<p>It might have been the longest wait but on Saturday 100-year-old American World War II veteran Harold Terens married his 96-year-old fiancee in Normandy, just days after being honoured on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in northwestern France.</p>

<p>To the sounds of "I will always love you", "Ave Maria" and bagpipes, Terens and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin said "I do" in the town of Carentan-les-Marais at a ceremony attended by dozens of guests, some wearing military uniforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans</strong></p>

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<p>To top off an extraordinary day, the newly wedded couple then attended the state banquet at the Elysee Palace in Paris thrown by President Emmanuel Macron in honour of visiting US leader Joe Biden.</p>

<p>"I waited 96 years to find the right man and now I have a wedding like only a queen and king can have," Swerlin told AFP before the ceremony in Normandy.</p>

<p>"I feel young again," Terens said. "It's the best time of my entire life."</p>

<p>Terens, who wore a light blue suit, entered the local wedding hall to applause from family and friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dressed in satin pink, Swerlin made her entrance to the sound of Whitney Houston's "I will always love you." The bride and groom embraced, swaying with emotion.</p>

<p>"Oui!" Swerlin said in French when asked by the mayor, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, if she wished to take Terens to be her husband.</p>

<p>Terens and Swerlin, who live in Boca Raton, Florida, tied the knot after commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 Normandy landings.</p>

<h2><strong>'Dreams of big things'</strong></h2>

<p>"Today Harold chose our country to marry Jeanne. They are among us today. cogratulations to the young couple!" Macron told the pair in his toast to Biden at the state dinner.</p>

<p>The glitzy asembly of guests rose and cheered the couple.</p>

<p>"My religion is love," Terens told AFP in Normandy. He said he always taught his family to "just love".</p>

<p>"I never leave my house without saying goodbye and kissing them, always, from the day they are born until today."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-age-sunaks-exit-passport-and-brexit-what-made-d-day-commemorations-awkward-this-time-729632">Show your passports, a listless Biden, Sunak's exit: What made D-Day commemorations awkward</a></strong></p>

<p>His son Bill Terens said they did not know "if he'd be alive or well enough to travel" to France for the anniversary of the D-Day landings as he regularly did in the past. But Terens said he felt good.</p>

<p>"I want to marry Jeannie," he also said, according to his son.</p>

<p>"So we all thought it was a little crazy, but we supported him again, and here we are. He has always been a dreamer, he dreams of big things, and sometimes he gets them."</p>

<p>Anne-Marie Ruffier, a 66-year-old local, called the wedding a "unique event".</p>

<p>"It's also a way of thanking this man who helped liberate France," she told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pierre Le Goubey, 69, said he "wouldn't have missed this wedding for the world".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a powerful symbol," he said, adding that in a way the veteran was "marrying France".</p>

<h2><strong>'Unbelievable guy'</strong></h2>

<p>Philip Taubman, Swerlin's son-in-law, praised the "once-in-a-lifetime" celebration.</p>

<p>"It proves what life is all about," he said. "Harold was a hero and he made a safer democracy of all the world and this is just the final celebration of his particular life."</p>

<p>Terens was awarded the French Legion of Honour by Macron in 2019.</p>

<p>"We are very honoured that Mr. Terens has chosen to marry here, in Carentan, where in June 1944 the Allied troops landed on the beaches of Utah and Omaha," the mayor said.</p>

<p>"We'll be offering him champagne, of course, but also a gift to thank him for taking part in the liberation of France."</p>

<p>During the war Terens was also part of a secret mission that took him to Soviet Ukraine via Casablanca, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Cairo, Baghdad and Tehran.</p>

<p>After the war Terens married his first wife, Thelma, with whom he spent 70 years and raised three children until her death in 2018.</p>

<p>In 2021, a friend introduced him to Swerlin, a charismatic woman who had also been widowed, and the two have been inseparable ever since.</p>

<p>"She makes life worth living," Terens told AFP last month in Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swerlin said Terens was "an unbelievable guy".</p>

<p>"He's handsome -- and he's a good kisser."</p>


It might have been the longest wait but on Saturday 100-year-old American World War II veteran Harold Terens married his 96-year-old fiancee in Normandy, just days after being honoured on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in northwestern France.

