<p>Elon Musk's social media platform X may face potential hefty fines from the European Union due to various transparency issues including a controversial policy allowing users to purchase the once-exclusive "checkmark" for verified accounts.</p>

<p>On Friday (July 12), the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, announced that X was "in breach" of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new regulatory framework aimed at ensuring better oversight of online content. The act came into effect earlier this year.</p>

<p>The preliminary findings of an investigation, which began last year, highlighted concerns about a policy implemented after Musk's $44 billion acquisition of the company two years ago. This policy permits anyone to pay for a blue checkmark, previously reserved for verified users.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-slams-biden-administration-over-importing-migrants-for-vote-bank-696892">Elon Musk slams Biden administration over 'importing' migrants for vote bank</a></strong></p>

<p>"Since anyone can subscribe to obtain such a 'verified' status, it negatively affects users’ ability to make free and informed decisions about the authenticity of the accounts and the content they interact with," said regulators in Brussels.</p>

<p>X will have an opportunity to defend itself, but if the EU’s findings are confirmed, the company could face fines of up to 6 per cent of its total worldwide turnover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2021, Twitter, as it was then known, reported revenues of $5.1 billion.</p>

<p>Brussels also noted that X’s practices have not complied with the DSA in several areas, including prohibiting the use of "dark patterns" — deceptive techniques used to manipulate user behaviour — and ensuring transparency in advertising and data access for researchers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk: AI to eliminate jobs</strong></p>

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<p>"Back in the day, blue checks used to mean trustworthy sources of information," Thierry Breton, the French commissioner for the internal market, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. "Now with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users and infringe the DSA. We also consider that X’s ads repository and conditions for data access by researchers are not in line with the DSA transparency requirements."</p>

<p>"X has now the right of defence — but if our view is confirmed, we will impose fines and require significant changes," Breton added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elon Musk's social media platform X may face potential hefty fines from the European Union due to various transparency issues including a controversial policy allowing users to purchase the once-exclusive "checkmark" for verified accounts.

Elon Musk's social media platform X may face potential hefty fines from the European Union due to various transparency issues including a controversial policy allowing users to purchase the once-exclusive "checkmark" for verified accounts. On Friday (July 12), the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, announced that X was "in breach" of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new regulatory framework aimed at ensuring better oversight of online content. The act came into effect earlier this year. The preliminary findings of an investigation, which began last year, highlighted concerns about a policy implemented after Musk's $44 billion acquisition of the company two years ago. This policy permits anyone to pay for a blue checkmark, previously reserved for verified users. Also read | Elon Musk slams Biden administration over 'importing' migrants for vote bank "Since anyone can subscribe to obtain such a 'verified' status, it negatively affects users’ ability to make free and informed decisions about the authenticity of the accounts and the content they interact with," said regulators in Brussels. X will have an opportunity to defend itself, but if the EU’s findings are confirmed, the company could face fines of up to 6 per cent of its total worldwide turnover. In 2021, Twitter, as it was then known, reported revenues of $5.1 billion. Brussels also noted that X’s practices have not complied with the DSA in several areas, including prohibiting the use of "dark patterns" — deceptive techniques used to manipulate user behaviour — and ensuring transparency in advertising and data access for researchers. Also watch | Elon Musk: AI to eliminate jobs × "Back in the day, blue checks used to mean trustworthy sources of information," Thierry Breton, the French commissioner for the internal market, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. "Now with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users and infringe the DSA. We also consider that X’s ads repository and conditions for data access by researchers are not in line with the DSA transparency requirements." "X has now the right of defence — but if our view is confirmed, we will impose fines and require significant changes," Breton added. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's X may face hefty EU fine over blue 'checkmark' policy

<p>An official panel responsible for drafting rules for northern India's Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is striving to protect the privacy of data provided by live-in couples. But at the same time,&nbsp;the committee chief suggested that information about live-in couples aged 18 to 21 should be shared with their parents.</p>

<p>The UCC, approved by the Uttarakhand Assembly in February, mandates the registration of live-in relationships and marriages. On Friday (Jul&nbsp;12), the report by the expert committee tasked with drafting the UCC, led by Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, was made available on an official website.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Uniform Civil Code debate reignited, Is India really ready for 'One Nation, One Law'?</strong></p>

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<p>Formed on May 27, 2022, the five-member panel led by retired Justice Desai gathered suggestions from 2.33 lakh individuals through 43 public dialogue programs and various other means. The committee submitted its report on February 2 this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uttarakhand-assembly-passes-historic-uniform-civil-code-ucc-bill-687900">India: Uttarakhand Assembly passes historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill</a></strong></p>

<p>Shatrughna Singh, chairman of the UCC rules-making and implementation committee and a member of the Justice Desai panel, explained that the report could not be released earlier due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct in the wake of Lok Sabha polls in the summer.</p>

<p>At a press conference, Singh assured that the panel would ensure the privacy of data provided during the registration of marriages and live-in relationships.</p>

