Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to return home and make efforts to save Georgia's jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili after a footage surfaced, showing him looking lean and skinny.

Saakashvili, who was the leader of Georgia from 2004 to 2013, was imprisoned in the year 2021 after coming back from banishment on abuse of power charges that rights groups condemn as politically motivated.

Zelensky made Saakashvili a Ukrainian citizen in the year 2019. He took to Twitter and accused Tbilisi of increasingly cooperating with Moscow.

"Right now, Russia is killing Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili at the hands of the Georgian authorities. We have repeatedly called on the official Tbilisi to stop this abuse and agree on Saakashvili's return to Ukraine. Our partners, in coordination with Ukraine, have also offered various rescue options," Zelensky said on Twitter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detains-a-man-it-says-ukraine-sent-to-assassinate-crimeas-head-611416">Also read: Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head</a>

"Today, I instructed the ministry of foreign affairs to summon the Georgian ambassador to Ukraine, to express our strong protest and to ask him to leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital," the tweet read.

He then called on the Georgian authorities to hand over Saakashvili to Ukraine for his necessary treatment.

"Once again, I call on the Georgian authorities to hand over Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili to Ukraine for the necessary treatment and care. And I urge our partners to address this situation and not ignore it and save this man. No government in Europe has the right to execute people, life is a basic European value," he further wrote.

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Right now, Russia is killing Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili at the hands of the Georgian authorities. 
 
We have repeatedly called on the official Tbilisi to stop this abuse and agree on Saakashvili's return to Ukraine. Our partners, in coordination with Ukraine, have also… <a href="https://t.co/Gzvl4zJPR1">pic.twitter.com/Gzvl4zJPR1</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1675909140193894401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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During a court hearing, that was aired on television on Monday, Saakashvili lifted his shirt and showed his ribs sticking out from his chest, a hollow abdomen and skin sticking tightly to his bones.&nbsp;

<h2>Health of Georgia’s jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili deteriorating: Doctors</h2>

Earlier, in the month of February, doctors had said that the health of Saakashvili was deteriorating due to drastic weight loss.

The doctor added that he weighed 115 kilogrammes when he was jailed in October 2021, which went down to just 67kg.

Saakashvili went into exile to Ukraine, where he spent most of his life after leaving Georgia. After becoming the governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, he renounced his Georgian citizenship in 2015. In 2018, the former president was convicted by a Georgian court on the charge of corruption and abuse of office. He was sentenced to prison for six years. &nbsp;

However, in October 2021, he was arrested when he landed in Georgia from exile. The pro-Western Saakashvili led the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013. Many rights groups have said that the arrest of Saakashvili was politically motivated. However, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has repeatedly said that she will not pardon him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to return home and make efforts to save Georgia's jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili after a footage surfaced, showing him looking lean and skinny.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to return home and make efforts to save Georgia's jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili after a footage surfaced, showing him looking lean and skinny. Saakashvili, who was the leader of Georgia from 2004 to 2013, was imprisoned in the year 2021 after coming back from banishment on abuse of power charges that rights groups condemn as politically motivated. Zelensky made Saakashvili a Ukrainian citizen in the year 2019. He took to Twitter and accused Tbilisi of increasingly cooperating with Moscow. "Right now, Russia is killing Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili at the hands of the Georgian authorities. We have repeatedly called on the official Tbilisi to stop this abuse and agree on Saakashvili's return to Ukraine. Our partners, in coordination with Ukraine, have also offered various rescue options," Zelensky said on Twitter. Also read: Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head "Today, I instructed the ministry of foreign affairs to summon the Georgian ambassador to Ukraine, to express our strong protest and to ask him to leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital," the tweet read. He then called on the Georgian authorities to hand over Saakashvili to Ukraine for his necessary treatment. "Once again, I call on the Georgian authorities to hand over Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili to Ukraine for the necessary treatment and care. And I urge our partners to address this situation and not ignore it and save this man. No government in Europe has the right to execute people, life is a basic European value," he further wrote. Right now, Russia is killing Ukrainian citizen Mykhailo Saakashvili at the hands of the Georgian authorities. We have repeatedly called on the official Tbilisi to stop this abuse and agree on Saakashvili's return to Ukraine. Our partners, in coordination with Ukraine, have also… pic.twitter.com/Gzvl4zJPR1 — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 3, 2023 × During a court hearing, that was aired on television on Monday, Saakashvili lifted his shirt and showed his ribs sticking out from his chest, a hollow abdomen and skin sticking tightly to his bones. Health of Georgia’s jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili deteriorating: Doctors Earlier, in the month of February, doctors had said that the health of Saakashvili was deteriorating due to drastic weight loss. The doctor added that he weighed 115 kilogrammes when he was jailed in October 2021, which went down to just 67kg. Saakashvili went into exile to Ukraine, where he spent most of his life after leaving Georgia. After becoming the governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, he renounced his Georgian citizenship in 2015. In 2018, the former president was convicted by a Georgian court on the charge of corruption and abuse of office. He was sentenced to prison for six years. However, in October 2021, he was arrested when he landed in Georgia from exile. The pro-Western Saakashvili led the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013. Many rights groups have said that the arrest of Saakashvili was politically motivated. However, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has repeatedly said that she will not pardon him. (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 asks Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to 'save' Mikheil Saakashvili

In the biggest group execution of the year, Saudi Arabia executed five people, on Monday, who were sentenced for being involved and carrying out a deadly attack on a house of worship, said the state media.