It might have been the longest wait but on Saturday 100-year-old American World War II veteran Harold Terens married his 96-year-old fiancee in Normandy, just days after being honoured on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in northwestern France. To the sounds of "I will always love you", "Ave Maria" and bagpipes, Terens and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin said "I do" in the town of Carentan-les-Marais at a ceremony attended by dozens of guests, some wearing military uniforms. Also watch | D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans × To top off an extraordinary day, the newly wedded couple then attended the state banquet at the Elysee Palace in Paris thrown by President Emmanuel Macron in honour of visiting US leader Joe Biden. "I waited 96 years to find the right man and now I have a wedding like only a queen and king can have," Swerlin told AFP before the ceremony in Normandy. "I feel young again," Terens said. "It's the best time of my entire life." Terens, who wore a light blue suit, entered the local wedding hall to applause from family and friends. Dressed in satin pink, Swerlin made her entrance to the sound of Whitney Houston's "I will always love you." The bride and groom embraced, swaying with emotion. "Oui!" Swerlin said in French when asked by the mayor, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, if she wished to take Terens to be her husband. Terens and Swerlin, who live in Boca Raton, Florida, tied the knot after commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 Normandy landings. 'Dreams of big things' "Today Harold chose our country to marry Jeanne. They are among us today. cogratulations to the young couple!" Macron told the pair in his toast to Biden at the state dinner. The glitzy asembly of guests rose and cheered the couple. "My religion is love," Terens told AFP in Normandy. He said he always taught his family to "just love". "I never leave my house without saying goodbye and kissing them, always, from the day they are born until today." Also read | Show your passports, a listless Biden, Sunak's exit: What made D-Day commemorations awkward His son Bill Terens said they did not know "if he'd be alive or well enough to travel" to France for the anniversary of the D-Day landings as he regularly did in the past. But Terens said he felt good. "I want to marry Jeannie," he also said, according to his son. "So we all thought it was a little crazy, but we supported him again, and here we are. He has always been a dreamer, he dreams of big things, and sometimes he gets them." Anne-Marie Ruffier, a 66-year-old local, called the wedding a "unique event". "It's also a way of thanking this man who helped liberate France," she told AFP. Pierre Le Goubey, 69, said he "wouldn't have missed this wedding for the world". "It's a powerful symbol," he said, adding that in a way the veteran was "marrying France". 'Unbelievable guy' Philip Taubman, Swerlin's son-in-law, praised the "once-in-a-lifetime" celebration. "It proves what life is all about," he said. "Harold was a hero and he made a safer democracy of all the world and this is just the final celebration of his particular life." Terens was awarded the French Legion of Honour by Macron in 2019. "We are very honoured that Mr. Terens has chosen to marry here, in Carentan, where in June 1944 the Allied troops landed on the beaches of Utah and Omaha," the mayor said. "We'll be offering him champagne, of course, but also a gift to thank him for taking part in the liberation of France." During the war Terens was also part of a secret mission that took him to Soviet Ukraine via Casablanca, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Cairo, Baghdad and Tehran. After the war Terens married his first wife, Thelma, with whom he spent 70 years and raised three children until her death in 2018. In 2021, a friend introduced him to Swerlin, a charismatic woman who had also been widowed, and the two have been inseparable ever since. "She makes life worth living," Terens told AFP last month in Florida. Swerlin said Terens was "an unbelievable guy". "He's handsome -- and he's a good kisser."

World War-2 veteran, 100, marries 96-year-old sweetheart in France after D-Day events

<p>Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-noa-argamani-and-other-rescued-hostages-fateful-encounter-with-hamas-on-oct-7-729997">Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7</a></strong></p>

<p>Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza.&nbsp;Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages&nbsp;killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified.</p>

<p>The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued</strong></h2>

<p>"I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family.</p>

<p>Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer.</p>

<p>In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with&nbsp;a "complicated and tough" health condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO,&nbsp;Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said.</p>

<p>Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel.</p>

<p>"Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said.</p>

<p>More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother.

Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead. Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world. Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity. Also read | Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7 Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza. Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified. The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. 'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued "I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family. Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer. In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter. "At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said. Also watch | Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza × Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with a "complicated and tough" health condition. "For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO, Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said. Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel. "Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said. More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother

<p>US President Joe Biden warned that Vladimir Putin would "not stop" at Ukraine, accusing The Kremlin of harbouring the ambitions of territorial ambitions. He was speaking on Saturday (June 8) while pledging support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin is not going to stop at Ukraine," Biden said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron after talks in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All of Europe will be threatened, we are not going to let that happen," Biden told journalists during his state visit to France.</p>

<p>"The United States is standing strong with Ukraine. We will not, I say it again, walk away," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans</strong></p>

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<p>Macron told Biden in front of reporters: "I thank you, Mr President, for being the president of the world's number one power but doing it with the loyalty of a partner who likes and respects the Europeans."</p>

<p>Both Biden and Macron on Friday (June 7) met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris and vowed that the two countries will continue supporting Ukraine's war-effort against Russian offensive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;has been in France since Wednesday (June 5). The US president&nbsp;took part in this week's commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings that changed the course of World War II.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-biden-apologises-to-zelensky-for-holdup-of-military-assistance-729777">Russia-Ukraine war: Biden apologises to Zelensky for holdup of military assistance</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Friday (June 7), Biden, in a veiled reference to Donald Trump's political resurrection&nbsp;in the United States, called for the need to protect the American democracy. The 81-year-old US leader also drew parallels between World War II and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Biden is set to face his predecessor and Republican rival Donald Trump later this year in the November presidential elections. Trump has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with other NATO allies of the US on a number of matters including the issue to equitable financial contribution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have shown the world again the power of allies and what we can achieve when we stand together," said Biden.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden warned that Vladimir Putin would "not stop" at Ukraine, accusing The Kremlin of harbouring the ambitions of territorial ambitions. He was speaking on Saturday (June 8) while pledging support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