<p>But when questioned about the potential privacy concerns of informing parents about live-in couples aged 18 to 21, Singh, a former chief secretary of Uttarakhand, acknowledged that the issue was debatable.</p>

<p>"Data of live-in couples above 21 years of age will be totally protected. But, for couples aged between 18 and 21 years, the committee was of the view that the age (despite the fact that they have voting rights) is tender and so the parents should also be kept in the loop by way of precaution for the safety of the couple," he said.</p>

<p>The UCC Bill, passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7, became law with President Droupadi Murmu's assent on March 11. Uttarakhand is the first state in India post-independence to adopt such a law.</p>

<p>The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, aims to regulate laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships, inheritance, and maintenance for all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, caste, or sex. But it excludes Scheduled Tribes from its jurisdiction.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An official panel responsible for drafting rules for northern India's Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is striving to protect the privacy of data provided by live-in couples.

An official panel responsible for drafting rules for northern India's Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is striving to protect the privacy of data provided by live-in couples. But at the same time, the committee chief suggested that information about live-in couples aged 18 to 21 should be shared with their parents. The UCC, approved by the Uttarakhand Assembly in February, mandates the registration of live-in relationships and marriages. On Friday (Jul 12), the report by the expert committee tasked with drafting the UCC, led by Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, was made available on an official website. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Uniform Civil Code debate reignited, Is India really ready for 'One Nation, One Law'? × Formed on May 27, 2022, the five-member panel led by retired Justice Desai gathered suggestions from 2.33 lakh individuals through 43 public dialogue programs and various other means. The committee submitted its report on February 2 this year. Also read | India: Uttarakhand Assembly passes historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill Shatrughna Singh, chairman of the UCC rules-making and implementation committee and a member of the Justice Desai panel, explained that the report could not be released earlier due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct in the wake of Lok Sabha polls in the summer. At a press conference, Singh assured that the panel would ensure the privacy of data provided during the registration of marriages and live-in relationships. But when questioned about the potential privacy concerns of informing parents about live-in couples aged 18 to 21, Singh, a former chief secretary of Uttarakhand, acknowledged that the issue was debatable. "Data of live-in couples above 21 years of age will be totally protected. But, for couples aged between 18 and 21 years, the committee was of the view that the age (despite the fact that they have voting rights) is tender and so the parents should also be kept in the loop by way of precaution for the safety of the couple," he said. The UCC Bill, passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7, became law with President Droupadi Murmu's assent on March 11. Uttarakhand is the first state in India post-independence to adopt such a law. The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, aims to regulate laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships, inheritance, and maintenance for all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, caste, or sex. But it excludes Scheduled Tribes from its jurisdiction. (With inputs from agencies)

Parents must be told if their children, aged 18-21, are in live-in relationship: Uttarakhand panel

<p>In a setback to China's strategic motives in the Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal region, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cut short her trip to Beijing this week and returned to Dhaka. While officially, Hasina cut short her visit on account of attending to her daughter's health, reports say that the development points out that Dhaka and Beijing did not achieve the desired objective of Hasina's visit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-edges-past-china-over-bangladeshs-teesta-water-management-project-734190">India edges past China over Bangladesh's Teesta water management project</a></strong></p>

<p>But substantively, Prime Minister Hasina met Chinese leader Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing as the two countries signed 21 agreements and announced seven more projects. Among the new projects announced were the 'Conclusion of Joint Feasibility Study on China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement' and 'Commencement of Negotiation on the Optimisation of China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty'.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report in the Economic Times, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may have been upset over China not fulfilling its promise of financial support and extending appropriate protocol to her. Notably, Beijing promised $5 billion loan assistance to Dhaka ahead of the visit. But it finally assured a package of only about $100 million during the trip, according to people aware of the matter cited by the Economic Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in China: Bilateral talks feature Rohingya issue, trade &amp; investments</strong></p>

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<p>Hasina was previously expected to hold a lengthy bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping but their meeting was brief. Even the foreign minister Wang Yi did not call on the visiting Bangladeshi prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, unusual enough, the state-run Chinese media did not adequately cover Hasina's visit, the&nbsp;<em>Economic Times</em> added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in India, visit to boost bilateral partnership</b></p>

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<p>Hasina was scheduled to return from Beijing on Thursday (Jul&nbsp;11), cut short her visit by a day and took a return flight on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;10) night.</p>

<p>Previously, Hasina resisted pressure from Beijing and visited India twice within the course of one month in June.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a setback to China's strategic motives in the Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal region, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cut short her trip to Beijing this week and returned to Dhaka.

