<p>Polls opened in Iran on Friday (July 5) in a presidential runoff a week after the first round of presidential elections on June 28 that was made necessary after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a plane crash a month ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The runoff on July 5 is being held between reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, 69, and 58-year-old hardliner Saeed Jalili since neither of the two secured more than 50 per cent votes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The structure of power in Iran: How is it different?</strong></h2>

<p>Iran has a president and a parliament (Majlis). But unlike modern-day democracies, in Iran, one Supreme Leader exerts both ideological and political control of the entire elected power structure.</p>

<p>In 1989, the current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the Iranian Revolution. Khomeini and Khamenei are the only two men to have held the office since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-ties-in-ebrahim-raisi-years-between-brics-chabahar-and-central-asia-connectivity-723365">India-Iran ties in Ebrahim Raisi years: Between BRICS, Chabahar and Central Asia connectivity</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran's present-day constitution empowers the Supreme Leader with decisive controls to set the tone and direction of country's domestic and foreign policies. He also appoints, and can summarily dismiss, six of the twelve members of the Council of Guardians, the powerful body that can veto parliamentary decisions and determines which candidates are qualified to run for public office.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran elections 2024: Powers of a president</strong></h2>

<p>The Supreme Leader is the final arbiter in Tehran's corridors of power. The president is supposed to negotiate with Supreme Leader on all major policy decisions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-tehran-delivers-reformist-election-whisper-before-runoff-and-more-736552">The Capitals: Tehran delivers reformist election whisper before runoff; and more</a></strong></p>

<p>The president has a certain amount of executive power and the day-to-day running of the system. But the broader policymaking must essentially be in line with the overall ideology of the Islamic republic.</p>

<h2><strong>Masoud Pezeshkian Vs Saeed Jalili: The runoff battle</strong></h2>

<p>A total of six candidates, five of whom were deemed hardliners, were declared for the presidential ballot. But the two backed off a day before polling to purportedly ensure more decisive support to the candidate most favourable for the "ideology of Islamic republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lone reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian managed to lead past hardliner and former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. But in case of a runoff, the supporters of two other conservative candidates from the first round are likely to vote for Jalili, making a return of reformist as Iran's president rather difficult.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-vote-in-snap-polls-with-hopes-for-better-economy-regional-stability-735900">Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes of better economy, regional stability</a></strong></p>

<p>But the silver-lining for Pezeshkian,&nbsp;cardiac surgeon, lies in two factors. One, the conventional support for a reformist candidate among the Iranian urban dwellers and middle class, some of whom call for better ties with the global powers to escape the impact of crippling US economic sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Second, it's the voter turnout.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran's run-off elections on Friday, who will the poor turnout favour?</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/irans-run-off-elections-on-friday-who-will-the-poor-turnout-favour-737554/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 first round of voting saw just about 40 per cent of all registered voters turning out to vote, the lowest since 1979 revolution. The densest numbers of voters turned out at rural polling centers, where conservatives reign supreme.</p>

<p>If Pezeshkian manages to get&nbsp;more Iranians out of their homes on runoff day, he may still stand a chance.&nbsp;</p>


Polls opened in Iran on Friday (July 5) in a presidential runoff a week after the first round of presidential elections on June 28 that was made necessary after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a plane crash a month ago.

Polls opened in Iran on Friday (July 5) in a presidential runoff a week after the first round of presidential elections on June 28 that was made necessary after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a plane crash a month ago. The runoff on July 5 is being held between reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, 69, and 58-year-old hardliner Saeed Jalili since neither of the two secured more than 50 per cent votes. The structure of power in Iran: How is it different? Iran has a president and a parliament (Majlis). But unlike modern-day democracies, in Iran, one Supreme Leader exerts both ideological and political control of the entire elected power structure. In 1989, the current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the Iranian Revolution. Khomeini and Khamenei are the only two men to have held the office since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Also read | India-Iran ties in Ebrahim Raisi years: Between BRICS, Chabahar and Central Asia connectivity Iran's present-day constitution empowers the Supreme Leader with decisive controls to set the tone and direction of country's domestic and foreign policies. He also appoints, and can summarily dismiss, six of the twelve members of the Council of Guardians, the powerful body that can veto parliamentary decisions and determines which candidates are qualified to run for public office. Iran elections 2024: Powers of a president The Supreme Leader is the final arbiter in Tehran's corridors of power. The president is supposed to negotiate with Supreme Leader on all major policy decisions. Also read | The Capitals: Tehran delivers reformist election whisper before runoff; and more The president has a certain amount of executive power and the day-to-day running of the system. But the broader policymaking must essentially be in line with the overall ideology of the Islamic republic. Masoud Pezeshkian Vs Saeed Jalili: The runoff battle A total of six candidates, five of whom were deemed hardliners, were declared for the presidential ballot. But the two backed off a day before polling to purportedly ensure more decisive support to the candidate most favourable for the "ideology of Islamic republic. The lone reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian managed to lead past hardliner and former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. But in case of a runoff, the supporters of two other conservative candidates from the first round are likely to vote for Jalili, making a return of reformist as Iran's president rather difficult. Also read | Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes of better economy, regional stability But the silver-lining for Pezeshkian, cardiac surgeon, lies in two factors. One, the conventional support for a reformist candidate among the Iranian urban dwellers and middle class, some of whom call for better ties with the global powers to escape the impact of crippling US economic sanctions. Second, it's the voter turnout. Also watch | Iran's run-off elections on Friday, who will the poor turnout favour? × The first round of voting saw just about 40 per cent of all registered voters turning out to vote, the lowest since 1979 revolution. The densest numbers of voters turned out at rural polling centers, where conservatives reign supreme. If Pezeshkian manages to get more Iranians out of their homes on runoff day, he may still stand a chance.

