After a spate of arrests and executions for drug offences, Ibrahim, a dealer in Saudi Arabia, is not taking any chances.

"I don't deal with new clients or go to the clients myself," said the 37-year-old, using a pseudonym to protect his identity.

"They have to take on the risk," he told AFP from the Red Sea city of Jeddah, weeks after several of his customers were arrested.

Ibrahim is on the front lines of a war on drugs in Saudi Arabia, which has seen an influx of addictive amphetamine captagon flooding in from war-torn Syria and Lebanon.

After becoming a major market, Saudi Arabia is hitting back, ending a moratorium on the death penalty for drug cases and launching a zealous crackdown.&nbsp;

The result is at least 20 executions for drug offences since last year, according to an AFP tally, and a sharp rise in arrests.

At least two Saudi security officers have been killed in drug raids, including one last week, according to state media.&nbsp;

"Several of my customers were recently arrested in a private compound," said Ibrahim, who mainly sells captagon and hashish. "This never used to happen before."

Acts of violence committed by drug users prompted the crackdown, a security official told AFP.

They include a recent case in which a drug addict killed his parents by dousing them with fuel and setting them on fire, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the press.

<h2>Party pill</h2>

Across Jeddah, roadside billboards urge citizens to report any illicit drug activities to the authorities.

While alcohol is illegal in the conservative country, it is also believed to be the world's biggest market for captagon, which is used by wealthy Saudis as a party pill and by workers to stay awake during long shifts.

While previous anti-drug campaigns targeted smuggled shipments, mainly from Syria and Lebanon, the latest initiative is zeroing in on dealers and users within the country.

Apparently to provide a deterrent, a nearly three-year moratorium on executions for drug crimes was scrapped last year. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's biggest users of capital punishment, executing 147 people in 2022.

"In the last year to two years, we have seen an uptick in internal arrests and the use of the death penalty (in drug cases)," said Caroline Rose of the New Lines Institute think tank.

The shift from border seizures to arrests of dealers is partly due to "a focus on security issues surrounding captagon and a recognition of just how deep some of these networks go", Rose told AFP.

The campaign is also aimed at keeping drugs out of the hands of Saudi youth, the drivers of an ambitious reform agenda to diversify the oil-dependent economy. Fifty-one per cent of the 32.2 million population is under 30.

"Saudi Arabia is carrying out a huge economic project...and the youth are the main pillar of this project," said Sulaiman al-Oqaily, a Saudi political analyst.

<h2>Addiction on the rise</h2>

Rampant drug use is taking its toll, with more than 200,000 addicts in Saudi Arabia, according to health ministry figures cited by domestic media.

Growing numbers are seeking addiction treatment, mainly because they fear arrest, said Hamad al-Sheehan of the Rushd Specialized Center in Riyadh.

"After the recent campaign, the numbers have increased at the centre," the director of treatment said from his office, where at least 10 young men were waiting to be seen.

"We currently receive 1,000 people per month instead of only 100 previously."&nbsp;

He said that captagon and other methamphetamine-type drugs are among the most abused in the kingdom. Most of his patients are between 17 and 21 years old and half are women, he said.&nbsp;

If Sheehan's patients fear arrest, the crackdown is working, Oqaily said.&nbsp;

"The message is if you don't fear for yourself, you should fear the government," he said.

Last month, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef warned drug dealers and smugglers that they will not escape.

"We are still at the beginning of the campaign," he said. 
&nbsp;

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After a spate of arrests and executions for drug offences, Ibrahim, a dealer in Saudi Arabia, is not taking any chances. "I don't deal with new clients or go to the clients myself," said the 37-year-old, using a pseudonym to protect his identity.

