Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two.

<h2>About the snap&nbsp;polls</h2>

The polling stations across mainland France&nbsp;opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. The polls will be closed earlier in small towns and later in the bigger cities.&nbsp;

Subsequently, projections which usually predict the result with a degree of accuracy, will be released. However, France’s electoral system can make it difficult to predict the distribution of seats that each party may secure in the 577-seat National Assembly, parliament’s lower house.&nbsp;

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Voters in France’s overseas territories which span across the world cast their ballots earlier in the weekend. The final results will not be known until the end of voting on July 7.&nbsp;

<h2>High-stakes election</h2>

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron stunned the nation when he called for a snap poll after his centrist alliance lost against Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) in the European elections.&nbsp;

Le Pen’s eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has been operating on the sidelines for years but now has a good chance of winning.&nbsp;

Three major political blocs are competing in this election – Le Pen’s RN, Macron’s centrist alliance, and the New Popular Front coalition that includes centre-left, greens and hard-left parties.&nbsp;

Opinion polls show that RN has a chance of winning an absolute majority or at least 289 out of the 577 seats in the National Assembly.&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing the final opinion poll ahead of the election gave RN between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, followed by 27.5-29 per cent for the recently formed New Popular Front alliance and 20-21 per cent for Macron’s party.&nbsp;

France also witnessed massive demonstrations&nbsp;against both the far right and the French president after the announcement of the snap polls. A high turnout is expected in this election.

The outcome of this election is important as despite Macron’s presidency which will continue until 2027, the National Assembly is the more powerful of France’s two houses of parliament.&nbsp;

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Therefore, if RN does win an absolute majority, it would not only weaken Macron’s presidency but also French diplomacy could be headed for an unprecedented period of turbulence.&nbsp;

“We are going to win an absolute majority,” said Le Pen in an interview last week, and predicted that her protégé, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella would be prime minister.

The RN has sought to spend more on the French economy and reduce immigration. Additionally, Bardella has already indicated he would challenge Macron on global issues.

The far-right party’s win could also bring uncertainty to France’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war given Le Pen’s history of pro-Russian sentiment. However, she said that they would back Kyiv against Russian invaders.&nbsp;

The RN also has historic ties to racism and&nbsp;antisemitism and is criticised for its hostility toward France’s Muslim community. The critics say that the far-right party’s courting of Jews is just a cover to deny accusations of racism while it is constantly stigmatising Muslims and foreigners. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two.

Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two. About the snap polls The polling stations across mainland France opened at 8:00 am (local time) and will close 12 hours later. The polls will be closed earlier in small towns and later in the bigger cities. Subsequently, projections which usually predict the result with a degree of accuracy, will be released. However, France’s electoral system can make it difficult to predict the distribution of seats that each party may secure in the 577-seat National Assembly, parliament’s lower house. Voters in France’s overseas territories which span across the world cast their ballots earlier in the weekend. The final results will not be known until the end of voting on July 7. High-stakes election Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron stunned the nation when he called for a snap poll after his centrist alliance lost against Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) in the European elections. Le Pen’s eurosceptic, anti-immigrant party has been operating on the sidelines for years but now has a good chance of winning. Three major political blocs are competing in this election – Le Pen’s RN, Macron’s centrist alliance, and the New Popular Front coalition that includes centre-left, greens and hard-left parties. Opinion polls show that RN has a chance of winning an absolute majority or at least 289 out of the 577 seats in the National Assembly. A report by AFP citing the final opinion poll ahead of the election gave RN between 35 per cent and 37 per cent of the vote, followed by 27.5-29 per cent for the recently formed New Popular Front alliance and 20-21 per cent for Macron’s party. France also witnessed massive demonstrations against both the far right and the French president after the announcement of the snap polls. A high turnout is expected in this election. The outcome of this election is important as despite Macron’s presidency which will continue until 2027, the National Assembly is the more powerful of France’s two houses of parliament. Also Read | Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks Therefore, if RN does win an absolute majority, it would not only weaken Macron’s presidency but also French diplomacy could be headed for an unprecedented period of turbulence. “We are going to win an absolute majority,” said Le Pen in an interview last week, and predicted that her protégé, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella would be prime minister. The RN has sought to spend more on the French economy and reduce immigration. Additionally, Bardella has already indicated he would challenge Macron on global issues. The far-right party’s win could also bring uncertainty to France’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war given Le Pen’s history of pro-Russian sentiment. However, she said that they would back Kyiv against Russian invaders. The RN also has historic ties to racism and antisemitism and is criticised for its hostility toward France’s Muslim community. The critics say that the far-right party’s courting of Jews is just a cover to deny accusations of racism while it is constantly stigmatising Muslims and foreigners. (With inputs from agencies)

France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed&nbsp;into a nail salon in Long Island, New York,&nbsp;said local officials in an update on Saturday&nbsp;(Jun 29),&nbsp;a day after the incident.&nbsp;

<h2>New details emerge&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday (Jun 28), officials said that a vehicle had slammed into the nail salon in Deer Park, Suffolk County killing four people and injuring nine others&nbsp;who were inside the business at the time.&nbsp;

The vehicle came to a stop at the back of the Hawaii Nail &amp; Spa store at around 4:40 pm (local time). The crash had left the driver as well as multiple people trapped inside the nail salon who were later removed and taken to nearby hospitals.&nbsp;

“There were people trapped,” assistant Chief Dominic Albanese of the Deer Park Fire Department told reporters at the scene. “We extricated them and transported them to area hospitals.”