Iran elections: Will cardiac surgeon Pezeshkian win hearts in runoff?

<p>The Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the UK prime minister after 14 years of Conservative rule that set off generational shifts with UK's exit from European Union and a further decline of British geopolitical heft. The Labour party chief&nbsp;Keir Starmer is unseating Rishi Sunak as prime minister.</p>

<p>Here's what this means for India-UK ties:&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Starting from where Rishi left</strong></h2>

<p>India and the UK are working to secure a free trade pact but the negotiations remain stalled in the 14th round due to summer of elections both in India and&nbsp;the UK. Now with new governments in both the capitals, the fifteenth round of negotiations is expected to begin in the coming future.</p>

<p>The point of contention remains with the UK's ask for greater market access into the world's third biggest economy amid New Delhi's focus on protecting domestic players.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rishi-sunak-the-proud-british-are-you-sorry-for-jallianwala-bagh-massacre-582205">Rishi Sunak, the 'proud British', are you sorry for Jallianwala Bagh massacre?</a></strong></p>

<p>The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be a key inflection point for bilateral ties between the two countries and the last British prime ministers, Conservatives Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, were keen to be at the centre of the same.</p>

<p>Boris even commented that India-UK FTA would be concluded by the Diwali of 2022 and that it would be signed upon a bilateral visit by the leaders of either country. But the domestic political storm after partygate scandal threw Johnson off British premiership and brought in Liz Truss to the Downing Street.</p>

<p>After Truss, Rishi Sunak too expected to finish off the negotiations either by September 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi or the Diwali of 2023. But the contentious issues could not be sorted and negotiations reached a halt as election season loomed in both the countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now Starmer just like his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, has full five years in power and that leaves a lot of room for negotiations and sorting out points of contention. In all likelihood, Starmer could helm over the defining moment of India-UK ties by being at the center of a Free Trade Agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Keir Starmer's win means for India-UK ties?</strong></h2>

<p>During his campaign trail, Starmer has been vocal about his vision for robust UK-India relations spanning trade, technology, environment and security operation.</p>

<p>Labour's political calculus has British-Indian community making a crucial part of the demographic equation.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Has Rishi Sunak's UK become a third world country?</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-has-rishi-sunaks-uk-become-a-third-world-country-719847/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Setting the tone for the party's India-UK outlook at the India Global Forum (IGF) last year, Starmer had declared, "I have a clear message for you all today: this is a changed Labour Party. What my Labour government will seek with India is a relationship based on our shared values of democracy and aspiration."</p>

<p>A Labour win with Starmer could mean continuation of a stricter handling of anti-Hindu hate crimes in UK. Last week while visiting the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury, Starmer had said "there is absolutely no place for Hinduphobia in Britain".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-former-49-day-prime-minister-liz-truss-loses-her-norfolk-seat-to-labour-738134">UK's former 49-day prime minister Liz Truss loses her Norfolk seat to Labour</a></strong></p>

<p>While acknowledging the past missteps, including the Labour's perceived stance on the Kashmir conflict, Starmer has committed to eliminating any extremist views that could strain UK-India relations.</p>

<p>The Labour party is also expected to push hard in the visa negotiations.</p>

<p>The government may also look at immigration with bipartisan consensus on the need to reduce the same. Negotiations on temporary visas for Indian workers in the UK service industry may present a challenge for Labour.</p>


The Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the UK prime minister after 14 years of Conservative rule that set off generational shifts with UK's exit from European Union and a further decline of British geopolitical heft.

The Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the UK prime minister after 14 years of Conservative rule that set off generational shifts with UK's exit from European Union and a further decline of British geopolitical heft. The Labour party chief Keir Starmer is unseating Rishi Sunak as prime minister. Here's what this means for India-UK ties: Starting from where Rishi left India and the UK are working to secure a free trade pact but the negotiations remain stalled in the 14th round due to summer of elections both in India and the UK. Now with new governments in both the capitals, the fifteenth round of negotiations is expected to begin in the coming future. The point of contention remains with the UK's ask for greater market access into the world's third biggest economy amid New Delhi's focus on protecting domestic players. Also read | Rishi Sunak, the 'proud British', are you sorry for Jallianwala Bagh massacre? The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be a key inflection point for bilateral ties between the two countries and the last British prime ministers, Conservatives Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, were keen to be at the centre of the same. Boris even commented that India-UK FTA would be concluded by the Diwali of 2022 and that it would be signed upon a bilateral visit by the leaders of either country. But the domestic political storm after partygate scandal threw Johnson off British premiership and brought in Liz Truss to the Downing Street. After Truss, Rishi Sunak too expected to finish off the negotiations either by September 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi or the Diwali of 2023. But the contentious issues could not be sorted and negotiations reached a halt as election season loomed in both the countries. Now Starmer just like his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, has full five years in power and that leaves a lot of room for negotiations and sorting out points of contention. In all likelihood, Starmer could helm over the defining moment of India-UK ties by being at the center of a Free Trade Agreement. What Keir Starmer's win means for India-UK ties? During his campaign trail, Starmer has been vocal about his vision for robust UK-India relations spanning trade, technology, environment and security operation. Labour's political calculus has British-Indian community making a crucial part of the demographic equation. Also watch | Gravitas | Has Rishi Sunak's UK become a third world country? × Setting the tone for the party's India-UK outlook at the India Global Forum (IGF) last year, Starmer had declared, "I have a clear message for you all today: this is a changed Labour Party. What my Labour government will seek with India is a relationship based on our shared values of democracy and aspiration." A Labour win with Starmer could mean continuation of a stricter handling of anti-Hindu hate crimes in UK. Last week while visiting the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury, Starmer had said "there is absolutely no place for Hinduphobia in Britain". Also read | UK's former 49-day prime minister Liz Truss loses her Norfolk seat to Labour While acknowledging the past missteps, including the Labour's perceived stance on the Kashmir conflict, Starmer has committed to eliminating any extremist views that could strain UK-India relations. The Labour party is also expected to push hard in the visa negotiations. The government may also look at immigration with bipartisan consensus on the need to reduce the same. Negotiations on temporary visas for Indian workers in the UK service industry may present a challenge for Labour.

Will Keir Starmer start where Rishi Sunak left? What a Labour PM means for India-UK ties

<p>The patriarch of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party,&nbsp;Lal Krishna Advani, who served as the country's deputy prime minister between 1998 and 2004, was admitted to New Delhi's Apollo Hospital on Wednesday (July 3) night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 96-year-old Bharat Ratna recipient was earlier discharged from the&nbsp;All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after a night-long stay there.</p>

<p>"Advani is stable and under observation. He has been admitted under Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, Neurology," according to a&nbsp;hospital source.&nbsp;He was admitted around 9 pm (IST).</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Lal Krishna Advani?</strong></h2>

<p>Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi in present-day Pakistan. After British India's partition into Hindu-dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in&nbsp;1941, when he was just 14 years old.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cast-from-the-past-rath-yatra-to-ram-mandir-between-advani-of-1990-and-modi-of-2024-682579" target="_blank">Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>In 1951, just four years after India gained&nbsp;independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the Bharatiya Janata Party which he founded with Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1980.</p>

<p>Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then&nbsp;became the leader of the house in&nbsp;1977.</p>

<p>He represented Gujarat's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for six terms.</p>

<p>Advani rose to seminal prominence when he launched a rath yatra (chariot procession) from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in 1990, with an aim to build a Ram Temple at presiding Hindu deity's birthplace — a development which finally culminated decades later in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


The patriarch of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani, who served as the country's deputy prime minister between 1998 and 2004, was admitted to New Delhi's Apollo Hospital on Wednesday (July 3) night.

The patriarch of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Lal Krishna Advani, who served as the country's deputy prime minister between 1998 and 2004, was admitted to New Delhi's Apollo Hospital on Wednesday (July 3) night. The 96-year-old Bharat Ratna recipient was earlier discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after a night-long stay there. "Advani is stable and under observation. He has been admitted under Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, Neurology," according to a hospital source. He was admitted around 9 pm (IST). Who is Lal Krishna Advani? Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi in present-day Pakistan. After British India's partition into Hindu-dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1941, when he was just 14 years old. Also Read | Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024 In 1951, just four years after India gained independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the Bharatiya Janata Party which he founded with Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1980. Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then became the leader of the house in 1977. He represented Gujarat's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for six terms. Advani rose to seminal prominence when he launched a rath yatra (chariot procession) from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in 1990, with an aim to build a Ram Temple at presiding Hindu deity's birthplace — a development which finally culminated decades later in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP patriarch LK Advani admitted to Delhi’s Apollo hospital amid health concerns

<p>Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials</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/taliban-representatives-in-qatar-meet-un-officials-736708/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important&nbsp;for&nbsp;us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul.</p>

<p>He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar.</p>

<p>The talks, which gathered UN officials,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday.</p>

<p>"Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work.</p>

<p>The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health".</p>

<p>Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021.</p>

<h2>Travel risks</h2>

<p>Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release&nbsp;in&nbsp;November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until&nbsp;their&nbsp;release.</p>

<p>They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay.</p>

<p>US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US&nbsp;jurisdiction.&nbsp;</p>


Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.

Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States. Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by Taliban authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022. Also watch | Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials × "We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important for us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul. He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar. The talks, which gathered UN officials, Taliban authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday. "Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba. "We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said. An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work. The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for Taliban authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health". Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the Taliban authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021. Travel risks Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping. At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release in November. In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested. Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until their release. They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay. US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention. Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior Taliban leaders. The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US jurisdiction.