In a setback to China's strategic motives in the Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal region, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cut short her trip to Beijing this week and returned to Dhaka. While officially, Hasina cut short her visit on account of attending to her daughter's health, reports say that the development points out that Dhaka and Beijing did not achieve the desired objective of Hasina's visit. Also read | India edges past China over Bangladesh's Teesta water management project But substantively, Prime Minister Hasina met Chinese leader Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing as the two countries signed 21 agreements and announced seven more projects. Among the new projects announced were the 'Conclusion of Joint Feasibility Study on China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement' and 'Commencement of Negotiation on the Optimisation of China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty'. What does it mean? According to a report in the Economic Times, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may have been upset over China not fulfilling its promise of financial support and extending appropriate protocol to her. Notably, Beijing promised $5 billion loan assistance to Dhaka ahead of the visit. But it finally assured a package of only about $100 million during the trip, according to people aware of the matter cited by the Economic Times. Also watch | Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in China: Bilateral talks feature Rohingya issue, trade & investments × Hasina was previously expected to hold a lengthy bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping but their meeting was brief. Even the foreign minister Wang Yi did not call on the visiting Bangladeshi prime minister. Besides, unusual enough, the state-run Chinese media did not adequately cover Hasina's visit, the Economic Times added. Also watch | Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in India, visit to boost bilateral partnership × Hasina was scheduled to return from Beijing on Thursday (Jul 11), cut short her visit by a day and took a return flight on Wednesday (Jul 10) night. Previously, Hasina resisted pressure from Beijing and visited India twice within the course of one month in June. (With inputs from agencies)

Setback to Xi Jinping's China? Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina cuts short Beijing visit

<p>A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the parents of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who has been embroiled in controversy over alleged misuse of power. Puja Khedkar's parents Dilip Khedkar and Manorama Khedkar are accused of threatening farmers in Maharashtra's Pune with a firearm.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-emerges-of-ias-officer-puja-khedkars-mother-allegedly-threatening-farmer-with-gun-in-pune-740173">Video: IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother allegedly threatening farmer with gun in Pune</a></strong></p>

<p>According to reports, the FIR is based on a complaint filed by a farmer who accused Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar of threatening him with a firearm, alongside five others.</p>

<p>"The FIR has been registered under sections 323, 504, 506 of the Indian Penal Code, with additional charges under the Arms Act," Manoj Yadav, senior police inspector at Paud Police Station in Pune, was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-pune-ias-officer-pooja-khedkar-ias-trainee-who-made-vip-demands-739564">Who is Pooja Khedkar? IAS trainee who made VIP demands, transferred</a></strong></p>

<p>The incident gained public attention after a video went viral. The viral video showed Manorama Khedkar brandishing a gun and engaging in a heated altercation with a group of individuals.</p>

<p>The altercation reportedly centred around a piece of land purchased by Puja Khedkar's father, a retired Maharashtra government officer, in Dhadwali village within Pune's Mulshi tehsil.</p>

<p>Local residents claimed that the Khedkar family had encroached upon land belonging to neighbouring farmers. Kuldeep Pasalkar, one of the affected farmers, alleged, "She visited my plot with security guards and threatened us while holding a firearm."</p>

<p>In response to the viral video, Pune Rural Police announced an investigation to determine whether Manorama Khedkar possessed a valid license for the firearm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are examining the video circulating on social media platforms. Once verified, we will commence our investigation and verify the firearm's licensing status," stated a senior Pune Rural police official, Indian news agency Press Trust of India reported.</p>

<p>The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar and her family has sparked widespread public interest and continues to raise questions about alleged misuse of authority and property disputes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further developments are awaited as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the parents of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who has been embroiled in controversy over alleged misuse of power.

A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the parents of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who has been embroiled in controversy over alleged misuse of power. Puja Khedkar's parents Dilip Khedkar and Manorama Khedkar are accused of threatening farmers in Maharashtra's Pune with a firearm. Also read | Video: IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother allegedly threatening farmer with gun in Pune According to reports, the FIR is based on a complaint filed by a farmer who accused Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar of threatening him with a firearm, alongside five others. "The FIR has been registered under sections 323, 504, 506 of the Indian Penal Code, with additional charges under the Arms Act," Manoj Yadav, senior police inspector at Paud Police Station in Pune, was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. Also read | Who is Pooja Khedkar? IAS trainee who made VIP demands, transferred The incident gained public attention after a video went viral. The viral video showed Manorama Khedkar brandishing a gun and engaging in a heated altercation with a group of individuals. The altercation reportedly centred around a piece of land purchased by Puja Khedkar's father, a retired Maharashtra government officer, in Dhadwali village within Pune's Mulshi tehsil. Local residents claimed that the Khedkar family had encroached upon land belonging to neighbouring farmers. Kuldeep Pasalkar, one of the affected farmers, alleged, "She visited my plot with security guards and threatened us while holding a firearm." In response to the viral video, Pune Rural Police announced an investigation to determine whether Manorama Khedkar possessed a valid license for the firearm. "We are examining the video circulating on social media platforms. Once verified, we will commence our investigation and verify the firearm's licensing status," stated a senior Pune Rural police official, Indian news agency Press Trust of India reported. The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar and her family has sparked widespread public interest and continues to raise questions about alleged misuse of authority and property disputes. Further developments are awaited as authorities continue their investigation into the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

Disgraced IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother under fire for brandishing gun at farmers

<p>Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan,&nbsp;a newly released United Nations report has found.</p>

<p>The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p>The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks.</p>

<p>The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added.</p>

<p>"Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased."</p>

<p>The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War</strong></p>

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<p>"The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted.</p>

<p>TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-60-pc-rise-in-terror-after-investing-in-afghanistans-taliban-regime-656479">After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations.</p>

<p>One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat."</p>

<p>NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.</p>


Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found. The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks. The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans." Also read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan. "Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added. "Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased." The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries. Also watch | Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War × "The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted. TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government. Also read | After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations. One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat." NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.

