Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, but will remain as the country's leader until the formation of a new government.

A long-running fixture in Thai politics, the army chief seized power in a 2014 coup before cementing his control in highly controversial 2019 elections.

His decision comes just days before a key vote in Thailand's parliament that could see the next prime minister elected, following a May election when voters emphatically rejected army-backed parties.

"From now on, I quit politics by resigning as a member of the UTN party," he said in a statement posted on the United Thai Nation (UTN) party's official Facebook page.

The party -- which Prayut joined only weeks before May's elections -- failed to gain traction with voters, coming in a distant fifth place behind the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai.

The opposition groups were galvanised by a wave of support across the country, as voters rejected a near-decade of army-backed rule and opted for reform.

MFP's determination to amend Thailand's tough laws that protect the all-powerful royal family also garnered popularity during the election campaign.

Leader Pita Limjareonrat has said his party would not shy from the challenge, telling reporters on election night that "no matter what, we will push for royal lese majeste law reform".

In his statement, Prayut urged members of UTN to protect "the institutions of nation, religion, and monarchy" -- a reference to the previously untouchable three pillars of Thai society.

Prayut will remain as caretaker prime minister until the formation of a new government.

<h2>Political strategy?</h2>

Prayut's popularity had been on a downward spiral in the last year, as he battled divisions within his sprawling coalition -- barely surviving in July 2022 his fourth no-confidence vote.

His government has faced intense criticism over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economy, with Thailand recording its worst economic performance since the 1990s under his tenure.

And large, youth-led pro-democracy rallies that sprang up in Bangkok in 2020 called for his resignation, as well as more wide-reaching reforms.

But Napisa Waitoolkiat, a political analyst at Naresuan University, was adamant Thailand has not seen the last of him.

"I think he is doing some political strategy, because why now?" she told AFP, referencing the upcoming prime ministerial vote.

"It does not make sense."

"I would say this is a clear move that Prayut has himself played," Waitoolkiat added, suggesting that his political career was not over.

Born in 1954 into a military family in northeastern Thailand, Prayut rose from military college to become commander of the prestigious Queen's Guards in 1980.

In 2010, forces under Prayut's command opened fire and killed scores of "Red Shirt" protesters -- mostly rural supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Four years later, Prayut launched the latest of the dozen coups to have rocked Thai democracy over the last 90 years, ousting Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra's democratically elected government.

Prayut introduced martial law and headed a junta regime for five years before clinging to power in a disputed 2019 election with the help of a handpicked senate.

Under Prayut's government, lese majeste prosecutions rocketed.

More than 200 people faced royal defamation charges in the wake of the 2020 street protests, which included calls for changes to the previously untouchable monarchy.

Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, but will remain as the country's leader until the formation of a new government.

Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, but will remain as the country's leader until the formation of a new government. A long-running fixture in Thai politics, the army chief seized power in a 2014 coup before cementing his control in highly controversial 2019 elections. His decision comes just days before a key vote in Thailand's parliament that could see the next prime minister elected, following a May election when voters emphatically rejected army-backed parties. "From now on, I quit politics by resigning as a member of the UTN party," he said in a statement posted on the United Thai Nation (UTN) party's official Facebook page. The party -- which Prayut joined only weeks before May's elections -- failed to gain traction with voters, coming in a distant fifth place behind the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pheu Thai. The opposition groups were galvanised by a wave of support across the country, as voters rejected a near-decade of army-backed rule and opted for reform. MFP's determination to amend Thailand's tough laws that protect the all-powerful royal family also garnered popularity during the election campaign. Leader Pita Limjareonrat has said his party would not shy from the challenge, telling reporters on election night that "no matter what, we will push for royal lese majeste law reform". In his statement, Prayut urged members of UTN to protect "the institutions of nation, religion, and monarchy" -- a reference to the previously untouchable three pillars of Thai society. Prayut will remain as caretaker prime minister until the formation of a new government. Political strategy? Prayut's popularity had been on a downward spiral in the last year, as he battled divisions within his sprawling coalition -- barely surviving in July 2022 his fourth no-confidence vote. His government has faced intense criticism over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economy, with Thailand recording its worst economic performance since the 1990s under his tenure. And large, youth-led pro-democracy rallies that sprang up in Bangkok in 2020 called for his resignation, as well as more wide-reaching reforms. But Napisa Waitoolkiat, a political analyst at Naresuan University, was adamant Thailand has not seen the last of him. "I think he is doing some political strategy, because why now?" she told AFP, referencing the upcoming prime ministerial vote. "It does not make sense." "I would say this is a clear move that Prayut has himself played," Waitoolkiat added, suggesting that his political career was not over. Born in 1954 into a military family in northeastern Thailand, Prayut rose from military college to become commander of the prestigious Queen's Guards in 1980. In 2010, forces under Prayut's command opened fire and killed scores of "Red Shirt" protesters -- mostly rural supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. Four years later, Prayut launched the latest of the dozen coups to have rocked Thai democracy over the last 90 years, ousting Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra's democratically elected government. Prayut introduced martial law and headed a junta regime for five years before clinging to power in a disputed 2019 election with the help of a handpicked senate. Under Prayut's government, lese majeste prosecutions rocketed. More than 200 people faced royal defamation charges in the wake of the 2020 street protests, which included calls for changes to the previously untouchable monarchy.

Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics

A day after pulling out of a joint venture deal with Indian conglomerate Vedanta, Taiwan's Foxconn released a statement saying that it plans on applying for incentives under India's semiconductor manufacturing plan.

Foxconn, on Monday, pulled out of the JV with Indian metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta.

Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn had signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in western Gujarat state in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it is working to remove the Foxconn name from the joint venture which is now a fully-owned entity of Vedanta.

"Foxconn has no connection to the entity and efforts to keep its original name will cause confusion for future stakeholders," Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) said.

It said that for over a year, the Taiwanese company and Vedanta have been working hard to bring a great semiconductor idea to reality.

“It has been a fruitful experience that can position both companies strongly going forward.”

“In order to explore more diverse development opportunities, according to a mutual agreement, Foxconn has determined it will not move forward on the joint venture with Vedanta,” it said.

The electronics giant on Tuesday said that it was working towards applying under India's Modified Programme for Semiconductors and Display Fab Ecosystem, a $10 billion plan proposing incentives of up to 50 per cent&nbsp;of capital costs for semiconductor and display manufacturing projects.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/foxconn-pulls-out-of-195bn-semiconductor-plant-in-india-minister-says-wont-impact-fab-goals-613964">Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor deal in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’</a>

"We have been actively reviewing the landscape for optimal partners," it said in a statement. "Foxconn is committed to India and sees the country successfully establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem."&nbsp;

<h2>Foxconn split, a setback to PM Modi's chipmaking plans for India</h2>

Foxconn's split with Vedanta is a setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made chipmaking a top priority in quest of a "new era" in electronics manufacturing. Modi lauded the JV last year as an "important step" in revving India's semiconductor manufacturing initiatives.

As per news agency Reuters reports, the company is in talks with several local and international partners to make semiconductors in India using mature chip manufacturing technology for products including EVs, two people with knowledge of the matter said, requesting anonymity.

"The company will continue to be there, just that it will find other partners," one of the people said.&nbsp;

Elucidating the reason behind the separation, Foxconn said, "There was recognition from both sides that the project was not moving fast enough" and there were other "challenging gaps we were not able to smoothly overcome."

"This is not a negative," Foxconn added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A day after pulling out of a joint venture deal with Indian conglomerate Vedanta, Taiwan's Foxconn released a statement saying that it plans on applying for incentives under India's semiconductor manufacturing plan.