The five men, including four Saudis and one Egyptian national, were tried for an attack that claimed the lives of at least five people and wounded others in the kingdom's east, which is home to most Saudi oil and most members of its Shiite minority.&nbsp;

As per AFP reports, an interior ministry statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency did not mention when the attack was carried out and the type of house of worship that was targeted by the assailants.&nbsp;

The method used for the execution was also not specified in the statement, but beheadings have been carried out by the kingdom previously.

This incident has brought the toll of people executed in Saudi Arabia so far to 68.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-drags-canada-to-uns-top-court-over-terror-listing-609838">Iran drags Canada to UN's top court over terror listing</a>

More than 20 executions have been carried out since early May for terrorism-related offences, the vast majority in the eastern province.&nbsp;

<h2>Saudi Arabia executes two Bahrainis on terrorism charges</h2>

Earlier, in the month of May, the authorities had executed two Bahraini men after convicting them of having ties to a militant group. The kingdom said the men were part of a group that was looking to destabilise the two Mideast nations.&nbsp;

The executed men, identified as Jaafar Sultan and Sadeq Thamer were apprehended by the Saudi authorities in May 2015 and sent to solitary confinement for three-and-a-half months.&nbsp;

After a court trial, the Specialised Criminal Court sentenced them to death in October 2021. According to the Saudi Press Agency, they were tried on terrorism-related charges over the smuggling of explosive materials into Saudi Arabia and participation in anti-government protests in Bahrain.

Amnesty International had previously criticised the sentencing, saying the two men did not receive adequate representation throughout the legal process.&nbsp;

“Jaafar and Sadeq had no access to legal representation throughout their pre-trial detention and interrogation. According to court documents, they told the court that they were tortured and that their so-called confessions were extracted under duress," the rights group said in a statement.&nbsp;

“In upholding these death sentences, Saudi Arabia’s judicial system has yet again displayed a chilling disregard for human rights. If the King ratifies their death sentences, their execution will constitute an arbitrary deprivation of the right to life," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the biggest group execution of the year, Saudi Arabia executed five people, on Monday, who were sentenced for being involved and carrying out a deadly attack on a house of worship, said the state media.

In the biggest group execution of the year, Saudi Arabia executed five people, on Monday, who were sentenced for being involved and carrying out a deadly attack on a house of worship, said the state media. The five men, including four Saudis and one Egyptian national, were tried for an attack that claimed the lives of at least five people and wounded others in the kingdom's east, which is home to most Saudi oil and most members of its Shiite minority. As per AFP reports, an interior ministry statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency did not mention when the attack was carried out and the type of house of worship that was targeted by the assailants. The method used for the execution was also not specified in the statement, but beheadings have been carried out by the kingdom previously. This incident has brought the toll of people executed in Saudi Arabia so far to 68. Also read: Iran drags Canada to UN's top court over terror listing More than 20 executions have been carried out since early May for terrorism-related offences, the vast majority in the eastern province. Saudi Arabia executes two Bahrainis on terrorism charges Earlier, in the month of May, the authorities had executed two Bahraini men after convicting them of having ties to a militant group. The kingdom said the men were part of a group that was looking to destabilise the two Mideast nations. The executed men, identified as Jaafar Sultan and Sadeq Thamer were apprehended by the Saudi authorities in May 2015 and sent to solitary confinement for three-and-a-half months. After a court trial, the Specialised Criminal Court sentenced them to death in October 2021. According to the Saudi Press Agency, they were tried on terrorism-related charges over the smuggling of explosive materials into Saudi Arabia and participation in anti-government protests in Bahrain. Amnesty International had previously criticised the sentencing, saying the two men did not receive adequate representation throughout the legal process. “Jaafar and Sadeq had no access to legal representation throughout their pre-trial detention and interrogation. According to court documents, they told the court that they were tortured and that their so-called confessions were extracted under duress," the rights group said in a statement. “In upholding these death sentences, Saudi Arabia’s judicial system has yet again displayed a chilling disregard for human rights. If the King ratifies their death sentences, their execution will constitute an arbitrary deprivation of the right to life," it 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.

Saudi Arabia executes 4 Saudis and 1 Egyptian national on terrorism charges

The Delhi High Court dismissed the bail petition of Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia who was arrested earlier this year by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy.

The Court also rejected bail petitions of Vijay Nair, former communicator in charge of Aam Aadmi Party, Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Boinpally and Binoy Babu Binoy, (manager with a liquor company Pernod Ricard) in connection with the same case.

While refusing to grant relief to the AAP leader, the bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said that the court does not find any illegality in the trial court order that had dismissed his bail.

"The petitioner (Sisodia) is not entitled to bail and the petition is accordingly dismissed," it said.

"The possibility of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out and Section 45 twin condition isn't satisfied. Bail Denied," said the court.

Sisodia was first arrested by the CBI in the month of February for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since then.