After a spate of arrests and executions for drug offences, Ibrahim, a dealer in Saudi Arabia, is not taking any chances. "I don't deal with new clients or go to the clients myself," said the 37-year-old, using a pseudonym to protect his identity. "They have to take on the risk," he told AFP from the Red Sea city of Jeddah, weeks after several of his customers were arrested. Ibrahim is on the front lines of a war on drugs in Saudi Arabia, which has seen an influx of addictive amphetamine captagon flooding in from war-torn Syria and Lebanon. After becoming a major market, Saudi Arabia is hitting back, ending a moratorium on the death penalty for drug cases and launching a zealous crackdown. The result is at least 20 executions for drug offences since last year, according to an AFP tally, and a sharp rise in arrests. At least two Saudi security officers have been killed in drug raids, including one last week, according to state media. "Several of my customers were recently arrested in a private compound," said Ibrahim, who mainly sells captagon and hashish. "This never used to happen before." Acts of violence committed by drug users prompted the crackdown, a security official told AFP. They include a recent case in which a drug addict killed his parents by dousing them with fuel and setting them on fire, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the press. Party pill Across Jeddah, roadside billboards urge citizens to report any illicit drug activities to the authorities. While alcohol is illegal in the conservative country, it is also believed to be the world's biggest market for captagon, which is used by wealthy Saudis as a party pill and by workers to stay awake during long shifts. While previous anti-drug campaigns targeted smuggled shipments, mainly from Syria and Lebanon, the latest initiative is zeroing in on dealers and users within the country. Apparently to provide a deterrent, a nearly three-year moratorium on executions for drug crimes was scrapped last year. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's biggest users of capital punishment, executing 147 people in 2022. "In the last year to two years, we have seen an uptick in internal arrests and the use of the death penalty (in drug cases)," said Caroline Rose of the New Lines Institute think tank. The shift from border seizures to arrests of dealers is partly due to "a focus on security issues surrounding captagon and a recognition of just how deep some of these networks go", Rose told AFP. The campaign is also aimed at keeping drugs out of the hands of Saudi youth, the drivers of an ambitious reform agenda to diversify the oil-dependent economy. Fifty-one per cent of the 32.2 million population is under 30. "Saudi Arabia is carrying out a huge economic project...and the youth are the main pillar of this project," said Sulaiman al-Oqaily, a Saudi political analyst. Addiction on the rise Rampant drug use is taking its toll, with more than 200,000 addicts in Saudi Arabia, according to health ministry figures cited by domestic media. Growing numbers are seeking addiction treatment, mainly because they fear arrest, said Hamad al-Sheehan of the Rushd Specialized Center in Riyadh. "After the recent campaign, the numbers have increased at the centre," the director of treatment said from his office, where at least 10 young men were waiting to be seen. "We currently receive 1,000 people per month instead of only 100 previously." He said that captagon and other methamphetamine-type drugs are among the most abused in the kingdom. Most of his patients are between 17 and 21 years old and half are women, he said. If Sheehan's patients fear arrest, the crackdown is working, Oqaily said. "The message is if you don't fear for yourself, you should fear the government," he said. Last month, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef warned drug dealers and smugglers that they will not escape. "We are still at the beginning of the campaign," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia launches crackdown on drugs with raids, executions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is&nbsp;considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.

Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant.&nbsp;

Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this."&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added.&nbsp;

According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-warns-china-against-use-of-force-calls-for-swedens-inclusion-in-nato-607427">German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO</a>&nbsp;

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<h2>Russia dismisses claim&nbsp;</h2>

Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure.&nbsp;

On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crimean-bridge-struck-by-missile-attacks-russia-blames-ukraine-607279">Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine</a>

Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station.&nbsp;

Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent&nbsp;of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs.&nbsp;

The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed.&nbsp;

Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors.&nbsp;It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster.&nbsp;Experts claim&nbsp;that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations. Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant. Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this." "Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added. According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak. Also read: German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO Watch this report: × Russia dismisses claim Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure. On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency. Also read: Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station. Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs. The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed. Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors. It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster. Experts claim that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl. (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.

Moscow dismisses Zelensky's claims that Russia is planning to attack Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome at the White House on Thursday (June 22), with a 19-gun salute and the national anthem of both nations being played.&nbsp;

PM Modi is currently on a State visit to the United States. He has been to the US five times since taking oath as the prime minister in 2014, but this trip is his first with the full diplomatic status of a state visit.&nbsp;

PM Modi and Biden hailed a "defining partnership" with a focus on both nations to improve and deepen relations with forward-focused future-oriented talks. They sealed major deals in various sectors, including defence, technology, space collaboration, and more.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ge-aerospace-signs-mou-with-hal-for-production-of-fighter-jet-engines-for-iaf-607330">'Historic agreement': GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL for production of fighter jet engines for IAF</a>&nbsp;

As he began his address, PM Modi thanked Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden. He said, "I would like to express gratitude for your warm welcome and far-sighted remarks."&nbsp;

He also mentioned the gathering of Indian-American people outside the White House, who&nbsp;chanted&nbsp;'Modi, Modi'. He said, "Three decades ago, I came to America as a normal citizen and saw the White House from the outside. Since then I came here so many times, but the White House's gates have been&nbsp;opened for so many Indian Americans for the first time."&nbsp;

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PM Modi was greeted by around 7,000 Indian Americans when he arrived on the South Lawn of the White House, wearing a flowing white kurta with a sky-blue jacket.&nbsp;

When PM Modi reached the White House, the US delegation, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, was there. The Indian delegation was led by Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, FS Vinay Kwatra and Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu.

While welcoming PM Modi, Biden said, "I have long believed that the relationship between the US and India will be one of the most defining relationships of the 21st century. The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require that India and the United States work and lead together."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-pm-modi-sets-techade-agenda-for-2020s-607153">India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for making 2020s a transformative era in technology sector</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Crucial deals inked</h2>

GE Aerospace announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce its F414 engines for the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

As mentioned in the report, a US official said India would also buy MQ-9B SeaGuardians, high-precision armed drones. India in 2019 broke precedent with an airstrike in Pakistani territory against an alleged extremist camp.&nbsp;

Washington hopes a tighter defence relationship will help wean India off Russia, New Delhi's primary military supplier during the Cold War.&nbsp;

