Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions.&nbsp;While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat. The situation in some Asian nations is also worsening as at least 12 people have died from heat-related causes in South Korea.&nbsp;

Local reports in Japan mentioned that a 13-year-old girl died from heatstroke on her way back from a school club. The Mainichi reported that the school had suspended the club gatherings an hour early due to concerns about the heat. According to the report, the school said that the students had taken breaks "every 20-25 minutes to rehydrate".&nbsp;

A report by The Guardian mentioned that the death toll since Friday reached three after an elderly couple was found dead in their home in Tokyo. Police believe they died of heatstroke amid temperatures reaching 35.7C in the city. The deteriorating situation comes weeks after Japan set a target to halve the number of heat-related deaths by 2030.&nbsp;

Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/russia-must-stop-using-food-as-a-weapon-621418">Russia must stop using food as a weapon</a>&nbsp;

The Japan Times published a detailed report on heat-related deaths. Citing official statistics, it said that the number of heatstroke-related deaths increased from an average of 201 people a year between 1995 and 1999, to an average of 1295 from 2018 to 2022.

According to the report, the health ministry data showed that elderlies were most impacted.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/relief-for-australia-as-great-barrier-reef-stays-off-unesco-danger-list-621258">Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, at least 20 people died and several were missing as heavy rainfall continued to batter Beijing. In China, the Doksuri typhoon forced officials to evacuate more than 52,000 people from the capital city. The authorities sealed over 100 mountain roads as a precautionary move.&nbsp;

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are indications of climate change. These changes are either natural or because of human activities, such as the excessive burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.&nbsp;

<h2>Concrete, asphalt and urban heat islands = heatwaves&nbsp;</h2>

As quoted by news agency Reuters, Dr Kevin Foster, who directs the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, said that it only takes a fraction of a second to suffer a pretty serious burn. Asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight can often reach surface temperatures as high as 82 Celsius on the hottest days.&nbsp;

The report further mentioned that doctors have treated numerous patients who suffered burns from falling on the ground or touching surfaces that were much hotter than the recorded air temperature due to the elevated temperatures in Phoenix.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions. While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat.

Different parts of the world have been battered by extreme climatic conditions. While some regions are slapped with heavy rains and subsequent floods, other parts of the world are facing extreme heat. The situation in some Asian nations is also worsening as at least 12 people have died from heat-related causes in South Korea. Local reports in Japan mentioned that a 13-year-old girl died from heatstroke on her way back from a school club. The Mainichi reported that the school had suspended the club gatherings an hour early due to concerns about the heat. According to the report, the school said that the students had taken breaks "every 20-25 minutes to rehydrate". A report by The Guardian mentioned that the death toll since Friday reached three after an elderly couple was found dead in their home in Tokyo. Police believe they died of heatstroke amid temperatures reaching 35.7C in the city. The deteriorating situation comes weeks after Japan set a target to halve the number of heat-related deaths by 2030. Opinion: Russia must stop using food as a weapon The Japan Times published a detailed report on heat-related deaths. Citing official statistics, it said that the number of heatstroke-related deaths increased from an average of 201 people a year between 1995 and 1999, to an average of 1295 from 2018 to 2022. According to the report, the health ministry data showed that elderlies were most impacted. Watch this report: × Also read: Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list Meanwhile, at least 20 people died and several were missing as heavy rainfall continued to batter Beijing. In China, the Doksuri typhoon forced officials to evacuate more than 52,000 people from the capital city. The authorities sealed over 100 mountain roads as a precautionary move. Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are indications of climate change. These changes are either natural or because of human activities, such as the excessive burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Concrete, asphalt and urban heat islands = heatwaves As quoted by news agency Reuters, Dr Kevin Foster, who directs the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, said that it only takes a fraction of a second to suffer a pretty serious burn. Asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight can often reach surface temperatures as high as 82 Celsius on the hottest days. The report further mentioned that doctors have treated numerous patients who suffered burns from falling on the ground or touching surfaces that were much hotter than the recorded air temperature due to the elevated temperatures in Phoenix. (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.

Climate change: Heat-related deaths rise in Japan and South Korea

China on Monday (July 31) announced new leadership for its Rocket Force, replacing the two missing generals who had been in command of the nation's missile forces.&nbsp;

Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army is the strategic and tactical missile force. This particular army unit oversees the nuclear arsenal.&nbsp;

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, also the military's commander-in-chief, picked Wang Houbin as the new head of the PLA Rocket Force; and Xu Xisheng has been named as the new political commissar.&nbsp;

Wang was the former deputy commander of the navy. Meanwhile, Xu was formerly the deputy political commissar of the Southern Theatre Command, one of the PLA's five theatre commands.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-urges-military-preparedness-on-plas-founding-anniversary-621291">Chinese President Xi Jinping urges military preparedness on PLA's founding anniversary</a>

The new appointments were announced just a day ahead of the 96th anniversary of the PLA's founding on August 1.&nbsp;

Xi has repeatedly called for the military to deepen war and combat planning to increase the chances of victory in actual combat to safeguard China's sovereignty and territory.&nbsp;

According to CCTV, Xi said last week that "we need to push forward the party’s strict discipline and anti-corruption efforts to a deeper level".&nbsp;

Watch: Beijing issues red alert due to heavy rains, airport turns into pool&nbsp;

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Where is Li Yuchao?&nbsp;

General Li Yuchao headed the PLA's Rocket Force unit, but he and his deputy "disappeared" for months.&nbsp;

The latest report by the state media about the new appointment did not mention where Li was reassigned or state his whereabouts.&nbsp;

But last week, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported, citing military sources, that Li and his current and former deputies were being investigated by the Central Military Commission’s anti-corruption unit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Monday (July 31) announced new leadership for its Rocket Force, replacing the two missing generals who had been in command of the nation's missile forces.

China on Monday (July 31) announced new leadership for its Rocket Force, replacing the two missing generals who had been in command of the nation's missile forces. Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army is the strategic and tactical missile force. This particular army unit oversees the nuclear arsenal. Chinese leader Xi Jinping, also the military's commander-in-chief, picked Wang Houbin as the new head of the PLA Rocket Force; and Xu Xisheng has been named as the new political commissar. Wang was the former deputy commander of the navy. Meanwhile, Xu was formerly the deputy political commissar of the Southern Theatre Command, one of the PLA's five theatre commands. Also read: Chinese President Xi Jinping urges military preparedness on PLA's founding anniversary The new appointments were announced just a day ahead of the 96th anniversary of the PLA's founding on August 1. Xi has repeatedly called for the military to deepen war and combat planning to increase the chances of victory in actual combat to safeguard China's sovereignty and territory. According to CCTV, Xi said last week that "we need to push forward the party’s strict discipline and anti-corruption efforts to a deeper level". Watch: Beijing issues red alert due to heavy rains, airport turns into pool × Also read: 'Racy' Chinese restaurant closed after videos show waiters feeding women 'mouth-to-mouth' Where is Li Yuchao? General Li Yuchao headed the PLA's Rocket Force unit, but he and his deputy "disappeared" for months. The latest report by the state media about the new appointment did not mention where Li was reassigned or state his whereabouts. But last week, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported, citing military sources, that Li and his current and former deputies were being investigated by the Central Military Commission’s anti-corruption unit. (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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appoints new chief of nuclear arsenal