Afghan Taliban's Pakistani offshoot gets refuge in former Al-Qaeda hideouts: UN report

<p>Pakistan has entered&nbsp;a deal for a fresh $7-billion loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global lender announced on Saturday (July 13). In exchange for the 37-month loan, the Pakistani government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to implement more economic reforms that are expected to be unpopular among the Pakistani people.</p>

<p>The loan is&nbsp;the 24th of its kind from&nbsp;the IMF since&nbsp;Pakistan came into being more than six decades after bitter partition from British India. But it&nbsp;is "subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board", the IMF said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The deal's main aim is to support the Pakistani government's steps to establish overall&nbsp; macroeconomic stability while creating&nbsp; necessary conditions for growth.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;IMF warns of challenges ahead for Pak economy</strong></p>

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<p>"This includes steps to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy and reforms to broaden the tax base, improve State Owned Enterprises’ (SOE) management, strengthen competition, secure a level playing field for investment, enhance human capital, and scale up social protection through increased generosity," the statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-approves-immediate-disbursal-of-11-billion-loan-tranche-to-pakistan-716555">IMF approves immediate disbursal of $1.1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The deal came after months of negotiations. It is conditional on the basis that&nbsp;Pakistan improve its tax collection system. Only 5.2 million people filed income tax returns in 2022 in a country with some 236 million people.</p>

<p>Around 40 per cent of the Pakistani population already lives below the poverty line. But the World Bank said in April it feared that 10 million additional Pakistanis would fall below this threshold.</p>

<p>Last year, Pakistan&nbsp;was nearing default as its economy was hard hit by political chaos following former prime minister Imran Khan's imprisonment, the aftermath of huge monsoon floods in 2022, and decades of mismanagement.</p>

<p>Under the programmw, “we need to ensure structural reforms and bring self-sustainability in areas of public finance, energy, and state-owned institutions,” Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was quoted by Geo News as saying on July 13.</p>


Pakistan has entered a deal for a fresh $7-billion loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global lender announced on Saturday (July 13). In exchange for the 37-month loan, the Pakistani government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to implement more economic reforms that are expected to be unpopular among the Pakistani people.

Pakistan has entered a deal for a fresh $7-billion loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global lender announced on Saturday (July 13). In exchange for the 37-month loan, the Pakistani government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to implement more economic reforms that are expected to be unpopular among the Pakistani people. The loan is the 24th of its kind from the IMF since Pakistan came into being more than six decades after bitter partition from British India. But it is "subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board", the IMF said in a statement. What does it mean? The deal's main aim is to support the Pakistani government's steps to establish overall macroeconomic stability while creating necessary conditions for growth. Also watch | IMF warns of challenges ahead for Pak economy × "This includes steps to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy and reforms to broaden the tax base, improve State Owned Enterprises’ (SOE) management, strengthen competition, secure a level playing field for investment, enhance human capital, and scale up social protection through increased generosity," the statement said. Also read | IMF approves immediate disbursal of $1.1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan The deal came after months of negotiations. It is conditional on the basis that Pakistan improve its tax collection system. Only 5.2 million people filed income tax returns in 2022 in a country with some 236 million people. Around 40 per cent of the Pakistani population already lives below the poverty line. But the World Bank said in April it feared that 10 million additional Pakistanis would fall below this threshold. Last year, Pakistan was nearing default as its economy was hard hit by political chaos following former prime minister Imran Khan's imprisonment, the aftermath of huge monsoon floods in 2022, and decades of mismanagement. Under the programmw, “we need to ensure structural reforms and bring self-sustainability in areas of public finance, energy, and state-owned institutions,” Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was quoted by Geo News as saying on July 13.

Pakistan gets 24th IMF loan since 1947; this time it’s $7 billion

<p>President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill which enhances U.S. support for Tibet and promotes dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of the remote Himalayan region.</p>

<p>China had opposed the Resolve Tibet Act and described it as a destabilising Act. The Act was passed by the House of Representatives last February, and it cleared the Senate in May.</p>

<p>“Today, I have signed into law S. 138, the "Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act" (the "Act"). I share the Congress's bipartisan commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage,” Biden said on Friday in a late-night statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-of-china-youll-be-gone-pelosi-after-meeting-dalai-lama-during-us-delegation-visit-to-india-733169">'President of China, you'll be gone': Pelosi after meeting Dalai Lama during US delegation visit to India</a></strong></p>

<p>“My Administration will continue to call on the People's Republic of China to resume direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, or his representatives, to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet,” Biden said.</p>