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome at the White House on Thursday (June 22), with a 19-gun salute and the national anthem of both nations being played.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome at the White House on Thursday (June 22), with a 19-gun salute and the national anthem of both nations being played. PM Modi is currently on a State visit to the United States. He has been to the US five times since taking oath as the prime minister in 2014, but this trip is his first with the full diplomatic status of a state visit. PM Modi and Biden hailed a "defining partnership" with a focus on both nations to improve and deepen relations with forward-focused future-oriented talks. They sealed major deals in various sectors, including defence, technology, space collaboration, and more. Also read: 'Historic agreement': GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL for production of fighter jet engines for IAF As he began his address, PM Modi thanked Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden. He said, "I would like to express gratitude for your warm welcome and far-sighted remarks." He also mentioned the gathering of Indian-American people outside the White House, who chanted 'Modi, Modi'. He said, "Three decades ago, I came to America as a normal citizen and saw the White House from the outside. Since then I came here so many times, but the White House's gates have been opened for so many Indian Americans for the first time." Watch this report: × PM Modi was greeted by around 7,000 Indian Americans when he arrived on the South Lawn of the White House, wearing a flowing white kurta with a sky-blue jacket. When PM Modi reached the White House, the US delegation, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, was there. The Indian delegation was led by Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, FS Vinay Kwatra and Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. While welcoming PM Modi, Biden said, "I have long believed that the relationship between the US and India will be one of the most defining relationships of the 21st century. The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require that India and the United States work and lead together." Also read: India's PM Modi sets 'techade' agenda for making 2020s a transformative era in technology sector Crucial deals inked GE Aerospace announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce its F414 engines for the Indian Air Force. As mentioned in the report, a US official said India would also buy MQ-9B SeaGuardians, high-precision armed drones. India in 2019 broke precedent with an airstrike in Pakistani territory against an alleged extremist camp. Washington hopes a tighter defence relationship will help wean India off Russia, New Delhi's primary military supplier during the Cold War. 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-US ties: PM Modi and Biden hail 'most defining relationship of 21st century'

In the United States, test scores released on Wednesday from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that Math and reading skills among 13-year-olds in the nation hit their lowest level in decades, New York Times reported. The last time, the math scores of the gold-standard federal exam were this low for 13-year-olds was in 1990. In reading, 2004.

The report mentioned that the decline in performance is significant since the school year of 2019-2020, a period of time when the coronavirus (COVID-19) started to spread and forced schools across the globe to shut down.&nbsp;

But the Covid pandemic was not the sole reason as the downward trends can be seen years before the global health crisis. It leads to a question about a decade of disappointing results for American students.&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;mentioned that data was taken from the NAEP in the fall of 2022 and the main aim of the test was to analyse the basic reading skills, in which the 13-year-olds scored an average of 256 out of 500 in reading, and a basic math score returned scores of 271 out of 500.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-officials-identify-strange-thing-in-students-meal-as-rat-head-607069">Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head'</a>

According to NYT, declines were noted across race, class and geographic lines. However, children from vulnerable communities, including Black, Native American, and poor families, have reportedly experienced more severe drops.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that the ages of 10 to 13 are a crucial period for mastering foundational skills as children learn some of the basic skills like multiplication, adding, and more without using calculators.&nbsp;

As quoted by NYT, Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, which conducts the NAEP exam, said: "The bottom line — these results show that there are troubling gaps in the basic skills of these students. This is a huge-scale challenge that faces the nation."&nbsp;

As quoted by USA Today, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said, "The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress is further evidence of what the Biden-Harris administration recognized from Day One: that the pandemic would have a devastating impact on students’ learning across the country and that it would take years of effort and investment to reverse the damage as well as address the 11-year decline that preceded it."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/primitive-but-effective-washington-turns-to-dogs-and-cats-to-help-deal-with-rising-rat-problem-605906">'Primitive but effective': Washington turns to dogs and cats to help deal with rising rat problem</a>

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In the United States, test scores released on Wednesday from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that Math and reading skills among 13-year-olds in the nation hit their lowest level in decades, New York Times reported.

In the United States, test scores released on Wednesday from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that Math and reading skills among 13-year-olds in the nation hit their lowest level in decades, New York Times reported. The last time, the math scores of the gold-standard federal exam were this low for 13-year-olds was in 1990. In reading, 2004. The report mentioned that the decline in performance is significant since the school year of 2019-2020, a period of time when the coronavirus (COVID-19) started to spread and forced schools across the globe to shut down. But the Covid pandemic was not the sole reason as the downward trends can be seen years before the global health crisis. It leads to a question about a decade of disappointing results for American students. The report mentioned that data was taken from the NAEP in the fall of 2022 and the main aim of the test was to analyse the basic reading skills, in which the 13-year-olds scored an average of 256 out of 500 in reading, and a basic math score returned scores of 271 out of 500. Also read: Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head' According to NYT, declines were noted across race, class and geographic lines. However, children from vulnerable communities, including Black, Native American, and poor families, have reportedly experienced more severe drops. The report mentioned that the ages of 10 to 13 are a crucial period for mastering foundational skills as children learn some of the basic skills like multiplication, adding, and more without using calculators. As quoted by NYT, Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, which conducts the NAEP exam, said: "The bottom line — these results show that there are troubling gaps in the basic skills of these students. This is a huge-scale challenge that faces the nation." As quoted by USA Today, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said, "The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress is further evidence of what the Biden-Harris administration recognized from Day One: that the pandemic would have a devastating impact on students’ learning across the country and that it would take years of effort and investment to reverse the damage as well as address the 11-year decline that preceded it." Also read: 'Primitive but effective': Washington turns to dogs and cats to help deal with rising rat problem 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: Sharp decline in basic reading, math skills among 13-year-olds