He resigned from his position following the arrest, terming the accusations against him as 'false' and said it was unfortunate that he was framed despite working honestly for the last eight years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-delhi-cm-kejriwal-breaks-down-remembering-manish-sisodia-at-school-says-this-was-his-dream-601704">WATCH | Delhi CM Kejriwal in tears as he recalls Manish Sisodia's 'dream' at school inauguration</a>

"It is unfortunate that despite working with honesty and truthfulness continuously for eight years, corruption charges are being levelled against me. I and my God know that all these allegations are false," Sisodia said in his resignation letter to Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;

"These allegations are in fact nothing more than a conspiracy of cowardly and weak people who are scared of Arvind Kejriwal's politics of truth. I am not their target, you [Kejriwal] are their target. Because today not only Delhi but the people of the whole country are seeing you as a leader who has a vision for the country and the ability to bring big changes in the lives of the people by implementing it," he added. &nbsp;

The high court already denied bail to him in the CBI case in the month of May. On June 2, the court had reserved its order on his bail plea. Sisodia has&nbsp;sought bail on grounds including his wife's deteriorating health condition.

The ED has opposed the bail plea of the ex-deputy CM as well as of the others accused.

<h2>What is the excise policy scam?</h2>

The AAP government had brought in the excise policy to revolutionise the sale of liquor in Delhi by bringing in more private players. The rationale given was that the new policy will help generate optimum revenue while eradicating bootlegging and the sale of spurious liquor.

However, corruption in the distribution of permits, bribery and fraud in the funnelling of tender amounts meant that the initiative collapsed within a year.&nbsp;

It has been alleged that AAP leaders formulated the policy at the peak of the pandemic to create illegal channels of funding.&nbsp;

The anti-corruption branch of CBI questioned Sisodia over his alleged links with Dinesh Arora and other accused mentioned in the FIR.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Delhi High Court dismissed the bail petition of Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia who was arrested earlier this year by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy.

The Delhi High Court dismissed the bail petition of Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia who was arrested earlier this year by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy. The Court also rejected bail petitions of Vijay Nair, former communicator in charge of Aam Aadmi Party, Hyderabad-based businessman Abhishek Boinpally and Binoy Babu Binoy, (manager with a liquor company Pernod Ricard) in connection with the same case. While refusing to grant relief to the AAP leader, the bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said that the court does not find any illegality in the trial court order that had dismissed his bail. "The petitioner (Sisodia) is not entitled to bail and the petition is accordingly dismissed," it said. "The possibility of tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out and Section 45 twin condition isn't satisfied. Bail Denied," said the court. Sisodia was first arrested by the CBI in the month of February for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since then. He resigned from his position following the arrest, terming the accusations against him as 'false' and said it was unfortunate that he was framed despite working honestly for the last eight years. Also read: WATCH | Delhi CM Kejriwal in tears as he recalls Manish Sisodia's 'dream' at school inauguration "It is unfortunate that despite working with honesty and truthfulness continuously for eight years, corruption charges are being levelled against me. I and my God know that all these allegations are false," Sisodia said in his resignation letter to Arvind Kejriwal. "These allegations are in fact nothing more than a conspiracy of cowardly and weak people who are scared of Arvind Kejriwal's politics of truth. I am not their target, you [Kejriwal] are their target. Because today not only Delhi but the people of the whole country are seeing you as a leader who has a vision for the country and the ability to bring big changes in the lives of the people by implementing it," he added. The high court already denied bail to him in the CBI case in the month of May. On June 2, the court had reserved its order on his bail plea. Sisodia has sought bail on grounds including his wife's deteriorating health condition. The ED has opposed the bail plea of the ex-deputy CM as well as of the others accused. What is the excise policy scam? The AAP government had brought in the excise policy to revolutionise the sale of liquor in Delhi by bringing in more private players. The rationale given was that the new policy will help generate optimum revenue while eradicating bootlegging and the sale of spurious liquor. However, corruption in the distribution of permits, bribery and fraud in the funnelling of tender amounts meant that the initiative collapsed within a year. It has been alleged that AAP leaders formulated the policy at the peak of the pandemic to create illegal channels of funding. The anti-corruption branch of CBI questioned Sisodia over his alleged links with Dinesh Arora and other accused mentioned in the FIR. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Delhi High Court rejects bail petition of Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides. On the other hand, Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-china-increase-infra-near-pangong-tso-lake-report-611315">India and China increase infrastructure near Pangong Tso lake: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364000-pangong-tso.png?imwidth=1920" />

Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides.&nbsp;Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detains-a-man-it-says-ukraine-sent-to-assassinate-crimeas-head-611416">Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364111-untitled-design-2023-07-03t170055570.png?imwidth=1920" />

Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-flags-khalistani-extremism-to-canada-uk-before-propaganda-rally-611444">India's foreign minister Jaishankar flags Khalistani extremism to Canada, UK before propaganda rally</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/30/348684-untitled-design-2023-04-30t213246026.png?imwidth=1920" />

India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi said that Russia's enhanced volumes of trade with Asian economies is because of the Ukraine conflict as the Western countries began closing their trade routes to Russia after that. Jaishankar also informed reporters in a separate comment that New Delhi has requested partner countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistani separatists.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-a-building-in-central-tokyo-reason-yet-unknown-611302">Explosion in central Tokyo building, cause yet unknown</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364026-japan-explosion.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

An explosion was heard in a building in Shimbashi district of central Tokyo on Monday (July 3). Media footage showed flames and smoke emerging from a second-floor business. The city's fire department has said that four people have been injured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/underarm-bowling-on-cards-pat-cummins-gives-epic-reply-to-english-journalist-after-lords-test-drama-611441">Underarm bowling on cards? Pat Cummins gives EPIC reply to English journalist after Lord's Test drama</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364124-underarm-bowling-on-cards-pat-cummins-epic-reply-to-english-journalist.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