He also&nbsp;said that the driver was found semiconscious and taken to the hospital.&nbsp;

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The driver,&nbsp;later identified as&nbsp;Steven Schwally, 64, was said to be drunk driving&nbsp;at high speed&nbsp;through a parking lot in Deer Park when he&nbsp;crossed a roadway and continued into another parking lot before crashing into the&nbsp;front window of the nail salon, said the&nbsp;Suffolk County Police, on Saturday.&nbsp;

The 64-year-old has since been&nbsp;charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and will be arraigned at a later date, said the police.&nbsp;Schwally was among those hospitalised and&nbsp;suffered non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

The four victims killed in the crash have been identified as Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens, were killed, said&nbsp;the Suffolk County Police Department said in a release.&nbsp;

All four people killed died at the scene, said the police.&nbsp;

Rennhack, an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, was among those killed, a spokesperson from the NYPD confirmed her death, on Saturday.&nbsp;The 30-year-old was reportedly assigned to the 102nd precinct&nbsp;in Queens.&nbsp;

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Among the nine injured, four were hospitalised&nbsp;with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;12-year-old&nbsp;girl was among five others&nbsp;who were treated&nbsp;at area hospitals for injuries.&nbsp;

<h2>Eyewitness accounts</h2>

A report by WNBC citing witnesses said that the van was trying to pass another car when it went directly into the business.

Eric Perez, who was putting groceries into his car parked across from the site of the crash, told Newsday on Friday&nbsp;that he heard a speeding car and then a noise that “sounded like shattering.”&nbsp;

According to local officials, around 150 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the crash. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon in Long Island, New York, said local officials in an update on Saturday (Jun 29), a day after the incident.

At least four people were killed and several others were injured after a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon in Long Island, New York, said local officials in an update on Saturday (Jun 29), a day after the incident. New details emerge On Friday (Jun 28), officials said that a vehicle had slammed into the nail salon in Deer Park, Suffolk County killing four people and injuring nine others who were inside the business at the time. The vehicle came to a stop at the back of the Hawaii Nail & Spa store at around 4:40 pm (local time). The crash had left the driver as well as multiple people trapped inside the nail salon who were later removed and taken to nearby hospitals. “There were people trapped,” assistant Chief Dominic Albanese of the Deer Park Fire Department told reporters at the scene. “We extricated them and transported them to area hospitals.” He also said that the driver was found semiconscious and taken to the hospital. Also Read | After Delhi, Rajkot airport terminal's canopy collapses amid heavy rains The driver, later identified as Steven Schwally, 64, was said to be drunk driving at high speed through a parking lot in Deer Park when he crossed a roadway and continued into another parking lot before crashing into the front window of the nail salon, said the Suffolk County Police, on Saturday. The 64-year-old has since been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and will be arraigned at a later date, said the police. Schwally was among those hospitalised and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. About the victims The four victims killed in the crash have been identified as Jiancai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens; Emilia Rennhack, 30, of Deer Park; Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens; and Meizi Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens, were killed, said the Suffolk County Police Department said in a release. All four people killed died at the scene, said the police. Rennhack, an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, was among those killed, a spokesperson from the NYPD confirmed her death, on Saturday. The 30-year-old was reportedly assigned to the 102nd precinct in Queens. Also Read | US presidential debate: A fumbling Biden let’s Trump get away with his 'usual lies' Among the nine injured, four were hospitalised with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl was among five others who were treated at area hospitals for injuries. Eyewitness accounts A report by WNBC citing witnesses said that the van was trying to pass another car when it went directly into the business. Eric Perez, who was putting groceries into his car parked across from the site of the crash, told Newsday on Friday that he heard a speeding car and then a noise that “sounded like shattering.” According to local officials, around 150 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the crash. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 4 killed after drunk driver slams into Long Island nail salon; suspect charged with DWI

Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados&nbsp;was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is. In other news, voters in France will head&nbsp;to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-captain-rohit-sharma-announces-t20i-retirement-after-world-cup-win-barbados-736430">India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados</a>

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados (on Saturday, June 29) was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is, joining veteran batter Virat Kohli in taking a similar call.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-to-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445">France elections: Voters to cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win 
 
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Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-at-least-18-killed-after-string-of-suspected-suicide-bomb-attacks-736425">Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks 
 
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At least 18 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.&nbsp;

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Ukrainian authorities on Saturday (June 29) claimed that seven people were killed and 31 others were injured after Russian side fired missiles at the town of Vilniansk outside the city of Zaporizhzhia.

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is. In other news, voters in France will head to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections. Click on the headlines to read more India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced that the T20 World Cup winning game against South Africa in Barbados (on Saturday, June 29) was his last in the shortest format as he announced his retirement from T20Is, joining veteran batter Virat Kohli in taking a similar call. France elections: Voters to cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win Voters in France headed to the polls on Sunday (Jun 30) to cast their ballots in the first round of the high-stakes snap parliamentary elections which could usher in the country’s first far-right government since World War Two. Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks At least 18 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. Zelensky calls for more weapons from West as Russia strikes town outside Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian authorities on Saturday (June 29) claimed that seven people were killed and 31 others were injured after Russian side fired missiles at the town of Vilniansk outside the city of Zaporizhzhia. WATCH | Fans on streets to celebrate India's win over South Africa in final

Morning news brief: India captain Rohit Sharma to retire from T20I; France votes in snap polls, and more

At least 18 people have been killed and several&nbsp;others&nbsp;injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the attacks</h2>

According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading&nbsp;to the death of 18 people. There have also been&nbsp;injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded.&nbsp;

The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks.

