Eight people were stuck upside down for hours after a roller coaster got stuck midway on Sunday at a fair in Wisconsin state of the US. Seven of the stuck passengers were children. No injuries were reported, but according to the chief of the fire department, one person was transported to the hospital.&nbsp;

The incident happened in Crandon at the Forest County Festival. Local reports said it was the final day of the festival at the Crandon International Raceway.&nbsp;

Initial reports said that the reason behind the incident was a mechanical failure.&nbsp;

Capt Brennan Cook of the fire department told CNN affiliate WJFW "there was a mechanical failure with the ride where it became stuck up in the upright position. The ride was recently inspected by the state of Wisconsin here on site".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cwionews.com/trending/floating-gold-worth-54mn-found-in-dead-whale-in-canary-islands-612033">'Floating gold' worth $5.4mn found in dead whale in Canary Islands</a>&nbsp;

Firefighter EMT Erica Kostichka told WSAW: "They did all very well. Obviously, they were scared. They had been upside down for quite some time."&nbsp;

The images and videos of people dangling upside down on the roller coaster were shared on social media platforms.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Eight people hung upside down for about three hours, stuck in a roller coaster-like attraction. 
Emergency happened at a festival in American Wisconsin. Local media write that seven of the eight stranded are children. According to preliminary data, everyone got off with fright. <a href="https://t.co/OP3Ow3syQZ">pic.twitter.com/OP3Ow3syQZ</a>
— Sasha White (@rusashanews) <a href="https://twitter.com/rusashanews/status/1676198252104806400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Eight people hung upside down for about three hours, stuck in a roller coaster-like attraction. 
Emergency happened at a festival in American Wisconsin. Local media write that seven of the eight stranded are children. According to preliminary data, everyone got off with fright. <a href="https://t.co/OP3Ow3syQZ">pic.twitter.com/OP3Ow3syQZ</a>
— Sasha White (@rusashanews) <a href="https://twitter.com/rusashanews/status/1676198252104806400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whales-can-help-fight-the-climate-change-scientists-say-544934">Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say</a>

<h2>Roller coaster mishaps</h2>

Recently, a massive crack, visible to the naked eye, forced a North Carolina amusement park to shut down one of its roller coasters. A man spotted a large crack, which led the support beam to move out of place when a car ran on it with people on the ride.&nbsp;

The man who discovered the crack in the Fury 325 giga roller coaster at the Carowinds amusement park notified officials. The Fury 325 is one of the tallest and longest rides.&nbsp;

It was temporarily closed after the complaint and a spokesperson for Carowinds said the roller coaster was being inspected by the park's maintenance team. Carowinds is located outside of Charlotte. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-massive-crack-forces-north-carolina-amusement-park-to-shut-down-its-roller-coaster-611166">Read the full report here</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Eight people were stuck upside down for hours after a roller coaster got stuck midway on Sunday at a fair in Wisconsin state of the US. Seven of the stuck passengers were children.

Eight people were stuck upside down for hours after a roller coaster got stuck midway on Sunday at a fair in Wisconsin state of the US. Seven of the stuck passengers were children. No injuries were reported, but according to the chief of the fire department, one person was transported to the hospital. The incident happened in Crandon at the Forest County Festival. Local reports said it was the final day of the festival at the Crandon International Raceway. Initial reports said that the reason behind the incident was a mechanical failure. Capt Brennan Cook of the fire department told CNN affiliate WJFW "there was a mechanical failure with the ride where it became stuck up in the upright position. The ride was recently inspected by the state of Wisconsin here on site". Also read: 'Floating gold' worth $5.4mn found in dead whale in Canary Islands Firefighter EMT Erica Kostichka told WSAW: "They did all very well. Obviously, they were scared. They had been upside down for quite some time." The images and videos of people dangling upside down on the roller coaster were shared on social media platforms. Eight people hung upside down for about three hours, stuck in a roller coaster-like attraction. Emergency happened at a festival in American Wisconsin. Local media write that seven of the eight stranded are children. According to preliminary data, everyone got off with fright. pic.twitter.com/OP3Ow3syQZ — Sasha White (@rusashanews) July 4, 2023 × Eight people hung upside down for about three hours, stuck in a roller coaster-like attraction. Emergency happened at a festival in American Wisconsin. Local media write that seven of the eight stranded are children. According to preliminary data, everyone got off with fright. pic.twitter.com/OP3Ow3syQZ — Sasha White (@rusashanews) July 4, 2023 × Also read: Whales can help fight the climate change, scientists say Roller coaster mishaps Recently, a massive crack, visible to the naked eye, forced a North Carolina amusement park to shut down one of its roller coasters. A man spotted a large crack, which led the support beam to move out of place when a car ran on it with people on the ride. The man who discovered the crack in the Fury 325 giga roller coaster at the Carowinds amusement park notified officials. The Fury 325 is one of the tallest and longest rides. It was temporarily closed after the complaint and a spokesperson for Carowinds said the roller coaster was being inspected by the park's maintenance team. Carowinds is located outside of Charlotte. Read the full report here WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Riders end up hanging upside down for hours after roller coaster stopped

At least 15 people died and several were missing in the aftermath of torrential rain in the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing, local officials and state media said on Wednesday (July 5).&nbsp;

State news agency Xinhua said, citing local authorities, "The latest round of torrential rains since Monday had killed 15 people and left four others missing in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as of 7 am Wednesday." The toll was also confirmed by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The heavy rains, mainly seen in the areas along the Yangtze River, have triggered floods and geological disasters, disrupting the lives of more than 130,000 people in 19 districts and counties," Xinhua added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/population-collapse-number-of-japanese-households-with-kids-falls-to-historic-low-612123">Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low</a>&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, officials issued an alert for rain-triggered disasters across large swathes of central and southwestern China.&nbsp;

The state media also reported that President Xi Jinping ordered that "authorities at all levels must give top priority to ensuring people's safety and property".&nbsp;

The agency added, "Xi underlined that leading officials at all levels must take the lead in fighting the floods, put the people's safety and property first, and strive to minimise all kinds of losses."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-presidential-front-runner-says-he-can-keep-peace-with-china-612096">Taiwan presidential front-runner says he can keep peace with China</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Reports show extent of damage&nbsp;</h2>

The state broadcaster CCTV said that workers on Tuesday found that a closed-off railway bridge on the outskirts of Chongqing had collapsed after it was "damaged by the impact of mountain torrents". Xinhua reported that in neighbouring Sichuan province, authorities said more than 460,000 had been affected by the heavy rain this month.&nbsp;

As reported by AFP, around 85,000 people have been evacuated from their homes amid "flash floods in mountainous areas" and "possible mudslides in some parts" of the country expected this week.&nbsp;

<h2>Fluctuation in global temperatures&nbsp;</h2>

According to data from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, July 3 was registered as the hottest day ever recorded globally.&nbsp;

The average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 Fahrenheit), surpassing the August 2016 record of 16.92C (62.46F) as heatwaves sizzled around the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

At least 15 people died and several were missing in the aftermath of torrential rain in the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing, local officials and state media said on Wednesday (July 5).