England and Australia produced another thrilling clash in Ashes 2023 as Pat Cummins &amp; Co. won the second Test, at Lord's, on Day 5 by 43 runs in defence of 371. Resuming Day 5, English duo captain Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett (83) started positively before the latter fell and Australia dismissed Jonny Bairstow for cheap (10).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-margot-robbie-ryan-goslings-barbie-film-banned-in-vietnam-over-south-china-sea-map-611361">Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling's Barbie film banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364061-untitled-design-81.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Warner Bros' highly-anticipated movie Barbie has been banned by the Vietnamese government over a scene featuring a map that shows China's unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea. The map depicts the controversial nine-dash line, which was repudiated in an international arbitration ruling by a court in The Hague in 2016. China refuses to recognise the ruling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-takes-lead-in-plastic-bag-ban-expands-restrictions-to-thin-bags-611480">New Zealand takes lead in plastic bag ban, expands restrictions to thin bags</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364157-new-wion-59.png?imwidth=1920" />

New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-made-some-advances-on-eastern-front-fighting-rages-in-south-611164">Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/363930-russian-drone-strike-2.png?imwidth=1920" />

Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mayors-call-for-anti-riot-rally-amid-relative-calm-lower-arrests-611421">France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, lower arrests</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364113-wion-images-2023-07-03t164756997.png?imwidth=1920" />

Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes as the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-israeli-military-operation-targets-palestinian-jenin-camp-in-west-bank-611307">Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/24/361979-the-battle-for-kyiv-6.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.

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&nbsp;

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank.

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides. On the other hand, Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency. Click on the headlines to read more: India and China increase infrastructure near Pangong Tso lake: Report Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides. Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso. Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency. India's foreign minister Jaishankar flags Khalistani extremism to Canada, UK before propaganda rally India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi said that Russia's enhanced volumes of trade with Asian economies is because of the Ukraine conflict as the Western countries began closing their trade routes to Russia after that. Jaishankar also informed reporters in a separate comment that New Delhi has requested partner countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistani separatists. Explosion in central Tokyo building, cause yet unknown An explosion was heard in a building in Shimbashi district of central Tokyo on Monday (July 3). Media footage showed flames and smoke emerging from a second-floor business. The city's fire department has said that four people have been injured. Underarm bowling on cards? Pat Cummins gives EPIC reply to English journalist after Lord's Test drama England and Australia produced another thrilling clash in Ashes 2023 as Pat Cummins & Co. won the second Test, at Lord's, on Day 5 by 43 runs in defence of 371. Resuming Day 5, English duo captain Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett (83) started positively before the latter fell and Australia dismissed Jonny Bairstow for cheap (10). Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling's Barbie film banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map Warner Bros' highly-anticipated movie Barbie has been banned by the Vietnamese government over a scene featuring a map that shows China's unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea. The map depicts the controversial nine-dash line, which was repudiated in an international arbitration ruling by a court in The Hague in 2016. China refuses to recognise the ruling. New Zealand takes lead in plastic bag ban, expands restrictions to thin bags New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics. Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, lower arrests Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes as the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed. Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.

Top 10 world news: Russia accuses Ukraine of assassination attempt, Jaishankar flags extremism, & more

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces.&nbsp;

He then said that there was a need to fight the parties creating a communal divide in the state.&nbsp;

Addressing NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in Karad, the NCP chief said, "We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked."

Without mentioning his nephew Ajit Pawar's name, who led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, the NCP chief said that "some of our people fell prey to BJP's tactics to break other parties."

"Attempts are being made to create communal divide in Maharashtra and the country. We need to fight forces that create fear among peace-loving citizens," he said.

"We need to protect democracy in the country," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-ultimate-political-player-who-splits-ncp-to-become-deputy-cm-of-maharashtra-for-fifth-time-611296">Ajit Pawar: Ultimate political player who splits NCP to become Deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time</a>

"Today, in Maharashtra and the country, a rift is being created in the society in the name of caste and religion by some groups. We tried to stand against the BJP, but unfortunately, some of us went fell prey to it. With the support of the public, we will be strengthened again. Nevertheless, the people of Maharashtra will not succumb to these undemocratic forces. Maharashtra again will go on the path of progress," Sharad Pawar said.

"In the next few months, we will get an opportunity to go to the people and with their help, we will push these tendencies aside and once again we will create a system that will work in the interest of the common people," he said.

<h2>NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government</h2>

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.&nbsp;

He took the oath as Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister with eight other party legislators along with him joining the National Democratic Alliance government in the state.

On Sunday, Ajit Pawar asserted that all MLAs are with him and that they have joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as a party.

"We have all the numbers. All MLAs are with me. We are here as a party. We have informed all seniors also. The majority is given importance in a democracy. Our party is 24 years old and young leadership should come forward," Ajit Pawar said after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Karad, said that the people of the Indian state of Maharashtra will not succumb to undemocratic forces. He then said that there was a need to fight the parties creating a communal divide in the state. Addressing NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in Karad, the NCP chief said, "We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked." Without mentioning his nephew Ajit Pawar's name, who led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, the NCP chief said that "some of our people fell prey to BJP's tactics to break other parties." "Attempts are being made to create communal divide in Maharashtra and the country. We need to fight forces that create fear among peace-loving citizens," he said. "We need to protect democracy in the country," he added. Also read: Ajit Pawar: Ultimate political player who splits NCP to become Deputy CM of Maharashtra for fifth time "Today, in Maharashtra and the country, a rift is being created in the society in the name of caste and religion by some groups. We tried to stand against the BJP, but unfortunately, some of us went fell prey to it. With the support of the public, we will be strengthened again. Nevertheless, the people of Maharashtra will not succumb to these undemocratic forces. Maharashtra again will go on the path of progress," Sharad Pawar said. "In the next few months, we will get an opportunity to go to the people and with their help, we will push these tendencies aside and once again we will create a system that will work in the interest of the common people," he said. NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state. He took the oath as Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister with eight other party legislators along with him joining the National Democratic Alliance government in the state. On Sunday, Ajit Pawar asserted that all MLAs are with him and that they have joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as a party. "We have all the numbers. All MLAs are with me. We are here as a party. We have informed all seniors also. The majority is given importance in a democracy. Our party is 24 years old and young leadership should come forward," Ajit Pawar said after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell prey to BJP's tactics'