British police said that a man has been arrested after two people were stabbed at a London hospital on Wednesday (June 21). Currently, the incident is not being treated as terror-related.&nbsp;

Local media outlets reported that the armed police responded to the incident at Central Middlesex Hospital after being called at 13.18pm (1218 GMT).&nbsp;

Police said that they found two people with stab injuries and one of those had life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police said, "Police arrested a man outside the hospital." The statement further mentioned that he was also being treated for life-threatening injuries which they believed to be self-inflicted.&nbsp;

"Police are working to establish the circumstances. At this time the incident is not being treated as terror-related," the statement added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-office-criticised-for-delay-in-report-on-chinese-spying-607075">UK&nbsp;PM office criticised for delay in report on Chinese spying</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by Sky News, Gareth Browne, who is a steeplejack, said that he saw the alleged attacker chase two men who managed to escape. As per the report, Browne was contracted to repair the chimney at the hospital.&nbsp;

Browne said, "He came out of the side of the building waving a pickaxe, chasing two lads about. I approached him and asked if he was OK and he said 'get out of my f****** way - it's none of your business'."&nbsp;

"So I stepped out of his way and he went back into the hospital waving that pickaxe around. Another maintenance boy came along and said 'he's just stabbed somebody - get away from this place'," Browne said, further adding that the man was just going on a "mad rampage".&nbsp;

Watch: Rescuers race against time in the North Atlantic&nbsp;

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Immediately, all the visitors and patients at the hospital were temporarily locked down at the time when police were scouring the building. They, however, found the man and arrested him.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "The hospital was temporarily locked down but has now reopened. There is a heightened police presence at the hospital while we investigate."

<h2>Health minister's reaction</h2>

Steve Barclay, who is the health secretary, tweeted: "My thoughts are with those injured and affected by the incident at Central Middlesex Hospital this afternoon."&nbsp;

"I would like to thank the paramedics and other first responders who have been treating people at the scene," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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British police said that a man has been arrested after two people were stabbed at a London hospital on Wednesday (June 21). Currently, the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

British police said that a man has been arrested after two people were stabbed at a London hospital on Wednesday (June 21). Currently, the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Local media outlets reported that the armed police responded to the incident at Central Middlesex Hospital after being called at 13.18pm (1218 GMT). Police said that they found two people with stab injuries and one of those had life-threatening injuries. In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police said, "Police arrested a man outside the hospital." The statement further mentioned that he was also being treated for life-threatening injuries which they believed to be self-inflicted. "Police are working to establish the circumstances. At this time the incident is not being treated as terror-related," the statement added. Also read: UK PM office criticised for delay in report on Chinese spying As quoted by Sky News, Gareth Browne, who is a steeplejack, said that he saw the alleged attacker chase two men who managed to escape. As per the report, Browne was contracted to repair the chimney at the hospital. Browne said, "He came out of the side of the building waving a pickaxe, chasing two lads about. I approached him and asked if he was OK and he said 'get out of my f****** way - it's none of your business'." "So I stepped out of his way and he went back into the hospital waving that pickaxe around. Another maintenance boy came along and said 'he's just stabbed somebody - get away from this place'," Browne said, further adding that the man was just going on a "mad rampage". Watch: Rescuers race against time in the North Atlantic × Immediately, all the visitors and patients at the hospital were temporarily locked down at the time when police were scouring the building. They, however, found the man and arrested him. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "The hospital was temporarily locked down but has now reopened. There is a heightened police presence at the hospital while we investigate." Health minister's reaction Steve Barclay, who is the health secretary, tweeted: "My thoughts are with those injured and affected by the incident at Central Middlesex Hospital this afternoon." "I would like to thank the paramedics and other first responders who have been treating people at the scene," he 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.