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A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony.&nbsp;

The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso.&nbsp;

The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women.&nbsp;

“The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

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Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation.&nbsp;

<h2>Violence in Gwoza</h2>

The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after.&nbsp;

Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people&nbsp;and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. What we know about the attacks According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading to the death of 18 people. There have also been injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded. The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks. Also Read | Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony. The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso. The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities. About the victims Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women. “The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Dozens of firefighters in Greece battle to stop wildfire ignited north of Athens Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation. Violence in Gwoza The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after. Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has withdrawn its decision to terminate the contracts of over 100 teaching and non-teaching staff members after the Tata Education Trust (TET) assured the release of necessary funds.

A statement issued by the institute on Sunday (June 30) stated, “TET has committed to releasing funds for the salaries of TET project/programme faculty and non-teaching staff.”

“The institute is now able to continue with the TET Project based contractual staff as it is. Meanwhile, the institute in future will work on identifying the requirements of the staff and appoint them with a regular process of advertising for the post as per the other UGC-approved appointments,” said an official from the institute’s administration.

It added that the faculty and non-teaching staff are "requested to continue their work, and salaries will be released as soon as the TET Support Grant is received by the institute.”

This came after TISS is said to have fired 55 faculty members and around 60 non-teaching staff, without notice, across four of its campuses in India, according to a media report, on Sunday (Jun 30).&nbsp;

According to a report by the Indian Express, the decision affected half of the teaching staff and all non-teaching personnel at the institute’s campus in Guwahati, Assam.&nbsp;

The newspaper citing sources said that the reason given for the sacking of the staff, some of whom had been working there for over a decade, was the non-receipt of grants from the Tata Education Trust, which was funding their salaries.

Of the teaching staff dismissed, 20 were said to be from the Mumbai campus, 15 from Hyderabad, 14 from Guwahati, and six from Tuljapur in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

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The remaining teaching staff, as per the report, are permanent faculty members on the University Grants Commission (UGC) payroll.

The TISS is a deemed university and is funded by the Indian government. However, in June last year, the government changed the UGC’s norms and brought the institute under the Centre’s administrative purview instead of its own governing bodies.

<h2>University responds&nbsp;</h2>

In an email sent to the newspaper on Friday (Jun 28) evening, the office of the officiating registrar, Anil Sutar dismissed any connection between the two events and said that the “institute tried its best for the release of grant from Tata Education Trust for the purpose of salary.”

It added that they made multiple attempts “through official correspondence and personal meetings” but the “decision regarding further extension of grant period has not yet been received.”&nbsp;

Sutar’s office, according to the Indian Express also said that “in the event of non-receipt of approval/grant from Tata Education Trust,” their services would come to an end with effect from June 30.

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Acting Vice Chancellor Manoj Tiwari told the press that they had formed a committee to discuss the matter of bringing the institute under the Centre’s administrative purview with the Tata Education Trust.&nbsp;

He added, “If the grants are received, this can be reverted. But in case of no change in situation, there is no alternative. The institute will have to find alternative ways to run the courses.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has withdrawn its decision to terminate the contracts of over 100 teaching and non-teaching staff members after the Tata Education Trust (TET) assured the release of necessary funds.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has withdrawn its decision to terminate the contracts of over 100 teaching and non-teaching staff members after the Tata Education Trust (TET) assured the release of necessary funds. A statement issued by the institute on Sunday (June 30) stated, “TET has committed to releasing funds for the salaries of TET project/programme faculty and non-teaching staff.” “The institute is now able to continue with the TET Project based contractual staff as it is. Meanwhile, the institute in future will work on identifying the requirements of the staff and appoint them with a regular process of advertising for the post as per the other UGC-approved appointments,” said an official from the institute’s administration. It added that the faculty and non-teaching staff are "requested to continue their work, and salaries will be released as soon as the TET Support Grant is received by the institute.” This came after TISS is said to have fired 55 faculty members and around 60 non-teaching staff, without notice, across four of its campuses in India, according to a media report, on Sunday (Jun 30). According to a report by the Indian Express, the decision affected half of the teaching staff and all non-teaching personnel at the institute’s campus in Guwahati, Assam. The newspaper citing sources said that the reason given for the sacking of the staff, some of whom had been working there for over a decade, was the non-receipt of grants from the Tata Education Trust, which was funding their salaries. Of the teaching staff dismissed, 20 were said to be from the Mumbai campus, 15 from Hyderabad, 14 from Guwahati, and six from Tuljapur in Maharashtra. Also Read | Tata Institute of Social Sciences suspends PhD student over activities not in national interest The remaining teaching staff, as per the report, are permanent faculty members on the University Grants Commission (UGC) payroll. The TISS is a deemed university and is funded by the Indian government. However, in June last year, the government changed the UGC’s norms and brought the institute under the Centre’s administrative purview instead of its own governing bodies. University responds In an email sent to the newspaper on Friday (Jun 28) evening, the office of the officiating registrar, Anil Sutar dismissed any connection between the two events and said that the “institute tried its best for the release of grant from Tata Education Trust for the purpose of salary.” It added that they made multiple attempts “through official correspondence and personal meetings” but the “decision regarding further extension of grant period has not yet been received.” Sutar’s office, according to the Indian Express also said that “in the event of non-receipt of approval/grant from Tata Education Trust,” their services would come to an end with effect from June 30. Also Read | Delhi’s waterlogging woes surface in just two days of Monsoon rain, death toll rises to 11 Acting Vice Chancellor Manoj Tiwari told the press that they had formed a committee to discuss the matter of bringing the institute under the Centre’s administrative purview with the Tata Education Trust. He added, “If the grants are received, this can be reverted. But in case of no change in situation, there is no alternative. The institute will have to find alternative ways to run the courses.” (With inputs from agencies)

Tata Institute of Social Sciences withdraws decision of sacking over 100 employees, including teachers

Four Sri Lankan fishermen died and two others were in critical condition after consuming an unknown liquid from bottles they found while at sea, reported the country’s media, on Sunday (Jun 30). The incident has also sparked protests as many have called on officials to bring those in critical condition ashore.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

The sailors were said to be on a fishing trip, around 320 nautical miles (593 kilometres) away from Tangalle, a Sri Lankan town located on the south of the island nation when they retrieved the bottles&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;floating in the sea.