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (August 1) said Islamabad is willing to talk and discuss "serious matters" if the "neighbour" also does so. In an obvious reference to India, Sharif also noted that "war is no more an option".&nbsp;

Sharif talked about the ties with Indian while addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad on August 1.&nbsp;

This is the first-ever mineral summit in the country and its aim is reportedly to explore the vast potential of the minerals industry.&nbsp;

Sharif said, "We have nothing against anybody, we have to look after our own self and build our nation. Even with our neighbour, we are prepared to talk provided that they are serious in discussing matters."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-taliban-carrying-out-musics-genocide-in-afghanistan-says-afghan-music-saviour-ahmad-sarmast-621378">Taliban carrying out music's 'genocide' in Afghanistan, says Afghan music saviour Ahmad Sarmast</a>&nbsp;

"War is no more an option. Pakistan is a nuclear power — (these capabilities are) not as an aggressor but for defence purposes," he added.&nbsp;

Sharif further said that "we (India and Pakistan) have fought three wars in the last 75 years, which has generated more poverty, unemployment and lack of resources".&nbsp;

"God forbid if there is a nuclear flashpoint, who will live to tell what happened? This is not the option," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kandahar-sees-more-than-1000-tuberculosis-patients-in-6-months-report-621277">Afghanistan's Kandahar sees more than 1,000 tuberculosis patients in 6 months: Report</a>&nbsp;

Since partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars - 1947, 1965 and 1999 - which led to a complex and largely hostile relationship between the two nuclear powers.&nbsp;

There have been several instances when tensions escalated at the India–Pakistan border, which is one of the most militarised international boundaries in the world.&nbsp;

Shehbaz has said that it is "equally important that our neighbour understands that we cannot become normal unless abnormalities are removed and serious issues are addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions".&nbsp;

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Prepared to talk to them (India), provided neighbour is serious to talk on serious matters on the table, says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif <a href="https://t.co/iBrRTjFv3A">pic.twitter.com/iBrRTjFv3A</a>
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<h2>Pakistan Minerals Summit&nbsp;</h2>

While talking about the minerals deposit in Pakistan, Sharif said that Pakistan has failed to avail benefits despite being home to mineral deposits of $6 trillion.&nbsp;

He said, "We cannot blame anyone but ourselves" and also added that the nation can "achieve our past glory" if it takes the required steps.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (August 1) said Islamabad is willing to talk and discuss "serious matters" if the "neighbour" also does so. In an obvious reference to India, Sharif also noted that "war is no more an option".

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (August 1) said Islamabad is willing to talk and discuss "serious matters" if the "neighbour" also does so. In an obvious reference to India, Sharif also noted that "war is no more an option". Sharif talked about the ties with Indian while addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad on August 1. This is the first-ever mineral summit in the country and its aim is reportedly to explore the vast potential of the minerals industry. Sharif said, "We have nothing against anybody, we have to look after our own self and build our nation. Even with our neighbour, we are prepared to talk provided that they are serious in discussing matters." Also read: Taliban carrying out music's 'genocide' in Afghanistan, says Afghan music saviour Ahmad Sarmast "War is no more an option. Pakistan is a nuclear power — (these capabilities are) not as an aggressor but for defence purposes," he added. Sharif further said that "we (India and Pakistan) have fought three wars in the last 75 years, which has generated more poverty, unemployment and lack of resources". "God forbid if there is a nuclear flashpoint, who will live to tell what happened? This is not the option," he said. Also read: Afghanistan's Kandahar sees more than 1,000 tuberculosis patients in 6 months: Report Since partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars - 1947, 1965 and 1999 - which led to a complex and largely hostile relationship between the two nuclear powers. There have been several instances when tensions escalated at the India–Pakistan border, which is one of the most militarised international boundaries in the world. Shehbaz has said that it is "equally important that our neighbour understands that we cannot become normal unless abnormalities are removed and serious issues are addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions". Prepared to talk to them (India), provided neighbour is serious to talk on serious matters on the table, says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif pic.twitter.com/iBrRTjFv3A — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 1, 2023 × Pakistan Minerals Summit While talking about the minerals deposit in Pakistan, Sharif said that Pakistan has failed to avail benefits despite being home to mineral deposits of $6 trillion. He said, "We cannot blame anyone but ourselves" and also added that the nation can "achieve our past glory" if it takes the required steps. (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.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif open to holding talks with India, says war not an option

Officials from India's financial crime fighting agency visited two offices of Hero MotoCorp and its chairman's residence, the two-wheeler maker said in a statement on Tuesday.

The company in an exchange filing said officials from the Enforcement Directorate visited its offices in Delhi and Gurugram as well as the residence of Chairman Pawan Munjal.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/employee-sneakily-puts-unemployed-wife-on-payroll-for-over-a-decade-defrauds-company-of-crores-621139">&nbsp;Indian man sneakily puts unemployed wife on payroll for over a decade, defrauds company of millions</a>

The Enforcement Directorate took cognisance of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) case and a Prevention of Money Laundering Act that case has been registered against Munjal, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing sources.

The news comes on the heels of an investigation ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in June to assess Hero&nbsp;MotoCorp's relationship with a third-party vendor in a case related to alleged diversion of funds.

Hero&nbsp;MotoCorp, India's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, and the Enforcement Directorate did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The company was under the scrutiny of India's income tax authorities last year, which it had termed a "routine inquiry."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/firms-can-now-list-directly-on-ifsc-exchanges-to-access-global-capital-620913">Firms can now list directly on IFSC exchanges to access global&nbsp;capital</a>

Shares of the company closed lower at 3.2 per cent&nbsp;on Tuesday.

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Officials from India's financial crime fighting agency visited two offices of Hero MotoCorp and its chairman's residence, the two-wheeler maker said in a statement on Tuesday.

Officials from India's financial crime fighting agency visited two offices of Hero MotoCorp and its chairman's residence, the two-wheeler maker said in a statement on Tuesday. The company in an exchange filing said officials from the Enforcement Directorate visited its offices in Delhi and Gurugram as well as the residence of Chairman Pawan Munjal. Also read | Indian man sneakily puts unemployed wife on payroll for over a decade, defrauds company of millions The Enforcement Directorate took cognisance of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) case and a Prevention of Money Laundering Act that case has been registered against Munjal, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing sources. The news comes on the heels of an investigation ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in June to assess Hero MotoCorp's relationship with a third-party vendor in a case related to alleged diversion of funds. Hero MotoCorp, India's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, and the Enforcement Directorate did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The company was under the scrutiny of India's income tax authorities last year, which it had termed a "routine inquiry." Also read | Firms can now list directly on IFSC exchanges to access global capital Shares of the company closed lower at 3.2 per cent on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Enforcement agency visits Hero MotoCorp offices amidst a money laundering case

France&nbsp;will "very soon" start to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday.