At least 15 people died and several were missing in the aftermath of torrential rain in the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing, local officials and state media said on Wednesday (July 5). State news agency Xinhua said, citing local authorities, "The latest round of torrential rains since Monday had killed 15 people and left four others missing in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as of 7 am Wednesday." The toll was also confirmed by the news agency AFP. "The heavy rains, mainly seen in the areas along the Yangtze River, have triggered floods and geological disasters, disrupting the lives of more than 130,000 people in 19 districts and counties," Xinhua added. Also read: Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low Earlier on Tuesday, officials issued an alert for rain-triggered disasters across large swathes of central and southwestern China. The state media also reported that President Xi Jinping ordered that "authorities at all levels must give top priority to ensuring people's safety and property". The agency added, "Xi underlined that leading officials at all levels must take the lead in fighting the floods, put the people's safety and property first, and strive to minimise all kinds of losses." Also read: Taiwan presidential front-runner says he can keep peace with China Reports show extent of damage The state broadcaster CCTV said that workers on Tuesday found that a closed-off railway bridge on the outskirts of Chongqing had collapsed after it was "damaged by the impact of mountain torrents". Xinhua reported that in neighbouring Sichuan province, authorities said more than 460,000 had been affected by the heavy rain this month. As reported by AFP, around 85,000 people have been evacuated from their homes amid "flash floods in mountainous areas" and "possible mudslides in some parts" of the country expected this week. Fluctuation in global temperatures According to data from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, July 3 was registered as the hottest day ever recorded globally. The average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 Fahrenheit), surpassing the August 2016 record of 16.92C (62.46F) as heatwaves sizzled around the world. (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.

At least 15 people dead after torrential rains lash southwest China

Youths in Tunisia called for vengeance on Tuesday at the funeral of a man who was stabbed to death during a scuffle between residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Three African migrants were arrested as suspects for the death of the local man in Tunisia's coastal city of Sfax, a court spokesman said.

The North African country's second-largest city is a departure point for many migrants hoping to reach Italy, and tensions have been rising in Sfax for months.

Police had fired tear gas on Sunday to disperse residents and migrants pelting stones at each other.

Faouzi Masmoudi, the spokesman for the Sfax prosecutor, said the victim, who was in his early 40s, was fatally stabbed late Monday during a scuffle between Sfax residents and migrants.

He said three suspects&nbsp;from Cameroon, according to initial information, had been arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisian-police-arrest-prominent-political-activists-and-influential-businessman-561237">Tunisian police arrest prominent political activists and influential businessman</a>

Locals in Sfax regularly protest against the presence of the migrants and call for them to leave.

News of the man's death spread quickly after Tarek Mahdi, a member of parliament for Sfax, posted a video on social media showing a body lying in the street and a trail of blood.

Reactions to the post, some with racist overtones, included calls for African migrants to be expelled from Sfax.&nbsp; 
 
Clashes between migrants and residents were reported in several districts of the city on Tuesday.

<h2>Police presence increased to boost security</h2>

The interior ministry said the police and security presence in Sfax was bolstered after Monday's killing.

Racial tensions in Tunisia have led to deadly violence earlier also. In late May, police arrested three citizens on suspicion of stabbing to death a migrant from Benin.

Tunisia has seen a rise in racially motivated attacks on migrants and foreign students following President Kais Saied's comments in February accusing "hordes" of illegal migrants of bringing violence, crime and "unacceptable practices".&nbsp;

He also spoke of a "criminal plot" to change the country's demography.

On Tuesday, Saied visited the interior ministry in the capital.

In a&nbsp;statement, the&nbsp;president&nbsp;reiterated that Tunisia "does not accept that anyone who does not respect its laws stays on its territory, or uses it as a transit country or to resettle nationals of certain African countries".

With a population of 12 million, Tunisia hosts an estimated 21,000 migrants from other parts of Africa, representing 0.2 per cent of the population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-migrants-missing-after-boat-capsizes-off-italian-island-of-lampedusa-608029">Around 40 migrants missing after boat capsizes between Italy and Tunisia</a>

While some migrants come to Tunisia to study, many use the country as a springboard for attempts to reach Europe by sea, usually to the Italian island of Lampedusa about 130 kilometres away. 
 
Tunisians themselves have joined the exodus in a bid to flee the economic crisis in their country, which is highly indebted and in talks for a bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Europe has offered funding to help assist Tunisia's efforts against illegal migration and boost the economy.&nbsp;

Saied has repeatedly rejected what he terms the "diktats" of the Washington-based IMF.

WATCH WION LIVE:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Youths in Tunisia called for vengeance on Tuesday at the funeral of a man who was stabbed to death during a scuffle between residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Youths in Tunisia called for vengeance on Tuesday at the funeral of a man who was stabbed to death during a scuffle between residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Three African migrants were arrested as suspects for the death of the local man in Tunisia's coastal city of Sfax, a court spokesman said. The North African country's second-largest city is a departure point for many migrants hoping to reach Italy, and tensions have been rising in Sfax for months. Police had fired tear gas on Sunday to disperse residents and migrants pelting stones at each other. Faouzi Masmoudi, the spokesman for the Sfax prosecutor, said the victim, who was in his early 40s, was fatally stabbed late Monday during a scuffle between Sfax residents and migrants. He said three suspects from Cameroon, according to initial information, had been arrested. Also read | Tunisian police arrest prominent political activists and influential businessman Locals in Sfax regularly protest against the presence of the migrants and call for them to leave. News of the man's death spread quickly after Tarek Mahdi, a member of parliament for Sfax, posted a video on social media showing a body lying in the street and a trail of blood. Reactions to the post, some with racist overtones, included calls for African migrants to be expelled from Sfax. Clashes between migrants and residents were reported in several districts of the city on Tuesday. Police presence increased to boost security The interior ministry said the police and security presence in Sfax was bolstered after Monday's killing. Racial tensions in Tunisia have led to deadly violence earlier also. In late May, police arrested three citizens on suspicion of stabbing to death a migrant from Benin. Tunisia has seen a rise in racially motivated attacks on migrants and foreign students following President Kais Saied's comments in February accusing "hordes" of illegal migrants of bringing violence, crime and "unacceptable practices". He also spoke of a "criminal plot" to change the country's demography. On Tuesday, Saied visited the interior ministry in the capital. In a statement, the president reiterated that Tunisia "does not accept that anyone who does not respect its laws stays on its territory, or uses it as a transit country or to resettle nationals of certain African countries". With a population of 12 million, Tunisia hosts an estimated 21,000 migrants from other parts of Africa, representing 0.2 per cent of the population. Also read | Around 40 migrants missing after boat capsizes between Italy and Tunisia While some migrants come to Tunisia to study, many use the country as a springboard for attempts to reach Europe by sea, usually to the Italian island of Lampedusa about 130 kilometres away. Tunisians themselves have joined the exodus in a bid to flee the economic crisis in their country, which is highly indebted and in talks for a bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund. Europe has offered funding to help assist Tunisia's efforts against illegal migration and boost the economy. Saied has repeatedly rejected what he terms the "diktats" of the Washington-based IMF. WATCH WION LIVE:

Tunisians stabbed to death in clash with African migrants, three arrested

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili appeared on television for the first time in months on Monday, looking frail and emaciated, fuelling concerns over the detained politician's treatment.&nbsp;

The 55-year-old — who before jail was a large man — was almost unrecognisable and looked like a ghost of his former self.