UK police arrest man after two stabbed at London hospital

Rachandeep Singh, an Indian-American doctor has been slapped with sexual assault charges, local reports said, further adding&nbsp;that he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport last week.&nbsp;

As per reports, Dr Singh was the medical director overseeing facilities in Carmichael and the San Joaquin County areas. He has been accused of touching his colleague against her will.&nbsp;

The reports mentioned&nbsp;Sacramento County Sheriff's Office as saying that the probe in this matter began on April 26 when they received a tip from an employee at the River Pointe Post-Acute Care Facility in Fair Oaks. Dr Singh was removed from the facility by the administration.&nbsp;

The Sacramento Sheriff released a statement on the matter on June 19 on its official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovich-loses-appeal-against-extended-pre-trial-detention-607355">WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention</a>&nbsp;

The tweet read, "Dr. Singh was removed from the facility by their administration. Singh was identified as the facility's medical director, and detectives learned he oversaw at least two other facilities as the medical director in the City of Stockton and the San Joaquin County areas."&nbsp;

"Based on the subsequent investigation results, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office elected to file felony sexual battery charges against Singh and issued a warrant for his arrest," the tweet added.&nbsp;

"Singh was arrested yesterday (June 17, 2023) by the San Francisco Police Department at the San Francisco International Airport. He was booked into custody at the San Mateo County Jail but released on bail the same day. He is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento on August 17, 2023, at 3:00 PM," the tweet further said.&nbsp;

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On April 26, 2023, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office received a call for service at the River Pointe Post-Acute Care Facility on Fair Oaks Boulevard regarding a report of a sexual assault. The victim, an employee at the facility, alleged that her boss, Dr. Rachandeep Singh,… <a href="https://t.co/O0fnZB6mq5">pic.twitter.com/O0fnZB6mq5</a>
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Rachandeep Singh, an Indian-American doctor has been slapped with sexual assault charges, local reports said, further adding that he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport last week.

Rachandeep Singh, an Indian-American doctor has been slapped with sexual assault charges, local reports said, further adding that he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport last week. As per reports, Dr Singh was the medical director overseeing facilities in Carmichael and the San Joaquin County areas. He has been accused of touching his colleague against her will. The reports mentioned Sacramento County Sheriff's Office as saying that the probe in this matter began on April 26 when they received a tip from an employee at the River Pointe Post-Acute Care Facility in Fair Oaks. Dr Singh was removed from the facility by the administration. The Sacramento Sheriff released a statement on the matter on June 19 on its official Twitter handle. Also read: WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention The tweet read, "Dr. Singh was removed from the facility by their administration. Singh was identified as the facility's medical director, and detectives learned he oversaw at least two other facilities as the medical director in the City of Stockton and the San Joaquin County areas." "Based on the subsequent investigation results, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office elected to file felony sexual battery charges against Singh and issued a warrant for his arrest," the tweet added. "Singh was arrested yesterday (June 17, 2023) by the San Francisco Police Department at the San Francisco International Airport. He was booked into custody at the San Mateo County Jail but released on bail the same day. He is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento on August 17, 2023, at 3:00 PM," the tweet further said. On April 26, 2023, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office received a call for service at the River Pointe Post-Acute Care Facility on Fair Oaks Boulevard regarding a report of a sexual assault. The victim, an employee at the facility, alleged that her boss, Dr. Rachandeep Singh,… pic.twitter.com/O0fnZB6mq5 — Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) June 18, 2023 × 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: Indian-origin doctor accused of sexually assaulting co-worker, arrested

For the first time, the regulators in the US have approved the sale of "lab-grown" chicken&nbsp;made from animal cells. It will be served first in upscale restaurants.&nbsp;

It is expected that the announcement would drastically reduce the environmental impacts of food production as it paves the way for a new era of meat production.&nbsp;

The Upside Foods and Good Meat got a go-ahead from the Agriculture Department as the firms&nbsp;gunning to be the first in the nation to sell meat that doesn't come from slaughtered animals.

The Food and Drug Administration had given green clearance to both companies in November. Last week, the USDA cleared their product labels to ensure they were truthful.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-officials-identify-strange-thing-in-students-meal-as-rat-head-607069">Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head'</a>

Such products are referred to as "cell-cultivated" or "cultured" meat as they emerge from the laboratory and arrive on dinner plates.&nbsp;

As quoted in media reports, Josh Tetrick, co-founder and chief executive of Eat Just, which operates Good Meat, said, "Instead of all of that land and all of that water that's used to feed all of these animals that are slaughtered, we can do it in a different way."&nbsp;

Tetrick added, "We have been the only company selling cultivated meat anywhere in the world since we launched in Singapore in 2020, and now it's approved to sell to consumers in the world's largest economy."&nbsp;

Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of Upside Foods, said in a statement: "This approval will fundamentally change how meat makes it to our table. It's a giant step forward towards a more sustainable future - one that preserves choice and life."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-officials-identify-strange-thing-in-students-meal-as-rat-head-607069">Can you drink it? Astronauts use their own urine, sweat to make clean water in space</a>

<h2>Order also processed</h2>

The first order placed by three-Michelin-star Chef Dominique Crenn's restaurant Bar Crenn in San Francisco was processed by Upside after approval.&nbsp;

Good Meat, meanwhile, started production of its first batch that will be sold to celebrity chef and philanthropist Jose Andres. Reports mentioned that Andres will sell the product at a yet-to-be-revealed restaurant in the capital Washington.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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For the first time, the regulators in the US have approved the sale of "lab-grown" chicken made from animal cells. It will be served first in upscale restaurants.