"In the face of a deteriorating security situation in Niamey, and taking advantage of the relative calm in Niamey, an operation of evacuation by air from Niamey is being prepared," said a message sent out by the embassy to French citizens, adding that the evacuations "will take place very soon in a very limited span of time".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-military-junta-claims-france-plotting-military-intervention-paris-denies-621197">Niger’s military junta claims France plotting military intervention, Paris denies</a>

In Paris, the foreign ministry confirmed that "an evacuation is being organised and will take place very quickly".

Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup, when President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled last week by elite troops from his own Presidential Guard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-intervention-in-niger-will-be-declaration-of-war-against-us-mali-and-burkina-faso-621214">Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso</a>

In all three nations, jihadist insurgencies have strained fragile governments, stoked anger in the military and rained economic blows on some of the world's poorest countries.

The overthrow of elected presidents in the former French colonies has been accompanied by anti-French, pro-Russian demonstrations.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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France will "very soon" start to evacuate its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday.

France will "very soon" start to evacuate its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday. "In the face of a deteriorating security situation in Niamey, and taking advantage of the relative calm in Niamey, an operation of evacuation by air from Niamey is being prepared," said a message sent out by the embassy to French citizens, adding that the evacuations "will take place very soon in a very limited span of time". Also read | Niger’s military junta claims France plotting military intervention, Paris denies In Paris, the foreign ministry confirmed that "an evacuation is being organised and will take place very quickly". Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup, when President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled last week by elite troops from his own Presidential Guard. Also read | Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso In all three nations, jihadist insurgencies have strained fragile governments, stoked anger in the military and rained economic blows on some of the world's poorest countries. The overthrow of elected presidents in the former French colonies has been accompanied by anti-French, pro-Russian demonstrations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France planning evacuation of nationals from Niger amidst protests

Bahta Mekonnen, a 28-year-old U.S. Army captain from the key voting state of Georgia, is among the millions of&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters who helped deliver President Joe Biden the White House in 2020.

Three years later, he is one of the voters who Democrats fear could cost Biden a second term in 2024.

Disappointed by what he sees as Democrats' lurch to the left, free spending and empty promises, but also turned off by far-right Republicans, Mekonnen says he sees nothing but bad options at the ballot box next year.

"What I'm noticing across the Democratic Party right now is there's a lot of pandering to the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;community," he said. "It seems like they do a lot to try to make it seem like they are the party for young&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men or&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men as a whole, but they don't back it with anything. They don't follow through."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-democrats-fail-to-censor-robert-f-kennedy-jr-over-covid-race-comment-617920">House Democrats fail to censor Robert F. Kennedy Jr over Covid, race comments</a>

Long the most loyal Democratic constituency,&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters played a large role in rescuing Biden's struggling 2020 presidential campaign in the South Carolina primary, and sending him to the White House with Democrats in control of the Senate, thanks to further success in Georgia.

In return, many&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters expected Biden and Democrats to push new federal protections against restrictive local voting laws, police and criminal justice reform, student loan debt relief and economic empowerment.

Many of those efforts have been blocked by Republicans, leaving Biden to ask voters to let him "finish this job," with a second term, but with no clear path to get these things done.

On the other hand, Democrats' focus on LGBTQ and abortion rights leaves voters like Mekonnen feeling alienated.

"I'm probably getting turned away from the left, just because the Democrats are turning more left in my books," he said, adding he wished Democrats spent more time on the economy.

Polls and Reuters interviews show younger&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters and&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men of all ages are losing their faith in Democrats, Biden and perhaps even the political process, just three years after the U.S.'s biggest protests for racial justice and civil rights in a generation.

The vast majority of&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters, including men, are still expected to choose Biden over a Republican.

But the question for Democrats is whether disillusioned&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters will turn out to the polls in large enough numbers in crucial cities, from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Milwaukee and Detroit to keep Biden in the White House.

"Democrats need to understand that there is a growing population, especially with&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men, who are reaching the point of being fed up with always being pushed over and looked over," said LeLann Evans, 33, a political campaign manager who is running as a write-in candidate for Nashville City Council.

Democrats' failure to secure widespread student loan relief or legalize marijuana has been disappointing, Evans said, adding that Republicans' more aggressive approach when they have power means they are "actually getting things done."

<h2>Turnout drops</h2>

Self-identified&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Americans make up 14.2 per cent&nbsp;of the U.S. population, or 42.7 million people, a 30 per cent&nbsp;jump from 2000, Pew Research shows. These Americans are five years younger than the population as a whole, with an average age of 33, and Democrats' earning their loyalty is crucial for the party to keep winning in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia, and to recapture districts in the South in the future.

Instead the opposite is happening.

Black&nbsp;voter turnout dropped by nearly 10 percentage points, from 51.7 per cent&nbsp;in the 2018 midterm elections to 42 per cent&nbsp;in 2022, according to a Washington Post analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's survey released earlier this year. White voter turnout slipped by only 1.5 points to 53.4 per cent.

"Black&nbsp;voter turnout was down across the country in 2022. We saw it in the polls, the surveys, the exit polls and every way you could measure it," said Michael McDonald, a politics professor at University of Florida.

Some Democrats have also been disturbed by recent polls showing that some&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters are defecting to Republicans.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-led-us-house-panel-interviews-former-hunter-biden-associate-621196">Republican-led US House panel interviews former Hunter Biden associate</a>

One in five&nbsp;Black&nbsp;people under the age of 50 voted Republican in the 2022 midterms, roughly double the number of their elders, according to a previously unreported analysis of exit polling data by HIT Strategies, a public opinion research firm aligned with Democrats that routinely surveys&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Americans.&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men and women under the age of 50 voted Republican in similar numbers, the poll showed.

Republican Donald Trump's 12 per cent&nbsp;share of the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;vote in 2020 was four percentage points higher than it was in 2016, according to exit polls by Edison Research.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted July 11-17 found 18 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Americans would pick Trump over Biden in a hypothetical matchup, compared to 46 per cent&nbsp;who favored Biden, including about one in four&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men, compared to about one in seven&nbsp;Black&nbsp;women.

Compared with&nbsp;Black&nbsp;women,&nbsp;Black&nbsp;men were more likely to say they would back a presidential candidate that supported abortion restrictions and increased police funding to fight crime.

<h2>Economic gains?</h2>

Democrats are favored by&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters who value abortion rights, voting rights and opposition to racism, says Terrance Woodbury, chief executive officer at HIT Strategies.

But that margin shrinks when it comes to managing the economy.

"When you get to economic issues - economic security, inflation, job security - those 50 and 60 point gaps began to shrink to near parity, where you have young&nbsp;Black&nbsp;folks saying that Republicans are almost as good for them on the economy as Democrats are," Woodbury said.