The images prompted war-torn Ukraine — of which Saakashvili is a citizen — to summon the Georgian ambassador, asking him to go to Tbilisi to help "save" Saakashvili.&nbsp;

Leader of the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013, Saakashvili was jailed after returning from exile on abuse of power charges that rights groups denounce as politically motivated.

Doctors have said Saakashvili risks dying from conditions he has developed while in custody, though Georgian authorities say he is being given adequate medical care.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-government-protesters-fill-the-streets-of-georgian-capital-tbilisi-again-580799">Anti-government protesters fill the streets of Georgian capital Tbilisi again</a>

Appearing via video link for a court hearing on the "abuse of office" charges, Saakashvili, 55, lifted his shirt to show his ribs protruding from his chest, a hollow abdomen, and skin clinging tightly to his bones.

"A totally innocent man is being kept in custody," he said in coverage carried live on several independent TV channels. "I did not commit any crime."

He is being held at a civilian hospital, where he was transferred last year after staging a 50-day hunger strike to protest his detention.

"Putting me in jail will not break me. I am going to be actively involved in Georgian politics," he said.

<h2>'Save this man'</h2>

In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv would be asked to "leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital" on Saakashvili's treatment.&nbsp;

Zelensky wants Saakashvili — whom he made a Ukrainian citizen in 2019 — to be transferred to a clinic in Ukraine or the West.&nbsp;

He called on Georgia to "hand over" Saakashvili to Ukraine and "save this man".

It was not immediately clear if the ambassador was being formally expelled.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-asks-georgian-ambassador-to-kyiv-to-save-mikheil-saakashvili-611562">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to 'save' Mikheil Saakashvili</a>

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the ambassador would arrive at his offices on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Tomorrow morning, the Georgian ambassador will be at the Foreign Ministry, we will have a tough conversation with him, he will go to Georgia," Kuleba said on social media.&nbsp;

Kyiv, which has been battling a Russian invasion for 16 months, has accused Tbilisi of increasingly cooperating with Moscow.

Watch:&nbsp;First flight from Russia to Georgia since 2019 lands to protests

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-flight-from-russia-to-georgia-since-2019-lands-to-protests-594427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Zelensky accused Russia of "killing" Saakashvili "at the hands of the Georgian authorities".

<h2>'Torture' in custody</h2>

Two groups of doctors — one set up by Georgia's rights ombudsperson, another consisting of US-based medics — have said that Saakashvili's health continued to decline well after he ended his hunger strike.

The group of US-based doctors, who examined Saakashvili in person, said his deteriorating health was the result of "torture" in custody, saying he needed an immediate transfer to a medical centre abroad.

The politician, who once weighed more than 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds), has lost around 60 kilogrammes while in prison, the doctor groups say.

The European Union and the United States have urged Georgia to ensure that Saakashvili is provided medical treatment and that his rights are protected.

Amnesty International has branded his treatment as "apparent political revenge".

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili appeared on television for the first time in months on Monday, looking frail and emaciated, fuelling concerns over the detained politician's treatment.

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili appeared on television for the first time in months on Monday, looking frail and emaciated, fuelling concerns over the detained politician's treatment. The 55-year-old — who before jail was a large man — was almost unrecognisable and looked like a ghost of his former self. The images prompted war-torn Ukraine — of which Saakashvili is a citizen — to summon the Georgian ambassador, asking him to go to Tbilisi to help "save" Saakashvili. Leader of the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013, Saakashvili was jailed after returning from exile on abuse of power charges that rights groups denounce as politically motivated. Doctors have said Saakashvili risks dying from conditions he has developed while in custody, though Georgian authorities say he is being given adequate medical care. Also read: Anti-government protesters fill the streets of Georgian capital Tbilisi again Appearing via video link for a court hearing on the "abuse of office" charges, Saakashvili, 55, lifted his shirt to show his ribs protruding from his chest, a hollow abdomen, and skin clinging tightly to his bones. "A totally innocent man is being kept in custody," he said in coverage carried live on several independent TV channels. "I did not commit any crime." He is being held at a civilian hospital, where he was transferred last year after staging a 50-day hunger strike to protest his detention. "Putting me in jail will not break me. I am going to be actively involved in Georgian politics," he said. 'Save this man' In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Georgian ambassador to Kyiv would be asked to "leave Ukraine within 48 hours to hold consultations with his capital" on Saakashvili's treatment. Zelensky wants Saakashvili — whom he made a Ukrainian citizen in 2019 — to be transferred to a clinic in Ukraine or the West. He called on Georgia to "hand over" Saakashvili to Ukraine and "save this man". It was not immediately clear if the ambassador was being formally expelled. Also read: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks Georgian ambassador to Kyiv to 'save' Mikheil Saakashvili Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the ambassador would arrive at his offices on Tuesday. "Tomorrow morning, the Georgian ambassador will be at the Foreign Ministry, we will have a tough conversation with him, he will go to Georgia," Kuleba said on social media. Kyiv, which has been battling a Russian invasion for 16 months, has accused Tbilisi of increasingly cooperating with Moscow. Watch: First flight from Russia to Georgia since 2019 lands to protests × Zelensky accused Russia of "killing" Saakashvili "at the hands of the Georgian authorities". 'Torture' in custody Two groups of doctors — one set up by Georgia's rights ombudsperson, another consisting of US-based medics — have said that Saakashvili's health continued to decline well after he ended his hunger strike. The group of US-based doctors, who examined Saakashvili in person, said his deteriorating health was the result of "torture" in custody, saying he needed an immediate transfer to a medical centre abroad. The politician, who once weighed more than 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds), has lost around 60 kilogrammes while in prison, the doctor groups say. The European Union and the United States have urged Georgia to ensure that Saakashvili is provided medical treatment and that his rights are protected. Amnesty International has branded his treatment as "apparent political revenge". WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Health fears for Georgia's jailed ex-leader Saakashvili after TV footage

A UK court on Tuesday will consider contentious plans to extend a scheme obliging the most polluting vehicles to pay for using London's roads, as opponents engage in protests — and even sabotage.

The High Court case comes fewer than two months before London Mayor Sadiq Khan's expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to take effect.