A day after pulling out of a joint venture deal with Indian conglomerate Vedanta, Taiwan's Foxconn released a statement saying that it plans on applying for incentives under India's semiconductor manufacturing plan. Foxconn, on Monday, pulled out of the JV with Indian metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta. Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn had signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in western Gujarat state in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub. In a statement on Monday, the company said it is working to remove the Foxconn name from the joint venture which is now a fully-owned entity of Vedanta. "Foxconn has no connection to the entity and efforts to keep its original name will cause confusion for future stakeholders," Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) said. It said that for over a year, the Taiwanese company and Vedanta have been working hard to bring a great semiconductor idea to reality. “It has been a fruitful experience that can position both companies strongly going forward.” “In order to explore more diverse development opportunities, according to a mutual agreement, Foxconn has determined it will not move forward on the joint venture with Vedanta,” it said. The electronics giant on Tuesday said that it was working towards applying under India's Modified Programme for Semiconductors and Display Fab Ecosystem, a $10 billion plan proposing incentives of up to 50 per cent of capital costs for semiconductor and display manufacturing projects. Also read: Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor deal in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’ "We have been actively reviewing the landscape for optimal partners," it said in a statement. "Foxconn is committed to India and sees the country successfully establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem." Foxconn split, a setback to PM Modi's chipmaking plans for India Foxconn's split with Vedanta is a setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made chipmaking a top priority in quest of a "new era" in electronics manufacturing. Modi lauded the JV last year as an "important step" in revving India's semiconductor manufacturing initiatives. As per news agency Reuters reports, the company is in talks with several local and international partners to make semiconductors in India using mature chip manufacturing technology for products including EVs, two people with knowledge of the matter said, requesting anonymity. "The company will continue to be there, just that it will find other partners," one of the people said. Elucidating the reason behind the separation, Foxconn said, "There was recognition from both sides that the project was not moving fast enough" and there were other "challenging gaps we were not able to smoothly overcome." "This is not a negative," Foxconn added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Foxconn eyes incentives under India's chip scheme after withdrawing from $19.5bn semiconductor deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday hit out at the NATO leaders saying that there was "no 
readiness"&nbsp;within the alliance, "neither to invite Kyiv to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance".

He took to Twitter and said, "We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it is about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that certain wording is being discussed without Ukraine," he said.

"And I would like to emphasize that this wording is about the invitation to become NATO member, not about Ukraine's membership. It’s unprecedented and absurd when time frame is not set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine's membership. While at the same time vague wording about 'conditions'&nbsp;is added even for inviting Ukraine. It seems there is no readiness neither to invite Ukraine to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance This means that a window of opportunity is being left to bargain Ukraine's membership in NATO in negotiations with Russia. And for Russia, this means motivation to continue its terror. Uncertainty is weakness. And I will openly discuss this at the summit," he further added.

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We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. 
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But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that…
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1678707674811187200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-air-strike-on-kyiv-ahead-of-nato-summit-614156">Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit</a>

<h2>NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says alliance to send "positive message" to Ukraine</h2>

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, on Tuesday, at the meeting with allied leaders at the summit in Vilnius said that the allies will send Ukraine "a clear and positive message on the path forward towards membership".&nbsp;

"We will send a clear message, a positive message on the path forward. The text in the communique will be made public within hours," Stoltenberg said at the start of the two-day meeting.&nbsp;

"Some allies are also then having a bilateral or multilateral dialogue with Ukraine on a framework to have in place to ensure continued support for Ukraine. I think it would be wrong if I go into the exact language of that and also exactly how that will be made public. But of course, this will complement and supplement the decisions made at the NATO summit," he added.

Zelensky then released a statement saying it would be "absurd" if NATO leaders gathering for a summit on Tuesday did not offer his country a timeframe for membership.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday hit out at the NATO leaders saying that there was "no readiness" within the alliance, "neither to invite Kyiv to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday hit out at the NATO leaders saying that there was "no readiness" within the alliance, "neither to invite Kyiv to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance". He took to Twitter and said, "We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it is about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that certain wording is being discussed without Ukraine," he said. "And I would like to emphasize that this wording is about the invitation to become NATO member, not about Ukraine's membership. It’s unprecedented and absurd when time frame is not set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine's membership. While at the same time vague wording about 'conditions' is added even for inviting Ukraine. It seems there is no readiness neither to invite Ukraine to NATO nor to make it a member of the Alliance This means that a window of opportunity is being left to bargain Ukraine's membership in NATO in negotiations with Russia. And for Russia, this means motivation to continue its terror. Uncertainty is weakness. And I will openly discuss this at the summit," he further added. We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it is about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that… — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 11, 2023 × Also read: Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says alliance to send "positive message" to Ukraine NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, on Tuesday, at the meeting with allied leaders at the summit in Vilnius said that the allies will send Ukraine "a clear and positive message on the path forward towards membership". "We will send a clear message, a positive message on the path forward. The text in the communique will be made public within hours," Stoltenberg said at the start of the two-day meeting. "Some allies are also then having a bilateral or multilateral dialogue with Ukraine on a framework to have in place to ensure continued support for Ukraine. I think it would be wrong if I go into the exact language of that and also exactly how that will be made public. But of course, this will complement and supplement the decisions made at the NATO summit," he added. Zelensky then released a statement saying it would be "absurd" if NATO leaders gathering for a summit on Tuesday did not offer his country a timeframe for membership. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slams NATO leaders over 'uncertainty' on country's membership

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. In business, Taiwanese firm Foxconn on Monday said it was pulling out of joint venture deal with Indian conglomerate Vedanta to set up a semiconductor plant in western Gujarat state. Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn had signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365853-succession-2023-07-10t203701090.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been intercepting Sweden's acquisition for months because of what according to him was Stockholm's negligence to clamp down on Kurdish extremists who have been pursuing a bloodstained mutiny against the Turkish state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/foxconn-pulls-out-of-195bn-semiconductor-plant-in-india-minister-says-wont-impact-fab-goals-613964">Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor plant in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365839-foxconn.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub. In a statement on Monday, the company said it working to remove the Foxconn name from the joint venture which is now is a fully-owned entity of Vedanta.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-met-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-five-days-after-failed-coup-attempt-kremlin-613881">Vladimir Putin met Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365786-putin.png?imwidth=1920" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting adding that it lasted three hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-re-capture-of-14-square-kilometre-territory-within-a-week-613836">Ukraine claims it has taken back 14 square kilometre of territory within a week</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/23/361741-ukraine-2.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The Ukrainian military said on Monday (July 10) that it had recaptured 14 square kilometres (five square miles) of territory from Russian forces in the south and east of the country over the last week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/within-24-hours-of-launch-right-wing-billionaire-satanists-joined-threads-report-613941">Within 24 hours of launch, right-wing 'billionaire satanists' joined Threads: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365821-new-wion7.png?imwidth=1920" />

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has expressed his intention to prioritise "kindness" in his company's new Threads app. He says, that in contrast to Twitter, which has faced an increase in hate speech and misinformation, Threads is an attempt at creating a friendly and successful platform. However, within days of the platform being launched, right-wing figures have already begun challenging the app's content moderation practices by posting hate speech and misinformation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-rutte-longest-serving-pm-of-netherlands-calls-it-quits-after-govt-collapse-613875">Mark Rutte, longest serving PM of Netherlands, calls it quits after govt collapse</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365781-rutt.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming general elections, effectively ending his 17-year-long political career. The decision of Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, follows the collapse of his government last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tiktoks-boat-jumping-trend-turns-fatal-kills-four-people-in-alabama-613827">TikTok's ‘boat jumping’ trend turns fatal, kills four people in Alabama</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365739-untitled-design-2023-07-10t135819708.png?imwidth=1920" />

A new social media challenge, called ‘A boat jumping challenge’, has been luring many people into its clout and also leading to the fatal deaths of some. As per the 'boat jumping challenge’, people are supposed to jump from the rear of the shipping vessels as the boat keeps on moving at a high speed. Such a risky jump has proved to be fatal for many.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-top-general-valery-gerasimov-makes-first-public-appearance-since-aborted-wagner-mutiny-613901">Russia’s top general Valery Gerasimov makes first public appearance since aborted Wagner mutiny</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365795-wion-images-2023-07-10t164013395.png?imwidth=1920" />

