<p>France was burning because of the violent protests in the aftermath of the police killing of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager, in Nanterre during a traffic stop. But is social media to be blamed for fueling the riots in the nation?&nbsp;</p>

<p>A couple of days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron asked the parents to keep child rioters off the streets. Macron said that some young people appeared to be copying violent video games which had "intoxicated" them. Macron has said that dozens of those arrested were "young, or very young".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides warning parents, Macron also urged social media firms to remove the "most sensitive" content related to the rioting. He even claimed video games played a role in the riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his speech on Friday, Macron did not specify what type of content he viewed as “sensitive,” but said he expected “a spirit of responsibility” from the social media platforms.</p>

<p>Overall, experts are again saying that social media companies such as TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms played a role to fuel widespread riots over the fatal police shooting incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by The Associated Press, a French official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cited an example of the name and address of the police officer who shot at Nahel being published on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-are-using-nahel-as-excuse-fatally-shot-teens-grandmother-hits-out-at-violent-protesters-611123">'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-brazil-indonesia-or-switzerland-tourism-advert-of-philippines-uses-stock-footage-from-other-countries-611201">Is it Brazil, Indonesia or Switzerland? Tourism advert of Philippines uses stock footage from other countries</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The official said that a prison officer also has seen his professional card going online, which suggested that it could put the person's life and family at risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron gave a speech on Friday, in which he said that he expected "a spirit of responsibility" from the social media platforms but did not specify what type of content he viewed as "sensitive".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official said that the government also spoke to the social media platform, including Snapchat and Twitter, asking them to remove content inciting violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the official, the French government is also working to identify people who launch calls for violence. However, the move is still at the "discussion" stage.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cyber harassment law in France</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In France, there is a law against cyber harassment as social media threats of crimes, like rape and murder can be prosecuted. However, it's very rare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bill was approved by the parliament of the country in 2020 that would force platforms and search engines to remove prohibited content within 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 12 months later, 11 of 13 people were charged by the court with harassing and threatening a teenager who harshly criticised Islam in an online post. But notably, the people charged were only those who could be tracked down.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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France was burning because of the violent protests in the aftermath of the police killing of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager, in Nanterre during a traffic stop. But is social media to be blamed for fueling the riots in the nation?

France was burning because of the violent protests in the aftermath of the police killing of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager, in Nanterre during a traffic stop. But is social media to be blamed for fueling the riots in the nation? A couple of days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron asked the parents to keep child rioters off the streets. Macron said that some young people appeared to be copying violent video games which had "intoxicated" them. Macron has said that dozens of those arrested were "young, or very young". Besides warning parents, Macron also urged social media firms to remove the "most sensitive" content related to the rioting. He even claimed video games played a role in the riots. During his speech on Friday, Macron did not specify what type of content he viewed as “sensitive,” but said he expected “a spirit of responsibility” from the social media platforms. Overall, experts are again saying that social media companies such as TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms played a role to fuel widespread riots over the fatal police shooting incident. As reported by The Associated Press, a French official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cited an example of the name and address of the police officer who shot at Nahel being published on social media. Also read: 'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters Watch this report: × Also read: Is it Brazil, Indonesia or Switzerland? Tourism advert of Philippines uses stock footage from other countries The official said that a prison officer also has seen his professional card going online, which suggested that it could put the person's life and family at risk. Macron gave a speech on Friday, in which he said that he expected "a spirit of responsibility" from the social media platforms but did not specify what type of content he viewed as "sensitive". The official said that the government also spoke to the social media platform, including Snapchat and Twitter, asking them to remove content inciting violence. According to the official, the French government is also working to identify people who launch calls for violence. However, the move is still at the "discussion" stage. Cyber harassment law in France In France, there is a law against cyber harassment as social media threats of crimes, like rape and murder can be prosecuted. However, it's very rare. A bill was approved by the parliament of the country in 2020 that would force platforms and search engines to remove prohibited content within 24 hours. Around 12 months later, 11 of 13 people were charged by the court with harassing and threatening a teenager who harshly criticised Islam in an online post. But notably, the people charged were only those who could be tracked down. (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.

Is social media responsible for fueling the riots in France?

<p>A drone was reportedly spotted above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Monday (July 3) morning, causing a security alert.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Police said that a probe began after they received information from the Special Protection Group (SPG) at 5:30am local time about the drone in the no-flying zone above PM Modi's residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SPG is an elite force that looks after the security of the Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi Police said in a statement: "Information was received about an unidentified flying object near the PM's residence. Thorough searches were made in nearby areas but no such object was detected."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police also said that the air traffic control room (ATC) was also contacted. They also didn't detect any such flying object near the PM's residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials added that "at present, due to the sensitive area, the police are investigating. Things will be clear only after verifying the facts".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's security&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, a new set of rules issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that security will now be handled by an officer not less than the rank of an Additional Director-General belonging to the Indian Police Service. The rules noted that the junior officers will be appointed on deputation for an initial period of six years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's Varanasi visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi is likely to visit Kashi on July 7 on the proposed tour of his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. A statement said that it is believed that during this time the Prime Minister will gift several schemes worth about three thousand crores to Kashi. In this, various projects are to be inaugurated and the foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a list of all the projects to be dedicated and laying the foundation stone. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently reviewed the progress of development works with the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A drone was reportedly spotted above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Monday (July 3) morning, causing a security alert. Delhi Police said that a probe began after they received information from the Special Protection Group (SPG) at 5:30am local time about the drone in the no-flying zone above PM Modi's residence.