The media reports citing officials said that the fishing vessel named Devon 5 had left with six crew members from Tangalle on June 4. According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the fishermen drank the liquid from the bottles they found thinking that it contained alcohol.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-elections-voters-cast-ballots-in-snap-polls-as-far-right-seeks-historic-win-736445">France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win</a>

The two fishermen who are critically ill have reportedly been taken aboard a Singaporean merchant vessel and are receiving emergency treatment, said a navy spokesperson as per national news station Ada Derana.&nbsp;

Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte said that they are working to bring the duo back to the shore.&nbsp;

However, officials have reportedly expressed concerns that there isn’t enough time to bring them back to land for treatment.&nbsp;

Kahawatte also told the national news station that the fishermen in question had found several bottles floating in the sea and even distributed some bottles to nearby fishing trawlers. He said that they are trying to contact the other boats as well.&nbsp;

<h2>Incident sparks protests</h2>

The incident has since sparked protests where the fishing community in Tangalle, on Saturday (Jun 29) evening took to the streets calling on officials to bring the critically ill fishermen ashore, reported the Sri Lanka Mirror.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-presidential-election-some-citizens-say-more-people-may-vote-in-july-5-presidential-run-off-736410">Iran presidential election: Some citizens say more people may vote in July 5 presidential run-off</a>

According to the media report, protesters blocked the Tangalle-Matara main road in Pallikkudawa and caused significant disruption to vehicular movement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four Sri Lankan fishermen died and two others were in critical condition after consuming an unknown liquid from bottles they found while at sea, reported the country’s media, on Sunday (Jun 30).

Four Sri Lankan fishermen died and two others were in critical condition after consuming an unknown liquid from bottles they found while at sea, reported the country’s media, on Sunday (Jun 30). The incident has also sparked protests as many have called on officials to bring those in critical condition ashore. What we know about the incident The sailors were said to be on a fishing trip, around 320 nautical miles (593 kilometres) away from Tangalle, a Sri Lankan town located on the south of the island nation when they retrieved the bottles spotted floating in the sea. The media reports citing officials said that the fishing vessel named Devon 5 had left with six crew members from Tangalle on June 4. According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the fishermen drank the liquid from the bottles they found thinking that it contained alcohol. Also Read | France elections: Voters cast ballots in snap polls as far right seeks historic win The two fishermen who are critically ill have reportedly been taken aboard a Singaporean merchant vessel and are receiving emergency treatment, said a navy spokesperson as per national news station Ada Derana. Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte said that they are working to bring the duo back to the shore. However, officials have reportedly expressed concerns that there isn’t enough time to bring them back to land for treatment. Kahawatte also told the national news station that the fishermen in question had found several bottles floating in the sea and even distributed some bottles to nearby fishing trawlers. He said that they are trying to contact the other boats as well. Incident sparks protests The incident has since sparked protests where the fishing community in Tangalle, on Saturday (Jun 29) evening took to the streets calling on officials to bring the critically ill fishermen ashore, reported the Sri Lanka Mirror. Also Read | Iran presidential election: Some citizens say more people may vote in July 5 presidential run-off According to the media report, protesters blocked the Tangalle-Matara main road in Pallikkudawa and caused significant disruption to vehicular movement. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: Four fishermen die after drinking unknown liquid from bottles found in sea

An activist group, on Saturday (Jun 29) interrupted a rally speech by Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform UK party, by lowering a banner featuring a “beaming picture” of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The incident comes days ahead of the United Kingdom general elections, which will be held on July 4, as candidates are making their final pitch to the voters.&nbsp;

<h2>‘I (heart emoji) Nigel’ banner</h2>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-provoked-russia-ukraine-war-says-uks-nigel-farage-734001">Reform UK party leader</a> was in the middle of his speech at The Columbine Centre in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, a county in southeast England when a remote-controlled banner featuring an image of the Russian president was lowered.&nbsp;

Farage did not notice the banner with a picture of a beaming Putin giving a thumbs-up with the words “I (heart emoji) Nigel” written below as it was being lowered.&nbsp;

It wasn’t until some people in the audience began laughing that he saw the banner and said “Who put that up there?” adding, “Someone at the Columbine Centre needs to get the sack.”

The stunt was carried out by an activist group called Led by Donkeys that posted the video of it on their X account with the caption, “We just dropped in on Farage’s election rally with a beaming picture of Putin. Nigel was not pleased.”

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🚨We just dropped in on Farage’s election rally with a beaming picture of Putin. Nigel was not pleased. <a href="https://t.co/KeDiOMeyu6">pic.twitter.com/KeDiOMeyu6</a>
— Led By Donkeys (@ByDonkeys) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByDonkeys/status/1807141707571454290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“Nigel Farage says Putin is the world leader he ‘admires the most’ and blames the West for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” the group said in the clip referring to a recent statement by the Reform UK leader which drew strong criticism across the British political spectrum.