Top Russian general, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, was shown in a video released by the defence ministry, on Monday (July 10), ordering officers to destroy Ukrainian missile sites, in his first public appearance since the aborted Wagner mutiny last month. This also comes days after the Russian defence minister made his first public appearance since the mercenary group’s attempted coup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heaviest-rain-ever-claims-lives-of-at-least-two-in-southwestern-japan-613955">'Heaviest rain ever' claims lives of at least two in southwestern Japan</a>

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Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses.&nbsp;A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pakistani-journalist-saima-mohsin-sues-cnn-for-unfair-dismissal-and-racial-discrimination-613939">British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin sues CNN for unfair dismissal, racial discrimination</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/10/365826-wion-images-2023-07-10t181920551.png?imwidth=1920" />

British-Pakistani journalist and former CNN reporter, Saima Mohsin, on Monday (July 10) said she is suing the United States-based broadcaster for alleged discrimination and unfair termination of employment after she was severely injured during an assignment in Israel. The employment tribunal claim will be brought to court in London, United Kingdom, which says that the network had failed to support her after the life-changing injury.&nbsp;

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. In business, Taiwanese firm Foxconn on Monday said it was pulling out of joint venture deal with Indian conglomerate Vedanta to set up a semiconductor plant in western Gujarat state. Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn had signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub. Click on the headlines to read more. 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been intercepting Sweden's acquisition for months because of what according to him was Stockholm's negligence to clamp down on Kurdish extremists who have been pursuing a bloodstained mutiny against the Turkish state. Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor plant in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’ Last year, Vedanta and Foxconn signed an agreement to invest $19.5 billion to set up semiconductor and display production plants in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, in a bid to help India become a major electronics hub. In a statement on Monday, the company said it working to remove the Foxconn name from the joint venture which is now is a fully-owned entity of Vedanta. Vladimir Putin met Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Wagner mercenary group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after the failed coup attempt, the Kremlin said on Monday. Briefing the reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting took place on June 29, in which 35 people were invited, including unit commanders. He further said that the meeting adding that it lasted three hours. Ukraine claims it has taken back 14 square kilometre of territory within a week The Ukrainian military said on Monday (July 10) that it had recaptured 14 square kilometres (five square miles) of territory from Russian forces in the south and east of the country over the last week. Within 24 hours of launch, right-wing 'billionaire satanists' joined Threads: Report Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has expressed his intention to prioritise "kindness" in his company's new Threads app. He says, that in contrast to Twitter, which has faced an increase in hate speech and misinformation, Threads is an attempt at creating a friendly and successful platform. However, within days of the platform being launched, right-wing figures have already begun challenging the app's content moderation practices by posting hate speech and misinformation. Mark Rutte, longest serving PM of Netherlands, calls it quits after govt collapse Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Monday that he will not participate in the upcoming general elections, effectively ending his 17-year-long political career. The decision of Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, follows the collapse of his government last week. TikTok's ‘boat jumping’ trend turns fatal, kills four people in Alabama A new social media challenge, called ‘A boat jumping challenge’, has been luring many people into its clout and also leading to the fatal deaths of some. As per the 'boat jumping challenge’, people are supposed to jump from the rear of the shipping vessels as the boat keeps on moving at a high speed. Such a risky jump has proved to be fatal for many. Russia’s top general Valery Gerasimov makes first public appearance since aborted Wagner mutiny Top Russian general, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, was shown in a video released by the defence ministry, on Monday (July 10), ordering officers to destroy Ukrainian missile sites, in his first public appearance since the aborted Wagner mutiny last month. This also comes days after the Russian defence minister made his first public appearance since the mercenary group’s attempted coup. 'Heaviest rain ever' claims lives of at least two in southwestern Japan Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses. A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman. British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin sues CNN for unfair dismissal, racial discrimination British-Pakistani journalist and former CNN reporter, Saima Mohsin, on Monday (July 10) said she is suing the United States-based broadcaster for alleged discrimination and unfair termination of employment after she was severely injured during an assignment in Israel. The employment tribunal claim will be brought to court in London, United Kingdom, which says that the network had failed to support her after the life-changing injury.

Top 10 world news: Erdogan links Sweden’s NATO bid to Turkey joining EU, Foxconn junks $19.5bn deal, and more

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara.

His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. &nbsp;

Erdogan has been intercepting Sweden's acquisition for months because of what according to him was Stockholm's negligence to clamp down on Kurdish extremists who have been pursuing a bloodstained mutiny against the Turkish state.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation.

Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy.

“I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said.

"Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital.

"First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-met-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-five-days-after-failed-coup-attempt-kremlin-613881"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-met-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-five-days-after-failed-coup-attempt-kremlin-613881">Vladimir Putin met Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin</a>

He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday.

<h2>Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues</h2>

Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987.

It then got converted into an &nbsp;EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005.

The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup.

Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues.

"Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue."&nbsp;

The Turkish leader did not mention the dispute with Sweden on Monday.

"We want the promises given to us to be kept and our determination on this is the same," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. Erdogan has been intercepting Sweden's acquisition for months because of what according to him was Stockholm's negligence to clamp down on Kurdish extremists who have been pursuing a bloodstained mutiny against the Turkish state. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation. Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy. “I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said. "Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital. "First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland." Also read: Vladimir Putin met Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin five days after failed coup attempt: Kremlin He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday. Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987. It then got converted into an EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005. The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues. "Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue." The Turkish leader did not mention the dispute with Sweden on Monday. "We want the promises given to us to be kept and our determination on this is the same," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU membership bid progresses, says Erdogan

Recently, Mindy Kaling's brother Vijay Jojo Chokal Ingam opened up about why he had to scam his way through a medical college by checking ‘BLACK’ on the race identity section.

A BA in Economics student at the University of Chicago, Vijay Jojo Chokal Ingam used to earn a 3.1 GPA and his chances to get to an American medical college were really low.

However, Vijay, who was determined to get admission into one of the famous colleges, eventually scammed his way in.

He checked in as ‘BLACK’ on the race identity section in his medical school applications.

"I got into Saint Louis University School of Medicine despite the fact that my 3.1 GPA was dramatically lower than the average 3.7 at the time. I got waitlisted at Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania School, the third and fourth best medical schools in America at the time,” Vikay said, according to The Quint website.

“I shaved my head. I trimmed my long Indian eyelashes. I joined the organisation of Black students and I applied to medical schools as a Black man,” he said.

Later, he found it very difficult coping up with his studies and dropped out.

Then he went on to write a book, Almost Black, describing the fraud he committed during his college days.

Vijay then described how his sister Mindy was unhappy with him sharing the story of the scam he made.

“Of course, my sister Mindy Kaling jokingly said that I would bring shame on the family by telling my story,” Vijay said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a>

Of dropping out of the school, Vijay wrote in an article for New York Post, “That made me realise that affirmative action really doesn’t really do anyone any favours. And it’s unfair to those who are excluded even though they were more deserving than those admitted on the basis of race.”

Later in the month of June, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programmes at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The court ruled that the universities breached the 14th Amendment and federal civil rights law.&nbsp;

The decision made by the court further ended the practice of undisguised racial consideration in higher education admissions, making it mandatory for the colleges to not consider race as a factor in the admissions process in an attempt to ensure there is a diverse student body.

“After the decision, colleges and universities displayed a range of reactions — from reluctant acceptance to outright defiance,” Vijay said. “More than a 100 colleges and universities, including the entire Ivy League, had filed amicus briefs backing Harvard and University of North Carolina’s admission practices, which the court now deemed discriminatory.”

“These schools have collected tens of billions in taxpayer dollars and sent millions of rejection letters to applicants whose only fault may have been their race,” he added.