A drone was reportedly spotted above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Monday (July 3) morning, causing a security alert. Delhi Police said that a probe began after they received information from the Special Protection Group (SPG) at 5:30am local time about the drone in the no-flying zone above PM Modi's residence. SPG is an elite force that looks after the security of the Prime Minister of India. The Delhi Police said in a statement: "Information was received about an unidentified flying object near the PM's residence. Thorough searches were made in nearby areas but no such object was detected." Police also said that the air traffic control room (ATC) was also contacted. They also didn't detect any such flying object near the PM's residence. Officials added that "at present, due to the sensitive area, the police are investigating. Things will be clear only after verifying the facts". PM Modi's security Recently, a new set of rules issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that security will now be handled by an officer not less than the rank of an Additional Director-General belonging to the Indian Police Service. The rules noted that the junior officers will be appointed on deputation for an initial period of six years. PM Modi's Varanasi visit PM Modi is likely to visit Kashi on July 7 on the proposed tour of his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. A statement said that it is believed that during this time the Prime Minister will gift several schemes worth about three thousand crores to Kashi. In this, various projects are to be inaugurated and the foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister. The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a list of all the projects to be dedicated and laying the foundation stone. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently reviewed the progress of development works with the officials. (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.

Drone hovers over Indian PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, probe underway

<p>Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Telegram post, the defence official said, "Fierce fighting is taking place there. The enemy is attacking Bilohorivka and Serebrianka." She referred to the two smaller villages south of Svatove — a region where Russian forces have been active. She said, "Fierce fighting is taking place...The situation is quite complicated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Maliar further mentioned that the Ukrainian forces are making progress near the shattered city of Bakhmut and also on the southern front, where Ukrainian forces have recaptured several villages. She said there had been "gradual advances" in two areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-ukraine-killed-80000-wagner-fighters-and-entire-world-wants-to-kill-vladimir-putin-611084">Zelensky claims Ukraine killed 21,000 Wagner fighters; says 'entire world wants to kill' Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>While detailing the situation near the town of Svatove, a report by CNN mentioned that the recapture would be crucial for Russia. The eastern town is located in the Luhansk region and has long been regarded as a key target for Ukrainian forces. It is crucial as it is situated along key Russian supply routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the news agency Reuters, some Russian accounts of the front line said that Moscow's forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks near villages around Bakhmut and in areas further south, particularly the hilltop town of Vuhlear, which is strategically important. They also reported success in containing Ukrainian troops in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-claims-of-funding-wagner-group-likely-to-make-it-easier-to-try-him-for-war-crimes-experts-611014">Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ukraine's counter-offensive</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine has claimed that its counter-offensive is currently underway and also says that the nation was making advances on all fronts. The Ukrainian forces aimed at recapturing areas of the east and south, which were seized by Russia during the invasion last year in February. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to General Oleksander Tarnavskiy, who is responsible for the southern front, the Ukrainian forces were "systematically destroying the enemy" and reported the deaths of several hundred Russian forces over the last 24 hours.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.

Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. In a Telegram post, the defence official said, "Fierce fighting is taking place there. The enemy is attacking Bilohorivka and Serebrianka." She referred to the two smaller villages south of Svatove — a region where Russian forces have been active. She said, "Fierce fighting is taking place...The situation is quite complicated." 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. Maliar further mentioned that the Ukrainian forces are making progress near the shattered city of Bakhmut and also on the southern front, where Ukrainian forces have recaptured several villages. She said there had been "gradual advances" in two areas. Also read: Zelensky claims Ukraine killed 21,000 Wagner fighters; says 'entire world wants to kill' Vladimir Putin 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." While detailing the situation near the town of Svatove, a report by CNN mentioned that the recapture would be crucial for Russia. The eastern town is located in the Luhansk region and has long been regarded as a key target for Ukrainian forces. It is crucial as it is situated along key Russian supply routes. As reported by the news agency Reuters, some Russian accounts of the front line said that Moscow's forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks near villages around Bakhmut and in areas further south, particularly the hilltop town of Vuhlear, which is strategically important. They also reported success in containing Ukrainian troops in the northeast. Also read: Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes Watch: Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny? × Ukraine's counter-offensive Ukraine has claimed that its counter-offensive is currently underway and also says that the nation was making advances on all fronts. The Ukrainian forces aimed at recapturing areas of the east and south, which were seized by Russia during the invasion last year in February. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast. Notably, Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties. According to General Oleksander Tarnavskiy, who is responsible for the southern front, the Ukrainian forces were "systematically destroying the enemy" and reported the deaths of several hundred Russian forces over the last 24 hours. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south

<p>United States presidential contender Nikki Haley issued a warning on Sunday (July 2) over China's ramped-up military aggression. Haley said that the&nbsp;country is ahead of the US in a number of key aspects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As she appeared on "Fox News Sunday," Haley slammed the Biden administration for giving priority to the woke agenda of the US military, while China prepared for war. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As mentioned in the report, the presidential contender argued that there's a need to focus on China's growth both economically and militarily — and a responsible administration would do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haley told host, Shannon Bream, "China has been preparing for war with us for decades. And the way we have to deal with China is [to] not look at it tomorrow, because if we keep waiting to deal with them tomorrow, they will deal with us today."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you look at the military situation, they now have the largest naval fleet in the world. They have 340 ships, we have 293. They're going to have 400 In two years, we won't even have 350 in two decades. They have started developing hypersonic missiles," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-aoc-slams-supreme-court-says-it-is-creeping-dangerously-towards-authoritarianism-611274">AOC slams supreme court, says it is ‘creeping dangerously towards authoritarianism’</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"We're just now getting started. They are modernizing their military, our military's taking gender pronoun classes," she continued. "Look at what they're doing on cyber, artificial intelligence, space – they're ahead of us," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haley has been vocal about the issues when it comes to the US-China ties as she has called for a more direct way to address the Chinese threat. During her speech last week, she spoke on the issue and said that China is the "most dangerous foreign threat we have faced since the Second World War".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China is much more than a mere ‘competitor.’ Communist China is an enemy. We have to stop wasting time," she said, further adding that she would put an end to China buying up US farmland and, if necessary, she would also end normal economic ties with Beijing so that the flow of fentanyl across the US-Mexico border gets halted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Global warming heating up land &amp; sea as earth's temperature rises&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pwc-sacks-senior-execs-after-tax-scandal-in-australia-611294">PwC sacks senior execs after tax scandal in Australia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Yellen's visit to China</strong></h2>

<p>The US confirmed Sunday that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate since earlier this year. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Treasury Department said in a statement that the trip is scheduled for July 6-9 and she is expected to raise with her counterparts the importance for both countries "to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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United States presidential contender Nikki Haley issued a warning on Sunday (July 2) over China's ramped-up military aggression. Haley said that the country is ahead of the US in a number of key aspects.