The audience was heard chanting “Rip it down” before two people tried to pull it down and/or tear it, which did not work.&nbsp;

<h2>Farage’s controversial remarks about Ukraine war</h2>

The Reform UK leader is running as a member of parliament (MP) in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in his eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

Farage sparked outrage earlier this month when he said that while the conflict in Ukraine is Putin’s fault, the West “provoked this war”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-throws-milkshake-at-reform-uk-leader-nigel-farage-on-first-day-of-campaigning-728956">Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning</a>

Speaking at the BBC Panorama show, the Reform UK leader said he had been warning about conflict with Russia since 2014.&nbsp;

He added that it was the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union that gave Putin “an excuse” to go to war with Ukraine.&nbsp;

At the time, Home Secretary James Cleverly from the ruling Conservative Party accused Farage of echoing the Russian president’s “vile justification” for the war.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Labour Party, which is expected to win by a landslide margin&nbsp;in the upcoming election branded Farage as “unfit” for any political office.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An activist group, on Saturday (Jun 29) interrupted a rally speech by Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform UK party, by lowering a banner featuring a “beaming picture” of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An activist group, on Saturday (Jun 29) interrupted a rally speech by Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform UK party, by lowering a banner featuring a “beaming picture” of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The incident comes days ahead of the United Kingdom general elections, which will be held on July 4, as candidates are making their final pitch to the voters. ‘I (heart emoji) Nigel’ banner The Reform UK party leader was in the middle of his speech at The Columbine Centre in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, a county in southeast England when a remote-controlled banner featuring an image of the Russian president was lowered. Farage did not notice the banner with a picture of a beaming Putin giving a thumbs-up with the words “I (heart emoji) Nigel” written below as it was being lowered. It wasn’t until some people in the audience began laughing that he saw the banner and said “Who put that up there?” adding, “Someone at the Columbine Centre needs to get the sack.” The stunt was carried out by an activist group called Led by Donkeys that posted the video of it on their X account with the caption, “We just dropped in on Farage’s election rally with a beaming picture of Putin. Nigel was not pleased.” 🚨We just dropped in on Farage’s election rally with a beaming picture of Putin. Nigel was not pleased. pic.twitter.com/KeDiOMeyu6 — Led By Donkeys (@ByDonkeys) June 29, 2024 × “Nigel Farage says Putin is the world leader he ‘admires the most’ and blames the West for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” the group said in the clip referring to a recent statement by the Reform UK leader which drew strong criticism across the British political spectrum. The audience was heard chanting “Rip it down” before two people tried to pull it down and/or tear it, which did not work. Farage’s controversial remarks about Ukraine war The Reform UK leader is running as a member of parliament (MP) in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in his eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons. Farage sparked outrage earlier this month when he said that while the conflict in Ukraine is Putin’s fault, the West “provoked this war”. Also Read | Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning Speaking at the BBC Panorama show, the Reform UK leader said he had been warning about conflict with Russia since 2014. He added that it was the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union that gave Putin “an excuse” to go to war with Ukraine. At the time, Home Secretary James Cleverly from the ruling Conservative Party accused Farage of echoing the Russian president’s “vile justification” for the war. Meanwhile, the Labour Party, which is expected to win by a landslide margin in the upcoming election branded Farage as “unfit” for any political office. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Activists interrupt Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s speech by lowering Putin banner

&nbsp;A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a police officer in upstate New York, United States after the teen was armed with what the officials said appeared to be a gun.&nbsp;

The video of the incident released on Saturday (Jun 29) shows the boy being tackled to the ground after he ran from officers and pointed what the police later determined was a replica handgun at them.

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

The police said that the teen was killed sometime after 10:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Jun 28) in the New York city of Utica when three officers stopped two young people in connection with an armed robbery investigation.&nbsp;

While the officers were questioning the teens, one of them fled on foot, said the Utica police in a news release. The police said that the youth, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were spotted in the same area&nbsp;around the same time the next day.&nbsp;

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The victim had fled after the police, as per the footage, said that they needed to pat them down to make sure they didn’t have any weapons in their possession.

Subsequently, the teen later identified as Nyah Mway, 13, ran and the police spotted what “appeared to be a handgun,” the Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said in a press conference on &nbsp;Saturday morning.&nbsp;

“A Utica police officer ultimately discharged his firearm once, striking the male, during a ground struggle,” he added. He was frequently interrupted by the outraged community members.

According to Williams, Mway was given immediate first aid and taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

It wasn’t until after the shooting that the officers recovered a pellet gun resembling a Glock 17 handgun, said the Utica police chief.&nbsp;

The police officer who allegedly shot and killed Mway was identified as Patrick Husnay.&nbsp;

The New York attorney general’s office said that they have opened an investigation into the shooting. Utica police said it is conducting its own investigation.&nbsp;

All three officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave.

<h2>Incident sparks outrage</h2>

Hundreds of people attended a community vigil for the teen, reported ABC News. Lay Htoo, Mway’s uncle, told the media outlet that he and his family were depressed and saddened.

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Htoo said his family was from Myanmar and his nephew had moved to Utica eight years ago. Mway had recently graduated from middle school and was a “very good kid,” said Htoo.&nbsp;

The police department released the body cam footage after a public outcry over the shooting. Utica, a city with a population of 65,000, is also home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Mway, as per media reports, was a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a police officer in upstate New York, United States after the teen was armed with what the officials said appeared to be a gun.