US President Joe Biden warned that Vladimir Putin would "not stop" at Ukraine, accusing The Kremlin of harbouring the ambitions of territorial ambitions. He was speaking on Saturday (June 8) while pledging support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. "Putin is not going to stop at Ukraine," Biden said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron after talks in Paris. "All of Europe will be threatened, we are not going to let that happen," Biden told journalists during his state visit to France. "The United States is standing strong with Ukraine. We will not, I say it again, walk away," he added. Also watch | D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans × Macron told Biden in front of reporters: "I thank you, Mr President, for being the president of the world's number one power but doing it with the loyalty of a partner who likes and respects the Europeans." Both Biden and Macron on Friday (June 7) met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris and vowed that the two countries will continue supporting Ukraine's war-effort against Russian offensive. Biden has been in France since Wednesday (June 5). The US president took part in this week's commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings that changed the course of World War II. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Biden apologises to Zelensky for holdup of military assistance Earlier on Friday (June 7), Biden, in a veiled reference to Donald Trump's political resurrection in the United States, called for the need to protect the American democracy. The 81-year-old US leader also drew parallels between World War II and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden is set to face his predecessor and Republican rival Donald Trump later this year in the November presidential elections. Trump has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with other NATO allies of the US on a number of matters including the issue to equitable financial contribution. "We have shown the world again the power of allies and what we can achieve when we stand together," said Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden claims Putin is 'not going to stop at Ukraine'

<p>The heads of state and government from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles featured as distinguished guests during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 9), reflecting New Delhi's continued focus on the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean Region as part of its foreign policy initiatives.</p>

<p>During Modi's decade in power since 2014, with ministers Sushma Swaraj (2014-2019) and Dr S Jaishankar (2019-2024) as his foreign policy lieutenants, New Delhi has focused to deliver upon cooperation initiatives with immediate neighbourhood — the countries with which India shares contiguous territorial or maritime boundaries — and extensive engagements with extended neighbourhood: the countries in Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia or West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The whole 'Neighbourhood First' thinking developed from the 2014 swearing-in ceremony and his (Modi's) personal experiences," the outgoing External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar wrote in his book <em>'Why Bharat Matters'</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New Delhi's 'neighbourhood first' policy</strong></p>

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<p>India has been a security provider and first responder during crises in the neighbourhood as well as the western and southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for decades.</p>

<p>New Delhi's geopolitical framework for the IOR has been formalised as 'SAGAR', which literally means sea, or Security and Growth for All in the Region'.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi first used this phrase in 2015 at Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Since then, the term has been adapted to include more elements such as policy framework with the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR framework: What do they mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The Neighbourhood First policy is aimed at enhancing physical, digital and people to people connectivity across the region. The core of Neighbourhood First policy, is the immediate neighbourhood, the objects of attention of Modi's first oath-taking ceremony in 2014.&nbsp;<img alt="PM Modi swearing-in 2014 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="daab8fe7-2b36-4241-a98b-a72fdd550b0e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ModiSwearingIn%20%281%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (4th R) poses with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) heads of states during his oath of office ceremony at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on May 26, 2014 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Notably, in the Indian Ocean Region, some countries overlap with New Delhi's SAGAR framework and the Neighbourhood First outlook.</p>

<p>"Some countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives overlap with the Neighbourhood First policy," Jaishankar explains while referring to 'a transformational decade' (2014-2024) during Modi's years in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But others today note the stronger focus and larger resources that India is prepared to devote," Jaishankar adds, while acknowledging that India's "development partnership with Mauritius has emerged an exemplar in this context".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The underlying maritime cooperation has also become the basis for an emerging security conclave that encourages more cooperative thinking," the outgoing External Affairs Minister writes while referring to the Colombo Security Conclave which excludes China but includes the national security advisers of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius where they discuss measures for maritime safety and security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangladesh and Seychelles attend Colombo Security Conclave as observers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bullies-dont-help-jaishankar-puts-focus-on-indias-neighbourhood-first-policy-696459">‘Bullies don’t help’: Jaishankar puts emphasis on India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy</a></strong></p>

<p>The Neighbourhood First and SAGAR frameworks also serve as the basis for New Delhi's ongoing engagements with the countries in the region that potentially offset Chinese strategic designs in the region in long term.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Neighbourhood foreign policy frameworks and Indian interests</strong></h2>

<p>India occupies a unique position in the subcontinent due to its size, location, and&nbsp;increasingly, its economic weight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is obviously in India's interest that its immediate periphery be stable, secure and sensitive. Ensuring this in a competitive world will require us to underwrite the larger region and invest in the connectivity, cooperation and contacts that make for a more cohesive geography," Jaishankar further notes in 'a transformational decade' of 'Why Bharat Matters'.</p>

<p>"The heart of Neighbourhood First policy is for India to convince its immediate neighbours of the benefits of closer ties and then proceed to make that happen on the ground. This is essentially what we have seen unfold since 2014," Jaishankar adds, while referring to India's expeditious response to Sri Lanka's economic crisis in 2022, and increasing bilateral cohesion with countries in West Asia and Southeast Asia.</p>


The heads of state and government from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles featured as distinguished guests during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 9), reflecting New Delhi's continued focus on the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean Region as part of its foreign policy initiatives.