United States presidential contender Nikki Haley issued a warning on Sunday (July 2) over China's ramped-up military aggression. Haley said that the country is ahead of the US in a number of key aspects. As she appeared on "Fox News Sunday," Haley slammed the Biden administration for giving priority to the woke agenda of the US military, while China prepared for war. As mentioned in the report, the presidential contender argued that there's a need to focus on China's growth both economically and militarily — and a responsible administration would do so. Haley told host, Shannon Bream, "China has been preparing for war with us for decades. And the way we have to deal with China is [to] not look at it tomorrow, because if we keep waiting to deal with them tomorrow, they will deal with us today." "If you look at the military situation, they now have the largest naval fleet in the world. They have 340 ships, we have 293. They're going to have 400 In two years, we won't even have 350 in two decades. They have started developing hypersonic missiles," she said. Also read: AOC slams supreme court, says it is ‘creeping dangerously towards authoritarianism’ "We're just now getting started. They are modernizing their military, our military's taking gender pronoun classes," she continued. "Look at what they're doing on cyber, artificial intelligence, space – they're ahead of us," she added. Haley has been vocal about the issues when it comes to the US-China ties as she has called for a more direct way to address the Chinese threat. During her speech last week, she spoke on the issue and said that China is the "most dangerous foreign threat we have faced since the Second World War". "China is much more than a mere ‘competitor.’ Communist China is an enemy. We have to stop wasting time," she said, further adding that she would put an end to China buying up US farmland and, if necessary, she would also end normal economic ties with Beijing so that the flow of fentanyl across the US-Mexico border gets halted. Watch: Global warming heating up land & sea as earth's temperature rises × Also read: PwC sacks senior execs after tax scandal in Australia Yellen's visit to China The US confirmed Sunday that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate since earlier this year. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks. The Treasury Department said in a statement that the trip is scheduled for July 6-9 and she is expected to raise with her counterparts the importance for both countries "to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges". (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.

Nikki Haley slams Biden administration, says China preparing for war against US

<p>The United States confirmed on Sunday (July 2) that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Treasury Department said in a statement that the trip is scheduled for July 6-9 and the secretary is expected to raise with her counterparts the importance for both countries "to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Beijing on an official trip and met with China's top leader President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Qin Gang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken's trip materialised months after his to China was cancelled in the aftermath of the Chinese "spy" balloon saga. He was the highest-ranking US official to visit the Chinese capital in nearly five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese leader even said that he saw positives and headway in the strained relationship between Washington and Beijing. But again a diplomatic spat began when US President Biden referred to Xi as a "dictator".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-this-a-world-record-two-pilots-travel-48-us-states-in-less-than-48-hours-611159">Is this a world record? Two pilots travel 48 US states in less than 48 hours</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>There was a rebuttal from the Chinese side as the foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Biden's "extremely absurd" comments "seriously violated China's political dignity" and caused "political provocation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the US would expect some advancement in the ties from Yellen's official visit. AFP reported quoting a senior treasury department official, who said on Sunday that Yellen will discuss how the US views its economic relationship with China. She will meet with senior Chinese officials and leading US firms, the spokesperson said without giving specifics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the officials, the US seeks to secure its national security interests and protect human rights, and the actions to this effect are "not intended to gain economic advantage over China".&nbsp;</p>

<p>the American official further noted that Washington also looks towards "healthy" ties with Beijing and does not seek to decouple the economies, while pursuing cooperation on urgent challenges like climate change and debt distress.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Anti-Trump video by US presidential candidate Ron DeSantis called 'homophobic'</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hundreds-to-lose-jobs-at-george-soros-foundation-after-sons-takeover-611133">Hundreds to lose jobs at George Soros' foundation after son's takeover</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Should US expect a lot from this trip?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Treasury official added that the US does not expect a "significant breakthrough" from this initial trip, but it does aim to build longer-term channels of communication with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Edward Alden, who is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP, speaking on the Treasury secretary's intentions to visit China that "I think the US government is clearly trying to put some floor under the deterioration of the economic relationship".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Yellen trip could "restart a steady pattern of engagement at lower levels," he said, adding that the US has shifted from being ambiguous about how far it was supporting decoupling to explicitly adopting a strategy of "derisking" instead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This means "focusing on a narrower range of items that have strategic importance, trying to build fences around those items, but otherwise trying to continue to nurture a reasonably robust US-China economic relationship," Alden added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States confirmed on Sunday (July 2) that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate.

The United States confirmed on Sunday (July 2) that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks. The Treasury Department said in a statement that the trip is scheduled for July 6-9 and the secretary is expected to raise with her counterparts the importance for both countries "to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges". Last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Beijing on an official trip and met with China's top leader President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Blinken's trip materialised months after his to China was cancelled in the aftermath of the Chinese "spy" balloon saga. He was the highest-ranking US official to visit the Chinese capital in nearly five years. The Chinese leader even said that he saw positives and headway in the strained relationship between Washington and Beijing. But again a diplomatic spat began when US President Biden referred to Xi as a "dictator". Also read: Is this a world record? Two pilots travel 48 US states in less than 48 hours There was a rebuttal from the Chinese side as the foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Biden's "extremely absurd" comments "seriously violated China's political dignity" and caused "political provocation". Now, the US would expect some advancement in the ties from Yellen's official visit. AFP reported quoting a senior treasury department official, who said on Sunday that Yellen will discuss how the US views its economic relationship with China. She will meet with senior Chinese officials and leading US firms, the spokesperson said without giving specifics. According to the officials, the US seeks to secure its national security interests and protect human rights, and the actions to this effect are "not intended to gain economic advantage over China". the American official further noted that Washington also looks towards "healthy" ties with Beijing and does not seek to decouple the economies, while pursuing cooperation on urgent challenges like climate change and debt distress. Watch: Anti-Trump video by US presidential candidate Ron DeSantis called 'homophobic' × Also read: Hundreds to lose jobs at George Soros' foundation after son's takeover Should US expect a lot from this trip? The Treasury official added that the US does not expect a "significant breakthrough" from this initial trip, but it does aim to build longer-term channels of communication with China. Edward Alden, who is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP, speaking on the Treasury secretary's intentions to visit China that "I think the US government is clearly trying to put some floor under the deterioration of the economic relationship". A Yellen trip could "restart a steady pattern of engagement at lower levels," he said, adding that the US has shifted from being ambiguous about how far it was supporting decoupling to explicitly adopting a strategy of "derisking" instead. This means "focusing on a narrower range of items that have strategic importance, trying to build fences around those items, but otherwise trying to continue to nurture a reasonably robust US-China economic relationship," Alden added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US treasury secretary Yellen to visit China to 'responsibly' manage ties, expand communications