A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a police officer in upstate New York, United States after the teen was armed with what the officials said appeared to be a gun. The video of the incident released on Saturday (Jun 29) shows the boy being tackled to the ground after he ran from officers and pointed what the police later determined was a replica handgun at them. What we know about the incident The police said that the teen was killed sometime after 10:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Jun 28) in the New York city of Utica when three officers stopped two young people in connection with an armed robbery investigation. While the officers were questioning the teens, one of them fled on foot, said the Utica police in a news release. The police said that the youth, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were spotted in the same area around the same time the next day. Also Read | Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks The victim had fled after the police, as per the footage, said that they needed to pat them down to make sure they didn’t have any weapons in their possession. Subsequently, the teen later identified as Nyah Mway, 13, ran and the police spotted what “appeared to be a handgun,” the Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said in a press conference on Saturday morning. “A Utica police officer ultimately discharged his firearm once, striking the male, during a ground struggle,” he added. He was frequently interrupted by the outraged community members. According to Williams, Mway was given immediate first aid and taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. It wasn’t until after the shooting that the officers recovered a pellet gun resembling a Glock 17 handgun, said the Utica police chief. The police officer who allegedly shot and killed Mway was identified as Patrick Husnay. The New York attorney general’s office said that they have opened an investigation into the shooting. Utica police said it is conducting its own investigation. All three officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave. Incident sparks outrage Hundreds of people attended a community vigil for the teen, reported ABC News. Lay Htoo, Mway’s uncle, told the media outlet that he and his family were depressed and saddened. Also Read | Cop wounded by crossbow in front of Israeli embassy in Serbia, kills attacker Htoo said his family was from Myanmar and his nephew had moved to Utica eight years ago. Mway had recently graduated from middle school and was a “very good kid,” said Htoo. The police department released the body cam footage after a public outcry over the shooting. Utica, a city with a population of 65,000, is also home to more than 4,200 people from Myanmar, reported the Associated Press. Mway, as per media reports, was a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority. (With inputs from agencies)

New York police officer fatally shoots 13-year-old armed with replica handgun

Former erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister Dharmapuri Srinivas passed away. According to his family, he had been suffering from illness for some time and breathed his last due to a heart attack at 3 am on Saturday. He was 76.

Srinivas has served as Minister, MP and PCC president in the erstwhile AP. He is survived by his two sons. His second son, Dharmapuri Arvind, is currently the MP of Nizamabad. His elder son Sanjay has previously served as the Mayor of Nizamabad.

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Telangana Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has expressed his condolences over the death of Srinivas. On this occasion, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar remembered his services as Minister and PCC Chief. He remembered his association with him at the party for a long time. He conveyed his condolences to the family members and prayed to God to give more courage to their family members in this difficult time.

Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (including Rural Water Supply), Women and Child Welfare, Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, expressed her deepest condolences on the death of Srinivas. She prayed to God to rest his soul in peace.

Former erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister Dharmapuri Srinivas passed away. According to his family, he had been suffering from illness for some time and breathed his last due to a heart attack at 3 am on Saturday.

Former erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister Dharmapuri Srinivas passed away. According to his family, he had been suffering from illness for some time and breathed his last due to a heart attack at 3 am on Saturday. He was 76. Srinivas has served as Minister, MP and PCC president in the erstwhile AP. He is survived by his two sons. His second son, Dharmapuri Arvind, is currently the MP of Nizamabad. His elder son Sanjay has previously served as the Mayor of Nizamabad. Also Read | Manipur MLAs in Delhi, Chief Minister Biren Singh dismisses resignation speculations Telangana Minister for Transport and BC Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has expressed his condolences over the death of Srinivas. On this occasion, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar remembered his services as Minister and PCC Chief. He remembered his association with him at the party for a long time. He conveyed his condolences to the family members and prayed to God to give more courage to their family members in this difficult time. Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (including Rural Water Supply), Women and Child Welfare, Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, expressed her deepest condolences on the death of Srinivas. She prayed to God to rest his soul in peace.

India: Former minister, Congress leader Dharmapuri Srinivas passes away

Hours after his disappointing performance in the United States presidential election debate, President Joe Biden&nbsp;slammed those who criticised his age and&nbsp;vowed that&nbsp;he would win re-election in November. In other news, three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody, on Friday (Jun 28), said the country’s top prosecutor.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-accepts-he-is-not-a-young-man-but-vows-to-remain-in-2024-race-for-white-house-736147">Biden accepts he is 'not a young man', but vows to remain in 2024 race for White House</a>

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In a&nbsp;fiery speech, hours after his disappointing performance in the United States presidential election debate, President Joe Biden&nbsp;slammed those who criticised his age and&nbsp;vowed&nbsp;to his supporters that he would win re-election in November amid rising concerns over his candidature among the Democrats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-general-leaders-of-failed-coup-get-six-months-pre-trial-detention-736156">Bolivian general, other suspected leaders of failed coup get six months pre-trial detention 
 
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Three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody.&nbsp;Arce said that the detained&nbsp;former Bolivian general&nbsp;had planned to “take over” the government and become the president if the coup was successful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-rules-in-favour-of-jan-6-defendant-limits-obstruction-charges-736145">Supreme Court rules in favour of Jan 6 defendant, limits obstruction charges 
 
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The Supreme Court of the United States said on Friday (June 28), the Justice Department went too far by charging hundreds involved in the January 6 Capitol riot with obstructing Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth 
 
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Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-papers-trial-panamanian-court-acquits-28-defendants-due-to-insufficient-evidence-736174">Panama Papers trial: Panamanian court acquits 28 defendants due to ‘insufficient’ evidence</a> 
 
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A Panamanian court has acquitted 28 people charged with money laundering at the centre of the ‘Panama Papers’ scandal, said the country’s judicial branch, in a statement on Friday (Jun 28).&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Iran election: Three-way contest between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-election-three-way-contest-between-pezeshkian-jalili-and-qalibaf-736166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hours after his disappointing performance in the United States presidential election debate, President Joe Biden slammed those who criticised his age and vowed that he would win re-election in November.