<p>The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and came to India, where he set up the government-in-exile at Dharamshala in the state of Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>From 2002 to 2010, the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese government held nine rounds of dialogue that did not produce any concrete outcome.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US delegation in Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama</strong></p>

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<p>China views the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, who is based in India, as a "separatist" who is working to split Tibet from the rest of the country.</p>

<p>The Act does not change longstanding bipartisan US policy to recognise the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas of China as part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), a policy decision that Biden said falls within his authority to recognise foreign states and the territorial bounds of such states.</p>

<p>The Act enhances US support for Tibet, empowering State Department officials to actively and directly counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government.</p>

<p>It rejects false claims that Tibet has been part of China since “ancient times,” pushing for negotiations without preconditions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community and affirming the State Department’s responsibility to coordinate with other governments in multilateral efforts toward the goal of a negotiated agreement on Tibet.</p>

<p>In June, China had opposed the bill.</p>

<p>“Anyone or any force who attempts to destabilise Xizang to contain or suppress China will not succeed,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.</p>

<p>“The US should not sign the bill. China will take resolute measures to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests,” he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on several Chinese officials for their involvement in the repression of marginalised religious and ethnic communities.</p>

<p>“The PRC has not lived up to its commitments to respect and protect human rights, as demonstrated by the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, persistent human rights abuses in Tibet, and transnational repression around the world,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Friday.</p>

<p>“We call on the PRC to abide by the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to accept the many recommendations made this year during the Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record, including unconditionally releasing PRC nationals it has arbitrarily and unjustly detained,” he said. </p>


President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill which enhances U.S. support for Tibet and promotes dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of the remote Himalayan region.

President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill which enhances U.S. support for Tibet and promotes dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of the remote Himalayan region. China had opposed the Resolve Tibet Act and described it as a destabilising Act. The Act was passed by the House of Representatives last February, and it cleared the Senate in May. “Today, I have signed into law S. 138, the "Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act" (the "Act"). I share the Congress's bipartisan commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage,” Biden said on Friday in a late-night statement. Also read | 'President of China, you'll be gone': Pelosi after meeting Dalai Lama during US delegation visit to India “My Administration will continue to call on the People's Republic of China to resume direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, or his representatives, to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet,” Biden said. The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and came to India, where he set up the government-in-exile at Dharamshala in the state of Himachal Pradesh. From 2002 to 2010, the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese government held nine rounds of dialogue that did not produce any concrete outcome. Also watch | US delegation in Dharamshala to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama × China views the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, who is based in India, as a "separatist" who is working to split Tibet from the rest of the country. The Act does not change longstanding bipartisan US policy to recognise the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas of China as part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), a policy decision that Biden said falls within his authority to recognise foreign states and the territorial bounds of such states. The Act enhances US support for Tibet, empowering State Department officials to actively and directly counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government. It rejects false claims that Tibet has been part of China since “ancient times,” pushing for negotiations without preconditions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community and affirming the State Department’s responsibility to coordinate with other governments in multilateral efforts toward the goal of a negotiated agreement on Tibet. In June, China had opposed the bill. “Anyone or any force who attempts to destabilise Xizang to contain or suppress China will not succeed,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing. “The US should not sign the bill. China will take resolute measures to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests,” he said. Meanwhile, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on several Chinese officials for their involvement in the repression of marginalised religious and ethnic communities. “The PRC has not lived up to its commitments to respect and protect human rights, as demonstrated by the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, persistent human rights abuses in Tibet, and transnational repression around the world,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Friday. “We call on the PRC to abide by the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to accept the many recommendations made this year during the Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record, including unconditionally releasing PRC nationals it has arbitrarily and unjustly detained,” he said. 

Biden signs ‘Resolve Tibet Act’ within a month of Pelosi’s Dharamsala visit

<p>Meta has announced the removal of previous restrictions on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of former President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections.</p>

<p>Trump was initially allowed to return to these social networks in 2023 with specific "guardrails" in place, following a ban related to his online behaviour during the January 6 Capitol insurrection.</p>

<p>Meta has now lifted these guardrails.</p>

<p>"In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for president on the same basis," Meta stated in a blog post.</p>

<p>The development comes ahead of the Republican National Convention next week in which the presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be formally named&nbsp;the party’s candidate.</p>

<p>Meta confirmed that Trump’s accounts will no longer be subject to heightened suspension penalties, which were established in response to "extreme and extraordinary circumstances" but have not been used.</p>

<p>"All US presidential candidates remain subject to the same community standards as all Facebook and Instagram users, including those policies designed to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence," Meta emphasized in its blog post.</p>

<p>Since his reinstatement on Meta's platforms, Trump has primarily used his accounts to share campaign information, criticise Democratic candidate Joe Biden, and post memes. Trump himself has not engaged in hyper-aggressive posts on X (Twitter) as was the case before January 6, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump critics and online safety advocates have expressed concerns that his return could lead to increased misinformation and incitement of violence similar to the events that led to his initial ban.</p>

<p>The Biden campaign condemned Meta's move&nbsp;calling&nbsp;it a "greedy, reckless decision" and a "direct attack on our safety and our democracy."</p>

