<p>The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for."</p>

<p>"NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region. Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions." "The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success". Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive." On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO. While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities. Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv. He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for." "NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added. Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine. Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion. In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction." "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said. On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake." (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.

Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia 'thwarts major attack' in Ukraine

<p>Users on Monday (June 5) reported issues while accessing their Microsoft Outlook and Teams accounts as the company's product suite that includes Word and Excel was down for more than 15,000 users, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the glitch was fixed and the services were restored after more than two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have resolved an issue preventing users from accessing some of our services," a Microsoft spokesperson said, after previously admitting that they were investigating the issue with accessing Outlook on the web.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet update, the company confirmed the recovery for affected Microsoft 365 services and will continue to monitor the services to ensure performance stability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Further information can be found under EX571516 and MO571683 in the admin center," the tweet mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Microsoft later added that Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for business were also impacted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tech company said that it was reviewing the networking systems and recent updates in an effort to identify the underlying root cause of the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said, "Additional information can be found in the admin center under EX571516."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're investigating an issue with accessing Outlook on the web. Further details can be found under EX571516 in the admin center.</p>
— Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSFT365Status/status/1665734492122742790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">User reports indicate Microsoft Teams is having problems since 11:16 AM EDT. <a href="https://t.co/lrZW08yr6T">https://t.co/lrZW08yr6T</a> RT if you're also having problems <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teamsdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teamsdown</a></p>
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<p>The tech company said it had rolled back a system update to resolve the outage, without providing any detail.</p>

<p>Several Twitter users complained about the outage and shared the issues faced by them due to the disruption.</p>

<p>Microsoft's services have been hit by at least three outages since the beginning of the year.</p>

<p>News agency Reuters reported that Microsoft services have faced at least three outages since the beginning of the year. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from several sources including users.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Users on Monday (June 5) reported issues while accessing their Microsoft Outlook and Teams accounts as the company's product suite that includes Word and Excel was down for more than 15,000 users, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.

Users on Monday (June 5) reported issues while accessing their Microsoft Outlook and Teams accounts as the company's product suite that includes Word and Excel was down for more than 15,000 users, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. However, the glitch was fixed and the services were restored after more than two hours. "We have resolved an issue preventing users from accessing some of our services," a Microsoft spokesperson said, after previously admitting that they were investigating the issue with accessing Outlook on the web. In a tweet update, the company confirmed the recovery for affected Microsoft 365 services and will continue to monitor the services to ensure performance stability. "Further information can be found under EX571516 and MO571683 in the admin center," the tweet mentioned. Microsoft later added that Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for business were also impacted. The tech company said that it was reviewing the networking systems and recent updates in an effort to identify the underlying root cause of the issue. It said, "Additional information can be found in the admin center under EX571516." We're investigating an issue with accessing Outlook on the web. Further details can be found under EX571516 in the admin center. — Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) June 5, 2023 × User reports indicate Microsoft Teams is having problems since 11:16 AM EDT. https://t.co/lrZW08yr6T RT if you're also having problems #teamsdown — Downdetector (@downdetector) June 5, 2023 × The tech company said it had rolled back a system update to resolve the outage, without providing any detail. Several Twitter users complained about the outage and shared the issues faced by them due to the disruption. Microsoft's services have been hit by at least three outages since the beginning of the year. News agency Reuters reported that Microsoft services have faced at least three outages since the beginning of the year. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from several sources including users. (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.