Julian Silas, 25, a&nbsp;Black&nbsp;investment research analyst from the Chicago area, said many of his friends and family are reexamining their politics and questioning just how much the loyalty of&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Americans to the Democratic Party bettered their lives, particularly their economic standing.

Every four years, Democratic candidates talk about increasing&nbsp;Black&nbsp;wealth and closing the gap between&nbsp;Black&nbsp;and white Americans, but "nothing actually really happens," Silas said.

"It seems like there's things that they talk about that seem good, that I can align with, like student loan debt relief or home ownership and all these different things, but maybe sometimes it doesn't feel like it's moving fast enough," Silas said.

The U.S.&nbsp;Black&nbsp;unemployment rate has fallen to historic lows under Biden, but hit a 10-month high in June, driven in large part by&nbsp;Black&nbsp;workers leaving the labor market.

Black&nbsp;families had 4.4 per cent&nbsp;of total household wealth in the first quarter of 2023, Federal Reserve data show, up slightly from 4.3 per cent&nbsp;at the beginning of 2020.

The Democratic Party has spent considerable time, money and resources to retain and expand the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;vote, including mounting registration drives in battleground states and recruiting&nbsp;Black&nbsp;campaign staff.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first&nbsp;Black&nbsp;person to hold that position and the highest U.S.&nbsp;Black&nbsp;elected official, and Jaime Harrison, the African-American chairman of the Democratic National Committee, attended this summer's Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans and have lavished attention on historically&nbsp;Black&nbsp;colleges and universities and media outlets including&nbsp;Black&nbsp;radio stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-retains-republican-frontrunner-status-denigrates-desantis-as-desanctis-620447">Trump retains Republican frontrunner status, denigrates DeSantis as 'DeSanctis'</a>

Harris spoke at the annual NAACP gathering on Saturday.

"As we head into the 2024 cycle, the DNC is doubling down on our commitment to engaging&nbsp;Black&nbsp;voters with meaningful and sustained investments to make sure they know how President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered for them," said Tracy King, the DNC's director of outreach communications, in an emailed statement.

For some, right now, that's not enough.

"I'm kind of stuck with Biden until someone else comes along," said Andre Russell, 47 and from Chicago, who works in education. "As a society we definitely have to move past the trope of old white men running everything."

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Bahta Mekonnen, a 28-year-old U.S. Army captain from the key voting state of Georgia, is among the millions of Black voters who helped deliver President Joe Biden the White House in 2020.

Bahta Mekonnen, a 28-year-old U.S. Army captain from the key voting state of Georgia, is among the millions of Black voters who helped deliver President Joe Biden the White House in 2020. Three years later, he is one of the voters who Democrats fear could cost Biden a second term in 2024. Disappointed by what he sees as Democrats' lurch to the left, free spending and empty promises, but also turned off by far-right Republicans, Mekonnen says he sees nothing but bad options at the ballot box next year. "What I'm noticing across the Democratic Party right now is there's a lot of pandering to the Black community," he said. "It seems like they do a lot to try to make it seem like they are the party for young Black men or Black men as a whole, but they don't back it with anything. They don't follow through." Also read | House Democrats fail to censor Robert F. Kennedy Jr over Covid, race comments Long the most loyal Democratic constituency, Black voters played a large role in rescuing Biden's struggling 2020 presidential campaign in the South Carolina primary, and sending him to the White House with Democrats in control of the Senate, thanks to further success in Georgia. In return, many Black voters expected Biden and Democrats to push new federal protections against restrictive local voting laws, police and criminal justice reform, student loan debt relief and economic empowerment. Many of those efforts have been blocked by Republicans, leaving Biden to ask voters to let him "finish this job," with a second term, but with no clear path to get these things done. On the other hand, Democrats' focus on LGBTQ and abortion rights leaves voters like Mekonnen feeling alienated. "I'm probably getting turned away from the left, just because the Democrats are turning more left in my books," he said, adding he wished Democrats spent more time on the economy. Polls and Reuters interviews show younger Black voters and Black men of all ages are losing their faith in Democrats, Biden and perhaps even the political process, just three years after the U.S.'s biggest protests for racial justice and civil rights in a generation. The vast majority of Black voters, including men, are still expected to choose Biden over a Republican. But the question for Democrats is whether disillusioned Black voters will turn out to the polls in large enough numbers in crucial cities, from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Milwaukee and Detroit to keep Biden in the White House. "Democrats need to understand that there is a growing population, especially with Black men, who are reaching the point of being fed up with always being pushed over and looked over," said LeLann Evans, 33, a political campaign manager who is running as a write-in candidate for Nashville City Council. Democrats' failure to secure widespread student loan relief or legalize marijuana has been disappointing, Evans said, adding that Republicans' more aggressive approach when they have power means they are "actually getting things done." Turnout drops Self-identified Black Americans make up 14.2 per cent of the U.S. population, or 42.7 million people, a 30 per cent jump from 2000, Pew Research shows. These Americans are five years younger than the population as a whole, with an average age of 33, and Democrats' earning their loyalty is crucial for the party to keep winning in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia, and to recapture districts in the South in the future. Instead the opposite is happening. Black voter turnout dropped by nearly 10 percentage points, from 51.7 per cent in the 2018 midterm elections to 42 per cent in 2022, according to a Washington Post analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau's survey released earlier this year. White voter turnout slipped by only 1.5 points to 53.4 per cent. "Black voter turnout was down across the country in 2022. We saw it in the polls, the surveys, the exit polls and every way you could measure it," said Michael McDonald, a politics professor at University of Florida. Some Democrats have also been disturbed by recent polls showing that some Black voters are defecting to Republicans. Also read | Republican-led US House panel interviews former Hunter Biden associate One in five Black people under the age of 50 voted Republican in the 2022 midterms, roughly double the number of their elders, according to a previously unreported analysis of exit polling data by HIT Strategies, a public opinion research firm aligned with Democrats that routinely surveys Black Americans. Black men and women under the age of 50 voted Republican in similar numbers, the poll showed. Republican Donald Trump's 12 per cent share of the Black vote in 2020 was four percentage points higher than it was in 2016, according to exit polls by Edison Research. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted July 11-17 found 18 per cent of Black Americans would pick Trump over Biden in a hypothetical matchup, compared to 46 per cent who favored Biden, including about one in four Black men, compared to about one in seven Black women. Compared with Black women, Black men were more likely to say they would back a presidential candidate that supported abortion restrictions and increased police funding to fight crime. Economic gains? Democrats are favored by Black voters who value abortion rights, voting rights and opposition to racism, says Terrance Woodbury, chief executive officer at HIT Strategies. But that margin shrinks when it comes to managing the economy. "When you get to economic issues - economic security, inflation, job security - those 50 and 60 point gaps began to shrink to near parity, where you have young Black folks saying that Republicans are almost as good for them on the economy as Democrats are," Woodbury said. Julian Silas, 25, a Black investment research analyst from the Chicago area, said many of his friends and family are reexamining their politics and questioning just how much the loyalty of Black Americans to the Democratic Party bettered their lives, particularly their economic standing. Every four years, Democratic candidates talk about increasing Black wealth and closing the gap between Black and white Americans, but "nothing actually really happens," Silas said. "It seems like there's things that they talk about that seem good, that I can align with, like student loan debt relief or home ownership and all these different things, but maybe sometimes it doesn't feel like it's moving fast enough," Silas said. The U.S. Black unemployment rate has fallen to historic lows under Biden, but hit a 10-month high in June, driven in large part by Black workers leaving the labor market. Black families had 4.4 per cent of total household wealth in the first quarter of 2023, Federal Reserve data show, up slightly from 4.3 per cent at the beginning of 2020. The Democratic Party has spent considerable time, money and resources to retain and expand the Black vote, including mounting registration drives in battleground states and recruiting Black campaign staff. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black person to hold that position and the highest U.S. Black elected official, and Jaime Harrison, the African-American chairman of the Democratic National Committee, attended this summer's Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans and have lavished attention on historically Black colleges and universities and media outlets including Black radio stations. Also read | Trump retains Republican frontrunner status, denigrates DeSantis as 'DeSanctis' Harris spoke at the annual NAACP gathering on Saturday. "As we head into the 2024 cycle, the DNC is doubling down on our commitment to engaging Black voters with meaningful and sustained investments to make sure they know how President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered for them," said Tracy King, the DNC's director of outreach communications, in an emailed statement. For some, right now, that's not enough. "I'm kind of stuck with Biden until someone else comes along," said Andre Russell, 47 and from Chicago, who works in education. "As a society we definitely have to move past the trope of old white men running everything." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden losing popularity amongst Black voters close to 2024 elections

