawalpindi's wish, Islamabad's command; and more

<p>In India, the teacher-student equation&nbsp;has often been described with the notions of divinity in Sanskrit hymns and Vedic verses. Annually, Indian students celebrate their teachers' contribution to their lives on September 5, observed as Teachers&nbsp;Day in the world's most populous nation and fifth-largest economy.</p>

<p>An Indian Express report this weekend gave a vivid depiction of the teacher-student relationship between 83-year-old Ratna Nair and India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar (72).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhankhar, who became Vice President last year in August, and now holds the second highest constitutional office in India, is scheduled to&nbsp;visit Kerala state's Champad village in South India on May 22, over 2400 km south of New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Champad, India's Vice President will meet 83-year-old Ratna Nair, his teacher from Sainik School in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan state in western India. They are&nbsp;set to meet for the first time in the last 55 years.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;ASEAN Summit 2022: India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar addresses summit</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-2022-indias-vice-president-jagdeep-dhankar-addresses-summit-533481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"He had invited me to attend his swearing-in ceremony [on August 11, 2022]. Only two of his school teachers are alive now. I could not fly to Delhi because of health issues," Nair was quoted as saying by The Indian Express while referring to the invitation to Dhankhar's vice-presidential&nbsp;swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi.</p>

<p>"That evening, I called to inform him why I couldn't attend and gave him my heartfelt congratulations. Jagdeep told me it doesn't matter, and that he would come to meet me during his next Kerala visit. Then, I said I am telling his excellency, the Vice President of India, my congratulations; it is not with any ill feeling that I called him Jagdeep. He told me, 'Madam, to you, I am Jagdeep, not the V-P of India. You are my teacher. It is your right to call (me by my name)'. I told him I have to differentiate between my duty and my right. As a citizen of the country, duty comes first," Nair said further.</p>

<h2><strong>'He was certain it was Ratna Nair': How Dhankhar reconnected with his teacher</strong></h2>

<p>The duo reportedly reconnected after Dhankhar was sworn in as governor of West Bengal state in 2019.</p>

<p>Nair called the governor's office from her Kerala home. Ten minutes later, she received a callback.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When he was informed that a woman from Kerala has called, he was certain it was Ratna Nair," she recalled.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-jagdeep-dhankhar-ndas-candidate-for-vice-presidential-election-499835">Who is Jagdeep Dhankhar, NDA's candidate for vice-presidential election?</a></strong></p>

<p>A career lawyer-politician, Jagdeep Dhankhar was sworn in as India's Vice President in August 2022.&nbsp;He previously served as the Governor of the state of&nbsp;West Bengal from 2019 to 2022.</p>

<p>He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar from 1990 to 1991.</p>

<p>He was a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991 and later a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 1998.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In India, the teacher-student equation has often been described with the notions of divinity in Sanskrit hymns and Vedic verses. Annually, Indian students celebrate their teachers' contribution to their lives on September 5, observed as Teachers Day in the world's most populous nation and fifth-largest economy.

In India, the teacher-student equation has often been described with the notions of divinity in Sanskrit hymns and Vedic verses. Annually, Indian students celebrate their teachers' contribution to their lives on September 5, observed as Teachers Day in the world's most populous nation and fifth-largest economy. An Indian Express report this weekend gave a vivid depiction of the teacher-student relationship between 83-year-old Ratna Nair and India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar (72). Dhankhar, who became Vice President last year in August, and now holds the second highest constitutional office in India, is scheduled to visit Kerala state's Champad village in South India on May 22, over 2400 km south of New Delhi. In Champad, India's Vice President will meet 83-year-old Ratna Nair, his teacher from Sainik School in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan state in western India. They are set to meet for the first time in the last 55 years. ALSO WATCH | ASEAN Summit 2022: India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar addresses summit × "He had invited me to attend his swearing-in ceremony [on August 11, 2022]. Only two of his school teachers are alive now. I could not fly to Delhi because of health issues," Nair was quoted as saying by The Indian Express while referring to the invitation to Dhankhar's vice-presidential swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi. "That evening, I called to inform him why I couldn't attend and gave him my heartfelt congratulations. Jagdeep told me it doesn't matter, and that he would come to meet me during his next Kerala visit. Then, I said I am telling his excellency, the Vice President of India, my congratulations; it is not with any ill feeling that I called him Jagdeep. He told me, 'Madam, to you, I am Jagdeep, not the V-P of India. You are my teacher. It is your right to call (me by my name)'. I told him I have to differentiate between my duty and my right. As a citizen of the country, duty comes first," Nair said further. 'He was certain it was Ratna Nair': How Dhankhar reconnected with his teacher The duo reportedly reconnected after Dhankhar was sworn in as governor of West Bengal state in 2019. Nair called the governor's office from her Kerala home. Ten minutes later, she received a callback. "When he was informed that a woman from Kerala has called, he was certain it was Ratna Nair," she recalled. ALSO READ | Who is Jagdeep Dhankhar, NDA's candidate for vice-presidential election? A career lawyer-politician, Jagdeep Dhankhar was sworn in as India's Vice President in August 2022. He previously served as the Governor of the state of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. He also served as a Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar from 1990 to 1991. He was a member of Lok Sabha from 1989 to 1991 and later a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 1998. 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.