A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police.

The man, who as per news agency AFP reports, is said to be nearly 20 years old, smashed through the roof of a supermarket that according to the prosecutors, wasn't the target of any looting.

<h2>France to deploy 45,000 cops&nbsp;to deal with night rioting</h2>

On Friday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin released a statement ahead of an expected fourth consecutive night of protests saying that the country is increasing the number of police officers to 45,000 nationwide in order to deal with any demonstrations.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier in the day announced the mobilisation of more police to contain the riots.

There had been "unacceptable exploitation of a death of an adolescent" in some quarters, Macron said.

"Additional means" would be mobilised by the interior ministry beyond the 40,000 officers deployed nationwide on Thursday, he said.&nbsp;

Earlier, around 40,000 police and gendarmes -- along with elite Raid and GIGN units -- were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews imposed in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country's north.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-macron-leaves-eu-summit-early-says-social-media-must-help-quell-unrest-610615">France riots: Macron leaves EU summit early, says social media must help quell unrest</a>

The latest figures from the interior ministry on Friday afternoon showed that 875 people were arrested overnight. More than 200 police officers were injured.

<h2>French police officer apologises to victim's family</h2>

The policeman who had shot dead a teenager in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for failing to comply with an order to stop his car on Tuesday, triggering protests across the country, has apologised to the victim's family while in custody, said his lawyer.

"The first words he pronounced were to say sorry and the last words he said were to say sorry to the family," Laurent-Franck Lienard told BFMTV late Thursday.

"He is devastated, he doesn't get up in the morning to kill people," Lienard said. "He didn't want to kill him."

A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away.

Lienard said the police officer was "extremely shocked by the violence of this video".

The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide and remanded in custody.

<h2>Mother of victim says policeman saw 'an Arab face'</h2>

The mother of the teenager who was killed by the French police officer said that she thought the death of her son was racially motivated.

"I don't blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son," Mounia told the France 5 channel in her first media interview since the shooting on Tuesday morning.

"I have friends who are officers. They are completely behind me... they don't agree with what happened," she said.

She further said that the 38-year-old policeman could have used other ways to tame his son, who was driving a Mercedes without a licence.

"He didn't need to kill my son. A bullet? So close to his chest? No, no," the single mother, described as a worker in the medical sector, told the channel in tears.

The officer "saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life," she said.

"How long is this going to go on for? How many other children are going to go like this? How many mothers will find themselves like me?" she added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police.

A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police. The man, who as per news agency AFP reports, is said to be nearly 20 years old, smashed through the roof of a supermarket that according to the prosecutors, wasn't the target of any looting. France to deploy 45,000 cops to deal with night rioting On Friday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin released a statement ahead of an expected fourth consecutive night of protests saying that the country is increasing the number of police officers to 45,000 nationwide in order to deal with any demonstrations. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier in the day announced the mobilisation of more police to contain the riots. There had been "unacceptable exploitation of a death of an adolescent" in some quarters, Macron said. "Additional means" would be mobilised by the interior ministry beyond the 40,000 officers deployed nationwide on Thursday, he said. Earlier, around 40,000 police and gendarmes -- along with elite Raid and GIGN units -- were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews imposed in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country's north. Also read: France riots: Macron leaves EU summit early, says social media must help quell unrest The latest figures from the interior ministry on Friday afternoon showed that 875 people were arrested overnight. More than 200 police officers were injured. French police officer apologises to victim's family The policeman who had shot dead a teenager in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for failing to comply with an order to stop his car on Tuesday, triggering protests across the country, has apologised to the victim's family while in custody, said his lawyer. "The first words he pronounced were to say sorry and the last words he said were to say sorry to the family," Laurent-Franck Lienard told BFMTV late Thursday. "He is devastated, he doesn't get up in the morning to kill people," Lienard said. "He didn't want to kill him." A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away. Lienard said the police officer was "extremely shocked by the violence of this video". The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide and remanded in custody. Mother of victim says policeman saw 'an Arab face' The mother of the teenager who was killed by the French police officer said that she thought the death of her son was racially motivated. "I don't blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son," Mounia told the France 5 channel in her first media interview since the shooting on Tuesday morning. "I have friends who are officers. They are completely behind me... they don't agree with what happened," she said. She further said that the 38-year-old policeman could have used other ways to tame his son, who was driving a Mercedes without a licence. "He didn't need to kill my son. A bullet? So close to his chest? No, no," the single mother, described as a worker in the medical sector, told the channel in tears. The officer "saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life," she said. "How long is this going to go on for? How many other children are going to go like this? How many mothers will find themselves like me?" she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France: Young man dies after falling from roof of store during protests over teen's killing

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.&nbsp;

The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop.