Guillermo Sohnlein, who is the co-founder of OceanGate, said in an interview that the company now aims to send people to planet Venus by the year 2050, just weeks after the company's expedition to the sunken Titanic ship ended in five deaths.&nbsp;

The US-based OceanGate's submersible met with a catastrophic implosion that killed all five on board when it was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic in June.&nbsp;

Those who lost their lives were the company's CEO Stockton Rush, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, UK businessman Hamish Harding, and submersible captain Paul-Henri Nargeolet.&nbsp;

In an interview with Insider, Sohnlein, who is also the founder and chairman of Humans2Venus, said that he is hopeful his new company can host a colony of 1,000 humans on Venus, the hottest planet in our solar system.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-some-gigantic-viruses-in-soil-samples-621141">Scientists find some 'gigantic' viruses in soil samples</a>&nbsp;

He said, "Forget OceanGate. Forget Titan. Forget Stockton. Humanity could be on the verge of a big breakthrough and not take advantage of it because we, as a species, are gonna get shut down and pushed back into the status quo."&nbsp;

Sohnlein added, "[Sending humans to Venus] ... it is aspirational, but I think it's also very doable by 2050."&nbsp;

Sohnlein co-founded OceanGate with Stockton Rush in 2009 and handed over the control of the company in 2013.&nbsp;

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He mentioned the latest results by NASA, which indicate that humans might exist in a portion of Venus's atmosphere 30 miles above the surface.&nbsp;

In a report by Space.com, it was mentioned that according to NASA, Venus has a very toxic atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide. The report noted that it is permanently "shrouded in thick, yellowish clouds of sulfuric acid that trap heat, causing a runaway greenhouse effect". Experts say that it would be nearly impossible for humans to live on Venus.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-haunts-us-kills-georgia-resident-621100">Rare 'brain-eating amoeba' haunts US, kills Georgia resident</a>&nbsp;

An entry by Sohnlein on on the Humans2Venus website read: "When it came to imagining a permanent home for humanity away from Earth, one challenge always bothered me."&nbsp;

"I am not an engineer or a scientist, but I have ultimate faith in the abilities of both. Therefore, I always figured that they would be able to overcome the myriad challenges facing us in the extreme environment of space: radiation, temperature, pressure, food, water, breathable air, etc. All of these could be overcome," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Titan submersible expedition&nbsp;</h2>

The submersible accident raised questions about the unregulated nature of such expeditions as experts across the world asked why private parties ignore safety checks during risky adventure trips.&nbsp;

Reports also mentioned that the company had not got a safety audit committed by a third party. Some experts have highlighted that the scope of survival was low even if a small thing went wrong.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Guillermo Sohnlein, who is the co-founder of OceanGate, said in an interview that the company now aims to send people to planet Venus by the year 2050, just weeks after the company's expedition to the sunken Titanic ship ended in five deaths.

Guillermo Sohnlein, who is the co-founder of OceanGate, said in an interview that the company now aims to send people to planet Venus by the year 2050, just weeks after the company's expedition to the sunken Titanic ship ended in five deaths. The US-based OceanGate's submersible met with a catastrophic implosion that killed all five on board when it was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic in June. Those who lost their lives were the company's CEO Stockton Rush, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, UK businessman Hamish Harding, and submersible captain Paul-Henri Nargeolet. In an interview with Insider, Sohnlein, who is also the founder and chairman of Humans2Venus, said that he is hopeful his new company can host a colony of 1,000 humans on Venus, the hottest planet in our solar system. Also read: Scientists find some 'gigantic' viruses in soil samples He said, "Forget OceanGate. Forget Titan. Forget Stockton. Humanity could be on the verge of a big breakthrough and not take advantage of it because we, as a species, are gonna get shut down and pushed back into the status quo." Sohnlein added, "[Sending humans to Venus] ... it is aspirational, but I think it's also very doable by 2050." Sohnlein co-founded OceanGate with Stockton Rush in 2009 and handed over the control of the company in 2013. Watch this report: × He mentioned the latest results by NASA, which indicate that humans might exist in a portion of Venus's atmosphere 30 miles above the surface. In a report by Space.com, it was mentioned that according to NASA, Venus has a very toxic atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide. The report noted that it is permanently "shrouded in thick, yellowish clouds of sulfuric acid that trap heat, causing a runaway greenhouse effect". Experts say that it would be nearly impossible for humans to live on Venus. Also read: Rare 'brain-eating amoeba' haunts US, kills Georgia resident An entry by Sohnlein on on the Humans2Venus website read: "When it came to imagining a permanent home for humanity away from Earth, one challenge always bothered me." "I am not an engineer or a scientist, but I have ultimate faith in the abilities of both. Therefore, I always figured that they would be able to overcome the myriad challenges facing us in the extreme environment of space: radiation, temperature, pressure, food, water, breathable air, etc. All of these could be overcome," it added. Titan submersible expedition The submersible accident raised questions about the unregulated nature of such expeditions as experts across the world asked why private parties ignore safety checks during risky adventure trips. Reports also mentioned that the company had not got a safety audit committed by a third party. Some experts have highlighted that the scope of survival was low even if a small thing went wrong. (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.