Hours after his disappointing performance in the United States presidential election debate, President Joe Biden slammed those who criticised his age and vowed that he would win re-election in November. In other news, three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody, on Friday (Jun 28), said the country’s top prosecutor. Click on the headlines to read more Biden accepts he is 'not a young man', but vows to remain in 2024 race for White House In a fiery speech, hours after his disappointing performance in the United States presidential election debate, President Joe Biden slammed those who criticised his age and vowed to his supporters that he would win re-election in November amid rising concerns over his candidature among the Democrats. Bolivian general, other suspected leaders of failed coup get six months pre-trial detention Three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody. Arce said that the detained former Bolivian general had planned to “take over” the government and become the president if the coup was successful. Supreme Court rules in favour of Jan 6 defendant, limits obstruction charges The Supreme Court of the United States said on Friday (June 28), the Justice Department went too far by charging hundreds involved in the January 6 Capitol riot with obstructing Congress. NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28). Panama Papers trial: Panamanian court acquits 28 defendants due to ‘insufficient’ evidence A Panamanian court has acquitted 28 people charged with money laundering at the centre of the ‘Panama Papers’ scandal, said the country’s judicial branch, in a statement on Friday (Jun 28). WATCH | Iran election: Three-way contest between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

Morning news brief: Biden's 1st speech after US presidential debate; Panama Papers trial, and more

A Panamanian court has acquitted 28 people charged with money laundering at the centre of the ‘Panama Papers’ scandal, said the country’s judicial branch, in a statement on Friday (Jun 28). This comes after the judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to conclusively determine the criminal responsibility of those charged.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the court say?</h2>

The court said that Judge Baloisa Marquinez, who was presiding over the trial, has “acquitted 28 people accused...of money laundering” relating to the now-defunct Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.&nbsp;

The trial which was held in Panama City in April was linked to the Panama Papers and Operation Car Wash scandals where 28 people were facing charges over their role in allegedly setting up shell companies involved in bribery and corruption in Brazil and Germany.&nbsp;

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Jurgen Mossack, a German national and one of the founders of the Panamanian law firm which featured prominently in the Panama Papers investigation, was among those who were acquitted.&nbsp;

Ramon Fonseca, the other founder of Mossack Fonseca, died in May after being hospitalised since early April. Since he died before the trial concluded the case against him has been dismissed.&nbsp;

The prosecution had sought 12 years in prison, the maximum sentence for money laundering, for the duo.&nbsp;

However, the judge ruled that the evidence collected from the law firm’s servers had not been gathered in line with due process, casting doubt over its “authenticity and integrity”.&nbsp;

Marquinez in his verdict also noted that the “rest of the evidence was not sufficient and conclusive to determine the criminal responsibility of the defendants.”&nbsp;

The judge also ordered that precautionary measures be lifted against all the defendants and noted that the criminal process for one defendant was cancelled due to their death.&nbsp;

Marquinez ordered fines worth&nbsp;100 balboas ($100) each on 10 witnesses who did not comply with summonses.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-general-leaders-of-failed-coup-get-six-months-pre-trial-detention-736156">Bolivian general, other suspected leaders of failed coup get six months pre-trial detention</a>

In connection to Operation Car Wash, a massive anti-corruption probe which began in Brazil, the judge ruled that it could not be determined that money from illicit sources had entered Panama from the South American country in a bid to help conceal crimes.&nbsp;

<h2>About the case</h2>

The now-defunct law firm came under scrutiny in 2016 after its leaked confidential documents exposed that many of the world’s wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies and triggered dozens of investigations across the world.&nbsp;

Other big names linked to this scandal included former Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Argentine football star Lionel Messi.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Panamanian court has acquitted 28 people charged with money laundering at the centre of the ‘Panama Papers’ scandal, said the country’s judicial branch, in a statement on Friday (Jun 28).

A Panamanian court has acquitted 28 people charged with money laundering at the centre of the ‘Panama Papers’ scandal, said the country’s judicial branch, in a statement on Friday (Jun 28). This comes after the judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to conclusively determine the criminal responsibility of those charged. What did the court say? The court said that Judge Baloisa Marquinez, who was presiding over the trial, has “acquitted 28 people accused...of money laundering” relating to the now-defunct Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. The trial which was held in Panama City in April was linked to the Panama Papers and Operation Car Wash scandals where 28 people were facing charges over their role in allegedly setting up shell companies involved in bribery and corruption in Brazil and Germany. Also Read | Pentagon removes US aid pier from Gaza due to high sea conditions Jurgen Mossack, a German national and one of the founders of the Panamanian law firm which featured prominently in the Panama Papers investigation, was among those who were acquitted. Ramon Fonseca, the other founder of Mossack Fonseca, died in May after being hospitalised since early April. Since he died before the trial concluded the case against him has been dismissed. The prosecution had sought 12 years in prison, the maximum sentence for money laundering, for the duo. However, the judge ruled that the evidence collected from the law firm’s servers had not been gathered in line with due process, casting doubt over its “authenticity and integrity”. Marquinez in his verdict also noted that the “rest of the evidence was not sufficient and conclusive to determine the criminal responsibility of the defendants.” The judge also ordered that precautionary measures be lifted against all the defendants and noted that the criminal process for one defendant was cancelled due to their death. Marquinez ordered fines worth 100 balboas ($100) each on 10 witnesses who did not comply with summonses. Also Read | Bolivian general, other suspected leaders of failed coup get six months pre-trial detention In connection to Operation Car Wash, a massive anti-corruption probe which began in Brazil, the judge ruled that it could not be determined that money from illicit sources had entered Panama from the South American country in a bid to help conceal crimes. About the case The now-defunct law firm came under scrutiny in 2016 after its leaked confidential documents exposed that many of the world’s wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies and triggered dozens of investigations across the world. Other big names linked to this scandal included former Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Argentine football star Lionel Messi. (With inputs from agencies)