The scheme — first introduced in 2019 and separate from the city's two-decades-old congestion charge — requires more polluting vehicles to pay a £12.50 ($16) toll on days they are driven within inner London.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-air-pollution-in-london-worst-in-six-years-556641">United Kingdom: Air pollution in London worst in six years</a>

Its extension to all of Greater London from August 29 has prompted a fierce backlash from many living in and around the newly encompassed areas, who face fines of up to £160 for each day they fail to pay.

"It ain't right. They're hitting working-class people again," Chris Fordham, 62, told AFP as he pulled up at a supermarket just beyond southeast London in his non-compliant 2012 diesel van.

"I'm thinking about packing up work," added the self-employed builder, who crosses into the capital almost daily, blaming the imminent new charge and other soaring costs.

Several outer London local authorities and neighbouring Surrey County Council are lodging a court challenge to the way Khan decided on the expansion.

The Labour mayor, re-elected to a second term in 2021, ordered the move in November despite a public consultation suggesting most Londoners oppose it.

<h2>Cutting harmful emissions</h2>

Khan insists the bigger ULEZ will help improve the city's "toxic air pollution", which causes thousands of annual deaths and life-changing illnesses.

The 52-year-old mayor developed adult-onset asthma nine years ago and blames it on decades of breathing the capital's poor air. &nbsp;

In a legal first in 2021, a coroner ruled that poor air quality from vehicle emissions made a "material contribution" to the death of a nine-year-old London girl who suffered a severe asthma attack.

London's ULEZ mirrors similar low-emission zones to improve air quality in more than 200 cities in 10 countries across Europe.

Khan's office insists it has improved air quality by cutting harmful emissions.

Watch:&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: London grapples with air emergency

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-london-grapples-with-air-emergency-556578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Petrol cars registered pre-2006 and diesel vehicles first registered before September 2015 are unlikely to meet the minimum emissions standards required.
</div>

Transport for London (TfL) — a local government body — estimates that fewer than 200,000 such vehicles currently enter the new zone, based on existing ULEZ camera analysis.

But the RAC motoring group used a freedom of information request to discover that more than 850,000 ineligible vehicles are registered within London alone.

Khan argues that many of those are not actually driven in the capital.

He has launched a scrappage scheme providing some funding to eligible vehicle owners.

But critics say it does not go far enough.

With Britain gripped by the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, many affected have been left feeling helpless.

<h2>People need more help</h2>

"It's the wrong time with the cost of living," said pregnant mother-of-one Sarah Farmer, who lives in Swanley, near London.

The 31-year-old regularly crosses into the capital in her 2003 Ford Mondeo for her cleaning job and to visit relatives.

To compound problems, her partner's 2014 diesel van used for his bricklaying job is not compliant either.

"We don't have the savings to buy a new car," Farmer explained.

"I'm not actually against it," she added of the ULEZ, "but they need to give people more help."

Some are escalating their opposition, with TfL confirming that more than 200 enforcement cameras have suffered sabotaged.

London's Metropolitan police have launched a "proactive operation" in response, charging two men in May with criminal damage and other offences.

"We have been proactively targeting those we suspect of causing or seeking to cause damage," said Detective Superintendent Daniel Smith, whose officers are leading the investigation.

"We are aware of the active discussions online and the passion felt by some in our communities. We will continue to support lawful protest but criminal activity is not acceptable."

Meanwhile, critics have been staging anti-ULEZ protests, the latest in central London late last month.

Phil Elliott, 59, a haulage industry driver who has long campaigned against aspects of London's road-charging schemes, has been spearheading opposition, largely through Facebook.

He told AFP the new toll is the final straw for many and predicts growing civil disobedience in Britain, emulating the so-called yellow jackets protests seen in France.

"Desperate times take desperate measures and unfortunately what you've got (is) people are getting desperate now and governments aren't listening," Elliott said.&nbsp;

"Before it gets too messy, people need to start listening."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A UK court on Tuesday will consider contentious plans to extend a scheme obliging the most polluting vehicles to pay for using London's roads, as opponents engage in protests — and even sabotage.

A UK court on Tuesday will consider contentious plans to extend a scheme obliging the most polluting vehicles to pay for using London's roads, as opponents engage in protests — and even sabotage. The High Court case comes fewer than two months before London Mayor Sadiq Khan's expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to take effect. The scheme — first introduced in 2019 and separate from the city's two-decades-old congestion charge — requires more polluting vehicles to pay a £12.50 ($16) toll on days they are driven within inner London. Also read: United Kingdom: Air pollution in London worst in six years Its extension to all of Greater London from August 29 has prompted a fierce backlash from many living in and around the newly encompassed areas, who face fines of up to £160 for each day they fail to pay. "It ain't right. They're hitting working-class people again," Chris Fordham, 62, told AFP as he pulled up at a supermarket just beyond southeast London in his non-compliant 2012 diesel van. "I'm thinking about packing up work," added the self-employed builder, who crosses into the capital almost daily, blaming the imminent new charge and other soaring costs. Several outer London local authorities and neighbouring Surrey County Council are lodging a court challenge to the way Khan decided on the expansion. The Labour mayor, re-elected to a second term in 2021, ordered the move in November despite a public consultation suggesting most Londoners oppose it. Cutting harmful emissions Khan insists the bigger ULEZ will help improve the city's "toxic air pollution", which causes thousands of annual deaths and life-changing illnesses. The 52-year-old mayor developed adult-onset asthma nine years ago and blames it on decades of breathing the capital's poor air. In a legal first in 2021, a coroner ruled that poor air quality from vehicle emissions made a "material contribution" to the death of a nine-year-old London girl who suffered a severe asthma attack. London's ULEZ mirrors similar low-emission zones to improve air quality in more than 200 cities in 10 countries across Europe. Khan's office insists it has improved air quality by cutting harmful emissions. Watch: WION Climate Tracker: London grapples with air emergency × Petrol cars registered pre-2006 and diesel vehicles first registered before September 2015 are unlikely to meet the minimum emissions standards required. Transport for London (TfL) — a local government body — estimates that fewer than 200,000 such vehicles currently enter the new zone, based on existing ULEZ camera analysis. But the RAC motoring group used a freedom of information request to discover that more than 850,000 ineligible vehicles are registered within London alone. Khan argues that many of those are not actually driven in the capital. He has launched a scrappage scheme providing some funding to eligible vehicle owners. But critics say it does not go far enough. With Britain gripped by the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, many affected have been left feeling helpless. People need more help "It's the wrong time with the cost of living," said pregnant mother-of-one Sarah Farmer, who lives in Swanley, near London. The 31-year-old regularly crosses into the capital in her 2003 Ford Mondeo for her cleaning job and to visit relatives. To compound problems, her partner's 2014 diesel van used for his bricklaying job is not compliant either. "We don't have the savings to buy a new car," Farmer explained. "I'm not actually against it," she added of the ULEZ, "but they need to give people more help." Some are escalating their opposition, with TfL confirming that more than 200 enforcement cameras have suffered sabotaged. London's Metropolitan police have launched a "proactive operation" in response, charging two men in May with criminal damage and other offences. "We have been proactively targeting those we suspect of causing or seeking to cause damage," said Detective Superintendent Daniel Smith, whose officers are leading the investigation. "We are aware of the active discussions online and the passion felt by some in our communities. We will continue to support lawful protest but criminal activity is not acceptable." Meanwhile, critics have been staging anti-ULEZ protests, the latest in central London late last month. Phil Elliott, 59, a haulage industry driver who has long campaigned against aspects of London's road-charging schemes, has been spearheading opposition, largely through Facebook. He told AFP the new toll is the final straw for many and predicts growing civil disobedience in Britain, emulating the so-called yellow jackets protests seen in France. "Desperate times take desperate measures and unfortunately what you've got (is) people are getting desperate now and governments aren't listening," Elliott said. "Before it gets too messy, people need to start listening." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Legal battle looms over London's expanding vehicle pollution fee