Taliban says it discussed prisoner 'exchange' with the US

<p>US President Joe Biden has reportedly told an ally that he is weighing whether to continue with his presidential re-run after a devastating performance on the debate stage against Donald Trump last week.</p>

<p>According to a report by the New York Times, Biden has told a key ally that he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he is unable to convince the American people that he can do the job as president once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vs-trump-in-us-presidential-debate-2024-top-takeaways-explained-735850">Ageing Biden struggles as Trump delivers damaging attacks: Top takeaways from US presidential debate 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>"He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place" by the end of the weekend, an ally was quoted as saying by the New York Times while referring to more Atlanta debate-like events that he is supposed to face in the immediate future this week amid concerns related to his unfocused performance due to age-related issues.</p>

<p>Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said the claim was "absolutely false".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The president is moving forward. He's moving forward as being president, he's moving forward with his campaign ... that is the president's focus. The president's focus is, how does he continue to do that work? And anything else that we're hearing or that's being reported is absolutely false," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters later.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The report is the first such indication of its kind that despite the optics of the Bidens keeping a strong face after Atlanta debate disaster, the US president is sceptical of a presidential rerun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports say that Biden is also reaching out to the Democrat elected officials to discuss the future of his presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2024-poll-finds-voters-prefer-kamala-harris-over-biden-in-matchup-against-trump-737458">US Elections 2024: Poll reveals voters prefer Kamala Harris over Biden in matchup against Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>He is also continuing to reach out to people he has long trusted and is aiming to move on from his debate performance.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Donald Trump leads in the polls</strong></h2>

<p>A CBS News poll on Wednesday (July 3) showed former President Donald &nbsp;Trump edging ahead of Biden since the debate with 50 per cent to 48 per cent across the United States and 51 per cent to 48 per cent in battleground states.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Biden vs Trump US Presidential Debate: Trump calls Biden the "WORST" President of all time</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/biden-vs-trump-us-presidential-debate-trump-calls-biden-the-worst-president-of-all-time-735835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A New York Times and Sienna College poll showed Trump leading 49 per cent to Biden's 43 per cent nationally, a three-point swing toward the Republican strongman before the debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the largest lead Trump has recorded in a Times/Siena poll since 2015.&nbsp;Trump leads by even more among registered voters, 49 per cent to 41 per cent.</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


US President Joe Biden has reportedly told an ally that he is weighing whether to continue with his presidential re-run after a devastating performance on the debate stage against Donald Trump last week.

US President Joe Biden has reportedly told an ally that he is weighing whether to continue with his presidential re-run after a devastating performance on the debate stage against Donald Trump last week. According to a report by the New York Times, Biden has told a key ally that he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he is unable to convince the American people that he can do the job as president once again. Also read | Ageing Biden struggles as Trump delivers damaging attacks: Top takeaways from US presidential debate 2024 "He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place" by the end of the weekend, an ally was quoted as saying by the New York Times while referring to more Atlanta debate-like events that he is supposed to face in the immediate future this week amid concerns related to his unfocused performance due to age-related issues. Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said the claim was "absolutely false". "The president is moving forward. He's moving forward as being president, he's moving forward with his campaign ... that is the president's focus. The president's focus is, how does he continue to do that work? And anything else that we're hearing or that's being reported is absolutely false," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters later. What does it mean? The report is the first such indication of its kind that despite the optics of the Bidens keeping a strong face after Atlanta debate disaster, the US president is sceptical of a presidential rerun. Reports say that Biden is also reaching out to the Democrat elected officials to discuss the future of his presidential campaign. Also read | US Elections 2024: Poll reveals voters prefer Kamala Harris over Biden in matchup against Trump He is also continuing to reach out to people he has long trusted and is aiming to move on from his debate performance. Donald Trump leads in the polls A CBS News poll on Wednesday (July 3) showed former President Donald Trump edging ahead of Biden since the debate with 50 per cent to 48 per cent across the United States and 51 per cent to 48 per cent in battleground states. Also watch | Biden vs Trump US Presidential Debate: Trump calls Biden the "WORST" President of all time × A New York Times and Sienna College poll showed Trump leading 49 per cent to Biden's 43 per cent nationally, a three-point swing toward the Republican strongman before the debate. It is the largest lead Trump has recorded in a Times/Siena poll since 2015. Trump leads by even more among registered voters, 49 per cent to 41 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden under pressure to drop presidential re-run as Trump widens his lead

<p>UK former nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of attempting to murder a two-hour-old baby girl in the same hospital ward where she previously killed seven other infants. The full sentence will be pronounced on Friday (July 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Letby, who is already serving 14 whole-life prison sentences, was convicted on Tuesday (July 2) after a retrial at Manchester Crown Court.</p>

<h2><strong>UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby's latest conviction</strong></h2>

<p>The case involved Baby K, born 15 weeks premature and weighing only 692 grammes (1.52 pounds).</p>

<p>Letby was accused of tampering with the infant's breathing tube. Baby K died three days later after being transferred to another hospital, though Letby was not charged with her death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-baby-killer-nurse-lucy-letby-loses-bid-to-appeal-against-convictions-725089">UK's baby-killer nurse Lucy Letby loses bid to appeal against convictions</a></strong></p>

<p>Letby, 34, faced a three-week retrial on the single count of attempted murder, a charge she denied. This retrial followed a hung jury in her original trial last year.</p>

<p>With this latest conviction, Letby has now been found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby sentenced to life in prison</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-uks-killer-nurse-lucy-letby-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-627686/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In May, Letby was denied permission to appeal last year's convictions, with the court's full ruling expected soon.</p>

<p>Prosecutors described Letby as being "caught virtually red-handed" when Dr. Ravi Jayaram, a senior doctor, found her alone by Baby K's incubator after she had tampered with the breathing tube.</p>

<p>The court heard that Letby had silenced the baby's monitor alarm and tampered with the breathing tube two more times in an attempt to convince colleagues that the newborn had dislodged it herself.</p>

<p>A public inquiry led by Lady Justice Kathryn Thirlwall will commence in September to investigate how Letby continued working despite concerns from senior doctors.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UK former nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of attempting to murder a two-hour-old baby girl in the same hospital ward where she previously killed seven other infants.