Panama Papers trial: Panamanian court acquits 28 defendants due to ‘insufficient’ evidence

Three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody, on Friday (Jun 28), said the country’s top prosecutor. According to&nbsp;Arce, the detained former Bolivian general Juan Jose Zuniga had planned to “take over” the government and become the president if the coup was successful. &nbsp;

<h2>Who all are&nbsp;remanded in custody?</h2>

In addition to the former army chief, ex-head of navy Juan Arnez and Alejandro Irahola, former head of the army’s mechanised brigade will also be held in a high-security prison near the city of La Paz, reported AFP.&nbsp;

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State Attorney General Cesar Siles said that the AG’s office had requested the six-month detention, a move which was supported&nbsp;by other government bodies, including the country’s defence ministry and interior ministry “due to the importance and seriousness of the events that occurred.”&nbsp;

“This pre-trial detention ordered by the judge will undoubtedly set a precedent, and is a good signal for the investigation to move forward,” said Siles on state television, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

The former military officers face charges of engaging in an armed uprising and terrorism and face up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;

According to Siles, Zuniga has been handed a terrorism charge, which carries 15 to 20 years in prison as well as a charge for an armed uprising, which carries a sentence of 5-15 years.

A total of 21 active, retired and civilian military personnel were arrested in connection with the attempted coup, on Wednesday (Jun 26) which saw the deployment of troops and tanks in the heart of the capital as they tried to break down a door of the presidential palace.&nbsp;

<h2>Zuniga’s plan to ‘take over’</h2>

In an interview with the Associated Press, the embattled Bolivian president spoke about the former general’s plans to “take over” and become the country’s leader had he been successful in his attempted coup.&nbsp;

He denied that the attack on Wednesday was a “self-coup” designed to garner him political points. “I didn’t escape. I stayed to defend democracy,” Arce told&nbsp;AP.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coup-attempt-in-bolivia-fails-police-arrest-the-mastermind-735494">Coup attempt in Bolivia fails, mastermind arrested</a>

This comes after Zuniga claimed he was following the Bolivian president’s orders and that Arce had hoped for the coup to trigger a crackdown which would boost his popularity.&nbsp;

Arce also told news agency AP that his government was already being “politically attacked” by his one-time ally turned rival, former President Evo Morales and that the infighting had affected legislative activities and hamstrung his government in confronting economic problems.

In recent weeks, the Andean nation has witnessed a rise in tensions over surging prices, shortages of dollars and fuel, and a feud between Arce and Morales ahead of the 2025 election.

The incumbent president told AP that his government “has taken action” to address intermittent gasoline, dollar shortages, and other issues that the country’s economy faces, but denied that the Andean nation was in the midst of an economic crisis.

Arce also said that the government was investigating if the attack was organised by the country’s political opposition.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody, on Friday (Jun 28), said the country’s top prosecutor.

Three leaders, including the former Bolivian general, who have been accused of leading the failed coup against Bolivian President Luis Arce were remanded in custody, on Friday (Jun 28), said the country’s top prosecutor. According to Arce, the detained former Bolivian general Juan Jose Zuniga had planned to “take over” the government and become the president if the coup was successful. Who all are remanded in custody? In addition to the former army chief, ex-head of navy Juan Arnez and Alejandro Irahola, former head of the army’s mechanised brigade will also be held in a high-security prison near the city of La Paz, reported AFP. State Attorney General Cesar Siles said that the AG’s office had requested the six-month detention, a move which was supported by other government bodies, including the country’s defence ministry and interior ministry “due to the importance and seriousness of the events that occurred.” “This pre-trial detention ordered by the judge will undoubtedly set a precedent, and is a good signal for the investigation to move forward,” said Siles on state television, as quoted by AFP. The former military officers face charges of engaging in an armed uprising and terrorism and face up to 20 years in prison. According to Siles, Zuniga has been handed a terrorism charge, which carries 15 to 20 years in prison as well as a charge for an armed uprising, which carries a sentence of 5-15 years. A total of 21 active, retired and civilian military personnel were arrested in connection with the attempted coup, on Wednesday (Jun 26) which saw the deployment of troops and tanks in the heart of the capital as they tried to break down a door of the presidential palace. Zuniga’s plan to ‘take over’ In an interview with the Associated Press, the embattled Bolivian president spoke about the former general’s plans to “take over” and become the country’s leader had he been successful in his attempted coup. He denied that the attack on Wednesday was a “self-coup” designed to garner him political points. “I didn’t escape. I stayed to defend democracy,” Arce told AP. Also Read | Coup attempt in Bolivia fails, mastermind arrested This comes after Zuniga claimed he was following the Bolivian president’s orders and that Arce had hoped for the coup to trigger a crackdown which would boost his popularity. Arce also told news agency AP that his government was already being “politically attacked” by his one-time ally turned rival, former President Evo Morales and that the infighting had affected legislative activities and hamstrung his government in confronting economic problems. In recent weeks, the Andean nation has witnessed a rise in tensions over surging prices, shortages of dollars and fuel, and a feud between Arce and Morales ahead of the 2025 election. The incumbent president told AP that his government “has taken action” to address intermittent gasoline, dollar shortages, and other issues that the country’s economy faces, but denied that the Andean nation was in the midst of an economic crisis. Arce also said that the government was investigating if the attack was organised by the country’s political opposition. (With inputs from agencies)

Bolivian general, other suspected leaders of failed coup get six months pre-trial detention

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