‘Madam, to you, I am Jagdeep not VP’: What India’s Vice President Dhankhar told his 83-year-old teacher

<p>US President Joe Biden's closing remarks at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima entailed Washington's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine's war-effort against the Russian offensive as well as addressal of Chinese economic and maritime assertions, especially on Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president said he had assured the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington and its allies "will not waver".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin will not break our resolve as he thought he could," Biden said.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden at G7: US president says there "would be a response" if China acts against Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>Asked by a journalist how the United States will manage its relationship with China amid Beijing's maritime belligerence around Taiwan Strait, Biden went back to address the 'silly balloon' episode while referring to the February 2023 incident of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-spy-balloon-collected-transmitted-intelligence-from-us-military-sites-in-real-time-report-578588">alleged Chinese spy balloon</a> which was seen flying over the US territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everything changed in terms of talking to one another," Biden said on Washington-Beijing exchanges, adding that he thinks the bilateral relations will "thaw very shortly".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-meet-australia-us-india-and-japan-take-veiled-swipe-at-china-594624">Quad Meet: Australia, US, India and Japan take veiled swipe at China</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden said that the US will continue to put Taiwan "in a position where they can defend themselves", adding that there is a "clear understanding" among the US and its allies that if China acted unilaterally on Taiwan there "would be a response".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president repeated the G7 call to 'de-risk' the relationship with China, in what was also seen as his attempt to dilute the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s concerns over China which he described as "biggest challenge of our age."</p>

<p>"It means protecting a narrow set of advanced technologies critical for our national security," Biden said.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden hails Zelensky's 'flat assurance' on F16s use,&nbsp;$375mn military aid package</strong></h2>

<p>Asked by a journalist how can the US be sure that European nations giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will not escalate the war, Biden hailed Zelensky's "flat assurance".</p>

<p><img alt="White House tweet G7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f585753-480a-4b6b-997d-9ea609fcdb55" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BidenG7.png" /></p>

<p>The US president said that the Ukrainian leader has assured the US and its allies that the F-16s will not be used to attack Russian geographic territory.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7: Biden meets Zelensky amid war in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-biden-meets-zelensky-amid-russias-war-in-ukraine-594686/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier in the day, Joe Biden announced a new $375 million package of military aid to Ukraine, and asserted the country's 'unwavering support' to Ukraine. Biden said that the military aid package included ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles as well as military training.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


US President Joe Biden's closing remarks at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima entailed Washington's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine's war-effort against the Russian offensive as well as addressal of Chinese economic and maritime assertions, especially on Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan.