UK former nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of attempting to murder a two-hour-old baby girl in the same hospital ward where she previously killed seven other infants. The full sentence will be pronounced on Friday (July 5). Letby, who is already serving 14 whole-life prison sentences, was convicted on Tuesday (July 2) after a retrial at Manchester Crown Court. UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby's latest conviction The case involved Baby K, born 15 weeks premature and weighing only 692 grammes (1.52 pounds). Letby was accused of tampering with the infant's breathing tube. Baby K died three days later after being transferred to another hospital, though Letby was not charged with her death. Also read | UK's baby-killer nurse Lucy Letby loses bid to appeal against convictions Letby, 34, faced a three-week retrial on the single count of attempted murder, a charge she denied. This retrial followed a hung jury in her original trial last year. With this latest conviction, Letby has now been found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. Also watch | Gravitas | UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby sentenced to life in prison × In May, Letby was denied permission to appeal last year's convictions, with the court's full ruling expected soon. Prosecutors described Letby as being "caught virtually red-handed" when Dr. Ravi Jayaram, a senior doctor, found her alone by Baby K's incubator after she had tampered with the breathing tube. The court heard that Letby had silenced the baby's monitor alarm and tampered with the breathing tube two more times in an attempt to convince colleagues that the newborn had dislodged it herself. A public inquiry led by Lady Justice Kathryn Thirlwall will commence in September to investigate how Letby continued working despite concerns from senior doctors. (With inputs from agencies)

UK killer nurse Lucy Letby convicted of murdering two-hour-old baby girl

<p>The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, expressed grave concern on Tuesday (July 2) over the escalating refugee crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave after Israel's latest evacuation orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She reported that 1.9 million people, accounting for 80 per cent of Gaza's population, now stand displaced. Kaag pointed to new evacuation orders issued for the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-al-shifa-hospital-chief-released-by-israel-faced-torture-during-detention-736844">Gaza war: Al Shifa hospital chief released, Israel ministers trade blame with Shin Bet</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations has estimated that the Israeli military order for civilians to vacate Al-Qarara, Bani Suhaila, and other localities near Khan Younis has affected up to 250,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Over 1 million people have been displaced once again, desperately seeking shelter and safety. 1.9 million people are now displaced across Gaza," Kaag informed the UN Security Council.</p>

<p>"Palestinian civilians in Gaza have been plunged into an abyss of suffering. Their homes are shattered, their lives upended. The war has not merely created the most profound humanitarian crises; it has unleashed a maelstrom of human misery," Kaag added.</p>

<p>Kaag said that insufficient aid is reaching the war-torn strip and called for the opening of new crossings particularly to southern Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. She called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt and urged the international community to increase funding for relief efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel asks civilians to leave Southern Gaza</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/israel-hamas-war-israel-asks-civilians-to-leave-southern-gaza-737073/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 ongoing war, which began after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis, has created the worst humanitarian crisis in modern Palestine's history.</p>

<p>Hamas militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 42 whom the Israeli army says are dead.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-nearing-to-eliminate-hamas-army-in-gaza-says-netanyahu-736915">Israel nearing to eliminate Hamas' army in Gaza, says Netanyahu</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel's retaliatory offensive has caused at least 37,925 deaths, mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. While Israel has not specifically announced a military operation in southern Gaza, previous evacuation orders have typically preceded major battles.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, expressed grave concern on Tuesday (July 2) over the escalating refugee crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave after Israel's latest evacuation orders.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, expressed grave concern on Tuesday (July 2) over the escalating refugee crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave after Israel's latest evacuation orders. She reported that 1.9 million people, accounting for 80 per cent of Gaza's population, now stand displaced. Kaag pointed to new evacuation orders issued for the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Also read | Gaza war: Al Shifa hospital chief released, Israel ministers trade blame with Shin Bet The United Nations has estimated that the Israeli military order for civilians to vacate Al-Qarara, Bani Suhaila, and other localities near Khan Younis has affected up to 250,000 people. "Over 1 million people have been displaced once again, desperately seeking shelter and safety. 1.9 million people are now displaced across Gaza," Kaag informed the UN Security Council. "Palestinian civilians in Gaza have been plunged into an abyss of suffering. Their homes are shattered, their lives upended. The war has not merely created the most profound humanitarian crises; it has unleashed a maelstrom of human misery," Kaag added. Kaag said that insufficient aid is reaching the war-torn strip and called for the opening of new crossings particularly to southern Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. She called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt and urged the international community to increase funding for relief efforts. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel asks civilians to leave Southern Gaza × The ongoing war, which began after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis, has created the worst humanitarian crisis in modern Palestine's history. Hamas militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 42 whom the Israeli army says are dead. Also read | Israel nearing to eliminate Hamas' army in Gaza, says Netanyahu Israel's retaliatory offensive has caused at least 37,925 deaths, mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. While Israel has not specifically announced a military operation in southern Gaza, previous evacuation orders have typically preceded major battles. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: 8 in 10 Palestinians remain displaced amid Israel's offensive, says UN