The heads of state and government from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles featured as distinguished guests during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 9), reflecting New Delhi's continued focus on the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean Region as part of its foreign policy initiatives. During Modi's decade in power since 2014, with ministers Sushma Swaraj (2014-2019) and Dr S Jaishankar (2019-2024) as his foreign policy lieutenants, New Delhi has focused to deliver upon cooperation initiatives with immediate neighbourhood — the countries with which India shares contiguous territorial or maritime boundaries — and extensive engagements with extended neighbourhood: the countries in Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia or West Asia. "The whole 'Neighbourhood First' thinking developed from the 2014 swearing-in ceremony and his (Modi's) personal experiences," the outgoing External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar wrote in his book 'Why Bharat Matters'. Also watch | New Delhi's 'neighbourhood first' policy × India has been a security provider and first responder during crises in the neighbourhood as well as the western and southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for decades. New Delhi's geopolitical framework for the IOR has been formalised as 'SAGAR', which literally means sea, or Security and Growth for All in the Region'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first used this phrase in 2015 at Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Since then, the term has been adapted to include more elements such as policy framework with the Indo-Pacific region. Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR framework: What do they mean? The Neighbourhood First policy is aimed at enhancing physical, digital and people to people connectivity across the region. The core of Neighbourhood First policy, is the immediate neighbourhood, the objects of attention of Modi's first oath-taking ceremony in 2014. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (4th R) poses with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) heads of states during his oath of office ceremony at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on May 26, 2014 | AFP Notably, in the Indian Ocean Region, some countries overlap with New Delhi's SAGAR framework and the Neighbourhood First outlook. "Some countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives overlap with the Neighbourhood First policy," Jaishankar explains while referring to 'a transformational decade' (2014-2024) during Modi's years in power. "But others today note the stronger focus and larger resources that India is prepared to devote," Jaishankar adds, while acknowledging that India's "development partnership with Mauritius has emerged an exemplar in this context". "The underlying maritime cooperation has also become the basis for an emerging security conclave that encourages more cooperative thinking," the outgoing External Affairs Minister writes while referring to the Colombo Security Conclave which excludes China but includes the national security advisers of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius where they discuss measures for maritime safety and security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief among others. Bangladesh and Seychelles attend Colombo Security Conclave as observers. Also read | ‘Bullies don’t help’: Jaishankar puts emphasis on India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy The Neighbourhood First and SAGAR frameworks also serve as the basis for New Delhi's ongoing engagements with the countries in the region that potentially offset Chinese strategic designs in the region in long term. Neighbourhood foreign policy frameworks and Indian interests India occupies a unique position in the subcontinent due to its size, location, and increasingly, its economic weight. "It is obviously in India's interest that its immediate periphery be stable, secure and sensitive. Ensuring this in a competitive world will require us to underwrite the larger region and invest in the connectivity, cooperation and contacts that make for a more cohesive geography," Jaishankar further notes in 'a transformational decade' of 'Why Bharat Matters'. "The heart of Neighbourhood First policy is for India to convince its immediate neighbours of the benefits of closer ties and then proceed to make that happen on the ground. This is essentially what we have seen unfold since 2014," Jaishankar adds, while referring to India's expeditious response to Sri Lanka's economic crisis in 2022, and increasing bilateral cohesion with countries in West Asia and Southeast Asia.

What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration

<p>Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation. Most of European Union's 27 member nations, including France and Germany, will go to polls on Sunday (June 9), with projected overall results due late evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The polling stations have opened in the French Pacific territory on New Caledonia where deadly riots erupted towards the end of last month.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Italy's role in EU elections: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Italy has 76 of 720 seats in the post-Brexit EU parliament. As the European Union's third largest economy, Rome carries significant influence in the EU after the exit of Britain from the bloc.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cast her vote in Rome constituency and told reporters that the elections will "shape the next five years".</p>

<p>Polls suggest that Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party could win up to 27 per cent of vote, more than four times its 2019 score amid a broader surge of the far-right groups across the Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-bittersweet-melodi-in-india-italy-ties-during-swaraj-jaishankar-years-667672">Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years</a></strong></p>

<p>A victory for the Brothers of Italy could establish Prime Minister Meloni as a powerbroker. Meloni's future political decisions in the EU following the results of these elections would determine whether EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen get the backing she needs from both EU member states and the parliament for a second term.</p>

<p>But critics are warning against overestimating Meloni's influence.</p>

<p>"Meloni will have an influence on Italian interests, at the commission, in parliament," one EU diplomat told news agency AFP on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She will play the game. But does that make her a kingmaker? No."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;EU Parliament elections: Voting underway on the third day of elections</strong></p>

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<p>Prime Minister Meloni rose to power in 2022 amid concerns over irregular flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Immigration continues to be the key issue that is driving the support to parties perceived as far-right. Such parties are forecast to win at least a quarter of EU parliament seats but the centrist mainstream parties are still most likely to come on top.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation.

Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation. Most of European Union's 27 member nations, including France and Germany, will go to polls on Sunday (June 9), with projected overall results due late evening. The polling stations have opened in the French Pacific territory on New Caledonia where deadly riots erupted towards the end of last month. Italy's role in EU elections: What does it mean? Italy has 76 of 720 seats in the post-Brexit EU parliament. As the European Union's third largest economy, Rome carries significant influence in the EU after the exit of Britain from the bloc. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cast her vote in Rome constituency and told reporters that the elections will "shape the next five years". Polls suggest that Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party could win up to 27 per cent of vote, more than four times its 2019 score amid a broader surge of the far-right groups across the Europe. Also read | Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years A victory for the Brothers of Italy could establish Prime Minister Meloni as a powerbroker. Meloni's future political decisions in the EU following the results of these elections would determine whether EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen get the backing she needs from both EU member states and the parliament for a second term. But critics are warning against overestimating Meloni's influence. "Meloni will have an influence on Italian interests, at the commission, in parliament," one EU diplomat told news agency AFP on the condition of anonymity. "She will play the game. But does that make her a kingmaker? No." Also watch | EU Parliament elections: Voting underway on the third day of elections × Prime Minister Meloni rose to power in 2022 amid concerns over irregular flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean. Immigration continues to be the key issue that is driving the support to parties perceived as far-right. Such parties are forecast to win at least a quarter of EU parliament seats but the centrist mainstream parties are still most likely to come on top. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy votes in EU elections, with Giorgia Meloni most likely to emerge powerbroker