The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring.

As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019.&nbsp;

The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-why-there-is-giant-hole-in-indian-ocean-where-earths-gravity-is-at-weakest-610337">Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest</a>

"We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Human trial expected in a few years</h2>

The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival.

The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years.

"The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said.

Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days.

Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects.

"Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days. The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop. The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring. As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019. The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability. Also read: Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest "We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters. Human trial expected in a few years The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival. The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years. "The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said. Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days. Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects. "Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish researchers aim to trick nature by creating artificial womb for premature babies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.

The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership&nbsp;was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus.

Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards.&nbsp;

"By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram.&nbsp;

<h2>Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-lukashenko-emerged-as-a-key-player-to-resolve-wagner-situation-608913">Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation</a>

"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled."

He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed.

“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed."

Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation. The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus. Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards. "By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram. Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families. Also read: Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation "I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled." He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed. “We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed." Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security on Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters

United States officials on Friday released a statement saying that at least 13 people lost their lives due to extreme heat waves in the southern United States, amid heavy air pollution in other parts of the country due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.

The highest death toll, of 11 people, was registered in Webb County, Texas, near the Mexican border.

"As of Wednesday, there have been 11 total deaths," local officials said in a statement to AFP. "Ten are Webb County residents, the 11th death was from a neighbouring county that was brought to a local hospital and unfortunately passed away."&nbsp;

A 14-year-old died due to scorching heat while he was hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas. The temperature there had reached 119 Fahrenheit (48 Celsius), said the local officials.

They further added that a 62-year-old woman lost her life in the neighbouring state of Louisiana last week after a storm left thousands of families without power and thus without air conditioning.

<h2>Scorching heat claims lives of more than 100 in June, says Mexico government</h2>

Searing heat in Mexico has claimed the lives of more than 100 people in the month of June, the government said in a statement, after a series of heatwaves rattled the nation

According to scientists, global warming is aggravating adverse weather conditions in the world with many countries battling with soaring temperatures.

As per the figures released by the health ministry on Wednesday, nearly 1,000 heat-related emergencies were reported in Mexico between June 12 and 25, of which 104 resulted in deaths.

Meanwhile, the authorities had already reported eight deaths between April 14 and May 31, taking the death toll to 112.

The cause of the deaths was reported as heat stroke, followed by dehydration, as per the health ministry.

With 64 deaths in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon and 19 in neighbouring Tamaulipas, Mexico's northern regions reported the most fatalities.

The health ministry said that in Mexico, a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) was recorded this week in the northwestern state of Sonora.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States officials on Friday released a statement saying that at least 13 people lost their lives due to extreme heat waves in the southern United States, amid heavy air pollution in other parts of the country due to smoke from wildfires in Canada.

United States officials on Friday released a statement saying that at least 13 people lost their lives due to extreme heat waves in the southern United States, amid heavy air pollution in other parts of the country due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. The highest death toll, of 11 people, was registered in Webb County, Texas, near the Mexican border. "As of Wednesday, there have been 11 total deaths," local officials said in a statement to AFP. "Ten are Webb County residents, the 11th death was from a neighbouring county that was brought to a local hospital and unfortunately passed away." A 14-year-old died due to scorching heat while he was hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas. The temperature there had reached 119 Fahrenheit (48 Celsius), said the local officials. They further added that a 62-year-old woman lost her life in the neighbouring state of Louisiana last week after a storm left thousands of families without power and thus without air conditioning. Scorching heat claims lives of more than 100 in June, says Mexico government Searing heat in Mexico has claimed the lives of more than 100 people in the month of June, the government said in a statement, after a series of heatwaves rattled the nation According to scientists, global warming is aggravating adverse weather conditions in the world with many countries battling with soaring temperatures. As per the figures released by the health ministry on Wednesday, nearly 1,000 heat-related emergencies were reported in Mexico between June 12 and 25, of which 104 resulted in deaths. Meanwhile, the authorities had already reported eight deaths between April 14 and May 31, taking the death toll to 112. The cause of the deaths was reported as heat stroke, followed by dehydration, as per the health ministry. With 64 deaths in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon and 19 in neighbouring Tamaulipas, Mexico's northern regions reported the most fatalities. The health ministry said that in Mexico, a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) was recorded this week in the northwestern state of Sonora. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Extreme heatwave kills at least 13 in the United States

After millions of Americans expressed anger over Supreme Court bringing down the student loan relief programme, United States President Joe Biden announced new measures to ease the financial burden.

"I know there are millions of Americans in this country who feel disappointed and discouraged or even a little bit angry," Biden said. "I must admit I do too."

He announced measures to "provide student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible, as quickly as possible."

One of the measures is a 12-month pause on penalties for missing debt repayments on federal loans used by many students to finance their time in the expensive US higher education system.&nbsp;

This will "protect the most vulnerable borrowers," the White House said.

Another measure announced is a change to the repayment plans by the Department of Education, with a cut in the percentage of borrower's available income that must be paid each month toward loans from 10 to five per cent.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-junks-bidens-student-debt-cancellation-plan-610639">US Supreme Court junks Biden's $400bn student debt cancellation plan</a>

In addition, the borrowers would now see more of their income safeguarded from having to be made available for repayments.