<p>Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israel-releases-footage-of-airstrikes-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-736491">Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>"A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.</p>

<p>The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory".</p>

<p>In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war?</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-israeli-invasion-of-lebanon-inevitable-conflict-with-hezbollah-edging-toward-all-out-war-737267/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 militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel.</p>

<p>An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon.</p>

<p>The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon".</p>

<p>According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon.

Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks. Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza. But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war. Also read | Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon "A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter. The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory". In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets". Also watch | Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war? × The militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel. An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon. The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon". According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah launches massive rocket attack on Israel after its commander gets killed

<p>An Indian national, native of southern state of Kerala's Kozhikode, will be freed from a Saudi prison after a court in Riyadh granted him amnesty in a 2006 case. The Indian national Abdul Rahim, aged 44, has been been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for the past 18 years in a case relating to the accidental death of his sponsor’s paralysed son in 2006.</p>

<p>According to reports, the victim's family accepted Rahim’s apology and informed the court of their decision to grant him amnesty.</p>

<p>Earlier, a ‘Blood Money’ of ₹34 crore ($40,72,343) — raised through crowdfunding — was handed over to the victim’s family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The full court order is expected to be released soon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The residents of India's Kerala state were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the case.</p>

<p>Their efforts led to a successful crowdfunding initiative that played a crucial role in securing Rahim’s amnesty. The initiative raised a whopping 15 million Saudi Riyals, which was handed over to the Riyadh governorate via the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia for transfer to the royal court.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian national on death row in Saudi jail to be freed</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/indian-national-on-death-row-in-saudi-jail-to-be-freed-737532/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Once the court issues the order, the Riyadh governorate has to issue an order confirming Rahim’s release," Naseeb C P, a representative of the Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express. "Once this is completed, Rahim will finally be able to return to his hometown Feroke and reunite with his grieving mother," he said.</p>

<p>Rahim reportedly appeared in court through a virtual link on Tuesday (July 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-to-change-the-face-of-the-middle-east-israel-pm-634703">India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to change the face of the Middle East: Israel PM</a></strong></p>

<p>Attorney Siddique Tuvvoor and embassy official Yusuf Kakancheri were present during the proceedings. Rahim was sentenced to death in 2018 after the family of the boy refused to grant amnesty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 75 organisations in the Gulf region, along with businessman Bobby Chemmannur, and political organisations in the state, worked tirelessly to meet the deadline of the amount required to be transferred to the Saudi family.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indian national, native of southern state of Kerala's Kozhikode, will be freed from a Saudi prison after a court in Riyadh granted him amnesty in a 2006 case.

An Indian national, native of southern state of Kerala's Kozhikode, will be freed from a Saudi prison after a court in Riyadh granted him amnesty in a 2006 case. The Indian national Abdul Rahim, aged 44, has been been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for the past 18 years in a case relating to the accidental death of his sponsor’s paralysed son in 2006. According to reports, the victim's family accepted Rahim’s apology and informed the court of their decision to grant him amnesty. Earlier, a ‘Blood Money’ of ₹34 crore ($40,72,343) — raised through crowdfunding — was handed over to the victim’s family. The full court order is expected to be released soon. What does it mean? The residents of India's Kerala state were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the case. Their efforts led to a successful crowdfunding initiative that played a crucial role in securing Rahim’s amnesty. The initiative raised a whopping 15 million Saudi Riyals, which was handed over to the Riyadh governorate via the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia for transfer to the royal court. Also watch | Indian national on death row in Saudi jail to be freed × "Once the court issues the order, the Riyadh governorate has to issue an order confirming Rahim’s release," Naseeb C P, a representative of the Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express. "Once this is completed, Rahim will finally be able to return to his hometown Feroke and reunite with his grieving mother," he said. Rahim reportedly appeared in court through a virtual link on Tuesday (July 2). Also read | India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to change the face of the Middle East: Israel PM Attorney Siddique Tuvvoor and embassy official Yusuf Kakancheri were present during the proceedings. Rahim was sentenced to death in 2018 after the family of the boy refused to grant amnesty. Over 75 organisations in the Gulf region, along with businessman Bobby Chemmannur, and political organisations in the state, worked tirelessly to meet the deadline of the amount required to be transferred to the Saudi family. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian national set to be freed from Saudi jail after mass support from home state Kerala

<p>Koo, the Indian microblogging platform launched to rival X (formerly Twitter), is officially shutting down. The social media network rose to&nbsp;popularity in 2021 when the Indian government clashed with X over content removal. Several ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as well as government departments migrated to Koo as primary microblogging platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent LinkedIn post, Koo's co-founder Mayank Bidawatka said that despite exploring partnerships with various large internet companies, conglomerates, and media houses, the negotiations did not yield the desired results.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk: AI to eliminate jobs</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/elon-musk-ai-to-eliminate-jobs-725197/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"A couple of them changed priority almost close to signing," Bidawatka stated.</p>