<p>"Restoring his access is like handing your car keys to someone you know will drive your car into a crowd and off a cliff," campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak was quoted as saying by The Guardian.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-biden-and-his-people-for-hush-money-conviction-727495">Donald Trump blames 'Biden and his people' for hush money conviction</a></strong></p>

<p>"It is holding a megaphone for a bonafide racist who will shout his hate and white supremacy from the rooftops and try to take it mainstream."</p>

<p>In addition to Meta platforms, other major social media firms also banned Trump due to his online activity related to the January 6 attack, including Twitter (now X), Snapchat, and YouTube.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Meta rolls back restrictions on Trump’s social media accounts</strong></p>

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<p>Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022, allowed Trump back on the platform last year.&nbsp;He returned to YouTube in March 2023 but remains banned from Snapchat.</p>

<p>Trump launched his own social network, TruthSocial, in early 2022.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Meta has announced the removal of previous restrictions on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of former President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections.

Meta has announced the removal of previous restrictions on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of former President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections. Trump was initially allowed to return to these social networks in 2023 with specific "guardrails" in place, following a ban related to his online behaviour during the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Meta has now lifted these guardrails. "In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for president on the same basis," Meta stated in a blog post. The development comes ahead of the Republican National Convention next week in which the presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be formally named the party’s candidate. Meta confirmed that Trump’s accounts will no longer be subject to heightened suspension penalties, which were established in response to "extreme and extraordinary circumstances" but have not been used. "All US presidential candidates remain subject to the same community standards as all Facebook and Instagram users, including those policies designed to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence," Meta emphasized in its blog post. Since his reinstatement on Meta's platforms, Trump has primarily used his accounts to share campaign information, criticise Democratic candidate Joe Biden, and post memes. Trump himself has not engaged in hyper-aggressive posts on X (Twitter) as was the case before January 6, 2021. Trump critics and online safety advocates have expressed concerns that his return could lead to increased misinformation and incitement of violence similar to the events that led to his initial ban. The Biden campaign condemned Meta's move calling it a "greedy, reckless decision" and a "direct attack on our safety and our democracy." "Restoring his access is like handing your car keys to someone you know will drive your car into a crowd and off a cliff," campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Also read | Donald Trump blames 'Biden and his people' for hush money conviction "It is holding a megaphone for a bonafide racist who will shout his hate and white supremacy from the rooftops and try to take it mainstream." In addition to Meta platforms, other major social media firms also banned Trump due to his online activity related to the January 6 attack, including Twitter (now X), Snapchat, and YouTube. Also watch | US: Meta rolls back restrictions on Trump’s social media accounts × Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022, allowed Trump back on the platform last year. He returned to YouTube in March 2023 but remains banned from Snapchat. Trump launched his own social network, TruthSocial, in early 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump wins back restriction-free access to Meta platforms

<p>The first two astronauts to fly Boeing's Starliner capsule said from the International Space Station on Wednesday (July 10) that they were confident in the spacecraft's ability to return them home whenever the company and NASA fix an array of thruster issues that have kept them in space far longer than expected.</p>

<p>"I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem," NASA astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams said during the test crew's first news conference since docking to the ISS more than a month ago.</p>

<p>Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, both veteran NASA astronauts and former US&nbsp;Navy test pilots, were launched aboard Starliner from Florida on June 5 and docked the next day at the ISS, where they were initially scheduled to spend roughly eight days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starliner-lifts-off-spacecraft-with-sunita-williams-on-board-flies-to-space-after-multiple-delays-watch-729129">Starliner lifts off! Spacecraft with Sunita Williams on board flies to space after multiple delays. Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>A series of issues with Starliner's propulsion system has extended their mission indefinitely. Five of Starliner's 28 maneuvering thrusters went dead during its 24-hour trek to the station, a propellant valve failed to properly close and there have been five leaks of helium, which is used to pressurize the thrusters.</p>

<p>"We're absolutely confident," Wilmore told reporters. "That mantra you've heard, failure is not an option."</p>

<p>"And that's why we're staying, because we're going to test it. That's what we do," Wilmore said, acknowledging that an ongoing investigation by the US&nbsp;space agency and Boeing involving thruster tests on Earth is key for their return.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Boeing Starliner remains unreliable, how will astronauts return?</strong></p>

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<p>The current test mission is Boeing's final step before the spacecraft can clinch NASA certification for routine astronaut flights and become the second US&nbsp;orbital capsule alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, which has dominated the nascent human spaceflight market amid Starliner's development delays.</p>

<p>NASA officials and Boeing engineers have focused on the faulty thrusters and aim to conduct weeks of further testing before allowing Starliner to return Wilmore and Williams to Earth. That testing includes firing identical thrusters at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to get insight into what might be plaguing the thrusters in space.</p>

<p>The testing could last "a couple weeks" or more, followed by a NASA review of the resulting data, Stich said. Starliner is approved to stay docked to the ISS for 45 days, or up to 90 days using various backup systems and depending on the health of its lithium-ion batteries, which have caused concerns in the past.</p>

<p>Though NASA and Boeing have said Starliner is capable of returning the astronauts to Earth in the event of an emergency on the ISS, the capsule is not approved to fly home under normal, non-emergency circumstances until its thruster issues are resolved or at least better understood.</p>

<p>NASA and Boeing officials have emphasized that the two astronauts are not stranded in space.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The first two astronauts to fly Boeing's Starliner capsule said from the International Space Station on Wednesday (July 10) that they were confident in the spacecraft's ability to return them home whenever the company and NASA fix an array of thruster issues that have kept them in space far longer than expected.