After Titanic, OceanGate cofounder aims to send people to Venus

Devon Archer, who is a former Hunter Biden business associate, stated that US President Joe Biden was never personally involved in their financial operations, despite the fact that Hunter would frequently put his father on speakerphone to impress clients.&nbsp;

Archer appeared in a closed-door interview led by staff from the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee. The Republican lawmakers hoped that the investigation by the committee would shed light on unproven allegations that Biden was directly involved in his son's business dealings in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Democratic Representative Dan Goldman, who according to reports attended the interview, told reporters that Archer provided no evidence of wrongdoing by the elder Biden.&nbsp;

The inquiry is focused on the years when Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama, from 2009 to 2017.&nbsp;

Goldman said, "There is no evidence that anyone other than Hunter Biden received any money in connection with the business transactions with Devon Archer."&nbsp;

Jim Jordan, a Republican Representative, who is a leading panel member, told reporters that the session was productive. Jordan&nbsp;also chairs the House Judiciary Committee.&nbsp;

Archer told investigators that Hunter Biden communicated with his father on a daily basis while serving on the board of the Ukraine energy company Burisma.&nbsp;

Republican Representative Andy Biggs, who has already co-sponsored legislation to impeach President Biden, said Archer's testimony implicated the president.

Biggs told reporters: "Archer talked about the 'big guy' and how Hunter Biden always said, 'We need to talk to my guy'. I think we should do an impeachment inquiry."&nbsp;

But Goldman said: "It was all casual conversation, niceties about the weather, what's going on. There wasn't a single conversation about any of the business dealings that Hunter had."&nbsp;

House Republicans have levelled allegations that Hunter Biden used his father's status, when Biden was vice president, to influence deals while he was at Burisma. Meanwhile, the White House has said Joe Biden was never in business with his son.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Devon Archer, who is a former Hunter Biden business associate, stated that US President Joe Biden was never personally involved in their financial operations, despite the fact that Hunter would frequently put his father on speakerphone to impress clients.

Devon Archer, who is a former Hunter Biden business associate, stated that US President Joe Biden was never personally involved in their financial operations, despite the fact that Hunter would frequently put his father on speakerphone to impress clients. Archer appeared in a closed-door interview led by staff from the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee. The Republican lawmakers hoped that the investigation by the committee would shed light on unproven allegations that Biden was directly involved in his son's business dealings in Ukraine. Democratic Representative Dan Goldman, who according to reports attended the interview, told reporters that Archer provided no evidence of wrongdoing by the elder Biden. The inquiry is focused on the years when Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama, from 2009 to 2017. Goldman said, "There is no evidence that anyone other than Hunter Biden received any money in connection with the business transactions with Devon Archer." Jim Jordan, a Republican Representative, who is a leading panel member, told reporters that the session was productive. Jordan also chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Archer told investigators that Hunter Biden communicated with his father on a daily basis while serving on the board of the Ukraine energy company Burisma. Republican Representative Andy Biggs, who has already co-sponsored legislation to impeach President Biden, said Archer's testimony implicated the president. Biggs told reporters: "Archer talked about the 'big guy' and how Hunter Biden always said, 'We need to talk to my guy'. I think we should do an impeachment inquiry." But Goldman said: "It was all casual conversation, niceties about the weather, what's going on. There wasn't a single conversation about any of the business dealings that Hunter had." House Republicans have levelled allegations that Hunter Biden used his father's status, when Biden was vice president, to influence deals while he was at Burisma. Meanwhile, the White House has said Joe Biden was never in business with his son. (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.

Devon Archer: Republican-led US House panel interviews former Hunter Biden associate

UNESCO, the cultural agency of the United Nations, on Monday (July 31) recommended Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger. The agency said that its high time the Italian authorities&nbsp;step up their efforts in order to secure the historic city and its surrounding lagoon.&nbsp;

In its recommendation, UNESCO has said that Venice risked "irreversible" damage due to multiple issues, including climate change and mass tourism.&nbsp;

The recommendation will now go to a meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Riyadh in September for adoption.&nbsp;

"The effects of the continuing deterioration due to human intervention, including continuing development, the impacts of climate change and mass tourism threaten to cause irreversible changes to the outstanding universal value of the property," said UNESCO.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-pyramid-appears-in-satellite-images-of-antarctica-sparks-conspiracy-theories-620794">Mystery 'pyramid' appears in satellite images of Antarctica, sparks conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;

"Some of these long-standing issues have already led to the deterioration of the inherent characteristics of the property and its attributes," UNESCO said.&nbsp;

The agency also warned that the developments including high-rise buildings risk having "significant negative visual impact".&nbsp;

"Moreover, the combined effects of human-induced and natural changes are causing deterioration and damage to building structures and urban areas," it added.

The agency said that there was a "lack of significant progress" by Italy in addressing these issues and this was further "hindered by a lack of overall joint strategic vision".&nbsp;

The World Heritage Committee is prepared to adopt a resolution and its draft said that there had not been "a significant level of progress in addressing the persistent and complex issues". It further added measures proposed by Italy were "still insufficient and need to be further developed".&nbsp;

UNESCO said it hoped inscription on the danger list "will result in greater dedication and mobilisation of local, national and international stakeholders."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-how-did-indian-pslv-rocket-debris-end-up-on-an-australian-beach-620987">How did Indian PSLV rocket debris end up on an Australian beach?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What does the danger label mean?&nbsp;</h2>

When UNESCO puts something in the "danger" category, it means the particular site needs better preservation. The site can also be stripped of its World Heritage label if the steps are deemed unsatisfactory in exceptional circumstances.&nbsp;

The World Heritage Committee oversees the awarding of the coveted World Heritage label to sites around the world. The body will meet in Riyadh from September 10-25.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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UNESCO, the cultural agency of the United Nations, on Monday (July 31) recommended Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger. The agency said that its high time the Italian authorities step up their efforts in order to secure the historic city and its surrounding lagoon.

UNESCO, the cultural agency of the United Nations, on Monday (July 31) recommended Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger. The agency said that its high time the Italian authorities step up their efforts in order to secure the historic city and its surrounding lagoon. In its recommendation, UNESCO has said that Venice risked "irreversible" damage due to multiple issues, including climate change and mass tourism. The recommendation will now go to a meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Riyadh in September for adoption. "The effects of the continuing deterioration due to human intervention, including continuing development, the impacts of climate change and mass tourism threaten to cause irreversible changes to the outstanding universal value of the property," said UNESCO. Also read: Mystery 'pyramid' appears in satellite images of Antarctica, sparks conspiracy theories "Some of these long-standing issues have already led to the deterioration of the inherent characteristics of the property and its attributes," UNESCO said. The agency also warned that the developments including high-rise buildings risk having "significant negative visual impact". "Moreover, the combined effects of human-induced and natural changes are causing deterioration and damage to building structures and urban areas," it added. The agency said that there was a "lack of significant progress" by Italy in addressing these issues and this was further "hindered by a lack of overall joint strategic vision". The World Heritage Committee is prepared to adopt a resolution and its draft said that there had not been "a significant level of progress in addressing the persistent and complex issues". It further added measures proposed by Italy were "still insufficient and need to be further developed". UNESCO said it hoped inscription on the danger list "will result in greater dedication and mobilisation of local, national and international stakeholders." Also read: How did Indian PSLV rocket debris end up on an Australian beach? What does the danger label mean? When UNESCO puts something in the "danger" category, it means the particular site needs better preservation. The site can also be stripped of its World Heritage label if the steps are deemed unsatisfactory in exceptional circumstances. The World Heritage Committee oversees the awarding of the coveted World Heritage label to sites around the world. The body will meet in Riyadh from September 10-25. (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.