<p>The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections. Tories continue to trail behind Labour Party in opinion polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Conservatives say that the state funding of therapies such as counselling services for more 500,000 people would help save the UK economy 12 billion pounds ($15.24bn) as more people of the working age would return to work, prompting a potential end to the 'sick note culture'.</p>

<p>According to the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of people inactive for health reasons has increased by 33 per cent to 2.8 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ending "sick note culture" a top theme of his tenure in the 10, Downing Street.</p>

<p>His opponents claim that Sunak is attempting to "disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK's NHS low on productivity | NHS sees dip in performance post-pandemic</strong></p>

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<p>But Sunak said that "reforming welfare is a moral mission".</p>

<p>"That's why we have announced a significant increase in mental health provision, as well as changes to ensure those who can work, do work."</p>

<p>Besides, the Tories have pledged to bring forward a number of reforms. This includes disability benefits for the ones most in need as well as tightening of the work capability assessment criteria.</p>

<p>A Labour spokesperson said: "This is the latest desperate announcement from Rishi Sunak, who has once again plucked numbers out of thin air in an attempt to disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill."</p>

<p>"These reheated pledges, old policies and vague promises will not get Britain healthy or benefits under control, and do nothing to solve the fact that £10bn ($12.7bn) of taxpayers' money was lost to benefit fraud just last year."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections.

The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections. Tories continue to trail behind Labour Party in opinion polls. The Conservatives say that the state funding of therapies such as counselling services for more 500,000 people would help save the UK economy 12 billion pounds ($15.24bn) as more people of the working age would return to work, prompting a potential end to the 'sick note culture'. According to the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of people inactive for health reasons has increased by 33 per cent to 2.8 million. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ending "sick note culture" a top theme of his tenure in the 10, Downing Street. His opponents claim that Sunak is attempting to "disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill". Also watch | UK's NHS low on productivity | NHS sees dip in performance post-pandemic × But Sunak said that "reforming welfare is a moral mission". "That's why we have announced a significant increase in mental health provision, as well as changes to ensure those who can work, do work." Besides, the Tories have pledged to bring forward a number of reforms. This includes disability benefits for the ones most in need as well as tightening of the work capability assessment criteria. A Labour spokesperson said: "This is the latest desperate announcement from Rishi Sunak, who has once again plucked numbers out of thin air in an attempt to disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill." "These reheated pledges, old policies and vague promises will not get Britain healthy or benefits under control, and do nothing to solve the fact that £10bn ($12.7bn) of taxpayers' money was lost to benefit fraud just last year." (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak promises hundreds of millions in mental health benefits if re-elected

<p>US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 7) issued an unprecedented public apology to Ukraine for the holdup of American military assistance&nbsp;that allowed Russia to continue making gains on the battlefield. Ukraine's&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for bipartisan US support "like it was during World War II."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-west-allows-kyiv-to-strike-russia-727531">Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Kyiv to strike Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking in Paris a day after they attended 80th anniversary events of D-Day in Normandy, Biden apologised to the Ukrainian people for the weeks of not knowing if more assistance would come while Republicans in the US Congress held up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months.</p>

<p>"We are still in. Completely. Thoroughly," Biden added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine war: What Zelensky wants from the US</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky has called upon the Americans to support Ukraine's defence against the ongoing Russian offensive. The Ukrainian president in France also thanked US lawmakers for eventually coming together to approve the weapons package.</p>

<p>"It’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine like it was during World War II,” Zelensky said.</p>

<p>"How the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe. And we count on your continuing support in standing with us shoulder to shoulder."</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans</b></p>

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<p>The United States is by far Kyiv’s biggest supplier of wartime support that has pitted the West directly against Russia.</p>

<p>Over two years into the war in Ukraine, Kyiv is now trying to fend off an intense Russian offensive in eastern areas of the country.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian pushback over Russian war-effort is focused on the border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk.</p>

<p>The Russian offensive is going on amid Kyiv's consistent shortfall of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line.</p>