The first two astronauts to fly Boeing's Starliner capsule said from the International Space Station on Wednesday (July 10) that they were confident in the spacecraft's ability to return them home whenever the company and NASA fix an array of thruster issues that have kept them in space far longer than expected. "I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem," NASA astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams said during the test crew's first news conference since docking to the ISS more than a month ago. Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, both veteran NASA astronauts and former US Navy test pilots, were launched aboard Starliner from Florida on June 5 and docked the next day at the ISS, where they were initially scheduled to spend roughly eight days. Also read | Starliner lifts off! Spacecraft with Sunita Williams on board flies to space after multiple delays. Watch A series of issues with Starliner's propulsion system has extended their mission indefinitely. Five of Starliner's 28 maneuvering thrusters went dead during its 24-hour trek to the station, a propellant valve failed to properly close and there have been five leaks of helium, which is used to pressurize the thrusters. "We're absolutely confident," Wilmore told reporters. "That mantra you've heard, failure is not an option." "And that's why we're staying, because we're going to test it. That's what we do," Wilmore said, acknowledging that an ongoing investigation by the US space agency and Boeing involving thruster tests on Earth is key for their return. Also watch | Gravitas: Boeing Starliner remains unreliable, how will astronauts return? × The current test mission is Boeing's final step before the spacecraft can clinch NASA certification for routine astronaut flights and become the second US orbital capsule alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, which has dominated the nascent human spaceflight market amid Starliner's development delays. NASA officials and Boeing engineers have focused on the faulty thrusters and aim to conduct weeks of further testing before allowing Starliner to return Wilmore and Williams to Earth. That testing includes firing identical thrusters at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to get insight into what might be plaguing the thrusters in space. The testing could last "a couple weeks" or more, followed by a NASA review of the resulting data, Stich said. Starliner is approved to stay docked to the ISS for 45 days, or up to 90 days using various backup systems and depending on the health of its lithium-ion batteries, which have caused concerns in the past. Though NASA and Boeing have said Starliner is capable of returning the astronauts to Earth in the event of an emergency on the ISS, the capsule is not approved to fly home under normal, non-emergency circumstances until its thruster issues are resolved or at least better understood. NASA and Boeing officials have emphasized that the two astronauts are not stranded in space. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

When will Sunita Williams return home? Indian-origin astronaut speaks from space

<p>Democratic Party heavyweight and former US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday (July 10) that time is running out for United States President Joe Biden to make a final decision on his re-election bid to the White House. Pelosi stressed that the call for a presidential rerun was completely Biden's to make.</p>

<p>The former House speaker&nbsp;suggested that the president could still step aside and make way&nbsp;for somebody else amid a divide in the Democratic Party over Biden's candidacy. However, the incumbent&nbsp;president&nbsp;has insisted that he is staying in the race.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-biden-and-his-people-for-hush-money-conviction-727495">Donald Trump blames 'Biden and his people' for hush money conviction</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run," Pelosi&nbsp;told MSNBC.</p>

<p>"We're all encouraging him to make that decision because the time is running short."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pelosi, however, stopped short of advocating either way on the Biden question.</p>

<p>"I want him to do whatever he decides to do, and that's the way it is," she said. "Whatever he decides, we go with."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Super PAC finances negative ad campaign against Joe Biden</strong></p>

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<p>Biden, 81, has managed to win the support of some top Democrats.&nbsp;But several lawmakers in the Democratic Party have publicly expressed concerns about the veteran Democrat leader's&nbsp;mental fitness after his disastrous debate performance last month against his rival and predecessor&nbsp;Donald Trump.</p>

<p>So far, seven House Democrats&nbsp;have openly called on Biden to not seek reelection.&nbsp;Additionally, a&nbsp;handful of senators have also expressed concerns.</p>

<p>Late Tuesday (July 9), Colorado's Michael Bennet became the first&nbsp;Democrat in the Senate to publicly turn on the president and said Biden would lose if he stayed on the ballot.</p>

<p>"Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election, and maybe win it by a landslide and take with it the Senate and the House," Bennet told CNN, adding he believes the White House "has done nothing" to demonstrate they have a plan to win in November.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Democratic Party heavyweight and former US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday (July 10) that time is running out for United States President Joe Biden to make a final decision on his re-election bid to the White House.