UNESCO recommends putting Venice on heritage danger list

Pro-coup protesters in Niger were seen waving the Russian flag as they staged demonstrations in the streets of the crisis-hit nation on Sunday (July 30).&nbsp;

The protesters even attacked the French embassy amid a warning from the West African governments of possible military action to restore democratic rule.&nbsp;

Media reports mentioned that in the capital city of Niamey, demonstrators were seen with Russian flags. The miscreants smashed windows at the French embassy and set a perimeter door on fire.&nbsp;

There were rumours on social media that protesters entered the embassy premises, but media reports clarified that they didn't breach the walls.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-coup-ousted-president-bazoum-seen-for-first-time-since-detention-meets-chads-leader-621096">Ousted president Bazoum seen for first time since detention, meets Chad's leader</a>&nbsp;

Video shared on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, showed thousands of people in Niger chanting "Long live Putin, Long Live Russia, Down with Macron, Down with France," while they were protesting outside the French embassy.&nbsp;

President Mohamed Bazoum, a Western ally, was toppled on July 26 by the elite Presidential Guard. Bazoum's election just over two years ago was seen as a watershed moment in Niger's troubled history.&nbsp;

Niger coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state last Friday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Niger upheaval extends coup belt across Sahel&nbsp;

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<h2>Kremlin expresses concerns&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the Kremlin expressed concern on Monday (July 31) over the situation in Niger. The coup was condemned by many countries, but Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner group, welcomed the move.&nbsp;

Last week, a video of the Wagner boss was published on social media, in which he was heard endorsing the coup and offering the services of his fighters to the junta.&nbsp;

News agencies reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that "what is happening (in Niger) is a matter of serious concern".&nbsp;

Peskov said, "We are in favour of the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country, we are in favour of restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pro-coup protesters in Niger were seen waving the Russian flag as they staged demonstrations in the streets of the crisis-hit nation on Sunday (July 30). The protesters even attacked the French embassy amid a warning from the West African governments of possible military action to restore democratic rule.

Pro-coup protesters in Niger were seen waving the Russian flag as they staged demonstrations in the streets of the crisis-hit nation on Sunday (July 30). The protesters even attacked the French embassy amid a warning from the West African governments of possible military action to restore democratic rule. Media reports mentioned that in the capital city of Niamey, demonstrators were seen with Russian flags. The miscreants smashed windows at the French embassy and set a perimeter door on fire. There were rumours on social media that protesters entered the embassy premises, but media reports clarified that they didn't breach the walls. Also read: Ousted president Bazoum seen for first time since detention, meets Chad's leader Video shared on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, showed thousands of people in Niger chanting "Long live Putin, Long Live Russia, Down with Macron, Down with France," while they were protesting outside the French embassy. President Mohamed Bazoum, a Western ally, was toppled on July 26 by the elite Presidential Guard. Bazoum's election just over two years ago was seen as a watershed moment in Niger's troubled history. Niger coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state last Friday. Also read: Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis Watch: Niger upheaval extends coup belt across Sahel × Kremlin expresses concerns Meanwhile, the Kremlin expressed concern on Monday (July 31) over the situation in Niger. The coup was condemned by many countries, but Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner group, welcomed the move. Last week, a video of the Wagner boss was published on social media, in which he was heard endorsing the coup and offering the services of his fighters to the junta. News agencies reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that "what is happening (in Niger) is a matter of serious concern". Peskov said, "We are in favour of the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country, we are in favour of restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties." (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.

Niger: Pro-coup protesters wave Russian flag, Kremlin expresses concern

Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is the head of The Wagner Group, said that it will continue its activities in Africa and Belarus. He added that the group is not currently recruiting new fighters.&nbsp;

In an audio message published by a Wagner-linked Telegram account on Monday (July 31), Prigozhin said that the group was deciding on its next objectives.&nbsp;

Ever since its failed coup attempt in late June against the Russian defence establishment, the future of Wagner and Prigozhin has remained a matter of speculation.&nbsp;

The Kremlin had earlier said he and some of Wagner's mercenaries would leave for Belarus.

Meanwhile, Prigozhin attended a meeting with Vladimir Putin last week in St Petersburg&nbsp;when the Russian president was hosting African leaders.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-attacks-on-ukraine-strike-kills-four-in-kryvyi-rih-621035">Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, fresh strike kills four in Kryvyi Rih</a>&nbsp;

The news agency Reuters reported that a voice sounding like Prigozhin's said in the message: "Today we are defining our next tasks, whose outline is becoming clearer and clearer. Undoubtedly, these are tasks that will be carried out in the name of the greatness of Russia."&nbsp;

The audio was published on Grey Zone, a Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner.&nbsp;

In the audio message, Prigozhin said that most Wagner fighters were currently on leave, because "before that there was a long period of very hard work".&nbsp;He added that they have fought in some of the fiercest battles of the Ukraine war.

After the failed coup, the Kremlin said Wagner fighters who had not taken part would transfer to the regular army, signing contracts with the Defence Ministry.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-station-struck-in-overnight-strikes-as-ukraine-continues-drone-attacks-on-russia-620958">Police station struck in overnight strikes as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;What is US' plan to help Australia develop guided missiles by 2025&nbsp;

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<h2>'No plans to carry out a new recruitment'&nbsp;</h2>

The Wagner chief said that "unfortunately" some of his fighters had moved to other "power structures", but he said they were looking to return.

"As long as we don't experience a shortage in personnel, we don't plan to carry out a new recruitment," Prigozhin said.