<p>That shortfall in weaponry came after US military aid was held up in Congress for six months before Biden in April signed the $61 billion package into law.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 7) issued an unprecedented public apology to Ukraine for the holdup of American military assistance that allowed Russia to continue making gains on the battlefield.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 7) issued an unprecedented public apology to Ukraine for the holdup of American military assistance that allowed Russia to continue making gains on the battlefield. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for bipartisan US support "like it was during World War II." Also read | Russia-Ukraine War: West allows Kyiv to strike Russia Speaking in Paris a day after they attended 80th anniversary events of D-Day in Normandy, Biden apologised to the Ukrainian people for the weeks of not knowing if more assistance would come while Republicans in the US Congress held up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months. "We are still in. Completely. Thoroughly," Biden added. Russia-Ukraine war: What Zelensky wants from the US Zelensky has called upon the Americans to support Ukraine's defence against the ongoing Russian offensive. The Ukrainian president in France also thanked US lawmakers for eventually coming together to approve the weapons package. "It’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine like it was during World War II,” Zelensky said. "How the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe. And we count on your continuing support in standing with us shoulder to shoulder." Also watch | D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans × The United States is by far Kyiv’s biggest supplier of wartime support that has pitted the West directly against Russia. Over two years into the war in Ukraine, Kyiv is now trying to fend off an intense Russian offensive in eastern areas of the country. The Ukrainian pushback over Russian war-effort is focused on the border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk. The Russian offensive is going on amid Kyiv's consistent shortfall of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line. That shortfall in weaponry came after US military aid was held up in Congress for six months before Biden in April signed the $61 billion package into law. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Biden apologises to Zelensky for holdup of military assistance

<p>Eleven million years ago, the smallest known great ape that weighed just 10 kgs, lived in its full glory. The tiny great ape is far smaller than any other great ape on record.</p>

<p>The species, called<em> Buronius manfredschmidi</em>, is an ancient hominid. It is part of the ancestral family that gave rise to modern humans, gorillas and chimpanzees.</p>

<p>"This new genus is far smaller than any living or any fossil hominid," Professor Madelaine Böhme, a palaeontologist at the University of Tübingen, who led the research, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That makes it quite unusual."</p>

<h2><strong>Human toddler-sized great ape: What did they look like?</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers found that the newly discovered species coexisted with much larger hominid, called <em>Danuvius guggenmosi.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Study: Apes like to tease their friends</strong></p>

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<p>Fossil remains of the larger ape had previously been dated to the same period at the same fossil site in the German region of Bavaria. The new miniature ape has partial remains of two teeth and one kneecap. Their shape and size suggest that the smallest apes were adept climbers. The thin enamel and light wear on its teeth point out it ate a diet of soft fruits and leaves. Its small size would have allowed it to live high up in the canopy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings are published in the journal Plos One.</p>

<h2><strong>Coexisting with larger Danuvius</strong></h2>

<p>Danuvius, on the other hand,&nbsp;was much taller and sturdier. They are thought to be both plant and meat-eaters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The differences in lifestyle are likely to have allowed the two species to share a habitat without competing for resources much like modern gibbons and orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/king-kong-like-apes-used-to-roam-in-southern-china-before-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-678937">A 10-foot-tall ape once roamed Earth but fell victim to climate change: Study</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The discovery could help scientists understand the diversity of hominids during the late Miocene epoch (about 23.03 to 5.333 million years ago).</p>

<p>"It’s hard to say why there are no small hominids living today," Böhme said. "In evolutionary lineages you normally start small and get bigger, and [once you’re bigger] you don’t normally go back."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Eleven million years ago, the smallest known great ape that weighed just 10 kgs, lived in its full glory. The tiny great ape is far smaller than any other great ape on record.

Eleven million years ago, the smallest known great ape that weighed just 10 kgs, lived in its full glory. The tiny great ape is far smaller than any other great ape on record. The species, called Buronius manfredschmidi, is an ancient hominid. It is part of the ancestral family that gave rise to modern humans, gorillas and chimpanzees. "This new genus is far smaller than any living or any fossil hominid," Professor Madelaine Böhme, a palaeontologist at the University of Tübingen, who led the research, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "That makes it quite unusual." Human toddler-sized great ape: What did they look like? Researchers found that the newly discovered species coexisted with much larger hominid, called Danuvius guggenmosi. Also watch | Study: Apes like to tease their friends × Fossil remains of the larger ape had previously been dated to the same period at the same fossil site in the German region of Bavaria. The new miniature ape has partial remains of two teeth and one kneecap. Their shape and size suggest that the smallest apes were adept climbers. The thin enamel and light wear on its teeth point out it ate a diet of soft fruits and leaves. Its small size would have allowed it to live high up in the canopy. The findings are published in the journal Plos One. Coexisting with larger Danuvius Danuvius, on the other hand, was much taller and sturdier. They are thought to be both plant and meat-eaters. The differences in lifestyle are likely to have allowed the two species to share a habitat without competing for resources much like modern gibbons and orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra. Also read | A 10-foot-tall ape once roamed Earth but fell victim to climate change: Study What does it mean? The discovery could help scientists understand the diversity of hominids during the late Miocene epoch (about 23.03 to 5.333 million years ago). "It’s hard to say why there are no small hominids living today," Böhme said. "In evolutionary lineages you normally start small and get bigger, and [once you’re bigger] you don’t normally go back." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany

<p>Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence.</p>

<p>Jose Uribe, the businessman who pleaded guilty in March and is cooperating with prosecutors, was asked on the witness stand whom he bribed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jury-selection-continues-in-us-senator-robert-menendezs-corruption-trial-721308">Jury selection continues in US Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial</a></strong></p>

<p>Uribe replied that he had bribed Menendez and conspired with another businessman Wael Hana.</p>

<p>Uribe also said that the senator's wife, Nadine Menendez, had accepted the bribes he paid.</p>

<p>The senator, his wife and Hana have all pleaded not guilty. A third businessman, Fred Daibes, has also pleaded not guilty.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Menendez accused of?</strong></h2>