Democratic Party heavyweight and former US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday (July 10) that time is running out for United States President Joe Biden to make a final decision on his re-election bid to the White House. Pelosi stressed that the call for a presidential rerun was completely Biden's to make. The former House speaker suggested that the president could still step aside and make way for somebody else amid a divide in the Democratic Party over Biden's candidacy. However, the incumbent president has insisted that he is staying in the race. Also read | Donald Trump blames 'Biden and his people' for hush money conviction "It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run," Pelosi told MSNBC. "We're all encouraging him to make that decision because the time is running short." Pelosi, however, stopped short of advocating either way on the Biden question. "I want him to do whatever he decides to do, and that's the way it is," she said. "Whatever he decides, we go with." Also watch | US Elections 2024: Super PAC finances negative ad campaign against Joe Biden × Biden, 81, has managed to win the support of some top Democrats. But several lawmakers in the Democratic Party have publicly expressed concerns about the veteran Democrat leader's mental fitness after his disastrous debate performance last month against his rival and predecessor Donald Trump. So far, seven House Democrats have openly called on Biden to not seek reelection. Additionally, a handful of senators have also expressed concerns. Late Tuesday (July 9), Colorado's Michael Bennet became the first Democrat in the Senate to publicly turn on the president and said Biden would lose if he stayed on the ballot. "Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election, and maybe win it by a landslide and take with it the Senate and the House," Bennet told CNN, adding he believes the White House "has done nothing" to demonstrate they have a plan to win in November. (With inputs from agencies)

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi casts doubt on Joe Biden's 2024 White House bid

Olympics 2024: Top 5 Least Sports Loving States in the US

SmileHub, an American non-profit, compared 50 US states based on 20 key metrics, such as the number of professional sports teams to the number of sports clubs per capita. Based on their report, here are the least sports-loving states in the US.



These are the least sports loving states in the United States

<p>Russian authorities on Tuesday (July 9) issued an arrest warrant against Yulia&nbsp;Navalnaya, the wife of deceased Opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A court in Moscow accused Navalnaya of being part of an "extremist" group. Currently, Navalnaya&nbsp;lives outside Russia but if she decides to return to her country of origin, she would face immediate arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court said it had "approved the request of the investigators and decided a preventive measure in the form of detention for two months".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalnaya has vowed to continue the work of her husband Alexei Navalny, Russian leader Vladimir Putin's main opponent who died in an Arctic prison in February.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalnaya slammed the warrant in a statement, saying: "Vladimir Putin is a killer and a war criminal. He belongs in prison".</p>

<p>The activist's team also dismissed the allegations.</p>

<p>Navalnaya "was arrested (in absentia!) for 'being a member of an extremist community' by the infamous Basmanny court of Moscow," wrote Leonid Volkov, Navalny's former chief of staff, on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Quite a recognition of&nbsp;Yulia's determination to continue Alexei’s fight!" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny's organisations have been outlawed in Russia, labelled an "extremist" group and put on an official "terrorist" list.</p>

<p>Navalnaya, an economist, stood by her husband as he galvanised mass protests in Russia, flying him out of the country when he was poisoned before defiantly returning to Moscow with him in 2021, knowing he would be jailed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death</strong></p>

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<p>Following his death, Navalnaya vowed to take up her late husband's work and has lobbied against the Russian president's government from other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Russian elections in March, Navalnaya called for mass protests against Putin by forming long queues outside voting stations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian authorities on Tuesday (July 9) issued an arrest warrant against Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of deceased Opposition leader Alexei Navalny. A court in Moscow accused Navalnaya of being part of an "extremist" group.

Russian authorities on Tuesday (July 9) issued an arrest warrant against Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of deceased Opposition leader Alexei Navalny. A court in Moscow accused Navalnaya of being part of an "extremist" group. Currently, Navalnaya lives outside Russia but if she decides to return to her country of origin, she would face immediate arrest. The court said it had "approved the request of the investigators and decided a preventive measure in the form of detention for two months". Navalnaya has vowed to continue the work of her husband Alexei Navalny, Russian leader Vladimir Putin's main opponent who died in an Arctic prison in February. Also read | Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media Navalnaya slammed the warrant in a statement, saying: "Vladimir Putin is a killer and a war criminal. He belongs in prison". The activist's team also dismissed the allegations. Navalnaya "was arrested (in absentia!) for 'being a member of an extremist community' by the infamous Basmanny court of Moscow," wrote Leonid Volkov, Navalny's former chief of staff, on X. "Quite a recognition of Yulia's determination to continue Alexei’s fight!" he added. Navalny's organisations have been outlawed in Russia, labelled an "extremist" group and put on an official "terrorist" list. Navalnaya, an economist, stood by her husband as he galvanised mass protests in Russia, flying him out of the country when he was poisoned before defiantly returning to Moscow with him in 2021, knowing he would be jailed. Also watch | Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death × Following his death, Navalnaya vowed to take up her late husband's work and has lobbied against the Russian president's government from other countries. During the Russian elections in March, Navalnaya called for mass protests against Putin by forming long queues outside voting stations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court issues arrest warrant against Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Mukul Sharma

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