“The sad reality is that discrimination in the form of affirmative action hurts Asian Americans specifically including South Asians the worst. For example, someone who applied to medical school with a very mediocre 3.1 GPA and 31 MCAT score had an 18 percent chance as Asian, 28 percent as white, 46 percent as Hispanic and 76 percent as African American,” he said.

"Believe it or not, Asian Americans are the hardest hurt by affirmative action racism,” he added. “Not just the top-ranked Universities discriminate against Asian Americans but also the lower ranked universities.”

“What do you call it when you segregate applicants based on race?’’ Vijay previously said, according to New York Post. “It’s a form of legalised racism. It’s the ultimate form of discrimination to assume that one is disadvantaged just because he’s black, Hispanic or Native American."

Vijay then said that he is hopeful that affirmative action will finally come to an end.&nbsp;

“I’m encouraged not only by the Supreme Court’s ruling, but by the successful 2020 effort (in which I participated) to defeat California’s Prop. 16, which sought to allow affirmative action at California state institutions, including my beloved alma mater, UCLA,” he said. 
&nbsp;

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Recently, Mindy Kaling's brother Vijay Jojo Chokal Ingam opened up about why he had to scam his way through a medical college by checking ‘BLACK’ on the race identity section.

Recently, Mindy Kaling's brother Vijay Jojo Chokal Ingam opened up about why he had to scam his way through a medical college by checking ‘BLACK’ on the race identity section. A BA in Economics student at the University of Chicago, Vijay Jojo Chokal Ingam used to earn a 3.1 GPA and his chances to get to an American medical college were really low. However, Vijay, who was determined to get admission into one of the famous colleges, eventually scammed his way in. He checked in as ‘BLACK’ on the race identity section in his medical school applications. "I got into Saint Louis University School of Medicine despite the fact that my 3.1 GPA was dramatically lower than the average 3.7 at the time. I got waitlisted at Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania School, the third and fourth best medical schools in America at the time,” Vikay said, according to The Quint website. “I shaved my head. I trimmed my long Indian eyelashes. I joined the organisation of Black students and I applied to medical schools as a Black man,” he said. Later, he found it very difficult coping up with his studies and dropped out. Then he went on to write a book, Almost Black, describing the fraud he committed during his college days. Vijay then described how his sister Mindy was unhappy with him sharing the story of the scam he made. “Of course, my sister Mindy Kaling jokingly said that I would bring shame on the family by telling my story,” Vijay said. Also read: 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan Of dropping out of the school, Vijay wrote in an article for New York Post, “That made me realise that affirmative action really doesn’t really do anyone any favours. And it’s unfair to those who are excluded even though they were more deserving than those admitted on the basis of race.” Later in the month of June, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programmes at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The court ruled that the universities breached the 14th Amendment and federal civil rights law. The decision made by the court further ended the practice of undisguised racial consideration in higher education admissions, making it mandatory for the colleges to not consider race as a factor in the admissions process in an attempt to ensure there is a diverse student body. “After the decision, colleges and universities displayed a range of reactions — from reluctant acceptance to outright defiance,” Vijay said. “More than a 100 colleges and universities, including the entire Ivy League, had filed amicus briefs backing Harvard and University of North Carolina’s admission practices, which the court now deemed discriminatory.” “These schools have collected tens of billions in taxpayer dollars and sent millions of rejection letters to applicants whose only fault may have been their race,” he added. “The sad reality is that discrimination in the form of affirmative action hurts Asian Americans specifically including South Asians the worst. For example, someone who applied to medical school with a very mediocre 3.1 GPA and 31 MCAT score had an 18 percent chance as Asian, 28 percent as white, 46 percent as Hispanic and 76 percent as African American,” he said. "Believe it or not, Asian Americans are the hardest hurt by affirmative action racism,” he added. “Not just the top-ranked Universities discriminate against Asian Americans but also the lower ranked universities.” “What do you call it when you segregate applicants based on race?’’ Vijay previously said, according to New York Post. “It’s a form of legalised racism. It’s the ultimate form of discrimination to assume that one is disadvantaged just because he’s black, Hispanic or Native American." Vijay then said that he is hopeful that affirmative action will finally come to an end. “I’m encouraged not only by the Supreme Court’s ruling, but by the successful 2020 effort (in which I participated) to defeat California’s Prop. 16, which sought to allow affirmative action at California state institutions, including my beloved alma mater, UCLA,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian American Vijay Ingam opens up on how he pretended to be Black to get admission in medical college

The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official.

"The United States has for a number of years supported Turkey's EU aspirations and we continue to do so," said State Department spokesman Matt Miller.

"However, we do not believe that it should be an impediment to Sweden's accession to NATO," Miller said.

Miller stressed that the United States has no role in EU decisions on its membership, saying: "Ultimately, that's a matter between the European Union and Turkey."

However, he said that the expansion of NATO to include Sweden was of prominence to Washington.

He highlighted that the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan three times in the last six days, further adding that US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Erdogan on Sunday.

Sweden has met Ankara's demands to gain its approval for entering NATO, Miller said.

"We believe that Sweden has addressed them and, as I said, we think it's time to move to full membership," he added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a>

Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara.

His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. &nbsp;

<h2>Scholz says Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues</h2>

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation.

Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy.

“I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said.

"Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital.

"First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland."

He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday.

Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues.

"Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue."&nbsp;

Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987.

It then got converted into an &nbsp;EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005.

The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from the agencies)

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The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official.

The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official. "The United States has for a number of years supported Turkey's EU aspirations and we continue to do so," said State Department spokesman Matt Miller. "However, we do not believe that it should be an impediment to Sweden's accession to NATO," Miller said. Miller stressed that the United States has no role in EU decisions on its membership, saying: "Ultimately, that's a matter between the European Union and Turkey." However, he said that the expansion of NATO to include Sweden was of prominence to Washington. He highlighted that the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan three times in the last six days, further adding that US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Erdogan on Sunday. Sweden has met Ankara's demands to gain its approval for entering NATO, Miller said. "We believe that Sweden has addressed them and, as I said, we think it's time to move to full membership," he added. Also read: 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. Scholz says Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation. Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy. “I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said. "Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital. "First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland." He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday. Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues. "Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue." Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987. It then got converted into an EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005. The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. (With inputs from the agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US says Erdogan should not link joining EU to Sweden's NATO entry

The members of the Indian community on Saturday countered the pro-Khalistan rally by gathering outside the consulate to safeguard the office and the diplomats in Canada's Toronto.

Turning the protest into a damp squib, the Indian diaspora, who outnumbered the Khalistani supporters, raised slogans like "Bharat Mata ki jai", "Vande Mataram" and "Long Live India".

While talking to the news agency ANI, one of the members of the Indian community, Sunil Arora said, "We are standing here in front of the Consulate to face the Khalistanis. We are trying to stop Khalistanis nonsense here and we are here for the solidarity of India and Canada, altogether. They are giving wrong information saying that they will kill our diplomats which is... and we are totally against that."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Pro-Khalistan supporters protested in front of the Indian consulate in Canada's Toronto on July 8 
 
Members of the Indian community with national flags countered the Khalistani protesters outside the Indian consulate in Toronto <a href="https://t.co/IF5LUisVME">pic.twitter.com/IF5LUisVME</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1677874013505474560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Another member, Vidya Bhushan Dhar said, "Canada is a peaceful country and we wanted to remain peaceful and we should. Basically, we are trying to tell the government of Canada to take cognisance of this, that this is not freedom of expression. This is for sure not freedom of expression."&nbsp;

"When you tell somebody that you are killing somebody or you are displaying a killing act like the one which happened in Branton last week you are not basically showing the freedom of expression but you are promoting reason and separatism. So the government of Canada is requesting by the peace calling Canadians like me and Sunil ji that they take cognizance of this and take appropriate measures and cut the perforators to the site," he added.