US President Joe Biden's closing remarks at G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima entailed Washington's 'unwavering support' for Ukraine's war-effort against the Russian offensive as well as addressal of Chinese economic and maritime assertions, especially on Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan. The US president said he had assured the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington and its allies "will not waver". "Putin will not break our resolve as he thought he could," Biden said. Joe Biden at G7: US president says there "would be a response" if China acts against Taiwan Asked by a journalist how the United States will manage its relationship with China amid Beijing's maritime belligerence around Taiwan Strait, Biden went back to address the 'silly balloon' episode while referring to the February 2023 incident of an alleged Chinese spy balloon which was seen flying over the US territory. "Everything changed in terms of talking to one another," Biden said on Washington-Beijing exchanges, adding that he thinks the bilateral relations will "thaw very shortly". ALSO READ | Quad Meet: Australia, US, India and Japan take veiled swipe at China Biden said that the US will continue to put Taiwan "in a position where they can defend themselves", adding that there is a "clear understanding" among the US and its allies that if China acted unilaterally on Taiwan there "would be a response". The US president repeated the G7 call to 'de-risk' the relationship with China, in what was also seen as his attempt to dilute the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s concerns over China which he described as "biggest challenge of our age." "It means protecting a narrow set of advanced technologies critical for our national security," Biden said. Biden hails Zelensky's 'flat assurance' on F16s use, $375mn military aid package Asked by a journalist how can the US be sure that European nations giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will not escalate the war, Biden hailed Zelensky's "flat assurance". The US president said that the Ukrainian leader has assured the US and its allies that the F-16s will not be used to attack Russian geographic territory. ALSO WATCH | G7: Biden meets Zelensky amid war in Ukraine × Earlier in the day, Joe Biden announced a new $375 million package of military aid to Ukraine, and asserted the country's 'unwavering support' to Ukraine. Biden said that the military aid package included ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles as well as military training. 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.

At G7, Biden vows 'response' if China acts against Taiwan, asserts unwavering support for Ukraine

The exquisite loafers have close to 14,000 full-cut round diamonds set in white gold. The $2 million Tom Ford Custom loaders have luxury written all over them. 

Crafted by American artist Matthew Senna, and owned exclusively by Canadian rapper Drake, these priciest Nikes ever come with a price tag of $2 million. These revolutionary shoes weigh 50 pounds and are made from 24-karat gold. 

5. Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth heels 


The fancy pair of shoes that flaunt a satin flower at the centre commemorates actress Rita Hayworth’s mother. Priced at $3million and owned by Hayworth’s daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, they are considered timeless and one-of-a-kind masterpieces. 

Priced at $3 million, the slippers carry Harry Winston’s signature opulence. The slippers reportedly feature a total of 4,600 rubies, along with 50 carats of diamonds.

The pair of pink diamond-encrusted stilettos costs over $15 million. They are embellished with three-carat rare pink diamonds, one-carat blue diamonds, four three-carat diamonds, 1,000 pointer diamonds set in platinum framing, gold soles and zippers, 24-karat gold paint, and leather Iranian jasmine flower at the centre of the shoe. 


The $17 million stilettos are the second-most expensive shoes in the world. They come with two 15-carat D-grade diamonds, 238 additional diamonds and pure gold. 

Priced at $19.9 million for a pair, the high heels created by Antonio Vietri boast of a solid gold heel, 30 carats of diamonds and a meteorite embedded in them. 


These are seven most expensive footwear, famed for their exquisite designs all over the world