For the first time, the regulators in the US have approved the sale of "lab-grown" chicken made from animal cells. It will be served first in upscale restaurants. It is expected that the announcement would drastically reduce the environmental impacts of food production as it paves the way for a new era of meat production. The Upside Foods and Good Meat got a go-ahead from the Agriculture Department as the firms gunning to be the first in the nation to sell meat that doesn't come from slaughtered animals. The Food and Drug Administration had given green clearance to both companies in November. Last week, the USDA cleared their product labels to ensure they were truthful. Also read: Chinese officials identify strange thing in student’s meal as 'rat head' Such products are referred to as "cell-cultivated" or "cultured" meat as they emerge from the laboratory and arrive on dinner plates. As quoted in media reports, Josh Tetrick, co-founder and chief executive of Eat Just, which operates Good Meat, said, "Instead of all of that land and all of that water that's used to feed all of these animals that are slaughtered, we can do it in a different way." Tetrick added, "We have been the only company selling cultivated meat anywhere in the world since we launched in Singapore in 2020, and now it's approved to sell to consumers in the world's largest economy." Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of Upside Foods, said in a statement: "This approval will fundamentally change how meat makes it to our table. It's a giant step forward towards a more sustainable future - one that preserves choice and life." Also read: Can you drink it? Astronauts use their own urine, sweat to make clean water in space Order also processed The first order placed by three-Michelin-star Chef Dominique Crenn's restaurant Bar Crenn in San Francisco was processed by Upside after approval. Good Meat, meanwhile, started production of its first batch that will be sold to celebrity chef and philanthropist Jose Andres. Reports mentioned that Andres will sell the product at a yet-to-be-revealed restaurant in the capital Washington. (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.

'Cell-cultivated' lab-grown chicken approved for sale by US regulator

9 Must-Read Fiction Books Based On Ramayana

The book revolves around the life of Sita and talks about the perception of women in society, besides highlighting the struggle of women to retain or regain autonomy in a world where men have all the privileges.


Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana


The author in this book shows Sita as the protagonist and portrays her as a victim of patriarchy but also talks about Lord Ram's side, by explaining why he did what he did — the exile and Sita's agni-pariksha.  

This book is part of a series. It is a retelling of the Ramayana, in which the youth of Rama and Lakshman has been elaborated as they set out to Bhayanak Van on a dangerous mission to save their kingdom of Ayodhya accompanied by Rishi Vishwamitra.

This graphic novel, quite popular among children, also brings a woman's perspective to this timeless epic.


This is the author's first book in "Ram Chandra Series". It is popular among readers ever since it was published in 2015. It revolves around the epic saga but has been remodelled and repainted by the author.

Not just Sita, this book, a series of stories, talks about various characters that appear in the Ramayana, such as Bhoomija, Shantha, Manthara, Tadaka, and Meenakshi.

Among the gazillion novels dedicated to Rama and Sita, this book tells the story of Ravana and his people — a man, not a demon, who wanted to unify the Asuras and the Devas.

Hanuman: The Epitome of Devotion and Courage


This book tells the story of lord Hanuman, one of the central characters in Ramayana, and his devotion to Rama.

Here are some of the must-read fiction books based On Ramayana.

Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.&nbsp;

To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions.&nbsp;

The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions.&nbsp;

According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries.&nbsp;

Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons&nbsp;

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<h2>Rescue worker killed in Kherson</h2>

Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;

The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath&nbsp;Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;

Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-comes-out-with-new-rules-to-control-social-lives-of-top-generals-606454">Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals</a>

<h2>Nuclear weapons threat is 'real'</h2>

United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy".&nbsp;

"They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.

Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed. To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions. The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions. According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries. Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Watch: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons × Rescue worker killed in Kherson Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine. The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood. Also read: Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals Nuclear weapons threat is 'real' United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy". "They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden 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.

Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline

A cross that former pope Benedict XVI used to wear on his chest has been stolen from a church in southern Germany where it was on display, police said Tuesday.

The pectoral cross was in a case in the wall of St. Oswald's church in Traunstein, in the state of Bavaria, where the late Benedict spent his adolescent years.

Thieves broke the case and took the cross, which the former pope had bequeathed to the parish, between 11:45 am (0945 GMT) and 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) on Monday.

"For the Catholic Church, the value of this sacred object cannot be quantified," Bavarian police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The perpetrators, whose identities are unknown, also broke into the cash register of a magazine stand and stole the money inside, the police said.&nbsp;

Police officials are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the church on Monday to share the information.&nbsp;

Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in six centuries to step down as head of the Catholic Church, died on&nbsp;31 December, 2022,&nbsp;aged 95 after a long period of declining health.

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A cross that former pope Benedict XVI used to wear on his chest has been stolen from a church in southern Germany where it was on display, police said Tuesday. The pectoral cross was in a case in the wall of St.