The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had announced plans of conducting rallies outside Indian Missions in the UK, US, Canada and Australia on Saturday after Khalistan Tiger Force chief, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was allegedly killed in Canada in the month of June.

Earlier, the posters containing threats to Indian diplomats were also reportedly circulated in Canada.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-secretary-james-cleverly-warns-against-any-direct-attacks-on-indian-high-commission-in-london-612765">UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warns against any direct attacks on Indian High Commission in London</a>

<h2>UK: Pro-Khalistan supporters hold posters featuring&nbsp;Indian High Commissioner, Consul General&nbsp;</h2>

The posters held by pro-Khalistan supporters in a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London featured the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Consul General.

Around 30-40 demonstrators showed up in the United Kingdom outside the Indian High Commission on Saturday between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm GMT.

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1677710550707609602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As per news agency ANI reports, the protesters were carrying Khalistani flags and also posters against Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami and Consul General in Birmingham, Shashank Vikram, condemning them for the “assassination” of prominent SFJ figure Harjit Singh Nijjar.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The members of the Indian community on Saturday countered the pro-Khalistan rally by gathering outside the consulate to safeguard the office and the diplomats in Canada's Toronto.

The members of the Indian community on Saturday countered the pro-Khalistan rally by gathering outside the consulate to safeguard the office and the diplomats in Canada's Toronto. Turning the protest into a damp squib, the Indian diaspora, who outnumbered the Khalistani supporters, raised slogans like "Bharat Mata ki jai", "Vande Mataram" and "Long Live India". While talking to the news agency ANI, one of the members of the Indian community, Sunil Arora said, "We are standing here in front of the Consulate to face the Khalistanis. We are trying to stop Khalistanis nonsense here and we are here for the solidarity of India and Canada, altogether. They are giving wrong information saying that they will kill our diplomats which is... and we are totally against that." #WATCH | Pro-Khalistan supporters protested in front of the Indian consulate in Canada's Toronto on July 8 Members of the Indian community with national flags countered the Khalistani protesters outside the Indian consulate in Toronto pic.twitter.com/IF5LUisVME — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2023 × Another member, Vidya Bhushan Dhar said, "Canada is a peaceful country and we wanted to remain peaceful and we should. Basically, we are trying to tell the government of Canada to take cognisance of this, that this is not freedom of expression. This is for sure not freedom of expression." "When you tell somebody that you are killing somebody or you are displaying a killing act like the one which happened in Branton last week you are not basically showing the freedom of expression but you are promoting reason and separatism. So the government of Canada is requesting by the peace calling Canadians like me and Sunil ji that they take cognizance of this and take appropriate measures and cut the perforators to the site," he added. The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had announced plans of conducting rallies outside Indian Missions in the UK, US, Canada and Australia on Saturday after Khalistan Tiger Force chief, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was allegedly killed in Canada in the month of June. Earlier, the posters containing threats to Indian diplomats were also reportedly circulated in Canada. Also read: UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warns against any direct attacks on Indian High Commission in London UK: Pro-Khalistan supporters hold posters featuring Indian High Commissioner, Consul General The posters held by pro-Khalistan supporters in a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London featured the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Consul General. Around 30-40 demonstrators showed up in the United Kingdom outside the Indian High Commission on Saturday between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm GMT. #WATCH | 30-40 Khalistanis gathered outside Indian High Commission in London around 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm GMT today. UK Police were present at the spot. Protesters have left the site now pic.twitter.com/HtSraIXmoe — ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2023 × As per news agency ANI reports, the protesters were carrying Khalistani flags and also posters against Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami and Consul General in Birmingham, Shashank Vikram, condemning them for the “assassination” of prominent SFJ figure Harjit Singh Nijjar. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Indian community overshadows pro-Khalistan rally in Canada, waves national flag outside consulate

A detection dog unexpectedly found a new population of rare native rodents on the outskirts of Australia's Melbourne, as per Australian Associated Press reports.

Previously, the uncataloged broad-toothed rat population was discovered by a labrador. According to reports, the four-year-old dog called Moss found the rodent population while searching for Coranderrk Bushland near Healesville Sanctuary.

Moss at that time was searching in an area where he alerted his trainer pointing towards grass-filled, animal waste that was bright green in colour.

According to AAP reports, later, Zoos Victoria scientists confirmed that the new population discovered was from the broad-toothed rat, which was a native species known for its chubby cheeks, fluffy fur and short tail.

As per reports, the species is predominantly nocturnal and timid so it stayed disguised from researchers. However, a follow-up survey of the area found three of the animals.

It's the closest known broad-toothed rat population to Melbourne and the only one in Australia behind a predator-proof fence, according to the reports.

Zoos Victoria's Sakib Kazi said though the rats were notoriously hard to trap but adorable.

"I challenge you to have a look at their face and not immediately fall in love," he said.

"They are seriously, seriously cute."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hidden-depths-homeless-man-creates-secret-home-in-los-angeles-underground-vault-raising-safety-concerns-613677"> 'Hidden depths': Homeless man creates secret home in Los Angeles underground vault</a>

Wildlife detection dog officer, Dr La Toya Jamieson said Moss was trained to associate the smell of broad-toothed rat scat with having a party.

"So lots of pats, lots of cuddles, lots of food, which he very much loves," she said.

"And then (we) started putting that broad-toothed rat scat in the environment for him to find."

With the help of live rats since their finding, Moss has been acquainted to potentially help recover the creatures if they come under threat from bushfires.

Due to predators like fox and cats, habitat destruction, bushfires and climate change, the population of rats have witnessed a decline.

Last year, the species was discovered in Victoria for the very first time in more than three decades at Wilson's Promontory. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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A detection dog unexpectedly found a new population of rare native rodents on the outskirts of Australia's Melbourne, as per Australian Associated Press reports.

A detection dog unexpectedly found a new population of rare native rodents on the outskirts of Australia's Melbourne, as per Australian Associated Press reports. Previously, the uncataloged broad-toothed rat population was discovered by a labrador. According to reports, the four-year-old dog called Moss found the rodent population while searching for Coranderrk Bushland near Healesville Sanctuary. Moss at that time was searching in an area where he alerted his trainer pointing towards grass-filled, animal waste that was bright green in colour. According to AAP reports, later, Zoos Victoria scientists confirmed that the new population discovered was from the broad-toothed rat, which was a native species known for its chubby cheeks, fluffy fur and short tail. As per reports, the species is predominantly nocturnal and timid so it stayed disguised from researchers. However, a follow-up survey of the area found three of the animals. It's the closest known broad-toothed rat population to Melbourne and the only one in Australia behind a predator-proof fence, according to the reports. Zoos Victoria's Sakib Kazi said though the rats were notoriously hard to trap but adorable. "I challenge you to have a look at their face and not immediately fall in love," he said. "They are seriously, seriously cute." Also read: 'Hidden depths': Homeless man creates secret home in Los Angeles underground vault Wildlife detection dog officer, Dr La Toya Jamieson said Moss was trained to associate the smell of broad-toothed rat scat with having a party. "So lots of pats, lots of cuddles, lots of food, which he very much loves," she said. "And then (we) started putting that broad-toothed rat scat in the environment for him to find." With the help of live rats since their finding, Moss has been acquainted to potentially help recover the creatures if they come under threat from bushfires. Due to predators like fox and cats, habitat destruction, bushfires and climate change, the population of rats have witnessed a decline. Last year, the species was discovered in Victoria for the very first time in more than three decades at Wilson's Promontory. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rare chubby cheek rodents unexpectedly uncovered in Australia's Melbourne

A large formation of granite has been uncovered beneath an ancient lunar volcano in further evidence that the far side of the moon once glowed with volcanic eruptions.

The granite was discovered under a suspected volcanic feature on the surface of the moon called Compton-Belkovich. As per the geologists, this feature was very likely formed as the result of cooling magma that fed fiery eruptions of lunar volcanoes around 3.5 billion years ago.&nbsp;

As per the reports, researchers have suspected this area to be an ancient complex of volcanoes.