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.

The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed.

But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain.

Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high.

That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places.

The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market.

"It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University.

"That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP.

His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana.

<h2>Man in demand</h2>

Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research.

The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that.

Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming.

The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use.

Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats.

"Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant."

A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall.

Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers.

But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it.

"If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says.

<h2>From policing to producing?</h2>

Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source.

When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema."

He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all.

Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects.

CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says.

In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high.

"That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret. The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed. But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain. Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high. That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places. The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market. "It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University. "That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP. His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana. Man in demand Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research. The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that. Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming. The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use. Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats. "Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant." A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers. But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it. "If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says. From policing to producing? Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source. When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema." He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all. Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects. CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says. In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high. "That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

This 'magic plant' has medical component CBD similar to marijuana in leaves and fruit, but no high

The target of keeping long-term global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) is moving out of reach, climate experts say, with nations failing to set more ambitious goals despite months of record-breaking heat on land and sea.

As envoys gathered in Bonn in early June to prepare for this year's annual climate talks in November, average global surface air temperatures were more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for several days, the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said.

Though mean temperatures had temporarily breached the 1.5C threshold before, this was the first time they had done so in the northern hemisphere summer that starts on June 1. Sea temperatures also broke April and May records.

"We've run out of time because change takes time," said Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climatologist at Australia's University of New South Wales.

As climate envoys from the two biggest greenhouse gas emitters prepare to meet next month, temperatures broke June records in the Chinese capital Beijing, and extreme heatwaves have hit the United States.

Parts of North America were some 10C above the seasonal average this month, and smoke from forest fires blanketed Canada and the U.S. East Coast in hazardous haze, with carbon emissions estimated at a record 160 million metric tons.

In India, one of the most climate vulnerable regions, deaths were reported to have spiked as a result of sustained high temperatures, and extreme heat has been recorded in Spain, Iran and Vietnam, raising fears that last year's deadly summer could become routine.

Countries agreed in Paris in 2015 to try to keep long-term average temperature rises within 1.5C, but there is now a 66% likelihood the annual mean will cross the 1.5C threshold for at least one whole year between now and 2027, the World Meteorological Organization predicted in May.

<h2>'Quadruple whammy'</h2>

High land temperatures have been matched by those on the sea, with warming intensified by an El Nino event and other factors.

Global average sea surface temperatures hit 21C in late March and have remained at record levels for the time of year throughout April and May. Australia's weather agency warned that Pacific and Indian Ocean sea temperatures could be 3C warmer than normal by October.

Global warming is the major factor, said Piers Forster, professor of climate physics at the University of Leeds, but El Nino, the decline in Saharan dust blowing over the ocean and the use of low-sulphur shipping fuels were also to blame.

"So in all, oceans are being hit by a quadruple whammy," he said. "It's a sign of things to come."

Thousands of dead fish have been washing up on Texan beaches and heat-induced algal blooms have also been blamed for killing sea lions and dolphins in California.

Warmer seas could also mean less wind and rain, creating a vicious circle that leads to even more heat, said Annalisa Bracco, a climatologist at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Though this year's high sea temperatures are caused by a "perfect combination" of circumstances, the ecological impact could endure, she said.

"The ocean is going to have a very slow response as it accumulates (heat) slowly but also keeps it for very long."

<h2>The road to Dubai</h2>

Climate experts say the extent and frequency of extreme weather are increasing, and this year has also seen punishing droughts across the world, as well as a rare and deadly cyclone in Africa.

The Worldwide Fund for Nature, however, warned of a "worrying lack of momentum" during climate talks in Bonn this month, with little progress made on key issues like fossil fuels and finance ahead of November's COP28 climate talks in Dubai.

"It was very detached from what was going on outside of the building in Bonn - I was very disappointed by that," said Li Shuo, Greenpeace's senior climate adviser in Beijing.

"We are really getting to the moment of truth ... I am hoping that the sheer reality will help us change people's moves and change the politics."

Talks between the United States and China could resume next week with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry set to visit Beijing, though few expect it to add momentum to climate negotiations.

"This is more a trust-building exercise," Li said. "I don't think either side will be able to push the other side to say much more than they are willing to do - the politics won't allow that."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The target of keeping long-term global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) is moving out of reach, climate experts say, with nations failing to set more ambitious goals despite months of record-breaking heat on land and sea.