<p>The announcement follows a report by <em>The Morning Context</em>, which claimed that a potential deal between Koo and DailyHunt had collapsed.</p>

<p>While Koo expanded its presence in Brazil, amassing over 1 million downloads within 48 hours of its launch there, it struggled to maintain traction in the Indian market amid X's belligerent presence under its new owner Elon Musk.</p>

<p>Koo's interface, similar to that of X, allowed users to categorise posts with hashtags and tag other users in mentions or replies.</p>

<p>The platform frequently introduced new features like "Talk to Type" and supported several Indian languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Assamese, and Punjabi.</p>

<p>Prominent Indian figures, such as politicians Piyush Goyal and Ravi Shankar Prasad, author Amish Tripathi, and cricketers Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, were among the first to join Koo. The platform also attracted Brazilian celebrities like Babu Santana, Claudia Leitte, and author Rosana Hermann.</p>

<p>In 2022, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Koo to promote the "One District, One Product" initiative. Additionally, Koo collaborated with the Indian government on several projects.</p>

<p>Despite its initial success and securing $60 million in funding from notable investors like Tiger Global and Accel, Koo's journey has come to an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Koo, the Indian microblogging platform launched to rival X (formerly Twitter), is officially shutting down. The social media network rose to popularity in 2021 when the Indian government clashed with X over content removal.

Koo, the Indian microblogging platform launched to rival X (formerly Twitter), is officially shutting down. The social media network rose to popularity in 2021 when the Indian government clashed with X over content removal. Several ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as well as government departments migrated to Koo as primary microblogging platform. In a recent LinkedIn post, Koo's co-founder Mayank Bidawatka said that despite exploring partnerships with various large internet companies, conglomerates, and media houses, the negotiations did not yield the desired results. Also watch | Elon Musk: AI to eliminate jobs × "A couple of them changed priority almost close to signing," Bidawatka stated. The announcement follows a report by The Morning Context, which claimed that a potential deal between Koo and DailyHunt had collapsed. While Koo expanded its presence in Brazil, amassing over 1 million downloads within 48 hours of its launch there, it struggled to maintain traction in the Indian market amid X's belligerent presence under its new owner Elon Musk. Koo's interface, similar to that of X, allowed users to categorise posts with hashtags and tag other users in mentions or replies. The platform frequently introduced new features like "Talk to Type" and supported several Indian languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Assamese, and Punjabi. Prominent Indian figures, such as politicians Piyush Goyal and Ravi Shankar Prasad, author Amish Tripathi, and cricketers Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, were among the first to join Koo. The platform also attracted Brazilian celebrities like Babu Santana, Claudia Leitte, and author Rosana Hermann. In 2022, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Koo to promote the "One District, One Product" initiative. Additionally, Koo collaborated with the Indian government on several projects. Despite its initial success and securing $60 million in funding from notable investors like Tiger Global and Accel, Koo's journey has come to an end. (With inputs from agencies)

India's microblogging platform Koo bids goodbye amid reign of X under Elon Musk

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. At the conclusion of the inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha, the prime minister replied to Motion of Thanks to the President's address and described Gandhi&nbsp;— now a Leader of Opposition&nbsp;— as "<em>Balak Buddhi</em>"&nbsp;(a grown man with a child's mind).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's speech in the parliament, the prime minister claimed that the Congress leader performed a "drama" to gain sympathy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Balak buddhi has been crying... this person hit me, that person hit me, I was hit here, I was hit there... this drama is being played to gain sympathy," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>"A person with a child's mind doesn't know what to say and how to behave...he (Rahul Gandhi) sometimes winks inside the Lok Sabha... the country now knows him well. The entire country is now telling him -- tumse na ho payega (you won't be able to perform)," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday (July 1), Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over a host of issues, including the raging NEET row as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's adherence to the true tenets of Hinduism. But parts of his speech were expunged by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from the parliamentary records.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NDA vs I.N.D.I.A: Showdown in Lok Sabha, political fireworks over NEET paper leak case</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/nda-vs-india-showdown-in-lok-sabha-political-fireworks-over-neet-paper-leak-case-736836/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi further said that Rahul Gandhi is out on bail in a corruption case.</p>

<p>“...A new drama has been started to gain sympathy but the country knows the truth that he (Rahul Gandhi) is out on bail in a case of embezzlement of thousands of crores of rupees. He has been convicted in a case of calling OBC people thieves. He had to apologize after making an irresponsible statement in the Supreme Court,” he said.</p>

<p>Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's act of displaying a poster depicting Lord Shiva in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said: "We will not be able to protect parliamentary democracy without taking seriously what happened yesterday. We should not ignore these acts by calling them childish, by considering them childish, we should not ignore them at all and I am saying this because the intentions behind this are not good and I also want to awaken the country," he added.</p>

<p>The prime minister&nbsp;said the Congress has been celebrating fake victory.</p>

<p>"I remember an incident, there was a boy who scored 99 marks and he used to show it to everyone. When people heard 99, they used to encourage him a lot. Then a teacher came and said why are you distributing sweets? He did not score 99 out of 100 but 99 out of 543. Now who will explain to that child that you have created a world record in failure," PM Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-on-speaker-birla-for-selective-expunction-demands-restoration-of-speech-737094">Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech</a></strong></p>