<p>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;</p>

<p>In a Facebook post on Friday, Jeremy Wagner said that he discovered the crack in the Fury 325 giga roller coaster at the Carowinds amusement park and notified officials. The Fury 325 is one of the tallest and longest rides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was temporarily closed after the complaint and a spokesperson for Carowinds told Fox News Digital that the roller coaster was being inspected by the park's maintenance team. Carowinds is located outside of Charlotte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The park said that the "tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America" will remain closed until inspections and repairs take place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-this-a-world-record-two-pilots-travel-48-us-states-in-less-than-48-hours-611159">Is this a world record? Two pilots travel 48 US states in less than 48 hours</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to Kings Island in Ohio, a giga roller coaster has a drop between 300 and 399 feet. Carowinds has said that the Fury 325 takes riders to a peak height of 325 feet and reaches at a massive speed of 95mph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, the spokesperson said in a statement: "Carowinds closed Fury 325 after park personnel became aware of a crack at the top of a steel support pillar."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further added, "The park’s maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity," the statement added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Carowinds’ Fury 325 support column is broken. It move 2-4 feet when the coaster went by. That is scary for real. I love Fury 325. Just glad they shut it down for repairs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fury325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fury325</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Carowinds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Carowinds</a> <a href="https://t.co/fkF1ruS4oD">pic.twitter.com/fkF1ruS4oD</a></p>
— Brent Holley (@SodaCity_Native) <a href="https://twitter.com/SodaCity_Native/status/1674981899637325824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Holy shit….. Fury 325 has some damage <a href="https://t.co/3ZaGiSi1ap">pic.twitter.com/3ZaGiSi1ap</a></p>
— ElToroRyan (@ElToroRyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElToroRyan/status/1674950029860122624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive crack on Fury 325 at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Carowinds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Carowinds</a>. I emailed the park and they told me, "The park’s maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed." Credit Jeremy Wagner <a href="https://t.co/YrP0zhm3kJ">pic.twitter.com/YrP0zhm3kJ</a></p>
— Kaitlin Wright (@wxkaitlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/wxkaitlin/status/1674973694647492613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-rare-ukraine-finds-remnants-of-british-wwii-hurricane-planes-outside-kyiv-611109">‘Very rare’: Ukraine finds remnants of British WWII Hurricane fighter planes outside Kyiv</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Roller coaster tragedy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, at least one person was killed and nine others were injured, including a child, during a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened on June 25 at an amusement park's Jetline roller coaster. Local reports from the scene showed ambulances, fire trucks and a helicopter at the Grona Lund park. The police said the incident was being probed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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.

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. In a Facebook post on Friday, Jeremy Wagner said that he discovered the crack in the Fury 325 giga roller coaster at the Carowinds amusement park and 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 told Fox News Digital that the roller coaster was being inspected by the park's maintenance team. Carowinds is located outside of Charlotte. The park said that the "tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America" will remain closed until inspections and repairs take place. Also read: Is this a world record? Two pilots travel 48 US states in less than 48 hours According to Kings Island in Ohio, a giga roller coaster has a drop between 300 and 399 feet. Carowinds has said that the Fury 325 takes riders to a peak height of 325 feet and reaches at a massive speed of 95mph. As quoted, the spokesperson said in a statement: "Carowinds closed Fury 325 after park personnel became aware of a crack at the top of a steel support pillar." It further added, "The park’s maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed." "Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued guests during this process. As part of our comprehensive safety protocols, all rides, including Fury 325, undergo daily inspections to ensure their proper functioning and structural integrity," the statement added. Carowinds’ Fury 325 support column is broken. It move 2-4 feet when the coaster went by. That is scary for real. I love Fury 325. Just glad they shut it down for repairs.#Fury325#Carowinds pic.twitter.com/fkF1ruS4oD — Brent Holley (@SodaCity_Native) July 1, 2023 × Holy shit….. Fury 325 has some damage pic.twitter.com/3ZaGiSi1ap — ElToroRyan (@ElToroRyan) July 1, 2023 × Massive crack on Fury 325 at #Carowinds. I emailed the park and they told me, "The park’s maintenance team is conducting a thorough inspection and the ride will remain closed until repairs have been completed." Credit Jeremy Wagner pic.twitter.com/YrP0zhm3kJ — Kaitlin Wright (@wxkaitlin) July 1, 2023 × Also read: ‘Very rare’: Ukraine finds remnants of British WWII Hurricane fighter planes outside Kyiv Roller coaster tragedy Last month, at least one person was killed and nine others were injured, including a child, during a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm. The incident happened on June 25 at an amusement park's Jetline roller coaster. Local reports from the scene showed ambulances, fire trucks and a helicopter at the Grona Lund park. The police said the incident was being probed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Massive crack forces North Carolina amusement park to shut down its roller coaster