However, the team was surprised to discover the size of the patch of cooled magma, with an estimated width of around 31 miles (50 kilometres).

The surprising discovery of the large body of granite found beneath the Compton-Belkovich volcanic complex could help scientists discover how the lunar crust formed in the early history of the moon.

A team of scientists led by Planetary Science Institute researcher Matthew Siegler made the discovery of the granite body using data collected by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

The data produced by the orbiter allowed the team to measure temperatures below the surface of Compton-Belkovich.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-not-so-solid-core-filled-with-swirls-of-liquid-iron-says-study-613598">Earth's 'not so' solid core filled with swirls of liquid iron, says study</a>

The data displayed heat being generated that could only come from radioactive elements that only exist on the moon as granite, an igneous rock found in the "plumbing" of volcanoes as "batholith," underground rock formations created when magma cools without erupting.

“Any big body of granite that we find on Earth used to feed a big bunch of volcanoes, much like a large system is feeding the Cascade volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest today,” Siegler said. “Batholiths are much bigger than the volcanoes they feed on the surface. For example, the Sierra Nevada mountains are a batholith, left from a volcanic chain in the western United States that existed long ago.”

Granite is generally formed as a result of water and plate tectonics which help in creating large melt bodies below the Earth’s surface.

However, granites are extremely rare on the moon and their discovery can help explain how the early lunar crust formed.

“If you don’t have water it takes extreme situations to make granite,” Siegler said. “So, here’s this system with no water, and no plate tectonics – but you have granite. Was there water on the moon – at least in this one spot? &nbsp;Or was it just especially hot?”

Siegler will be presenting the team’s research at the upcoming Goldschmidt Conference, scheduled for July 9-14 in Lyon, France.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A large formation of granite has been uncovered beneath an ancient lunar volcano in further evidence that the far side of the moon once glowed with volcanic eruptions.

A large formation of granite has been uncovered beneath an ancient lunar volcano in further evidence that the far side of the moon once glowed with volcanic eruptions. The granite was discovered under a suspected volcanic feature on the surface of the moon called Compton-Belkovich. As per the geologists, this feature was very likely formed as the result of cooling magma that fed fiery eruptions of lunar volcanoes around 3.5 billion years ago. As per the reports, researchers have suspected this area to be an ancient complex of volcanoes. However, the team was surprised to discover the size of the patch of cooled magma, with an estimated width of around 31 miles (50 kilometres). The surprising discovery of the large body of granite found beneath the Compton-Belkovich volcanic complex could help scientists discover how the lunar crust formed in the early history of the moon. A team of scientists led by Planetary Science Institute researcher Matthew Siegler made the discovery of the granite body using data collected by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data produced by the orbiter allowed the team to measure temperatures below the surface of Compton-Belkovich. Also read: Earth's 'not so' solid core filled with swirls of liquid iron, says study The data displayed heat being generated that could only come from radioactive elements that only exist on the moon as granite, an igneous rock found in the "plumbing" of volcanoes as "batholith," underground rock formations created when magma cools without erupting. “Any big body of granite that we find on Earth used to feed a big bunch of volcanoes, much like a large system is feeding the Cascade volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest today,” Siegler said. “Batholiths are much bigger than the volcanoes they feed on the surface. For example, the Sierra Nevada mountains are a batholith, left from a volcanic chain in the western United States that existed long ago.” Granite is generally formed as a result of water and plate tectonics which help in creating large melt bodies below the Earth’s surface. However, granites are extremely rare on the moon and their discovery can help explain how the early lunar crust formed. “If you don’t have water it takes extreme situations to make granite,” Siegler said. “So, here’s this system with no water, and no plate tectonics – but you have granite. Was there water on the moon – at least in this one spot? Or was it just especially hot?” Siegler will be presenting the team’s research at the upcoming Goldschmidt Conference, scheduled for July 9-14 in Lyon, France. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Granite discovery on moon signals ancient lunar volcanoes

7 wonders of the world in less than 7 days! Seems next to possible but not for Adventureman!

36-year-old, British adventurer, Jamie McDonald became the first in the world to achieve this extraordinary feat. He recently set a Guinness World Record for visiting all the seven wonders of the world in an awe-inspiring seven-day excursion.&nbsp;

He completed his travel escapade and covered the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, Petra in Jordan, the Colosseum in Italy, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru and Chichén Itzá in Mexico.

To achieve this remarkable accomplishment, McDonald travelled across 4 continents, landed in 9 countries, flew on 13 flights, and rode in 16 taxis, 9 buses, 4 trains and 1 toboggan to cover 22,856 miles in 6 days, 16 hours and 14 minutes for charity.

The logistics of the trip were taken care of by Travelport, which as per its website is the only modern retailing platform built for travel agencies.

"Adventureman began the trip at the Great Wall of China, the world’s longest human-made structure and the world-record clock started ticking the moment he left the first wonder via toboggan. Second, he visited India’s Taj Mahal – the country’s top tourist destination, which is widely considered a symbol of eternal love. From there, he travelled to Jordan and then by bus to the ancient city of Petra, whose carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became even more famous from their role in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Departing Jordan, Adventureman flew to Rome to see its legendary Colosseum, envisioning ancient gladiator battles before he made time for a quick pizza pit stop (the only non-aeroplane food he consumed during the trip). Christ the Redeemer, the world’s largest art deco statue, brought Adventureman to Brazil, where he was equally in awe of the view from its platform as he was of the statue itself. The sixth wonder, Machu Pichu (an Incan citadel nearly 8,000 feet above sea level) was Adventureman’s favourite: he plans to go back one day and bought a stuffed llama toy there to bring back for his daughter. Finally, after only 6 days, 16 hours and 14 minutes, he reached Chichén Itzá, an archaeological site that was a hallowed place of ceremony in the Mayan culture," said an official press release by Travelport.

An author and motivational speaker, Jamie has broken several Guinness World records.

For the first nine years of his life, the Adventureman was in and out of hospital with a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia. Combined with a very weak immune system, epilepsy and problems with his legs; Jamie’s family feared he’d end up in a wheelchair and never walk again.

At the age of nine, his symptoms eased and in order to give back to the hospitals that helped him recover, he started the Superhero Foundation.

For Adventureman, the main focus of his record-breaking trip was to raise funds for his charity, the Superhero Foundation.&nbsp;

As per an official press release by Travelport, the company donated $22,856, a dollar for every mile that Jamie travelled for this challenge.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-exclusive-chandrayaan-3-launch-on-july-13-lunar-landing-by-august-end-609776">Chandrayaan-3 launch on July 13, lunar landing by August-end</a>

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Jamie opened up about his experience.

On being asked as to how he managed to cover seven wonders of the world in seven days and the challenges that he faced, Jamie said, "This was a big Journey it was 43 pieces of Transport that needed to go right, if one thing went wrong it could have had a domino effect and then it could all go crashing down. We used a technology called Travelport plus they're a global technology company in the travel industry called Travelport so this piece of technology helped navigate me through 43 forms of Transport." &nbsp;

He said he also had a travel agent working behind the scenes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-i-adventureman-jamie-mcdonald-on-how-he-visited-seven-wonders-in-seven-days-613224/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I also had a travel agent working behind the scenes because, for someone like me, this would be too mind-boggling to do by myself," he said.