The target of keeping long-term global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) is moving out of reach, climate experts say, with nations failing to set more ambitious goals despite months of record-breaking heat on land and sea. As envoys gathered in Bonn in early June to prepare for this year's annual climate talks in November, average global surface air temperatures were more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for several days, the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said. Though mean temperatures had temporarily breached the 1.5C threshold before, this was the first time they had done so in the northern hemisphere summer that starts on June 1. Sea temperatures also broke April and May records. "We've run out of time because change takes time," said Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climatologist at Australia's University of New South Wales. As climate envoys from the two biggest greenhouse gas emitters prepare to meet next month, temperatures broke June records in the Chinese capital Beijing, and extreme heatwaves have hit the United States. Parts of North America were some 10C above the seasonal average this month, and smoke from forest fires blanketed Canada and the U.S. East Coast in hazardous haze, with carbon emissions estimated at a record 160 million metric tons. In India, one of the most climate vulnerable regions, deaths were reported to have spiked as a result of sustained high temperatures, and extreme heat has been recorded in Spain, Iran and Vietnam, raising fears that last year's deadly summer could become routine. Countries agreed in Paris in 2015 to try to keep long-term average temperature rises within 1.5C, but there is now a 66% likelihood the annual mean will cross the 1.5C threshold for at least one whole year between now and 2027, the World Meteorological Organization predicted in May. 'Quadruple whammy' High land temperatures have been matched by those on the sea, with warming intensified by an El Nino event and other factors. Global average sea surface temperatures hit 21C in late March and have remained at record levels for the time of year throughout April and May. Australia's weather agency warned that Pacific and Indian Ocean sea temperatures could be 3C warmer than normal by October. Global warming is the major factor, said Piers Forster, professor of climate physics at the University of Leeds, but El Nino, the decline in Saharan dust blowing over the ocean and the use of low-sulphur shipping fuels were also to blame. "So in all, oceans are being hit by a quadruple whammy," he said. "It's a sign of things to come." Thousands of dead fish have been washing up on Texan beaches and heat-induced algal blooms have also been blamed for killing sea lions and dolphins in California. Warmer seas could also mean less wind and rain, creating a vicious circle that leads to even more heat, said Annalisa Bracco, a climatologist at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Though this year's high sea temperatures are caused by a "perfect combination" of circumstances, the ecological impact could endure, she said. "The ocean is going to have a very slow response as it accumulates (heat) slowly but also keeps it for very long." The road to Dubai Climate experts say the extent and frequency of extreme weather are increasing, and this year has also seen punishing droughts across the world, as well as a rare and deadly cyclone in Africa. The Worldwide Fund for Nature, however, warned of a "worrying lack of momentum" during climate talks in Bonn this month, with little progress made on key issues like fossil fuels and finance ahead of November's COP28 climate talks in Dubai. "It was very detached from what was going on outside of the building in Bonn - I was very disappointed by that," said Li Shuo, Greenpeace's senior climate adviser in Beijing. "We are really getting to the moment of truth ... I am hoping that the sheer reality will help us change people's moves and change the politics." Talks between the United States and China could resume next week with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry set to visit Beijing, though few expect it to add momentum to climate negotiations. "This is more a trust-building exercise," Li said. "I don't think either side will be able to push the other side to say much more than they are willing to do - the politics won't allow that." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

World hits record land, sea temperatures as climate change fuels 2023 extremes

The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled". No casualties were reported during the drone interceptions.&nbsp;

The ministry further said that four of the drones were intercepted by air defences in the New Moscow region and the fifth one was "suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed on the territory of the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region".&nbsp;

Frights were disturbed amid the chaos, and landings and takeoffs at Moscow's Vnukovo were restricted for several hours early on Tuesday before normal operations resumed after 0500 GMT. A number of flights from Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt were diverted.&nbsp;

"The Kyiv regime's attempt to attack an area where civilian infrastructure is located, including the airport, which incidentally also receives foreign flights, is yet another act of terrorism," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

"The international community should realise that the United States, Britain, France - permanent members of the UN Security Council - are financing a terrorist regime," she said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607">The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</a>

<h2>Russian troops at two major battlefronts</h2>

Serhii Cherevatyi, who is the spokesperson for the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that Russia has reportedly deployed over 180,000 troops to the two major eastern battlefronts.&nbsp;

In an interview with Ukrainian media on Monday, Cherevatyi said that troops have been deployed across the eastern frontline. The official noted that the Lyman-Kupyansk front is longer, which is why the enemy is "concentrating their forces there" and also added that there are "more than 120,000 enemy troops" in the Lyman-Kupyansk direction at the moment.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia banking on drones to pepper Western artillery pieces&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-banking-on-drones-to-pepper-western-artillery-pieces-611621/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-chinese-aircraft-crossed-taiwans-straits-median-line-taipei-611663">Eight Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan's Strait's median line: Taipei</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Fighting rages in south</h2>

On Sunday, Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove.&nbsp;

She noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;

According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;

She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled".

The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled". No casualties were reported during the drone interceptions. The ministry further said that four of the drones were intercepted by air defences in the New Moscow region and the fifth one was "suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed on the territory of the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region". Frights were disturbed amid the chaos, and landings and takeoffs at Moscow's Vnukovo were restricted for several hours early on Tuesday before normal operations resumed after 0500 GMT. A number of flights from Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt were diverted. "The Kyiv regime's attempt to attack an area where civilian infrastructure is located, including the airport, which incidentally also receives foreign flights, is yet another act of terrorism," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "The international community should realise that the United States, Britain, France - permanent members of the UN Security Council - are financing a terrorist regime," she said. Also read: The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Russian troops at two major battlefronts Serhii Cherevatyi, who is the spokesperson for the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that Russia has reportedly deployed over 180,000 troops to the two major eastern battlefronts. In an interview with Ukrainian media on Monday, Cherevatyi said that troops have been deployed across the eastern frontline. The official noted that the Lyman-Kupyansk front is longer, which is why the enemy is "concentrating their forces there" and also added that there are "more than 120,000 enemy troops" in the Lyman-Kupyansk direction at the moment. Watch: Russia banking on drones to pepper Western artillery pieces × Also read: Eight Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan's Strait's median line: Taipei Fighting rages in south On Sunday, Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove. She noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region. She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance." (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 claims Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least five drones

Breathtaking images show supermoon lighting up night sky in the most amazing way

On Tuesday (July 4), the International Atomic Energy Agency approved Japan's plans to release treated radioactive water into the sea from its defunct nuclear reactor in Fukushima. The Fukushima controversy is a hot potato in Asia, with tensions simmering after Japan's plans of releasing radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked nuclear plant into the sea.&nbsp;

A nuclear accident occurred at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant nuclear plant during the 2011 tsunami when a large quantity of radioactive material was released, causing significant human suffering.&nbsp;

After the tsunami hit, some of the nuclear facility's reactors went into meltdown as the cooling systems were overwhelmed, causing a nuclear accident — the worst since Chornobyl.&nbsp;

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, some experts said that the cleanup operation would take decades of work and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israel-launched-massive-military-operation-in-west-bank-611758">Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>How much water are we talking about?&nbsp;</h2>

The water was distilled after being contaminated from contact with fuel rods at the reactor. The tanks on the site now hold about 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water — enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, which is massive. It is a mixture of groundwater, rain that seeps into the area, and water used for cooling.&nbsp;

Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) is planning to dilute the water until tritium levels fall below regulatory limits, before pumping it into the ocean from the coastal site. The company has been filtering the contaminated water to remove isotopes, which leaves only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate from the water and commonly remains in wastewater that has been discharged into the sea by nuclear plants globally.&nbsp;

According to a Scientific American article in 2014, Tritium is considered&nbsp; relatively harmless because it does not emit enough energy to penetrate human skin. But it may lead to cancer risks when ingested. It's not a one or two-day job, as the entire process of water disposal will take decades to complete.&nbsp;

Japan wants to start releasing more than a million tonnes of treated water from the destroyed nuclear power plant this summer. Top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said Tuesday that "a review by IAEA, given how authoritative it is in the management and application of nuclear safety standards, is critical to our efforts to foster international understanding".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-dead-fish-wash-ashore-in-drought-hit-iraq-probe-on-611670">Thousands of dead fish wash ashore in drought-hit Iraq, probe on</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Japan gets stamp of approval&nbsp;</h2>

IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, said that Tokyo's plan to dilute the treated water and release it into the sea over several decades is "consistent with relevant international safety standards".&nbsp;

"The controlled, gradual discharges of the treated water to the sea... would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment," it added.&nbsp;

After speaking with Japan's prime minister and foreign minister, visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the body had spent two years reviewing the release plan. They have tested the water at its labs and sent samples to independent facilities for better analysis.&nbsp;

While mentioning similar releases by plants from China to France, he said, "This process of dilution and chemical and other filtration is nothing new. It's something that exists in the industry."&nbsp;

"We recognise that there are concerns," he said. Grossi noted that the IAEA will open a permanent office at the Fukushima site to continuously monitor the release process.&nbsp;

"We will thoroughly explain and communicate, both domestically and internationally, details of the IAEA report, our effort to ensure safety and measures against reputational damage".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-uk-of-sheltering-fugitives-after-bounty-put-on-hong-kong-democracy-activists-611785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>China raises concerns&nbsp;</h2>

The plan of releasing nuclear water remains controversial, with China criticising it. Not just China, the issue bothers other nations in the region as some in South Korea were panic-buying salt over fears of contamination after the discharge begins.&nbsp;

Fishing communities in Fukushima have also raised concerns over the impact of Japan's plan on their fishing activities as customers will be worried despite strict testing protocols for food from the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports have mentioned that Tepco has been engaging with fishing communities and other stakeholders and is promoting agriculture, fishery and forest products in stores and restaurants to reduce any reputational harm to produce from the area.&nbsp;

Amid rising concerns, Grossi said he will also visit South Korea to talk to the panicky consumers. He is also expected to visit New Zealand and the Cook Islands in a bid to ease concerns over the plan, according to media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>'Great East Japan Earthquake': What happened on March 11, 2011? </h2>

Japan was struck by a massive magnitude 9.0 earthquake which was centred in the Pacific Ocean about 80 kilometres east of the city of Sendai. The quake led to a powerful tsunami. According to the US Geological Survey, it was the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan and the fourth largest recorded worldwide since 1900.&nbsp;

As per the data released officially, the number of those confirmed dead or listed as missing from the 2011 disaster was about 18,500. Another estimated it to be at least 20,000. Reports have mentioned that the majority of those killed were drowning victims of the tsunami waves.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Tuesday (July 4), the International Atomic Energy Agency approved Japan's plans to release treated radioactive water into the sea from its defunct nuclear reactor in Fukushima.

On Tuesday (July 4), the International Atomic Energy Agency approved Japan's plans to release treated radioactive water into the sea from its defunct nuclear reactor in Fukushima. The Fukushima controversy is a hot potato in Asia, with tensions simmering after Japan's plans of releasing radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked nuclear plant into the sea. A nuclear accident occurred at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant nuclear plant during the 2011 tsunami when a large quantity of radioactive material was released, causing significant human suffering. After the tsunami hit, some of the nuclear facility's reactors went into meltdown as the cooling systems were overwhelmed, causing a nuclear accident — the worst since Chornobyl. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, some experts said that the cleanup operation would take decades of work and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Also read: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank? How much water are we talking about? The water was distilled after being contaminated from contact with fuel rods at the reactor. The tanks on the site now hold about 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water — enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, which is massive. It is a mixture of groundwater, rain that seeps into the area, and water used for cooling. Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) is planning to dilute the water until tritium levels fall below regulatory limits, before pumping it into the ocean from the coastal site. The company has been filtering the contaminated water to remove isotopes, which leaves only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate from the water and commonly remains in wastewater that has been discharged into the sea by nuclear plants globally. According to a Scientific American article in 2014, Tritium is considered relatively harmless because it does not emit enough energy to penetrate human skin. But it may lead to cancer risks when ingested. It's not a one or two-day job, as the entire process of water disposal will take decades to complete. Japan wants to start releasing more than a million tonnes of treated water from the destroyed nuclear power plant this summer. Top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said Tuesday that "a review by IAEA, given how authoritative it is in the management and application of nuclear safety standards, is critical to our efforts to foster international understanding". Also read: Thousands of dead fish wash ashore in drought-hit Iraq, probe on Japan gets stamp of approval IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, said that Tokyo's plan to dilute the treated water and release it into the sea over several decades is "consistent with relevant international safety standards". "The controlled, gradual discharges of the treated water to the sea... would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment," it added. After speaking with Japan's prime minister and foreign minister, visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the body had spent two years reviewing the release plan. They have tested the water at its labs and sent samples to independent facilities for better analysis. While mentioning similar releases by plants from China to France, he said, "This process of dilution and chemical and other filtration is nothing new. It's something that exists in the industry." "We recognise that there are concerns," he said. Grossi noted that the IAEA will open a permanent office at the Fukushima site to continuously monitor the release process. "We will thoroughly explain and communicate, both domestically and internationally, details of the IAEA report, our effort to ensure safety and measures against reputational damage". Watch: China accuses UK of sheltering ‘fugitives’ after bounty put on Hong Kong democracy activists × China raises concerns The plan of releasing nuclear water remains controversial, with China criticising it. Not just China, the issue bothers other nations in the region as some in South Korea were panic-buying salt over fears of contamination after the discharge begins. Fishing communities in Fukushima have also raised concerns over the impact of Japan's plan on their fishing activities as customers will be worried despite strict testing protocols for food from the region. Meanwhile, reports have mentioned that Tepco has been engaging with fishing communities and other stakeholders and is promoting agriculture, fishery and forest products in stores and restaurants to reduce any reputational harm to produce from the area. Amid rising concerns, Grossi said he will also visit South Korea to talk to the panicky consumers. He is also expected to visit New Zealand and the Cook Islands in a bid to ease concerns over the plan, according to media reports. 'Great East Japan Earthquake': What happened on March 11, 2011? Japan was struck by a massive magnitude 9.0 earthquake which was centred in the Pacific Ocean about 80 kilometres east of the city of Sendai. The quake led to a powerful tsunami. According to the US Geological Survey, it was the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan and the fourth largest recorded worldwide since 1900. As per the data released officially, the number of those confirmed dead or listed as missing from the 2011 disaster was about 18,500. Another estimated it to be at least 20,000. Reports have mentioned that the majority of those killed were drowning victims of the tsunami waves. (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.

Explained: Japan gets OK to release Fukushima radioactive water. What's the row about?

Several safety issues were highlighted in the aftermath of the Titan submersible implosion, which killed all five on board last month. Now, it is being reported that the sub's electrical system was apparently designed by interns.

The accident occurred when the sub was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic. The sub was operated by OceanGate Expeditions.&nbsp;

An investigation is underway to find out details of the accident in which OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet lost their lives.