<p>Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On one side, China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. On the other hand, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a report by The Hindu, an official source was quoted as saying that the "construction of a black-topped road towards Finger 4 on our side is on and is expected to be completed by 2025".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a major impetus on infrastructure, road networks, advanced landing grounds and so on," the source added. While speaking to the outlet on the condition of anonymity, the source said that the construction work is at an advanced stage on the alternate axis to the critical Darbuk-Skyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road through the Saser La.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mentioning the Chinese construction, the report, quoting the source, stated that work is now underway on the main bridge, while the second bridge has been completed and large-scale construction activity, along with construction materials, was observed on the north bank recently. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this detailed report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pwc-sacks-senior-execs-after-tax-scandal-in-australia-611294">PwC sacks senior execs after tax scandal in Australia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Recent satellite images&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a report by ChathamHouse, which was published last month, it was mentioned that satellite images taken in the six months from October 2022 show a region increasingly in a state of flux.&nbsp;The report mentioned that an established Chinese presence can be seen in the area where once there were just a few People's Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that in that particular region, China has built an extensive set of installations, establishing an ecosystem to support its deployments of PLA troops. The satellite images also showed the expansion of roads, outposts and modern weatherproof camps. They have the facility of parking areas, solar panels and even helipads.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And here is a map, illustrating the military deployments that remain in place facing each other directly as the icy grip of the region continues to deter a thaw in the ongoing deadlock <a href="https://t.co/Yj1GpP8sVs">pic.twitter.com/Yj1GpP8sVs</a></p>
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) <a href="https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1664555070040707073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-to-visit-china-to-responsibly-manage-ties-expand-communications-611167">US treasury secretary to visit China to 'responsibly' manage ties, expand communications</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<img alt="China" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;After the Chinese withdrawal from the sensitive area of Pangong Tso, PLA moved a number of its troops to a newly prepared military garrison in Rutog County. &lt;strong&gt;Satellite image©2023 Maxar Technologies.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f8150b2-d511-4bb2-8372-ef4be61e24f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023-05-30-twt-osint-image-overview-rutog-garrisons_0.jpg" /><img alt="China" data-caption="Pangong Tso bridge. &lt;strong&gt;Satellite image ©2023 Maxar Technologies.&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dda586d-3ce9-4e4d-a2ca-1f3da2db3947" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023-05-30-twt-osint-image-Pangong-Tso-bridge.jpg" />
<p>Last month, India's Border Roads Organisation&nbsp;(BRO) claimed that its personnel restored connectivity along the damaged Ditte Dime-Migging Road in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh within a record 72 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) commanding officer O Taki said that despite heavy rain, the BRO personnel completed road diversion and opened the road for all types of traffic on June 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, India has responded well to the Chinese infrastructure work with several crucial projects as the report mentioned that the nation's Northern Command has deployed blocking forces that match the Chinese activity and will prevent any further incursion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the ChathamHouse report mentioned that the Indian Army has also occupied the peaks of several mountains resulting in Chinese withdrawals from sensitive locations, most of them around Pangong Tso.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China increasing construction on an Antarctic station</strong></h2>

<p>In April, a report showed&nbsp;that Beijing is increasing its Antarctic footprint. A Washington-based think tank has gathered information based on new satellite imagery, which suggests that construction has resumed for the first time since 2018 on China's fifth station in the southern polar region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) showed that China is making "significant progress" in Antarctica after a several years-long gap in construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides.

Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides. Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso. On one side, China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. On the other hand, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides. In a report by The Hindu, an official source was quoted as saying that the "construction of a black-topped road towards Finger 4 on our side is on and is expected to be completed by 2025". "There is a major impetus on infrastructure, road networks, advanced landing grounds and so on," the source added. While speaking to the outlet on the condition of anonymity, the source said that the construction work is at an advanced stage on the alternate axis to the critical Darbuk-Skyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road through the Saser La. Mentioning the Chinese construction, the report, quoting the source, stated that work is now underway on the main bridge, while the second bridge has been completed and large-scale construction activity, along with construction materials, was observed on the north bank recently. Watch this detailed report: × Also read: PwC sacks senior execs after tax scandal in Australia Recent satellite images In a report by ChathamHouse, which was published last month, it was mentioned that satellite images taken in the six months from October 2022 show a region increasingly in a state of flux. The report mentioned that an established Chinese presence can be seen in the area where once there were just a few People's Liberation Army (PLA). The report added that in that particular region, China has built an extensive set of installations, establishing an ecosystem to support its deployments of PLA troops. The satellite images also showed the expansion of roads, outposts and modern weatherproof camps. They have the facility of parking areas, solar panels and even helipads. And here is a map, illustrating the military deployments that remain in place facing each other directly as the icy grip of the region continues to deter a thaw in the ongoing deadlock pic.twitter.com/Yj1GpP8sVs — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) June 2, 2023 × Also read: US treasury secretary to visit China to 'responsibly' manage ties, expand communications Last month, India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) claimed that its personnel restored connectivity along the damaged Ditte Dime-Migging Road in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh within a record 72 hours. Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) commanding officer O Taki said that despite heavy rain, the BRO personnel completed road diversion and opened the road for all types of traffic on June 23. Overall, India has responded well to the Chinese infrastructure work with several crucial projects as the report mentioned that the nation's Northern Command has deployed blocking forces that match the Chinese activity and will prevent any further incursion. Notably, the ChathamHouse report mentioned that the Indian Army has also occupied the peaks of several mountains resulting in Chinese withdrawals from sensitive locations, most of them around Pangong Tso. China increasing construction on an Antarctic station In April, a report showed that Beijing is increasing its Antarctic footprint. A Washington-based think tank has gathered information based on new satellite imagery, which suggests that construction has resumed for the first time since 2018 on China's fifth station in the southern polar region. The report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) showed that China is making "significant progress" in Antarctica after a several years-long gap in construction. (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.