Microsoft 365 down, thousands of users face outage

<p>New Zealand on Tuesday (June 6) announced a ban on disposable vapes amid the government's focus to curb vaping among young people by implementing limits on sales near schools and a ban on some disposable units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said that disposable vapes, defined as those without removable or replaceable batteries, will be banned from August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Too many young people are vaping, which is why we're making a number of moves to stop that happening," she said in a statement, further adding that new vape shops will not be allowed near schools or marae — Maori meeting places.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also want vapes as far from the minds and reach of children and young people as possible," Verrall said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that new shops would be kept at least 300 metres (328 yards) from schools and marae.</p>

<p>Verrall said that names like "cotton candy" and "strawberry jelly donut" will be barred, in favour of generic equivalents such as "berry" and also noted that vapes will also need a child-safety mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference, Verrall said that it is yet another way that we are stopping vape companies from developing particular brands that target young people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the statement, Verrall said: "We're creating a future where tobacco products are no longer addictive, appealing or as readily available, and the same needs to apply to vaping."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Sweden set to become Europe's first 'smoke-free' nation&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>New Zealand's anti-smoking campaigns have been aggressive since&nbsp;announcing six months back that&nbsp;it would make cigarettes permanently unavailable to anyone currently aged under 14, effectively raising the smoking age each year until the whole population is covered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand has taken such strict action, despite the fact that the number of adults smoking in the country is relatively low at just eight per cent.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the new vape restrictions were needed for the young. Hipkins said, "We have heard from parents, teachers and principals concerned that a life-long bad habit is being established for many at a young age."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 2021 study by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation found that nearly one in five school-aged teenagers vape at least once a day in New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Similar action was taken in Australia and UK&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Australia took similar action as it accused tobacco companies of hooking the next "generation of nicotine addicts" by deliberately targeting teenagers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, the United Kingdom government came up with a one of its kind anti-smoking scheme, which offers one million people a chance to give up their cigarettes and instead pick up a vape. The government's "swap to stop" programme is aimed at helping people quit smoking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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New Zealand on Tuesday (June 6) announced a ban on disposable vapes amid the government's focus to curb vaping among young people by implementing limits on sales near schools and a ban on some disposable units.

New Zealand on Tuesday (June 6) announced a ban on disposable vapes amid the government's focus to curb vaping among young people by implementing limits on sales near schools and a ban on some disposable units. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said that disposable vapes, defined as those without removable or replaceable batteries, will be banned from August. "Too many young people are vaping, which is why we're making a number of moves to stop that happening," she said in a statement, further adding that new vape shops will not be allowed near schools or marae — Maori meeting places. "We also want vapes as far from the minds and reach of children and young people as possible," Verrall said. She added that new shops would be kept at least 300 metres (328 yards) from schools and marae. Verrall said that names like "cotton candy" and "strawberry jelly donut" will be barred, in favour of generic equivalents such as "berry" and also noted that vapes will also need a child-safety mechanism. While speaking at a press conference, Verrall said that it is yet another way that we are stopping vape companies from developing particular brands that target young people. In the statement, Verrall said: "We're creating a future where tobacco products are no longer addictive, appealing or as readily available, and the same needs to apply to vaping." WATCH: Sweden set to become Europe's first 'smoke-free' nation × New Zealand's anti-smoking campaigns have been aggressive since announcing six months back that it would make cigarettes permanently unavailable to anyone currently aged under 14, effectively raising the smoking age each year until the whole population is covered. New Zealand has taken such strict action, despite the fact that the number of adults smoking in the country is relatively low at just eight per cent. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the new vape restrictions were needed for the young. Hipkins said, "We have heard from parents, teachers and principals concerned that a life-long bad habit is being established for many at a young age." A 2021 study by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation found that nearly one in five school-aged teenagers vape at least once a day in New Zealand. Similar action was taken in Australia and UK Australia took similar action as it accused tobacco companies of hooking the next "generation of nicotine addicts" by deliberately targeting teenagers. In April, the United Kingdom government came up with a one of its kind anti-smoking scheme, which offers one million people a chance to give up their cigarettes and instead pick up a vape. The government's "swap to stop" programme is aimed at helping people quit smoking. (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.