<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his reply to Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Ahead of the adjournment, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning opposition's disruptions during PM Modi's address.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. At the conclusion of the inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha, the prime minister replied to Motion of Thanks to the President's address and described Gandhi — now a Leader of Opposition — as "Balak Buddhi" (a grown man with a child's mind). Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's speech in the parliament, the prime minister claimed that the Congress leader performed a "drama" to gain sympathy. "Balak buddhi has been crying... this person hit me, that person hit me, I was hit here, I was hit there... this drama is being played to gain sympathy," said PM Modi. "A person with a child's mind doesn't know what to say and how to behave...he (Rahul Gandhi) sometimes winks inside the Lok Sabha... the country now knows him well. The entire country is now telling him -- tumse na ho payega (you won't be able to perform)," PM Modi added. Earlier on Monday (July 1), Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over a host of issues, including the raging NEET row as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's adherence to the true tenets of Hinduism. But parts of his speech were expunged by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from the parliamentary records. Also watch | NDA vs I.N.D.I.A: Showdown in Lok Sabha, political fireworks over NEET paper leak case × PM Modi further said that Rahul Gandhi is out on bail in a corruption case. “...A new drama has been started to gain sympathy but the country knows the truth that he (Rahul Gandhi) is out on bail in a case of embezzlement of thousands of crores of rupees. He has been convicted in a case of calling OBC people thieves. He had to apologize after making an irresponsible statement in the Supreme Court,” he said. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's act of displaying a poster depicting Lord Shiva in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said: "We will not be able to protect parliamentary democracy without taking seriously what happened yesterday. We should not ignore these acts by calling them childish, by considering them childish, we should not ignore them at all and I am saying this because the intentions behind this are not good and I also want to awaken the country," he added. The prime minister said the Congress has been celebrating fake victory. "I remember an incident, there was a boy who scored 99 marks and he used to show it to everyone. When people heard 99, they used to encourage him a lot. Then a teacher came and said why are you distributing sweets? He did not score 99 out of 100 but 99 out of 543. Now who will explain to that child that you have created a world record in failure," PM Modi said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his reply to Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. Ahead of the adjournment, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning opposition's disruptions during PM Modi's address. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha adjourned after PM Modi fires salvo at Rahul Gandhi for his Hinduism remark

<p>Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The latest land seizure involves the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometres (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-oslo-accords-at-30-hope-struggle-and-the-quest-for-peace-635453">The Oslo Accords: A journey of hope, struggle, and quest for peace</a></strong></p>

<p>Peace Now reported that this recent appropriation is the largest since the 1993 Oslo accords. The decision, finalised late last month but only revealed on Wednesday (July 3), follows the seizure of 8 square kilometres (approximately 3 square miles) in March and 2.6 square kilometres (1 square mile) in February. The combined actions have made 2024 a peak year for Israeli land seizures in the West Bank.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The appropriated land is contiguous and situated northeast of Ramallah, the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. By designating these lands as state property, the Israeli government has opened them up for leasing to Israelis and therefore prohibiting private Palestinian ownership.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Severe unrest in West bank amid Gaza war, Israeli raids in West Bank target Hamas funding | WION</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/severe-unrest-in-west-bank-amid-gaza-war-israeli-raids-in-west-bank-target-hamas-funding-wion-674587/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 expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as the primary obstacle to a lasting peace agreement. Most of the international community also considers these settlements illegal or illegitimate. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state.</p>

<p>However, Israel's current government calls the West Bank as the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people and opposes Palestinian statehood.</p>

<p>Israel has established over 100 settlements in the West Bank, home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers with Israeli citizenship. In contrast, the 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank remain under Israeli military rule.</p>

<p>Although the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, it is restricted from operating in 60 per cent of the territory where the settlements are located.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The latest land seizure involves the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometres (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley. Also read | The Oslo Accords: A journey of hope, struggle, and quest for peace Peace Now reported that this recent appropriation is the largest since the 1993 Oslo accords. The decision, finalised late last month but only revealed on Wednesday (July 3), follows the seizure of 8 square kilometres (approximately 3 square miles) in March and 2.6 square kilometres (1 square mile) in February. The combined actions have made 2024 a peak year for Israeli land seizures in the West Bank. What does it mean? The appropriated land is contiguous and situated northeast of Ramallah, the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. By designating these lands as state property, the Israeli government has opened them up for leasing to Israelis and therefore prohibiting private Palestinian ownership. Also watch | Severe unrest in West bank amid Gaza war, Israeli raids in West Bank target Hamas funding | WION × The expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as the primary obstacle to a lasting peace agreement. Most of the international community also considers these settlements illegal or illegitimate. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. However, Israel's current government calls the West Bank as the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people and opposes Palestinian statehood. Israel has established over 100 settlements in the West Bank, home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers with Israeli citizenship. In contrast, the 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank remain under Israeli military rule. Although the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, it is restricted from operating in 60 per cent of the territory where the settlements are located. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel approves occupation of 12.7 sqkm of Palestinian land in West Bank, largest since 1993 Oslo accords

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.