<h2>Supreme court rejects Biden's $400bn student debt cancellation plan</h2>

US President Joe Biden on Friday suffered a significant political setback as US Supreme Court overruled his key programme to cancel the student loans of millions of Americans.

The court said Biden had overstepped his powers in cancelling more than $400 billion in debt, in an effort to alleviate the financial burden of education that hangs over many Americans decades after they finished their studies.

The court said Biden was mistaken in using a 2003 law, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, to justify the debt relief plan.

Six Republican-led states sued saying the 2003 Act, which aimed to help former students who joined the military after the September 11, 2001 attacks, does not authorise Biden's loan cancellation.

"We agree," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

"The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it," he said.

Biden said his administration would pursue a different way to achieve his goal.

"Today’s decision has closed one path. Now we’re going to start another," Biden told reporters. "I believe the court's decision to strike down my student debt relief program was a mistake, was wrong. I'm not going to stop fighting to deliver borrowers what they need, particularly those at the bottom end of the economic scale."

Biden announced the student loan cancellation plan in August 2022. He said that up to USD 20,000 per borrower would be forgiven, given that the borrower comes from low or middle-income groups.

The plan came on the back of a student loan payment freeze instituted by his predecessor Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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After millions of Americans expressed anger over Supreme Court bringing down the student loan relief programme, United States President Joe Biden announced new measures to ease the financial burden.

After millions of Americans expressed anger over Supreme Court bringing down the student loan relief programme, United States President Joe Biden announced new measures to ease the financial burden. "I know there are millions of Americans in this country who feel disappointed and discouraged or even a little bit angry," Biden said. "I must admit I do too." He announced measures to "provide student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible, as quickly as possible." One of the measures is a 12-month pause on penalties for missing debt repayments on federal loans used by many students to finance their time in the expensive US higher education system. This will "protect the most vulnerable borrowers," the White House said. Another measure announced is a change to the repayment plans by the Department of Education, with a cut in the percentage of borrower's available income that must be paid each month toward loans from 10 to five per cent. Also read: US Supreme Court junks Biden's $400bn student debt cancellation plan In addition, the borrowers would now see more of their income safeguarded from having to be made available for repayments. Supreme court rejects Biden's $400bn student debt cancellation plan US President Joe Biden on Friday suffered a significant political setback as US Supreme Court overruled his key programme to cancel the student loans of millions of Americans. The court said Biden had overstepped his powers in cancelling more than $400 billion in debt, in an effort to alleviate the financial burden of education that hangs over many Americans decades after they finished their studies. The court said Biden was mistaken in using a 2003 law, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, to justify the debt relief plan. Six Republican-led states sued saying the 2003 Act, which aimed to help former students who joined the military after the September 11, 2001 attacks, does not authorise Biden's loan cancellation. "We agree," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it," he said. Biden said his administration would pursue a different way to achieve his goal. "Today’s decision has closed one path. Now we’re going to start another," Biden told reporters. "I believe the court's decision to strike down my student debt relief program was a mistake, was wrong. I'm not going to stop fighting to deliver borrowers what they need, particularly those at the bottom end of the economic scale." Biden announced the student loan cancellation plan in August 2022. He said that up to USD 20,000 per borrower would be forgiven, given that the borrower comes from low or middle-income groups. The plan came on the back of a student loan payment freeze instituted by his predecessor Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US President Joe Biden announces new measures for student loan relief after Supreme Court setback

At least 49&nbsp;people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police.

As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of&nbsp;several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped.

"So far, we can confirm 48 dead and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck," local police commander Geoffrey Mayek told AFP after the accident on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru at around 6:30 pm (1530 GMT).

Another 30 people had sustained serious injuries in the road crash and were rushed immediately to the hospital, he said.&nbsp;

He further warned that the death toll could rise.

"I have seen a very bad scene, bodies and blood all over. So many people are dead," said one witness, Maureen Jepkoech.

Tom Mboya Odero, the regional police commander for the Rift Valley, said the truck travelling towards Kericho "lost control and rammed into eight vehicles, several motorcycles, people who were by the roadside, vendors, and other people who were on other businesses".&nbsp;

<h2>Kenyan leaders express condolences&nbsp;</h2>

Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, expressed their condolences after the incident which took place at Londiani junction.

Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen took to Twitter and said that the rescue efforts would be followed by a probe to find out the cause of the accident.

Collins Kipkoech, a senior doctor at Kericho County Hospital, said his facility's morgue had so far received 45 bodies while more victims were taken to other hospitals "and the rescue is still ongoing".

"The truck was at high speed and it was hooting. It tried to avoid several vehicles before it came straight into the market," AFP quoted witness Jepkoech as saying.

"All I can say is that I am lucky to be alive because I saw what happened and I am alive because I ran, I am just lucky," she added.&nbsp;

Another witness, Joel Rotich, said: "The accident happened in a flash, many of them had no time to escape.

"There was a lot of confusion because people were screaming all over and everyone was running after the accident," he added.

"It took some time before people gathered courage and started helping those injured."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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At least 49 people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police. As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped.