A cross that former pope Benedict XVI used to wear on his chest has been stolen from a church in southern Germany where it was on display, police said Tuesday. The pectoral cross was in a case in the wall of St. Oswald's church in Traunstein, in the state of Bavaria, where the late Benedict spent his adolescent years. Thieves broke the case and took the cross, which the former pope had bequeathed to the parish, between 11:45 am (0945 GMT) and 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) on Monday. "For the Catholic Church, the value of this sacred object cannot be quantified," Bavarian police said in a statement. The perpetrators, whose identities are unknown, also broke into the cash register of a magazine stand and stole the money inside, the police said. Police officials are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the church on Monday to share the information. Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in six centuries to step down as head of the Catholic Church, died on 31 December, 2022, aged 95 after a long period of declining health. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Cross worn by late pope Benedict stolen from church in Germany

The French government said Tuesday that it would soon shut down an activist climate group over a series of recent demonstrations including one that led to fierce clashes with police over a controversial irrigation project.

Government spokesman Olivier Veran accused the Uprisings of the Earth (SLT) coalition of encouraging violence at protests in March near Sainte-Soline in western France over irrigation.

"You don't dissolve an association because of its ideas. You dissolve it because there is violence or a risk for public safety," Veran told CNews television.&nbsp;

SLT has vowed to fight the shutdown order, saying on its website: "You cannot dissolve a movement. You cannot dissolve a revolt."

Veran said SLT "whipped up violence at Sainte Soline by inviting rioters, who came from across Europe with metal bars and petanque balls to try and kill police officers".

"The climate question does not justify throwing rocks at police in a field," he said.&nbsp;

SLT is a coalition of several activist associations, which was also behind a recent protest against a sand quarry in western France where protesters tore up fields and equipment at a farm.

The group was also one of several organisers of a banned demonstration at the weekend against a new rail link between the eastern city of Lyon and Turin in Italy.

It is part of a new wave of more radical climate activist groups including Extinction Rebellion which use direct action to underline their warnings about the dangers to the planet.

On Tuesday, prosecutors also said they had detained 14 people for questioning over vandalism at a protest supported by SLT, against a Lafarge cement plant near the southern city of Marseille.&nbsp;

Protesters called the company "one of the most destructive in the world". &nbsp;

<h2>Policing in spotlight</h2>

The dissolution of SLT was officially launched by the interior ministry just after the Sainte-Soline clashes in March, using powers that have been previously used to outlaw far-right and Islamist groups.

The decree is likely to be discussed at the government's weekly cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a source close to the issue said.

France has faced a wave of protests in recent months, mainly over a hotly contested decision to push back the retirement age, which have at times turned violent.

Some of the demonstrators have vandalised buildings and street furniture or thrown rocks at riot police.

Critics accuse authorities of fomenting tensions with heavy-handed policing tactics and aggressive confrontations with demonstrators.

Many in France were shocked by the scenes at Sainte-Soline, where around 5,000 protesters battled with more than 3,000 police officers.

Two protesters were left in a coma afterwards, while around 30 officers were injured.

The demonstrators were protesting against a giant reservoir for storing water pumped up from the underground water table.

Critics say it will penalise smaller farmers and the ecosystem, while benefitting mainly industrial agriculture groups.

France's Human Rights League (FDH) said afterward that "as soon as the demonstrators arrived at the reservoir site, police fired at them with weapons of war: tear gas grenades, stun grenades, explosive sting-ball grenades and rubber bullets".

"The deployment put everyone present at risk of serious harm," it said.

Earlier this month, United Nations experts urged France to review its policing practices, expressing concern at the "reported excessive use of force" against protesters, in particular at Sainte-Soline.

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The French government said Tuesday that it would soon shut down an activist climate group over a series of recent demonstrations including one that led to fierce clashes with police over a controversial irrigation project.

The French government said Tuesday that it would soon shut down an activist climate group over a series of recent demonstrations including one that led to fierce clashes with police over a controversial irrigation project. Government spokesman Olivier Veran accused the Uprisings of the Earth (SLT) coalition of encouraging violence at protests in March near Sainte-Soline in western France over irrigation. "You don't dissolve an association because of its ideas. You dissolve it because there is violence or a risk for public safety," Veran told CNews television. SLT has vowed to fight the shutdown order, saying on its website: "You cannot dissolve a movement. You cannot dissolve a revolt." Veran said SLT "whipped up violence at Sainte Soline by inviting rioters, who came from across Europe with metal bars and petanque balls to try and kill police officers". "The climate question does not justify throwing rocks at police in a field," he said. SLT is a coalition of several activist associations, which was also behind a recent protest against a sand quarry in western France where protesters tore up fields and equipment at a farm. The group was also one of several organisers of a banned demonstration at the weekend against a new rail link between the eastern city of Lyon and Turin in Italy. It is part of a new wave of more radical climate activist groups including Extinction Rebellion which use direct action to underline their warnings about the dangers to the planet. On Tuesday, prosecutors also said they had detained 14 people for questioning over vandalism at a protest supported by SLT, against a Lafarge cement plant near the southern city of Marseille. Protesters called the company "one of the most destructive in the world". Policing in spotlight The dissolution of SLT was officially launched by the interior ministry just after the Sainte-Soline clashes in March, using powers that have been previously used to outlaw far-right and Islamist groups. The decree is likely to be discussed at the government's weekly cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a source close to the issue said. France has faced a wave of protests in recent months, mainly over a hotly contested decision to push back the retirement age, which have at times turned violent. Some of the demonstrators have vandalised buildings and street furniture or thrown rocks at riot police. Critics accuse authorities of fomenting tensions with heavy-handed policing tactics and aggressive confrontations with demonstrators. Many in France were shocked by the scenes at Sainte-Soline, where around 5,000 protesters battled with more than 3,000 police officers. Two protesters were left in a coma afterwards, while around 30 officers were injured. The demonstrators were protesting against a giant reservoir for storing water pumped up from the underground water table. Critics say it will penalise smaller farmers and the ecosystem, while benefitting mainly industrial agriculture groups. France's Human Rights League (FDH) said afterward that "as soon as the demonstrators arrived at the reservoir site, police fired at them with weapons of war: tear gas grenades, stun grenades, explosive sting-ball grenades and rubber bullets". "The deployment put everyone present at risk of serious harm," it said. Earlier this month, United Nations experts urged France to review its policing practices, expressing concern at the "reported excessive use of force" against protesters, in particular at Sainte-Soline. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France to shut down climate NGO after vandalism, violence at protest