7 Most Expensive Footwear Ever

<p>The Group of Seven (G-7) meet in Japan's Hiroshima dominated the news cycle worldwide as leaders acknowledged the dangers posed by Artificial Intelligence, and among other pressing needs of the world, reflected on the ongoing state of war in Ukraine. From the war's frontline, Russia's Wagner group claimed capture of strategically important Bakhmut, a claim Ukraine quickly dismissed.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kiss-biden-on-top-of-his-head-wagner-chief-announces-russian-capture-of-bakhmut-kyiv-denies-594526"><strong>'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353171-untitled-design-2023-05-20t200836910.png?imwidth=1920" />Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-hiroshima-summit-ukraines-zelensky-meets-indias-pm-modi-594458"><strong>I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 Summit</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353134-untitled-design-2023-05-20t154101873.png?imwidth=1920" />Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and&nbsp;National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-call-for-responsible-use-of-generative-artificial-intelligence-594471"><strong>G7 leaders call for 'responsible' use of generative Artificial Intelligence</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353142-new-wion-86.png?imwidth=1920" />World leaders, during the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20th) emphasised the urgent need to assess the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). They announced their plans to initiate discussions this year on the responsible use of this technology and establish a working group to address various issues related to it.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-tourist-plane-crash-near-french-border-leaves-several-dead-594537"><strong>Switzerland: Tourist plane crash near French border leaves several dead</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353178-untitled-design-2023-05-20t210431147.png?imwidth=1920" />A tourist plane crash in western Switzerland on Saturday left several dead, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regional police confirmed that a plane had crashed near Franco-Swiss border at&nbsp;Ponts-De-Martel in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, about 150 km west of Zurich.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495"><strong>India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353154-untitled-design-2023-05-20t173320302.png?imwidth=1920" />India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Quad Summit 2023 taking place on the margins of the G7 summit at Hiroshima in Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instagram-gearing-up-to-take-on-twitter-with-new-text-based-app-report-594481"><strong>Instagram gearing up to take on Twitter with new text-based app: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353148-the-battle-for-kyiv-4.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, is set to launch a text-based app to compete with Twitter, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the development. According to the report, Facebook's parent company is testing the application with influencers and select creators.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-58-boris-johnson-braces-to-embrace-fatherhood-for-eighth-time-594510"><strong>At 58, UK ex-PM Boris Johnson to embrace fatherhood for eighth time in few weeks</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353162-untitled-design-2023-05-20t190528971.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Former UK prime minister and Conservative Party politician Boris Johnson is set to become father for the eighth time. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British prime minister took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy. She said the baby would arrive "in just a few weeks".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madam-to-you-i-am-jagdeep-not-vp-what-indias-vice-president-dhankhar-told-his-83-year-old-teacher-594547"><strong>'Madam, to you, I am Jagdeep not VP': What India's Vice President Dhankhar told his 83-year-old teacher</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353184-untitled-design-2023-05-20t215107792.png?imwidth=1920" />In India, the teacher-student equation&nbsp;has often been described with the notions of divinity in Sanskrit hymns and vedic verses. Annually, Indian students celebrate their teachers' contribution to their lives on September 5, observed as Teachers' Day in the world's most populous nation and fifth largest economy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-adidas-to-start-selling-stockpile-of-yeezy-sneakers-worth-1-billion-later-this-month-594410"><strong>Adidas to start selling stockpile of Yeezy sneakers worth $1 billion later this month</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/15/332462-untitled-design.png?imwidth=1920" />On Friday, Adidas announced that it will soon begin selling its leftover Yeezy sneakers worth more than $1 billion. Yes, you read that right! So, if you wish to get your hands on a pair, you'll just have to wait till the end of this month.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-csk-beat-dc-by-77-runs-to-strengthen-chances-for-a-top-two-finish-594512"><strong>IPL 2023: CSK beat DC by 77 runs to strengthen chances for a top-two finish</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353163-untitled-design-2023-05-20t190740862.png?imwidth=1920" />Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by XX runs in their last league match to stay at second position in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chasing a target of 224, Delhi never looked comfortable as they kept losing wickets at regular interval.</p>


The Group of Seven (G-7) meet in Japan's Hiroshima dominated the news cycle worldwide as leaders acknowledged the dangers posed by Artificial Intelligence, and among other pressing needs of the world, reflected on the ongoing state of war in Ukraine.

The Group of Seven (G-7) meet in Japan's Hiroshima dominated the news cycle worldwide as leaders acknowledged the dangers posed by Artificial Intelligence, and among other pressing needs of the world, reflected on the ongoing state of war in Ukraine. From the war's frontline, Russia's Wagner group claimed capture of strategically important Bakhmut, a claim Ukraine quickly dismissed. Click on the headlines to read more: 'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv. I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 Summit Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022. G7 leaders call for 'responsible' use of generative Artificial Intelligence World leaders, during the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20th) emphasised the urgent need to assess the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). They announced their plans to initiate discussions this year on the responsible use of this technology and establish a working group to address various issues related to it. Switzerland: Tourist plane crash near French border leaves several dead A tourist plane crash in western Switzerland on Saturday left several dead, reports said. Regional police confirmed that a plane had crashed near Franco-Swiss border at Ponts-De-Martel in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, about 150 km west of Zurich. India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Quad Summit 2023 taking place on the margins of the G7 summit at Hiroshima in Japan. Instagram gearing up to take on Twitter with new text-based app: Report Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, is set to launch a text-based app to compete with Twitter, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the development. According to the report, Facebook's parent company is testing the application with influencers and select creators. At 58, UK ex-PM Boris Johnson to embrace fatherhood for eighth time in few weeks Former UK prime minister and Conservative Party politician Boris Johnson is set to become father for the eighth time. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British prime minister took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy. She said the baby would arrive "in just a few weeks". 'Madam, to you, I am Jagdeep not VP': What India's Vice President Dhankhar told his 83-year-old teacher In India, the teacher-student equation has often been described with the notions of divinity in Sanskrit hymns and vedic verses. Annually, Indian students celebrate their teachers' contribution to their lives on September 5, observed as Teachers' Day in the world's most populous nation and fifth largest economy. Adidas to start selling stockpile of Yeezy sneakers worth $1 billion later this month On Friday, Adidas announced that it will soon begin selling its leftover Yeezy sneakers worth more than $1 billion. Yes, you read that right! So, if you wish to get your hands on a pair, you'll just have to wait till the end of this month. IPL 2023: CSK beat DC by 77 runs to strengthen chances for a top-two finish Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by XX runs in their last league match to stay at second position in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chasing a target of 224, Delhi never looked comfortable as they kept losing wickets at regular interval.