<p>Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in bribes. It is accused that the couple accepted some of it in the form of gold bars in exchange for some official acts from Menendez as senator.</p>

<p>Prosecutors have said that Uribe sought the senator's help to keep at bay a criminal probe from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office into his associates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Democrat Senator Bob Menendez charged for corruption</strong></p>

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<p>According to prosecutors, Bob Menendez called then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to discuss the matter.</p>

<p>Grewal, who now leads enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission, testified on Thursday (June 6) that Menendez's alleged attempts to discuss a particular ongoing criminal case was "pretty unprecedented in my experience".</p>

<p>Menendez is also accused of accepting bribes to benefit the Egyptian government.</p>

<p>"Next week the truth will come out,” Menendez said on Friday (June 7).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Menendez is saying?</strong></h2>

<p>An attorney for Menendez, Ari Weitzman, said that his client had not violated the law.</p>

<p>"There won’t be a single piece of tangible evidence the senator accepted a bribe. There is an innocent explanation for the gold and the cash," Weitzman said.</p>

<p>Menendez has served in the Senate since 2006. He stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly after he was indicted in September but has not addressed calls for his resignation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence.

Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence. Jose Uribe, the businessman who pleaded guilty in March and is cooperating with prosecutors, was asked on the witness stand whom he bribed. Also read | Jury selection continues in US Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial Uribe replied that he had bribed Menendez and conspired with another businessman Wael Hana. Uribe also said that the senator's wife, Nadine Menendez, had accepted the bribes he paid. The senator, his wife and Hana have all pleaded not guilty. A third businessman, Fred Daibes, has also pleaded not guilty. What is Menendez accused of? Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in bribes. It is accused that the couple accepted some of it in the form of gold bars in exchange for some official acts from Menendez as senator. Prosecutors have said that Uribe sought the senator's help to keep at bay a criminal probe from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office into his associates. Also watch | US: Democrat Senator Bob Menendez charged for corruption × According to prosecutors, Bob Menendez called then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to discuss the matter. Grewal, who now leads enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission, testified on Thursday (June 6) that Menendez's alleged attempts to discuss a particular ongoing criminal case was "pretty unprecedented in my experience". Menendez is also accused of accepting bribes to benefit the Egyptian government. "Next week the truth will come out,” Menendez said on Friday (June 7). What Menendez is saying? An attorney for Menendez, Ari Weitzman, said that his client had not violated the law. "There won’t be a single piece of tangible evidence the senator accepted a bribe. There is an innocent explanation for the gold and the cash," Weitzman said. Menendez has served in the Senate since 2006. He stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly after he was indicted in September but has not addressed calls for his resignation. (With inputs from agencies)

US senator Menendez bribed with a Mercedes-Benz, admits New Jersey businessman

<p>The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.</p>

<p>Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's&nbsp;part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday.</p>

<p>"I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan.</p>

<p>"Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas."</p>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children</strong></p>

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<p>Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained.</p>

<p>Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-hamas-in-list-of-offenders-committing-violations-against-children-729771">Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children</a></strong></p>

<p>There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes a nation child rights violator?</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are:&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Killing and maiming of children;</p>

<p>- Recruitment or use of children as soldiers;</p>

<p>- Sexual violence against children;</p>

<p>- Abduction of children;</p>

<p>- Attacks against schools or hospitals;</p>

<p>- Denial of humanitarian access for children</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.

The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed. Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday. "I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan. "Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children × Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained. Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Also read | Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials. What makes a nation child rights violator? The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are: - Killing and maiming of children; - Recruitment or use of children as soldiers; - Sexual violence against children; - Abduction of children; - Attacks against schools or hospitals; - Denial of humanitarian access for children (With inputs from agencies)

Blacklist of history: Israel reacts sharply to inclusion in UN 'list of shame' for children's rights abuse

<p>William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut who captured "Earthrise", one of the most significant photos of humankind that showed our&nbsp;blue planet from Moon&nbsp;in 1968, was killed in a plane crash.&nbsp;He was 90.</p>

<p>The crash took place on Friday (June 7)&nbsp;when the plane he was piloting alone went down into the waters off the San Juan Islands in Washington state.</p>

<p>His son, Greg Anders, confirmed the death to the media.</p>

<p>"The family is devastated," retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders said. "He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/who-was-ken-mattingly-apollo-16-astronaut-who-died-at-87-654664">Who was Ken Mattingly? Apollo 16 astronaut who died at 87</a></strong></p>

<p>The photo captured by the deceased astronaut was his most significant contribution to the space program. William Anders also sure the Apollo 8 command module and service module worked well.</p>

<p>Earthrise photograph, which showed Earth and a part of the Moon's surface, was taken from lunar orbit by Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission. Nature photographer Galen Rowell once described it as "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Gulf coast powers NASA's new moon rocket</strong></p>

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<p>NASA Administrator and former Senator Bill Nelson said Anders embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration.</p>

<p>"He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves," Nelson wrote on the social platform X.</p>

<p>In December 1968, William Anders became one of the first three members of the crew of Apollo 8 to leave low Earth orbit and travel to the Moon. Along with fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, Anders circled the Moon ten times, and broadcast live images and commentary back to Earth. This also included the famous Christmas Eve Genesis reading. During one of the mission's lunar orbits, he took the iconic Earthrise photograph that consolidated his place&nbsp;in the annals of human history.</p>


William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut who captured "Earthrise", one of the most significant photos of humankind that showed our blue planet from Moon in 1968, was killed in a plane crash.