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the United Nations headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year globally on June 21 since 2015.&nbsp;

PM Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi after arriving on the lawn and addressed the people present there to practice yoga asanas. He said that the gathering was the meeting point of the entire humanity.&nbsp;

PM Modi thanked everyone for coming and added, "I am told that almost every nationality is represented here today. Yoga means to unite, so you are coming together is an expression of another form of Yoga." The Guinness World Record was also created for most nationalities in a Yoga session during the event.&nbsp;

The event was attended by top UN officials, envoys from across the world and prominent individuals. PM Modi described Yoga as "truly universal" and free from copyrights and patents.&nbsp;

Alos read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-created-at-pm-modis-yoga-event-in-us-for-most-nationalities-606993">Guinness world record created at PM Modi's Yoga event in US for most nationalities</a>

He also said that Yoga is a way of life, a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is a way to mindfulness in thoughts and actions and a way to live in harmony with self, with others and with nature.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, "Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realise the goal of One Earth, One Family, One Future."&nbsp;

It is universal that Yoga helps in promoting mindfulness and relaxation during stress and anxiety and also supports physical well-being at all stages of life.&nbsp;

The event was attended by prominent personalities such as the Mayor of New York City Eric Adams, famous Hollywood actor Richard Gere, award-winning Indian chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna, and more.&nbsp;

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1671501949722853376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At the Yoga Day event at the UN HQ in New York, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a… <a href="https://t.co/QwAEEBo9r8">pic.twitter.com/QwAEEBo9r8</a>
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<h2>PM Modi in US</h2>

PM Modi is in the United States for a state visit, which includes, the state dinner, official and diplomatic meetings, engagements with the diaspora, and more.&nbsp;

Ahead of his official state visit to Washington after nine years in office, PM Modi said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that "there is an unprecedented trust" between the leaders of the US and India.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister also hailed growing defence cooperation between the two countries as "an important pillar of our partnership," which he said extends to trade, technology and energy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the United Nations headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year globally on June 21 since 2015.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the United Nations headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year globally on June 21 since 2015. PM Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi after arriving on the lawn and addressed the people present there to practice yoga asanas. He said that the gathering was the meeting point of the entire humanity. PM Modi thanked everyone for coming and added, "I am told that almost every nationality is represented here today. Yoga means to unite, so you are coming together is an expression of another form of Yoga." The Guinness World Record was also created for most nationalities in a Yoga session during the event. The event was attended by top UN officials, envoys from across the world and prominent individuals. PM Modi described Yoga as "truly universal" and free from copyrights and patents. Alos read: Guinness world record created at PM Modi's Yoga event in US for most nationalities He also said that Yoga is a way of life, a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is a way to mindfulness in thoughts and actions and a way to live in harmony with self, with others and with nature. PM Modi said, "Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realise the goal of One Earth, One Family, One Future." It is universal that Yoga helps in promoting mindfulness and relaxation during stress and anxiety and also supports physical well-being at all stages of life. The event was attended by prominent personalities such as the Mayor of New York City Eric Adams, famous Hollywood actor Richard Gere, award-winning Indian chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna, and more. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the Yoga Day event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on the occasion of #9thInternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/3G8I9YGvNA — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2023 × #WATCH | At the Yoga Day event at the UN HQ in New York, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a… pic.twitter.com/QwAEEBo9r8 — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2023 × Watch this report: × PM Modi in US PM Modi is in the United States for a state visit, which includes, the state dinner, official and diplomatic meetings, engagements with the diaspora, and more. Ahead of his official state visit to Washington after nine years in office, PM Modi said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that "there is an unprecedented trust" between the leaders of the US and India. The Indian prime minister also hailed growing defence cooperation between the two countries as "an important pillar of our partnership," which he said extends to trade, technology and energy. (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.

'One Earth, One Family, One Future': PM Modi says at Yoga Day event in US

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