India and China increase infrastructure near Pangong Tso lake: Report

<p>Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sosa seemed truly in love as he obliged more than once during the wedding festivities to bend down and seal a kiss on the alligator's snout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the wedding may seem bizarre to many, it is an age-old tradition in the town which dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among Oaxaca state's Chontal and Huave indigenous communities, the ritual is like a prayer to the gods, pleading for nature's bounty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media reports, Sosa said during the ritual: "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love... I yield to marriage with the princess girl."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being situated in Mexico's poor south region, Oaxaca has maintained its rich indigenous culture, through the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos share on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Para cumplir con una de las costumbres más arraigadas en el pueblo de San Pedro Huamelula <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oaxaca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oaxaca</a>, el alcalde de la localidad, Víctor Hugo Sosa, aceptó casarse con una lagarta viva y la ceremonia fue este viernes.<br />
<br />
📹Rusvel Rasgado <a href="https://t.co/A8VnhIFt5q">pic.twitter.com/A8VnhIFt5q</a></p>
— Quadratín Oaxaca (@Quadratinoaxaca) <a href="https://twitter.com/Quadratinoaxaca/status/1674984587766669313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ritual, which previously had indigenous flavour only, has taken a modern spin by mixing Catholic spirituality as well.</p>

<p>The wedding involved dressing the alligator in a white wedding dress and embellishing it with colourful garments and accessories.</p>

<p>Locals carried the reptile, whose mouth had been shut seal, through the streets of&nbsp;San Pedro Huamelula, while men waved their hats and trumpets played before the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seven-year-old alligator is referred to as little princess - a deity representing Mother Earth and her marriage to the local leader symbolises joining the union of humans with the divine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-police-employees-kidnapped-in-mexico-are-freed-610869">Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees freed after three days of captivity</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mayor even danced with his bride to the sounds of traditional music after the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are happy because we celebrate the union of two cultures. People are content," Sosa told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It gives me so much happiness and makes me proud of my roots," said Elia Edith Aguilar, known as the godmother who organised the wedding. "It's a very beautiful tradition," she added with a smile.</p>

<p>The residents who attended the colourful ceremony danced to traditional music and devoured the delicious food.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies.

Giving a modern twist to Disney's classic tale of "Beauty and the Beast", a man in Mexico's small town has married an alligator. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of the town San Pedro Huamelula walked down the aisle with his seven-year-old 'beautiful' alligator bride, dressed in white, and completed all the ceremonies. Sosa seemed truly in love as he obliged more than once during the wedding festivities to bend down and seal a kiss on the alligator's snout. While the wedding may seem bizarre to many, it is an age-old tradition in the town which dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic times. Among Oaxaca state's Chontal and Huave indigenous communities, the ritual is like a prayer to the gods, pleading for nature's bounty. As quoted by media reports, Sosa said during the ritual: "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love... I yield to marriage with the princess girl." Despite being situated in Mexico's poor south region, Oaxaca has maintained its rich indigenous culture, through the years. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos share on social media. Para cumplir con una de las costumbres más arraigadas en el pueblo de San Pedro Huamelula #Oaxaca, el alcalde de la localidad, Víctor Hugo Sosa, aceptó casarse con una lagarta viva y la ceremonia fue este viernes. 📹Rusvel Rasgado pic.twitter.com/A8VnhIFt5q — Quadratín Oaxaca (@Quadratinoaxaca) July 1, 2023 × The ritual, which previously had indigenous flavour only, has taken a modern spin by mixing Catholic spirituality as well. The wedding involved dressing the alligator in a white wedding dress and embellishing it with colourful garments and accessories. Locals carried the reptile, whose mouth had been shut seal, through the streets of San Pedro Huamelula, while men waved their hats and trumpets played before the ceremony. The seven-year-old alligator is referred to as little princess - a deity representing Mother Earth and her marriage to the local leader symbolises joining the union of humans with the divine. ALSO READ | Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees freed after three days of captivity The mayor even danced with his bride to the sounds of traditional music after the event. "We are happy because we celebrate the union of two cultures. People are content," Sosa told the news agency AFP. "It gives me so much happiness and makes me proud of my roots," said Elia Edith Aguilar, known as the godmother who organised the wedding. "It's a very beautiful tradition," she added with a smile. The residents who attended the colourful ceremony danced to traditional music and devoured the delicious food. (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.

Happily married: Mexico mayor weds alligator in a colourful ceremony

<p>Octopuses are masters of camouflage. Amazing shape-shifters, the animals have the capability of deceiving by controlling the size of projections on their skin, they can change colour, and create textures ranging from small bumps to tall spikes. They easily change the way they look and be in disguise which makes them nearly invisible. They often do it while communicating with each other or when they see a threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The colour-changing trait is quite unique and shared by almost all cephalopods. But in octopuses, this skill is just breathtaking as they have the highest resolution patterns, and the change is also quick. We have seen their camouflage when they are awake, but do they do it when they are asleep?&nbsp;</p>

<p>A study attempted to shed light on the same and suggested that octopuses can actually dream, just like the way humans do. The researchers say that when the octopuses&nbsp;change colour when they are sleeping, they may be dreaming actually.</p>

<p>The study found that octopuses undergo the same process of skin-change patterns when they are sleeping. The researchers said that the skin patterns may indicate they are capable of something similar to dreaming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the study published in the journal Nature, it is mentioned that the colour-changing process could be because they are practising their skin patterns to improve their waking camouflage behaviour.</p>

<p>Or, they are simply dreaming. It means, they could be re-living and learning from their waking experiences, which they have already faced.</p>

<p>To carry out the study, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) studied the brain activity and skin patterning in octopuses while they sleep. The study was done in collaboration with the University of Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media houses, Professor Sam Reiter, who is the senior author of the study, said: "In this sense, while humans can verbally report what kind of dreams they had only once they wake up, the octopuses' skin pattern acts as a visual readout of their brain activity during sleep."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All animals seem to show some form of sleep, even simple animals like jellyfish and fruit flies. But for a long time, only vertebrates were known to cycle between two different sleep stages," Reiter added, who leads the Computational Neuroethology Unit at OIST in Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers found that the octopuses closely resemble brain activity and skin patterning behaviour seen when awake after checking whether or not the octopuses were actually asleep, and also tested how the octopuses responded to a physical stimulus.&nbsp;<br />
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Octopuses are masters of camouflage. Amazing shape-shifters, the animals have the capability of deceiving by controlling the size of projections on their skin, they can change colour, and create textures ranging from small bumps to tall spikes.