Further, he was asked about the common thread that he discovered during his journey, to which he replied, "Yeah well this isn't the first rodeo. I've run across Canada, ran across a narrow carve, broken other world records sitting on a stationary bike for 12 days, and running on a treadmill for seven days, so I love adventure and I love the Journey of every Adventure that I do, but I'm always a little bit let down at the end of an adventure right! You're always trying to finish and kind of get to the ending point, but this journey with the Seven Wonders being spread out through seven days, completely flipped that that kind of philosophy that I had on its head you know I always kind of work on it's all about the journey and with this one it just felt like every time I got to a Wonder to a destination it just blew my mind through beauty and the fact that it's so historical and so every single wonder was magical and it felt like this world record was all about the destination and was all about getting to the Wonder."&nbsp;

Then he was asked how the trip was special and different as compared to other adventures to which he responded, "It was a short trip I wouldn't recommend visiting seven wonders in seven days. I probably only had about 12 hours of sleep in the space of seven days. I was really sleep deprived, and I didn't manage to get to try too much local food it was aeroplane food, I was on economy flights all the way but I did have about an hour at every wonder and was it enough I think it was right you know I think you know you get there to see the one that I soaked up every single one and even you know the Taj Mahal it brought tears to my eyes".

Describing his visit to India, Jamie said that the Taj Mahal brought tears to his eyes and that he would like to bring his kids back to the country.

“I think what I would like to do is go back to these countries, especially India. It was just the most stimulating, interesting, fascinating country that I’ve ever been to. So, I’d like to take my kids back to India just to explore the country and see the Taj Mahal again. I mean, at one point I was waiting for a train and waiting for the train to arrive and suddenly this monkey came running out of nowhere and then grabbed this woman’s handbag and stole a handbag and went back to his monkey friends and then they all started pulling stuff out of the bag. At the time I was so sleep deprived and I was lucky enough, am I seeing right now? And this older lady, you could see she wanted her bag back and she was weighing up whether I know to get some courage to get it back so she grabbed a stick then went up and started swatting at the monkeys to get her backpack and it honestly, I just thought what is going on am I completely delusional am I seeing right? So yeah, I just felt like for me India there were just so many things to look at so many smells to take so many different types of food to eat that for me it’s just a place that I have to go back and you know I have to go back to India and explore more.”

While talking about his charity Superhero Foundation, he said “I spent most of my life in a hospital as a kid so I used to have a rare spinal condition where sometimes I couldn’t move my legs. But luckily thanks to the hospital where I live they got me healthy and well at nine years old and I started to move. So yeah, I’m just really lucky. So 10 years ago, I set up a charity called Superior Foundation to try and give back and give support to other kids that are sick too. And yeah, I mean that’s my mission there that’s every time I do Adventures need to be very meaningful. And so this adventure was exactly that because at the end of The Journey Travelport donated one dollar for every mile travelled so which meant over 22 000 was donated to a little boy called Archie who’s got cerebral palsy he got pain in his legs and he struggles to walk but there’s treatment that he can keep taking with those donations that twenty-two thousand dollars and to keep him walking for the rest of his life.”

“I think as I was a kid and I was really sick, I don’t think I could quite comprehend where I was at in life but I do remember the doctor explaining that you know I was going to end up in a wheelchair. And when we left there that hospital, I remember my mum looking at me and saying don’t you dare listen to a word of that, you’re not going to end up in a wheelchair. And then when she got home she put this piece of string in the back garden and she said come on do it like let’s play tennis do you want to play? And I remember feeling like not really mum but I went out there and started cracking the ball and got this love for movement. So, with so much help from the doctors and nurses, my parents'&nbsp;support, and movement, that I just got very lucky that my symptoms gradually disappeared and I got healthy,” he said on being asked how he overcame his fears.

&nbsp;

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7 wonders of the world in less than 7 days! Seems next to possible but not for Adventureman! 36-year-old, British adventurer, Jamie McDonald became the first in the world to achieve this extraordinary feat.

7 wonders of the world in less than 7 days! Seems next to possible but not for Adventureman! 36-year-old, British adventurer, Jamie McDonald became the first in the world to achieve this extraordinary feat. He recently set a Guinness World Record for visiting all the seven wonders of the world in an awe-inspiring seven-day excursion. He completed his travel escapade and covered the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, Petra in Jordan, the Colosseum in Italy, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru and Chichén Itzá in Mexico. To achieve this remarkable accomplishment, McDonald travelled across 4 continents, landed in 9 countries, flew on 13 flights, and rode in 16 taxis, 9 buses, 4 trains and 1 toboggan to cover 22,856 miles in 6 days, 16 hours and 14 minutes for charity. The logistics of the trip were taken care of by Travelport, which as per its website is the only modern retailing platform built for travel agencies. "Adventureman began the trip at the Great Wall of China, the world’s longest human-made structure and the world-record clock started ticking the moment he left the first wonder via toboggan. Second, he visited India’s Taj Mahal – the country’s top tourist destination, which is widely considered a symbol of eternal love. From there, he travelled to Jordan and then by bus to the ancient city of Petra, whose carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became even more famous from their role in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Departing Jordan, Adventureman flew to Rome to see its legendary Colosseum, envisioning ancient gladiator battles before he made time for a quick pizza pit stop (the only non-aeroplane food he consumed during the trip). Christ the Redeemer, the world’s largest art deco statue, brought Adventureman to Brazil, where he was equally in awe of the view from its platform as he was of the statue itself. The sixth wonder, Machu Pichu (an Incan citadel nearly 8,000 feet above sea level) was Adventureman’s favourite: he plans to go back one day and bought a stuffed llama toy there to bring back for his daughter. Finally, after only 6 days, 16 hours and 14 minutes, he reached Chichén Itzá, an archaeological site that was a hallowed place of ceremony in the Mayan culture," said an official press release by Travelport. An author and motivational speaker, Jamie has broken several Guinness World records. For the first nine years of his life, the Adventureman was in and out of hospital with a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia. Combined with a very weak immune system, epilepsy and problems with his legs; Jamie’s family feared he’d end up in a wheelchair and never walk again. At the age of nine, his symptoms eased and in order to give back to the hospitals that helped him recover, he started the Superhero Foundation. For Adventureman, the main focus of his record-breaking trip was to raise funds for his charity, the Superhero Foundation. As per an official press release by Travelport, the company donated $22,856, a dollar for every mile that Jamie travelled for this challenge. Also read: Chandrayaan-3 launch on July 13, lunar landing by August-end In an exclusive conversation with WION, Jamie opened up about his experience. On being asked as to how he managed to cover seven wonders of the world in seven days and the challenges that he faced, Jamie said, "This was a big Journey it was 43 pieces of Transport that needed to go right, if one thing went wrong it could have had a domino effect and then it could all go crashing down. We used a technology called Travelport plus they're a global technology company in the travel industry called Travelport so this piece of technology helped navigate me through 43 forms of Transport." He said he also had a travel agent working behind the scenes. "I also had a travel agent working behind the scenes because, for someone like me, this would be too mind-boggling to do by myself," he said. Further, he was asked about the common thread that he discovered during his journey, to which he replied, "Yeah well this isn't the first rodeo. I've run across Canada, ran across a narrow carve, broken other world records sitting on a stationary bike for 12 days, and running on a treadmill for seven days, so I love adventure and I love the Journey of every Adventure that I do, but I'm always a little bit let down at the end of an adventure right! You're always trying to finish and kind of get to the ending point, but this journey with the Seven Wonders being spread out through seven days, completely flipped that that kind of philosophy that I had on its head you know I always kind of work on it's all about the journey and with this one it just felt like every time I got to a Wonder to a destination it just blew my mind through beauty and the fact that it's so historical and so every single wonder was magical and it felt like this world record was all about the destination and was all about getting to the Wonder." Then he was asked how the trip was special and different as compared to other adventures to which he responded, "It was a short trip I wouldn't recommend visiting seven wonders in seven days. I probably only had about 12 hours of sleep in the space of seven days. I was really sleep deprived, and I didn't manage to get to try too much local food it was aeroplane food, I was on economy flights all the way but I did have about an hour at every wonder and was it enough I think it was right you know I think you know you get there to see the one that I soaked up every single one and even you know the Taj Mahal it brought tears to my eyes". Describing his visit to India, Jamie said that the Taj Mahal brought tears to his eyes and that he would like to bring his kids back to the country. “I think what I would like to do is go back to these countries, especially India. It was just the most stimulating, interesting, fascinating country that I’ve ever been to. So, I’d like to take my kids back to India just to explore the country and see the Taj Mahal again. I mean, at one point I was waiting for a train and waiting for the train to arrive and suddenly this monkey came running out of nowhere and then grabbed this woman’s handbag and stole a handbag and went back to his monkey friends and then they all started pulling stuff out of the bag. At the time I was so sleep deprived and I was lucky enough, am I seeing right now? And this older lady, you could see she wanted her bag back and she was weighing up whether I know to get some courage to get it back so she grabbed a stick then went up and started swatting at the monkeys to get her backpack and it honestly, I just thought what is going on am I completely delusional am I seeing right? So yeah, I just felt like for me India there were just so many things to look at so many smells to take so many different types of food to eat that for me it’s just a place that I have to go back and you know I have to go back to India and explore more.” While talking about his charity Superhero Foundation, he said “I spent most of my life in a hospital as a kid so I used to have a rare spinal condition where sometimes I couldn’t move my legs. But luckily thanks to the hospital where I live they got me healthy and well at nine years old and I started to move. So yeah, I’m just really lucky. So 10 years ago, I set up a charity called Superior Foundation to try and give back and give support to other kids that are sick too. And yeah, I mean that’s my mission there that’s every time I do Adventures need to be very meaningful. And so this adventure was exactly that because at the end of The Journey Travelport donated one dollar for every mile travelled so which meant over 22 000 was donated to a little boy called Archie who’s got cerebral palsy he got pain in his legs and he struggles to walk but there’s treatment that he can keep taking with those donations that twenty-two thousand dollars and to keep him walking for the rest of his life.” “I think as I was a kid and I was really sick, I don’t think I could quite comprehend where I was at in life but I do remember the doctor explaining that you know I was going to end up in a wheelchair. And when we left there that hospital, I remember my mum looking at me and saying don’t you dare listen to a word of that, you’re not going to end up in a wheelchair. And then when she got home she put this piece of string in the back garden and she said come on do it like let’s play tennis do you want to play? And I remember feeling like not really mum but I went out there and started cracking the ball and got this love for movement. So, with so much help from the doctors and nurses, my parents' support, and movement, that I just got very lucky that my symptoms gradually disappeared and I got healthy,” he said on being asked how he overcame his fears. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXCLUSIVE | Adventureman Jamie McDonald opens up on his visit to 7 Wonders of the World in less than 7 days

Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses.

A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman.

As per the news agency AFP, a landslide in Kurume city, Fukuoka region, engulfed 10 people. Nine out of those survived, but a local man, aged around 70, lost his life in the incident, said the city's disaster management official.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and national broadcaster NHK, separately a male body was also found in Kurume, next to rice fields near a flooded river.

The Yomiuri said that in Hirokawa town in Fukuoka, the body of an elderly male was found inside a flooded vehicle trapped in an irrigation channel.

According to the officials, another woman was feared dead after she was last seen sticking to a car in rising floodwaters in the neighbouring Oita region.

By Monday afternoon, rain in the region slowed or stopped. But earlier in the day, more than 420,000 people were put under a top-level evacuation warning stating: "Your life is in danger, you need to take action immediately."

Around two million more in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Saga, Yamaguchi and Oita were under a lower-level warning, urging them to evacuate if they were in hazardous areas.

Japan has five levels of evacuation orders, but people cannot be forced to leave their homes.

"Rain and wind gusts were very, very strong. There was lightning. It was so horrible," Takashi Onizuka, 62, of Tachiarai town near Kurume in Fukuoka told AFP.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released a statement saying that the heavy downpours risked flooding and landslides across Fukuoka and Oita.

"This is the heaviest rain ever experienced" by the region, Satoshi Sugimoto of JMA's forecast division told reporters.

"The situation is such that lives are in danger and safety must be secured," he added.

<h2>Japan PM Fumio Kishida's office releases statement</h2>

The prime minister's office said a task force had been set up in order to coordinate a response to the heavy rains.

"We have received reports that several rivers have flooded... and that landslides have occurred in various parts" of the country, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

"The government is doing its best to get a complete picture of the damage and taking measures under a policy of 'people's lives first'," he added.

He warned torrential rain was forecast across much of the country on Tuesday.

"If you feel your life is in danger, even just a little, don't hesitate to act," he said.&nbsp;

According to the officials, in Fukuoka's Asakura City, the rain was thought to have reached a peak point but there were still fears about flooding.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flood-situation-in-delhi-says-cm-arvind-kejriwal-after-rise-in-water-level-of-yamuna-613897">'No flood situation in Delhi', says CM Arvind Kejriwal after rise in water level of Yamuna</a>

"Water levels in rivers are rising so we're vigilant against the possibility of overflowing," local official Takaaki Harano told AFP.

<h2>'Climate change is intensifying risk of heavy rain in Japan', say scientists</h2>

According to scientists, climate change is heightening the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

The weather agency said it had already been raining for more than a week in the region.

"The area is very wet due to intermittent rainfall for over a week," Yoshiyuki Toyoguchi, land ministry official in charge of rivers, told reporters.

"Even with a little rain, river levels tend to rise quickly, which will increase the risk of flooding."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses.

Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses. A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman. As per the news agency AFP, a landslide in Kurume city, Fukuoka region, engulfed 10 people. Nine out of those survived, but a local man, aged around 70, lost his life in the incident, said the city's disaster management official. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and national broadcaster NHK, separately a male body was also found in Kurume, next to rice fields near a flooded river. The Yomiuri said that in Hirokawa town in Fukuoka, the body of an elderly male was found inside a flooded vehicle trapped in an irrigation channel. According to the officials, another woman was feared dead after she was last seen sticking to a car in rising floodwaters in the neighbouring Oita region. By Monday afternoon, rain in the region slowed or stopped. But earlier in the day, more than 420,000 people were put under a top-level evacuation warning stating: "Your life is in danger, you need to take action immediately." Around two million more in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Saga, Yamaguchi and Oita were under a lower-level warning, urging them to evacuate if they were in hazardous areas. Japan has five levels of evacuation orders, but people cannot be forced to leave their homes. "Rain and wind gusts were very, very strong. There was lightning. It was so horrible," Takashi Onizuka, 62, of Tachiarai town near Kurume in Fukuoka told AFP. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released a statement saying that the heavy downpours risked flooding and landslides across Fukuoka and Oita. "This is the heaviest rain ever experienced" by the region, Satoshi Sugimoto of JMA's forecast division told reporters. "The situation is such that lives are in danger and safety must be secured," he added. Japan PM Fumio Kishida's office releases statement The prime minister's office said a task force had been set up in order to coordinate a response to the heavy rains. "We have received reports that several rivers have flooded... and that landslides have occurred in various parts" of the country, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. "The government is doing its best to get a complete picture of the damage and taking measures under a policy of 'people's lives first'," he added. He warned torrential rain was forecast across much of the country on Tuesday. "If you feel your life is in danger, even just a little, don't hesitate to act," he said. According to the officials, in Fukuoka's Asakura City, the rain was thought to have reached a peak point but there were still fears about flooding. Also read: 'No flood situation in Delhi', says CM Arvind Kejriwal after rise in water level of Yamuna "Water levels in rivers are rising so we're vigilant against the possibility of overflowing," local official Takaaki Harano told AFP. 'Climate change is intensifying risk of heavy rain in Japan', say scientists According to scientists, climate change is heightening the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. The weather agency said it had already been raining for more than a week in the region. "The area is very wet due to intermittent rainfall for over a week," Yoshiyuki Toyoguchi, land ministry official in charge of rivers, told reporters. "Even with a little rain, river levels tend to rise quickly, which will increase the risk of flooding." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Heaviest rain ever' claims lives of at least two in southwestern Japan

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