William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut who captured "Earthrise", one of the most significant photos of humankind that showed our blue planet from Moon in 1968, was killed in a plane crash. He was 90. The crash took place on Friday (June 7) when the plane he was piloting alone went down into the waters off the San Juan Islands in Washington state. His son, Greg Anders, confirmed the death to the media. "The family is devastated," retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders said. "He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly." Also read | Who was Ken Mattingly? Apollo 16 astronaut who died at 87 The photo captured by the deceased astronaut was his most significant contribution to the space program. William Anders also sure the Apollo 8 command module and service module worked well. Earthrise photograph, which showed Earth and a part of the Moon's surface, was taken from lunar orbit by Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission. Nature photographer Galen Rowell once described it as "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken". Also watch | US Gulf coast powers NASA's new moon rocket × NASA Administrator and former Senator Bill Nelson said Anders embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. "He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves," Nelson wrote on the social platform X. In December 1968, William Anders became one of the first three members of the crew of Apollo 8 to leave low Earth orbit and travel to the Moon. Along with fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, Anders circled the Moon ten times, and broadcast live images and commentary back to Earth. This also included the famous Christmas Eve Genesis reading. During one of the mission's lunar orbits, he took the iconic Earthrise photograph that consolidated his place in the annals of human history.

Astronaut William Anders, who captured 'Earthrise' photo from Moon, dies in plane crash

<p>Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe. The man was later arrested. Hours later, police said that the accused man will appear in Court on Saturday (June 8).</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested," the Danish Prime Minister's Office said in a&nbsp;statement.</p>

<p>The attack coincides with a number of similar assaults on politicians from across the party lines on their campaign trail in Germany ahead of this week's European Union elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, on May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova.</p>

<p>Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, told newspaper BT that they had seen Frederiksen arrive at the square&nbsp;just before 6:00 pm (1600 GMT).</p>

<p>"A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side," the two women told the newspaper.</p>

<p>They added that while it was a "strong push", Frederiksen did not hit the ground.</p>

<p>According to the witnesses cited by Danish newspapers, the prime minister sat down at a nearby cafe following the attack. The eyewitnesses described the man as tall and slim. The alleged attacker tried to get away but was grabbed and pushed to the ground by authorities.</p>

<p>Another witness, Kasper Jorgensen, told newspaper Ekstra Bladet that he had seen the man after he was tackled to the ground.</p>

<p>"They had pacified him, and as he lay there, he looked confused and a little dazed," Jorgensen told the newspaper.</p>

<p>EU chief Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Friday slammed the attack on Frederiksen.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Assassination attempt on Slovakia's PM, Robert Fico in 'life-threatening' condition</strong></p>

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<p>Metsola urged the Danish head of government to "keep strong", while adding in a post on X that "violence has no place in politics".</p>

<p>Michel in turn said he was "outraged by the assault".</p>

<p>"I strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression," the European Council president said in a separate post to X.</p>

<p>EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the act as a "despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe", in a statement to social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-moves-to-home-care-from-hospital-after-surviving-assassination-attempt-727492">Slovak PM Robert Fico, who survived assassination bid, moves to home care from hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>Copenhagen police confirmed that an incident involving the prime minister had occurred but did not provide further details.</p>

<p>"We have one person arrested in the case, which we are now investigating. At this time, we have no further comments or remarks on the case," police said in a statement on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe. The man was later arrested. Hours later, police said that the accused man will appear in Court on Saturday (June 8). "Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested," the Danish Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The attack coincides with a number of similar assaults on politicians from across the party lines on their campaign trail in Germany ahead of this week's European Union elections. Last month, on May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova. Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, told newspaper BT that they had seen Frederiksen arrive at the square just before 6:00 pm (1600 GMT). "A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side," the two women told the newspaper. They added that while it was a "strong push", Frederiksen did not hit the ground. According to the witnesses cited by Danish newspapers, the prime minister sat down at a nearby cafe following the attack. The eyewitnesses described the man as tall and slim. The alleged attacker tried to get away but was grabbed and pushed to the ground by authorities. Another witness, Kasper Jorgensen, told newspaper Ekstra Bladet that he had seen the man after he was tackled to the ground. "They had pacified him, and as he lay there, he looked confused and a little dazed," Jorgensen told the newspaper. EU chief Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Friday slammed the attack on Frederiksen. Also watch | Gravitas: Assassination attempt on Slovakia's PM, Robert Fico in 'life-threatening' condition × Metsola urged the Danish head of government to "keep strong", while adding in a post on X that "violence has no place in politics". Michel in turn said he was "outraged by the assault". "I strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression," the European Council president said in a separate post to X. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the act as a "despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe", in a statement to social media. Also read | Slovak PM Robert Fico, who survived assassination bid, moves to home care from hospital Copenhagen police confirmed that an incident involving the prime minister had occurred but did not provide further details. "We have one person arrested in the case, which we are now investigating. At this time, we have no further comments or remarks on the case," police said in a statement on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen attacked in Copenhagen square ahead of EU elections

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