Top 10 world news: G-7 deliberate on AI, Ukraine war, India to host Quad summit in 2024, and more

<p>Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv.</p>

<p>Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram.</p>

<p>"Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken," Prigozhin said. "We completely took the whole city, from house to house."</p>

<p>Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut."</p>

<p>Currently at the end of its 15th month, the battle for control over Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest battle of the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-in-maps-strategic-significance-of-bakhmut-in-russia-ukraine-war-571884">Here</a>, WION's Sneha Swaminathan explains Bakhmut's strategic significance in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,&nbsp;in WION Datalabs.</p>

<p>The Wagner group's chief said that his forces would withdraw from Bakhmut from May 25 for recoupment and rest&nbsp;and hand over the control to regular Russian army.</p>

<h2><strong>Kiss Biden on top of his head: Wagner chief to Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner chief's video announcing Russian capture of Bakhmut coincided with the meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden in Japan's Hiroshima on the sidelines of Group of Seven (G-7) summit.</p>

<p>Prigozhin taunted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;on his meeting with Biden.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-will-soon-cease-to-exist-founder-tells-war-blogger-587166">Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing Zelenskyy, Prigozhin said: "Today when you see Biden, kiss him on the top of his head, say hi to him from me."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prigozhin also repeated his grievances towards regular Russian army and defence ministry in Moscow. He said that his forces suffered far heavier losses because of the inadequate support and ammunition supplies from the army.</p>

<p>Because of Russian bureaucracy and the "whims" of Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, "five times more guys died than they should have", he said in Saturday's video.</p>

<h2><strong>Capture of Bakhmut Russia's key immediate war aim: British intelligence</strong></h2>

<p>British defence intelligence said on Saturday it was "highly likely" that Russia had deployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut sector, following Ukrainian tactical gains on the flanks of the town. It said this represented a "notable commitment by the Russian command".</p>

<p>"Russia's leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict," it said on Twitter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wagner-chief-prigozhin-offered-to-share-positions-of-russian-troops-report-592700/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Prigozhin has himself acknowledged that Bakhmut, a city of 70,000 people before the war, had no strategic significance, but it took on huge symbolic importance for both sides because of the sheer intensity of the fighting and the scale of losses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv. Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram.

Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv. Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram. "Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken," Prigozhin said. "We completely took the whole city, from house to house." Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut." Currently at the end of its 15th month, the battle for control over Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest battle of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Here, WION's Sneha Swaminathan explains Bakhmut's strategic significance in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, in WION Datalabs. The Wagner group's chief said that his forces would withdraw from Bakhmut from May 25 for recoupment and rest and hand over the control to regular Russian army. Kiss Biden on top of his head: Wagner chief to Zelensky Wagner chief's video announcing Russian capture of Bakhmut coincided with the meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden in Japan's Hiroshima on the sidelines of Group of Seven (G-7) summit. Prigozhin taunted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his meeting with Biden. ALSO READ | Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger Addressing Zelenskyy, Prigozhin said: "Today when you see Biden, kiss him on the top of his head, say hi to him from me." Meanwhile, Prigozhin also repeated his grievances towards regular Russian army and defence ministry in Moscow. He said that his forces suffered far heavier losses because of the inadequate support and ammunition supplies from the army. Because of Russian bureaucracy and the "whims" of Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, "five times more guys died than they should have", he said in Saturday's video. Capture of Bakhmut Russia's key immediate war aim: British intelligence British defence intelligence said on Saturday it was "highly likely" that Russia had deployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut sector, following Ukrainian tactical gains on the flanks of the town. It said this represented a "notable commitment by the Russian command". "Russia's leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict," it said on Twitter. ALSO WATCH | Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report × Prigozhin has himself acknowledged that Bakhmut, a city of 70,000 people before the war, had no strategic significance, but it took on huge symbolic importance for both sides because of the sheer intensity of the fighting and the scale of losses. (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.