At least 49 people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police. As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped. "So far, we can confirm 48 dead and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck," local police commander Geoffrey Mayek told AFP after the accident on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru at around 6:30 pm (1530 GMT). Another 30 people had sustained serious injuries in the road crash and were rushed immediately to the hospital, he said. He further warned that the death toll could rise. "I have seen a very bad scene, bodies and blood all over. So many people are dead," said one witness, Maureen Jepkoech. Tom Mboya Odero, the regional police commander for the Rift Valley, said the truck travelling towards Kericho "lost control and rammed into eight vehicles, several motorcycles, people who were by the roadside, vendors, and other people who were on other businesses". Kenyan leaders express condolences Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, expressed their condolences after the incident which took place at Londiani junction. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen took to Twitter and said that the rescue efforts would be followed by a probe to find out the cause of the accident. Collins Kipkoech, a senior doctor at Kericho County Hospital, said his facility's morgue had so far received 45 bodies while more victims were taken to other hospitals "and the rescue is still ongoing". "The truck was at high speed and it was hooting. It tried to avoid several vehicles before it came straight into the market," AFP quoted witness Jepkoech as saying. "All I can say is that I am lucky to be alive because I saw what happened and I am alive because I ran, I am just lucky," she added. Another witness, Joel Rotich, said: "The accident happened in a flash, many of them had no time to escape. "There was a lot of confusion because people were screaming all over and everyone was running after the accident," he added. "It took some time before people gathered courage and started helping those injured." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Road crash in Kenya claims lives of at least 49 as rampaging truck rams several vehicles

England are "about breaking records", assistant coach Jeetan Patel said on Friday as the home team contemplate a huge run chase against Australia in the second Ashes Test at the Lord's.

Ben Stokes's side, who lost the first game of the five-match series last week, collapsed to 325 all out on Friday's third morning in London, playing a series of rash shots.

Australia then reached 130-2 in their second innings to extend their lead to 221 runs despite some accurate bowling from the hosts.

Patel, England's spin-bowling coach, was asked what would be a realistic target to chase for a side who have attacked relentlessly over the past year.

"We've seen some amazing things from this team," he said. "It's going to be a different ask against a different attack but we've seen some crazy things from this line-up in the last year."

"This team is about breaking records, they want to set new standards. They want to sell out grounds and the way to do that is firstly to bowl them out and set the crowd alight and then chase whatever it is down."

England will take heart from a succession of improbable run chases under skipper Stokes, including their astonishing pursuit of 378 to beat India last year -- the highest successful chase in their history.

"We've always said that we want to play an aggressive brand," said Patel. "It's not always going to come off and that's not a cop out. It's just reality."

"They were pretty accurate with how they went about their plan."

"We want to keep changing momentum," he added. "We want to force swings in the game that come back our way a bit like you would see in white-ball cricket."

Patel said the second Test was finely poised, even though Ashes-holders and world Test champions Australia appear to be clear favourites.

"The first session tomorrow (Saturday) is huge for both teams," he added.

"If we can turn some of the skill that we showed tonight, tomorrow morning... we can bowl them out and give us a day and a half to chase something down."

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc, who took 3-88 in England's first innings, said the tourists had been successful with their tactic of bowling short.

"The four of us (fast bowlers) went about our business there being quite accurate and being up around the chest and shoulders," he said.

"I don't like to face that stuff so if it's coming at a decent pace I'm not sure anybody does."

"They (England) are playing aggressive cricket. Their approach is their approach. We saw an opportunity there to create some chances, which we did."

"It doesn't always go that way and thankfully more went to hand than to ground."

&nbsp;

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England are "about breaking records", assistant coach Jeetan Patel said on Friday as the home team contemplate a huge run chase against Australia in the second Ashes Test at the Lord's.

England are "about breaking records", assistant coach Jeetan Patel said on Friday as the home team contemplate a huge run chase against Australia in the second Ashes Test at the Lord's. Ben Stokes's side, who lost the first game of the five-match series last week, collapsed to 325 all out on Friday's third morning in London, playing a series of rash shots. Australia then reached 130-2 in their second innings to extend their lead to 221 runs despite some accurate bowling from the hosts. Patel, England's spin-bowling coach, was asked what would be a realistic target to chase for a side who have attacked relentlessly over the past year. "We've seen some amazing things from this team," he said. "It's going to be a different ask against a different attack but we've seen some crazy things from this line-up in the last year." "This team is about breaking records, they want to set new standards. They want to sell out grounds and the way to do that is firstly to bowl them out and set the crowd alight and then chase whatever it is down." England will take heart from a succession of improbable run chases under skipper Stokes, including their astonishing pursuit of 378 to beat India last year -- the highest successful chase in their history. "We've always said that we want to play an aggressive brand," said Patel. "It's not always going to come off and that's not a cop out. It's just reality." "They were pretty accurate with how they went about their plan." "We want to keep changing momentum," he added. "We want to force swings in the game that come back our way a bit like you would see in white-ball cricket." Patel said the second Test was finely poised, even though Ashes-holders and world Test champions Australia appear to be clear favourites. "The first session tomorrow (Saturday) is huge for both teams," he added. "If we can turn some of the skill that we showed tonight, tomorrow morning... we can bowl them out and give us a day and a half to chase something down." Australia paceman Mitchell Starc, who took 3-88 in England's first innings, said the tourists had been successful with their tactic of bowling short. "The four of us (fast bowlers) went about our business there being quite accurate and being up around the chest and shoulders," he said. "I don't like to face that stuff so if it's coming at a decent pace I'm not sure anybody does." "They (England) are playing aggressive cricket. Their approach is their approach. We saw an opportunity there to create some chances, which we did." "It doesn't always go that way and thankfully more went to hand than to ground." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

England's cricket team 'about breaking records, setting new standards,' says bullish coach

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Zee News Rajasthan

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