Octopuses are masters of camouflage. Amazing shape-shifters, the animals have the capability of deceiving by controlling the size of projections on their skin, they can change colour, and create textures ranging from small bumps to tall spikes. They easily change the way they look and be in disguise which makes them nearly invisible. They often do it while communicating with each other or when they see a threat. The colour-changing trait is quite unique and shared by almost all cephalopods. But in octopuses, this skill is just breathtaking as they have the highest resolution patterns, and the change is also quick. We have seen their camouflage when they are awake, but do they do it when they are asleep? A study attempted to shed light on the same and suggested that octopuses can actually dream, just like the way humans do. The researchers say that when the octopuses change colour when they are sleeping, they may be dreaming actually. The study found that octopuses undergo the same process of skin-change patterns when they are sleeping. The researchers said that the skin patterns may indicate they are capable of something similar to dreaming. In the study published in the journal Nature, it is mentioned that the colour-changing process could be because they are practising their skin patterns to improve their waking camouflage behaviour. Or, they are simply dreaming. It means, they could be re-living and learning from their waking experiences, which they have already faced. To carry out the study, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) studied the brain activity and skin patterning in octopuses while they sleep. The study was done in collaboration with the University of Washington. As quoted by media houses, Professor Sam Reiter, who is the senior author of the study, said: "In this sense, while humans can verbally report what kind of dreams they had only once they wake up, the octopuses' skin pattern acts as a visual readout of their brain activity during sleep." "All animals seem to show some form of sleep, even simple animals like jellyfish and fruit flies. But for a long time, only vertebrates were known to cycle between two different sleep stages," Reiter added, who leads the Computational Neuroethology Unit at OIST in Japan. Researchers found that the octopuses closely resemble brain activity and skin patterning behaviour seen when awake after checking whether or not the octopuses were actually asleep, and also tested how the octopuses responded to a physical stimulus. 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.

Do octopuses dream? Study suggests they do as they change colour during sleep

<p>In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together.</p>

<p>The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first.&nbsp;<br />
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In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday.

In the United States, the attorneys for former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page deposed FBI director Christopher Wray under oath this week, media outlet ABC News reported on Friday. Strzok and Page are suing the federal government separately over their exits from the FBI, but their lawyers are reportedly working together. The report further mentioned that two people familiar with the situation confirmed the closed-door deposition took place on Tuesday. It is said that it may pave the way for former president Donald Trump's sworn deposition in the coming weeks. The report mentioned that many of Trump's attacks were based on private text messages between Strzok and Page, discovered by internal investigators. Strzok was a former top FBI counterintelligence official and was fired by the FBI in 2018 after the anti-Trump texts were revealed, that he had exchanged with a top lawyer at the bureau, Lisa Page. He sued the Justice Department alleging he was terminated improperly. Page claims in her lawsuit that the Justice Department and FBI violated the Privacy Act by publicly releasing her private text messages. She says that the texts were used "to promote the false narrative that [she] and others at the FBI were biased against President Trump, had conspired to undermine him, and otherwise had engaged in allegedly criminal acts, including treason." Lawyers for Page said in court: "There is ample evidence that President Trump has long been fixated on — and in some instances personally involved in — matters relating to Ms. Page and Mr. Strzok." The issue goes back to 2016 when Strzok helped to start a probe into alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia. The former president claimed that the allegations are 'hoax'. In May, the Justice Department requested a judge to halt Trump's deposition in the case and argued that Wray should be deposed first. 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.

FBI director Christopher Wray deposed under oath in lawsuit over FBI agent's firing

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidIen6lDvBy23P" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Scientists researching an endangered population of orcas off the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the United States have discovered a "significant increase" in skin lesions on their bodies. Scientists suspect that it was happening due to their immune systems' declining ability to deal with the disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings of the research, titled - 'Epidemiology of skin changes in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)' - were published in&nbsp;<em>PLOS ONE.</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study mentioned that the researchers examined digital photographs of Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea to characterise skin changes and to determine if they could be an indicator of individual, pod, or population health.</p>

<p>The photographs were obtained by the Center for Whale Research for identification purposes. The images included nearly 20,000 individual whale sightings in the Salish Sea, which provided invaluable data for remotely assessing the health of these endangered animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers have observed an increase in the prevalence of highly connected grey patches on the whales' skin from 2004 to 2016. The authors of the study are concerned despite not understanding what is causing the problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers surmise the reason behind such skin lesions on the animals' bodies could be because of an infectious agent, as they reject potential environmental factors, such as changes in water temperature or salinity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study further mentioned that the situation might represent yet another huge threat to the health of the southern resident killer whale population, which is already dealing with a range of issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is mentioned in the study that the health significance of this is not clear, but the possible relationship between these lesions and decreasing body condition and immunocompetence in an endangered, non-recovering population is a matter of concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers have said that understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of these lesions is important to better understand the health significance of these skin changes that are increasing in prevalence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wildlife veterinarian Joseph K Gaydos led the research. He is the science director for the SeaDoc Society, which is a programme of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media reports, Gaydos said, "Before we looked at the data, we had no idea that the prevalence of these skin lesions were&nbsp;increasing so dramatically. It's worrisome. Now we need to try and isolate the potential infectious agent."&nbsp;<br />
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Scientists researching an endangered population of orcas off the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the United States have discovered a "significant increase" in skin lesions on their bodies.