Debris and presumed human remains were recovered and the United States medical professionals are analysing them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tragic accident raised questions about the unregulated nature of such expeditions. Several experts across the world also asked why private parties ignore safety checks during risky adventure trips.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expeditions-to-titanic-wreck-see-bleak-future-as-all-plans-stand-cancelled-609763">Expeditions to Titanic wreck see bleak future as all plans stand cancelled</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reports have 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;

Now in another bombshell revelation, The New Yorker mentioned in its report that OceanGate founder Rush hired college-aged interns to design the "critical" electrical systems for the sub.&nbsp;

The outlet noted that Rush used interns from Washington State University Everett to work on the electrics. He was also accused of ignoring&nbsp;repeated safety warnings.&nbsp;

A person named Mark Walsh was hired by OceanGate in 2017 to lead the company's electrical engineering division after he graduated.&nbsp;He is a former student with Washington State University's Institute of Electrical and Electronics and apparently worked on the doomed vessel.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stunning-european-weather-agency-unveils-breathtaking-lightning-footage-watch-611572">Stunning lightning footage unveiled by European weather agency</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oceangate-announces-expedition-to-titanic-wreckage-again-610939/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>'Electrical system - that was our design'&nbsp;</h2>

As mentioned in the report, Walsh enthusiastically told the college paper WSU Insider in 2018 that "the whole electrical system - that was our design, we implemented it, and it works".&nbsp;

He added, "We are on the precipice of making history and all of our systems are going down to the Titanic. It is an awesome feeling!'"&nbsp;

According to The New Yorker, Walsh said that Tony Nissen, OceanGate's director of engineering, talked about the simmering issues and challenges faced by the company. He said that at the time he and fellow students volunteered to offer solutions.&nbsp;

"Tony said, "OK, you're hired,"' said Walsh, who was also the treasurer of WSU's Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers club.

While speaking to the college newspaper, he said, "'If electrons flow through it, I'm in charge of it,' he laughed. 'That ranges from monitors, keyboards and tablets to Wi-Fi and sonar."&nbsp;

The Linkedin profile of Walsh states that he was no longer with the company by 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Several safety issues were highlighted in the aftermath of the Titan submersible implosion, which killed all five on board last month. Now, it is being reported that the sub's electrical system was apparently designed by interns.

Several safety issues were highlighted in the aftermath of the Titan submersible implosion, which killed all five on board last month. Now, it is being reported that the sub's electrical system was apparently designed by interns. The accident occurred when the sub was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic. The sub was operated by OceanGate Expeditions. An investigation is underway to find out details of the accident in which OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet lost their lives. Debris and presumed human remains were recovered and the United States medical professionals are analysing them. The tragic accident raised questions about the unregulated nature of such expeditions. Several experts across the world also asked why private parties ignore safety checks during risky adventure trips. Also read: Expeditions to Titanic wreck see bleak future as all plans stand cancelled Reports have 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. Now in another bombshell revelation, The New Yorker mentioned in its report that OceanGate founder Rush hired college-aged interns to design the "critical" electrical systems for the sub. The outlet noted that Rush used interns from Washington State University Everett to work on the electrics. He was also accused of ignoring repeated safety warnings. A person named Mark Walsh was hired by OceanGate in 2017 to lead the company's electrical engineering division after he graduated. He is a former student with Washington State University's Institute of Electrical and Electronics and apparently worked on the doomed vessel. Also read: Stunning lightning footage unveiled by European weather agency Watch this report: × 'Electrical system - that was our design' As mentioned in the report, Walsh enthusiastically told the college paper WSU Insider in 2018 that "the whole electrical system - that was our design, we implemented it, and it works". He added, "We are on the precipice of making history and all of our systems are going down to the Titanic. It is an awesome feeling!'" According to The New Yorker, Walsh said that Tony Nissen, OceanGate's director of engineering, talked about the simmering issues and challenges faced by the company. He said that at the time he and fellow students volunteered to offer solutions. "Tony said, "OK, you're hired,"' said Walsh, who was also the treasurer of WSU's Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers club. While speaking to the college newspaper, he said, "'If electrons flow through it, I'm in charge of it,' he laughed. 'That ranges from monitors, keyboards and tablets to Wi-Fi and sonar." The Linkedin profile of Walsh states that he was no longer with the company by 2019. (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.

Did college interns design 'critical' electrical systems for Titan submersible?

Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry.&nbsp;

Read our report on the chip war between the US and China which has taken a sensational, new turn.&nbsp;

Also watch reportage on US airports travel havoc as more than 100 million people were under extreme weather warnings.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-consulate-in-san-francisco-set-on-fire-by-khalistani-extremists-611609">Watch: Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists</a> 
The Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists on Sunday. In a second attack within five months, the extremists briefly set the consulate on fire, before it was promptly suppressed by the San Francisco Fire Department.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/04/364244-capture.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-forces-target-nest-of-terrorists-in-jenin-9-palestinians-dead-611584">Israeli forces intensify 'largest' operation in West Bank in years, 9 Palestinians killed so far</a> 
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centers, and seizing significant weaponry, media reports said. This comes as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the killing of nine Palestinians.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/04/364230-untitled-design-2023-07-04t042041377.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-india-to-host-sco-summit-virtually-putin-xi-sharif-to-attend-611604">LIVE Updates: India to host SCO summit virtually; Putin, Xi, Sharif to attend</a> 
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit today virtually. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate as the leaders will discuss issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/04/364243-putin-modi-and-xi.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607">The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</a> 
The chip war between the US and China has taken a sensational, new turn after the latter imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/28/362832-ai-chips.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

US: Foul weather, tech glitches and staffing shortages cause chaos at the airports 
On the eve of Independence Day, US airports saw severe travel havoc as more than 100 million people were under extreme weather warnings. On Monday alone, more than 3,000 flights inside, into, or out of the US were delayed or cancelled.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-foul-weather-tech-glitches-and-staffing-shortages-cause-chaos-at-the-airports-611615/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry.

Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry. Read our report on the chip war between the US and China which has taken a sensational, new turn. Also watch reportage on US airports travel havoc as more than 100 million people were under extreme weather warnings. Click on headlines to read the full report: Watch: Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists The Indian consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists on Sunday. In a second attack within five months, the extremists briefly set the consulate on fire, before it was promptly suppressed by the San Francisco Fire Department. Israeli forces intensify 'largest' operation in West Bank in years, 9 Palestinians killed so far Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centers, and seizing significant weaponry, media reports said. This comes as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the killing of nine Palestinians. LIVE Updates: India to host SCO summit virtually; Putin, Xi, Sharif to attend Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit today virtually. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate as the leaders will discuss issues of mutual interest. The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production The chip war between the US and China has taken a sensational, new turn after the latter imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. US: Foul weather, tech glitches and staffing shortages cause chaos at the airports On the eve of Independence Day, US airports saw severe travel havoc as more than 100 million people were under extreme weather warnings. On Monday alone, more than 3,000 flights inside, into, or out of the US were delayed or cancelled. ×

Morning news brief: Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire, SCO Summit updates, and more

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Srishti Sisodia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.