'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies

<p>Former UK prime minister and Conservative Party politician Boris Johnson is set to become father for the eighth time. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British prime minister took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy. She said the baby would arrive "in just a few weeks".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement comes just days after the former Tory prime minister purchased a nine-bedroom mansion with a three-sided moat in Oxfordshire, worth 3.8 million pounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an Instagram post, she shared a picture of herself holding hands with her two children. She wrote, "New team member arriving in just a few weeks. I've felt pretty exhausted for much of the last 8 months but we can't wait to meet this little one. Wilf is v excited about being a big brother again and has been chattering about it nonstop. Don't think Romy has a clue what's coming…She soon will!''</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Csbg0JLIVIq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Csbg0JLIVIq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Csbg0JLIVIq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Csbg0JLIVIq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Boris Johnson and Carrie, who married in May 2021, already have two children. They are parents to three-year-old Wilf and two-year-old Romy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Wilf was born in April 2020, Romy was born in December 2021. With Carrie, it's Boris Johnson's third marriage.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-missile-it-would-only-take-a-minute-boris-johnson-reveals-he-got-threats-from-putin-557118">'With a missile, it would only take a minute': Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>The new arrival of the child will be Johnson's eighth moment of embracing fatherhood. Johnson has four children from his previous marriage to Marina Wheeler.</p>

<p>According to the BBC, he has one more child from an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre. He did not have any children from his first marriage with Allegra Mostyn-Owen.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Timeline of scandals faced by Boris Johnson's government</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-timeline-of-scandals-faced-by-boris-johnsons-government-495378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While there has been no reaction from Boris Johnson on the latest announcement related to his fatherhood, in a 2021 interview with Sky News, he said: "It's a lot of work, I'll tell you that much, but I love it, I absolutely love it, and I want you to know I change a lot of nappies."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former UK prime minister and Conservative Party politician Boris Johnson is set to become father for the eighth time. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British prime minister took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy.

Former UK prime minister and Conservative Party politician Boris Johnson is set to become father for the eighth time. Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British prime minister took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy. She said the baby would arrive "in just a few weeks". The announcement comes just days after the former Tory prime minister purchased a nine-bedroom mansion with a three-sided moat in Oxfordshire, worth 3.8 million pounds. In an Instagram post, she shared a picture of herself holding hands with her two children. She wrote, "New team member arriving in just a few weeks. I've felt pretty exhausted for much of the last 8 months but we can't wait to meet this little one. Wilf is v excited about being a big brother again and has been chattering about it nonstop. Don't think Romy has a clue what's coming…She soon will!'' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) × Boris Johnson and Carrie, who married in May 2021, already have two children. They are parents to three-year-old Wilf and two-year-old Romy. While Wilf was born in April 2020, Romy was born in December 2021. With Carrie, it's Boris Johnson's third marriage. ALSO READ | 'With a missile, it would only take a minute': Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin The new arrival of the child will be Johnson's eighth moment of embracing fatherhood. Johnson has four children from his previous marriage to Marina Wheeler. According to the BBC, he has one more child from an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre. He did not have any children from his first marriage with Allegra Mostyn-Owen. ALSO WATCH | UK: Timeline of scandals faced by Boris Johnson's government × While there has been no reaction from Boris Johnson on the latest announcement related to his fatherhood, in a 2021 interview with Sky News, he said: "It's a lot of work, I'll tell you that much, but I love it, I absolutely love it, and I want you to know I change a lot of nappies." 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.

At 58, UK ex-PM Boris Johnson to embrace fatherhood for eighth time in few weeks

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Mukul Sharma

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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