"However, we will be extremely grateful to you if you keep in touch with us, and as soon as the Motherland needs to create a new group that will be able to protect the interests of our country, we will certainly start recruiting," he added.&nbsp;

Last week, Prigozhin also said Wagner was ready to further increase its presence in Africa. Since the mutiny, some Wagner fighters have moved to Belarus and started training its army.&nbsp;

In Africa, Wagner's role is apparently a source of concern for Western governments as the United States has accused it of committing widespread atrocities and imposed sanctions on it as a criminal organisation, which they deny. Prigozhin even claimed that it works in line with the laws of the countries where it operates.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is the head of The Wagner Group, said that it will continue its activities in Africa and Belarus. He added that the group is not currently recruiting new fighters.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is the head of The Wagner Group, said that it will continue its activities in Africa and Belarus. He added that the group is not currently recruiting new fighters. In an audio message published by a Wagner-linked Telegram account on Monday (July 31), Prigozhin said that the group was deciding on its next objectives. Ever since its failed coup attempt in late June against the Russian defence establishment, the future of Wagner and Prigozhin has remained a matter of speculation. The Kremlin had earlier said he and some of Wagner's mercenaries would leave for Belarus. Meanwhile, Prigozhin attended a meeting with Vladimir Putin last week in St Petersburg when the Russian president was hosting African leaders. Also read: Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, fresh strike kills four in Kryvyi Rih The news agency Reuters reported that a voice sounding like Prigozhin's said in the message: "Today we are defining our next tasks, whose outline is becoming clearer and clearer. Undoubtedly, these are tasks that will be carried out in the name of the greatness of Russia." The audio was published on Grey Zone, a Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner. In the audio message, Prigozhin said that most Wagner fighters were currently on leave, because "before that there was a long period of very hard work". He added that they have fought in some of the fiercest battles of the Ukraine war. After the failed coup, the Kremlin said Wagner fighters who had not taken part would transfer to the regular army, signing contracts with the Defence Ministry. Also read: Police station struck in overnight strikes as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia Watch: What is US' plan to help Australia develop guided missiles by 2025 × 'No plans to carry out a new recruitment' The Wagner chief said that "unfortunately" some of his fighters had moved to other "power structures", but he said they were looking to return. "As long as we don't experience a shortage in personnel, we don't plan to carry out a new recruitment," Prigozhin said. "However, we will be extremely grateful to you if you keep in touch with us, and as soon as the Motherland needs to create a new group that will be able to protect the interests of our country, we will certainly start recruiting," he added. Last week, Prigozhin also said Wagner was ready to further increase its presence in Africa. Since the mutiny, some Wagner fighters have moved to Belarus and started training its army. In Africa, Wagner's role is apparently a source of concern for Western governments as the United States has accused it of committing widespread atrocities and imposed sanctions on it as a criminal organisation, which they deny. Prigozhin even claimed that it works in line with the laws of the countries where it operates. (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.

Russia: Wagner chief says group is not recruiting now, but may do so in future

At least five, including a 10-year-old child,&nbsp;have been killed after missile strikes on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, the country's emergency services said Monday (July 31).&nbsp;

In a video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, smoke was seen billowing from a multi-storey building. According to reports, a&nbsp;four-storey building had been almost levelled.&nbsp;

Initially,&nbsp;reports suggested&nbsp;two casualties, with interior minister Ihor Klymenko saying on television that several people were under the rubble.&nbsp;The minister also said that the general prosecutor's office said 25 people had been wounded, including children.&nbsp;

Later, the emergency services updated the death toll. The number of those who were wounded is more than 40.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-station-struck-in-overnight-strikes-as-ukraine-continues-drone-attacks-on-russia-620958">Police station struck in overnight strikes as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia</a>&nbsp;

Two missiles landed close to the centre of Kryvyi Rig just after 9:00 am (0600 GMT), Klymenko wrote on Telegram.

Meanwhile, Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said the deceased included a 10-year-old girl and her 45-year-old mother.&nbsp;

Oleksiy Kuleba, who is the deputy head of Zelensky's office, said: "Every day, Ukrainian cities are under fire from Russian terrorists. Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kharkiv. This is only for the last few days."&nbsp;

Kuleba said targeting civilians was a sign of "the despair and defeat of the Russian Federation at the front".&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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Monday morning. Regions of Ukraine are being shelled by the occupiers, who continue to terrorize peaceful cities and people. Kryvyi Rih, Kherson. Residential buildings, a university building, a crossroads were hit. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded. There may be people… <a href="https://t.co/goMVBbCN1B">pic.twitter.com/goMVBbCN1B</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1685919969916112900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Shelling in Kherson&nbsp;</h2>

Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, posted on Telegram on Monday that Russian shelling on the city of Kherson has killed at least four people and injured more than 15.&nbsp;

Yermak wrote: "The enemy is hitting residential areas. The Korabelny district and the central part of the city suffered the most. There are 4 dead and 17 wounded as of now."&nbsp;

Oleksandr Prokudin, who is the head of the Kherson region military administration, wrote in a telegram post on Monday: "Such intensity of shelling is due to the rotation of enemy troops on the left bank [of the Dnipro river]. Russia has replenished its forces that our Armed Forces had previously destroyed."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-if-putins-top-aide-issues-ultimate-threat-620874">‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday that Moscow has intensified strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure in response to attacks on Russian-controlled territory.&nbsp;

Shoigu said, "Against the background of the failure of the so-called 'counteroffensive', Kyiv... has focused on carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure. The intensity of our strikes against Ukrainian military facilities... has been considerably increased."

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least five, including a 10-year-old child, have been killed after missile strikes on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, the country's emergency services said Monday (July 31).

At least five, including a 10-year-old child, have been killed after missile strikes on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, the country's emergency services said Monday (July 31). In a video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, smoke was seen billowing from a multi-storey building. According to reports, a four-storey building had been almost levelled. Initially, reports suggested two casualties, with interior minister Ihor Klymenko saying on television that several people were under the rubble. The minister also said that the general prosecutor's office said 25 people had been wounded, including children. Later, the emergency services updated the death toll. The number of those who were wounded is more than 40. Also read: Police station struck in overnight strikes as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia Two missiles landed close to the centre of Kryvyi Rig just after 9:00 am (0600 GMT), Klymenko wrote on Telegram. Meanwhile, Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said the deceased included a 10-year-old girl and her 45-year-old mother. Oleksiy Kuleba, who is the deputy head of Zelensky's office, said: "Every day, Ukrainian cities are under fire from Russian terrorists. Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kharkiv. This is only for the last few days." Kuleba said targeting civilians was a sign of "the despair and defeat of the Russian Federation at the front". Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Monday morning. Regions of Ukraine are being shelled by the occupiers, who continue to terrorize peaceful cities and people. Kryvyi Rih, Kherson. Residential buildings, a university building, a crossroads were hit. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded. There may be people… pic.twitter.com/goMVBbCN1B — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 31, 2023 × Shelling in Kherson Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, posted on Telegram on Monday that Russian shelling on the city of Kherson has killed at least four people and injured more than 15. Yermak wrote: "The enemy is hitting residential areas. The Korabelny district and the central part of the city suffered the most. There are 4 dead and 17 wounded as of now." Oleksandr Prokudin, who is the head of the Kherson region military administration, wrote in a telegram post on Monday: "Such intensity of shelling is due to the rotation of enemy troops on the left bank [of the Dnipro river]. Russia has replenished its forces that our Armed Forces had previously destroyed." Also read: ‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday that Moscow has intensified strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure in response to attacks on Russian-controlled territory. Shoigu said, "Against the background of the failure of the so-called 'counteroffensive', Kyiv... has focused on carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure. The intensity of our strikes against Ukrainian military facilities... has been considerably increased." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (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.

Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, fresh strike kills six in Kryvyi Rih

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