Scientists researching an endangered population of orcas off the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the United States have discovered a "significant increase" in skin lesions on their bodies. Scientists suspect that it was happening due to their immune systems' declining ability to deal with the disease. The findings of the research, titled - 'Epidemiology of skin changes in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)' - were published in PLOS ONE. The study mentioned that the researchers examined digital photographs of Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea to characterise skin changes and to determine if they could be an indicator of individual, pod, or population health. The photographs were obtained by the Center for Whale Research for identification purposes. The images included nearly 20,000 individual whale sightings in the Salish Sea, which provided invaluable data for remotely assessing the health of these endangered animals. The researchers have observed an increase in the prevalence of highly connected grey patches on the whales' skin from 2004 to 2016. The authors of the study are concerned despite not understanding what is causing the problem. The researchers surmise the reason behind such skin lesions on the animals' bodies could be because of an infectious agent, as they reject potential environmental factors, such as changes in water temperature or salinity. The study further mentioned that the situation might represent yet another huge threat to the health of the southern resident killer whale population, which is already dealing with a range of issues. It is mentioned in the study that the health significance of this is not clear, but the possible relationship between these lesions and decreasing body condition and immunocompetence in an endangered, non-recovering population is a matter of concern. Researchers have said that understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of these lesions is important to better understand the health significance of these skin changes that are increasing in prevalence. Wildlife veterinarian Joseph K Gaydos led the research. He is the science director for the SeaDoc Society, which is a programme of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis. As quoted by media reports, Gaydos said, "Before we looked at the data, we had no idea that the prevalence of these skin lesions were increasing so dramatically. It's worrisome. Now we need to try and isolate the potential infectious agent." 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.

Skin disease in endangered killer whales alarm scientists

<p>Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia has quit Facebook amid an ongoing case over his alleged violation of the rules of Meta Platforms and also threatened to block the social media platform in his country after its oversight board recommended he be suspended for six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video in January, the leader called for violence against his political opponents. It was viewed over 600,000 times.</p>

<p>Human rights groups have accused the Cambodia leader of using Meta's Facebook to intimidate political opponents and discourage criticism of his government. His administration denies all the claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hun Sen has also said that he will now use Telegram,&nbsp;a switch to what he called a "better" application. While mentioning Telegram, he said in a post on Wednesday: "It is better compared to Facebook. So from now on I will publish information including live streaming only on the Telegram channel."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further added that he would still use YouTube and Instagram and was creating a TikTok profile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversy comes ahead of a July 23 election against the 70-year-old Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985. With 38 years in power, he is among the world's longest-serving leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nepal denies China's claims on projects under Belt &amp; Road Initiative</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-bolsonaro-barred-from-office-for-eight-years-610663">Brazil's Bolsonaro barred from office for eight years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He was also an&nbsp;avid user&nbsp;of Facebook, with a following of 14 million, a figure close to the size of Cambodia's population. As he left the platform, his account showed a text, which read, "isn't available right now".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facebook announced Thursday it would remove one of Hun Sen's videos in line with a ruling by the Oversight Board for Meta, Facebook's parent company, which also recommended his account be suspended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling said his speech contained "unequivocal statements of intent to commit violence" against opposition politicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then Hun Sen announced that he had stopped using the platform. While speaking to garment workers in Pursat province on Friday, Hun Sen warned that he could block Facebook "for a short period or forever" in Cambodia at any time to prevent exiled opposition politicians from communicating with people in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don't be arrogant, you guys are staying overseas, you are using Facebook for communications, we could block Facebook," he said, appearing to address exiled opponents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also urged Cambodians to download other social media platforms, including Telegram, TikTok, Line, Viber and Meta-owned WhatsApp.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Oversight Board say?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Oversight Board, whose decisions are binding, recommended Hun Sen's Facebook and Instagram accounts be suspended for six months due to the January video. Hours later, Meta said it would comply with the decision to remove the video.</p>

<p>"We will conduct a review of all the recommendations provided by the board in addition to its decision, and respond to the board's recommendation on suspending Prime Minister Hun Sen's accounts as soon as we have undertaken that analysis," it said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia has quit Facebook amid an ongoing case over his alleged violation of the rules of Meta Platforms and also threatened to block the social media platform in his country after its oversight board recommended he be suspended for six months.

Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia has quit Facebook amid an ongoing case over his alleged violation of the rules of Meta Platforms and also threatened to block the social media platform in his country after its oversight board recommended he be suspended for six months. In a video in January, the leader called for violence against his political opponents. It was viewed over 600,000 times. Human rights groups have accused the Cambodia leader of using Meta's Facebook to intimidate political opponents and discourage criticism of his government. His administration denies all the claims. Hun Sen has also said that he will now use Telegram, a switch to what he called a "better" application. While mentioning Telegram, he said in a post on Wednesday: "It is better compared to Facebook. So from now on I will publish information including live streaming only on the Telegram channel." He further added that he would still use YouTube and Instagram and was creating a TikTok profile. The controversy comes ahead of a July 23 election against the 70-year-old Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985. With 38 years in power, he is among the world's longest-serving leaders. Watch: Nepal denies China's claims on projects under Belt & Road Initiative × Also read: Brazil's Bolsonaro barred from office for eight years He was also an avid user of Facebook, with a following of 14 million, a figure close to the size of Cambodia's population. As he left the platform, his account showed a text, which read, "isn't available right now". Facebook announced Thursday it would remove one of Hun Sen's videos in line with a ruling by the Oversight Board for Meta, Facebook's parent company, which also recommended his account be suspended. The ruling said his speech contained "unequivocal statements of intent to commit violence" against opposition politicians. Then Hun Sen announced that he had stopped using the platform. While speaking to garment workers in Pursat province on Friday, Hun Sen warned that he could block Facebook "for a short period or forever" in Cambodia at any time to prevent exiled opposition politicians from communicating with people in the country. "Don't be arrogant, you guys are staying overseas, you are using Facebook for communications, we could block Facebook," he said, appearing to address exiled opponents. He also urged Cambodians to download other social media platforms, including Telegram, TikTok, Line, Viber and Meta-owned WhatsApp. What did the Oversight Board say? The Oversight Board, whose decisions are binding, recommended Hun Sen's Facebook and Instagram accounts be suspended for six months due to the January video. Hours later, Meta said it would comply with the decision to remove the video. "We will conduct a review of all the recommendations provided by the board in addition to its decision, and respond to the board's recommendation on suspending Prime Minister Hun Sen's accounts as soon as we have undertaken that analysis," it said in a statement. (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.

Cambodian PM quits Facebook, threatens to block access in country

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