New Zealand to ban disposable vape as it extends aggressive anti-smoking campaigns

<p>On its 10th anniversary in India, Amazon extends its heartfelt appreciation to the millions of Indians who have made it a part of their daily lives– customers, sellers, and its zealous delivery partners. In a heartfelt film, Amazon has beautifully portrayed the persistent endeavours of its sellers which have erased geographical boundaries. The Petha prepared in Agra is made available by the sellers in Madurai, and the artistic footwear created in Jaipur makes its way to New York. One fundamental reason behind the success of Amazon is its strong collaboration with sellers who serve as the marketplace's foundation.</p>

<p>Amazon also expresses its gratitude to the new age of customers who are helping their elders embrace technology and thus enabling online shopping journeys with Amazon. The brand has always responded to the demands of its customers by continuously evolving its services. For Amazon, each day of the last ten years has been full of learnings and discoveries about India’s rich and diverse culture and making its interface and experience suit the audience. Whether it is enabling customers to shop in their languages of choice or pioneering same-day deliveries, Amazon has evolved basis the needs of its customers.</p>

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<p>The brand remains highly optimistic and dedicated to its operations in India. It looks forward to serving Indian customers and sellers. By nurturing genuine connections, valuing authentic communication, and avoiding superficial tactics, Amazon strives to build enduring relationships with customers and sellers based on trust, transparency, and product innovation.</p>

<p>On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Amazon looks forward to another decade of growth, collaboration, and transformative contributions that will continue to positively shape the lives of Indians through innovation and unwavering dedication.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><b>(Disclaimer:&nbsp;This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltd Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)</b></em></p>

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On its 10th anniversary in India, Amazon extends its heartfelt appreciation to the millions of Indians who have made it a part of their daily lives– customers, sellers, and its zealous delivery partners.

On its 10th anniversary in India, Amazon extends its heartfelt appreciation to the millions of Indians who have made it a part of their daily lives– customers, sellers, and its zealous delivery partners. In a heartfelt film, Amazon has beautifully portrayed the persistent endeavours of its sellers which have erased geographical boundaries. The Petha prepared in Agra is made available by the sellers in Madurai, and the artistic footwear created in Jaipur makes its way to New York. One fundamental reason behind the success of Amazon is its strong collaboration with sellers who serve as the marketplace's foundation. Amazon also expresses its gratitude to the new age of customers who are helping their elders embrace technology and thus enabling online shopping journeys with Amazon. The brand has always responded to the demands of its customers by continuously evolving its services. For Amazon, each day of the last ten years has been full of learnings and discoveries about India’s rich and diverse culture and making its interface and experience suit the audience. Whether it is enabling customers to shop in their languages of choice or pioneering same-day deliveries, Amazon has evolved basis the needs of its customers. × The brand remains highly optimistic and dedicated to its operations in India. It looks forward to serving Indian customers and sellers. By nurturing genuine connections, valuing authentic communication, and avoiding superficial tactics, Amazon strives to build enduring relationships with customers and sellers based on trust, transparency, and product innovation. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Amazon looks forward to another decade of growth, collaboration, and transformative contributions that will continue to positively shape the lives of Indians through innovation and unwavering dedication. (Disclaimer: This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltd Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.) 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.

Amazon India marks its 10th anniversary in India with #IndiaKiApniDukaan

<p>Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same,&nbsp;on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News outlets reported that Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) President Gurnam Singh Charuni called for a mass gathering at the highway, aiming to block it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The farmers had asked the government to start procurement on an MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal, but the deadline expired on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and videos were shared on social media platforms which showed heavy police deployment and barricading. The farmers were seen at the Shahbad grain market in the morning.&nbsp;Local reports mentioned that after their talks with the government authorities failed, they decided to block the highway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crops had been damaged due to unseasonal rains in the state in March-April this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on May 31 deposited Rs 181 crore into the bank accounts of 67,758 farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops due to unseasonal rainfall in March-April.</p>

<p>Khattar said on Twitter, "Today, fulfilling the promise made to my farmer brothers, I have sent compensation of Rs 181 crore directly to their bank accounts through just one click, for their damaged crops."</p>

<p>"In March-April 2023, we had announced compensation for the crop damaged due to unseasonal rains in the month of May, under which today the compensation amount has been released to 67,758 farmers of the state," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same, on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district.

Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same, on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district. News outlets reported that Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) President Gurnam Singh Charuni called for a mass gathering at the highway, aiming to block it. The farmers had asked the government to start procurement on an MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal, but the deadline expired on Monday. Images and videos were shared on social media platforms which showed heavy police deployment and barricading. The farmers were seen at the Shahbad grain market in the morning. Local reports mentioned that after their talks with the government authorities failed, they decided to block the highway. The crops had been damaged due to unseasonal rains in the state in March-April this year. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on May 31 deposited Rs 181 crore into the bank accounts of 67,758 farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops due to unseasonal rainfall in March-April. Khattar said on Twitter, "Today, fulfilling the promise made to my farmer brothers, I have sent compensation of Rs 181 crore directly to their bank accounts through just one click, for their damaged crops." "In March-April 2023, we had announced compensation for the crop damaged due to unseasonal rains in the month of May, under which today the compensation amount has been released to 67,758 farmers of the state," 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.

India: Why did farmers block the Delhi-Chandigarh highway in Haryana?

<p>A devasting train crash on Friday (June 2) in the Indian eastern state of Odisha has left the nation grieving as nearly 300 people lost their lives and over 1,100 were injured. The accident emerged as the country's worst rail accident in over two decades.&nbsp;But was the accident avoidable?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tragic crash that happened in Balasore city involved three trains - Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Railway is the fourth-largest train network in the world and functions as an integrated organisation providing passenger and freight services. It transports 13 million people every day and moved&nbsp;nearly 1.5 billion tonnes of freight in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crash, however, has raised concerns over the safety of Indian railway tracks, bringing to the fore a 2022 report — titled '<a href="https://cag.gov.in/webroot/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Report-No.-22-of-2022_Railway_English_DSC-063a2dda55f3ce6.38649271.pdf">Derailment in Indian Railways</a>', by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report flagged multiple issues and also recommended a scope of improvement to enhance safety. It pointed out serious concerns related to delayed inspections and, crucial failures, inadequate staffing, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-odisha-train-collision-occurred-indian-railway-officials-give-minute-by-minute-details-600627">Here’s how Odisha trains collision occurred: Indian railway officials give minute-by-minute details</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The audit was for the period 2017-18 to 2020-21 of the Indian Railways and was conducted during the year 2021-22. The main focus of the report was to ascertain whether measures to prevent derailments were clearly laid down and implemented by the Ministry of Railways (MoR).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report stated: "There were shortfalls ranging from 30-100% in inspections by Track Recording Cars required to assess geometrical and structural conditions of railway tracks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that a total of 422 derailments were attributable to the "Engineering Department", but the major factor responsible for derailment was related to "maintenance of track" (171 cases), which was followed by "deviation of track parameters beyond permissible limits" (156 cases), while&nbsp;the&nbsp;number of derailments attributable to the "Mechanical Department" was 182.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A part of the report read: "The number of accidents attributable to the "Loco Pilots"&nbsp;was 154. "Bad Driving/Over speeding&nbsp;was the major factor responsible for derailments."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some would argue&nbsp;why prompt actions were not taken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the government has been taking steps to improve the infrastructure.&nbsp;The Indian Railway is a 170-year-old system and&nbsp;has seen rapid expansion and modernisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to boost infrastructure and connectivity in the fast-growing economy.</p>

<p>This year, the government made a record $30 billion capital outlay for the railways, a 50 per cent&nbsp;increase over the previous fiscal year, to upgrade tracks, ease congestion and add new trains.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Recommendations of the CAG report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It had recommended that timely conduct&nbsp;of investigations on derailments (or collisions) and implementation of the preventive recommendations were the other areas of the audit. The report put emphasis on the deployment of funds in accordance with the guidelines of Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the recommendations, the report said that Indian Railways should ensure strict adherence to the scheduled timelines for conducting and finalisation of accident inquiries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The department may develop a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation of maintenance activities by adopting fully mechanised methods of track maintenance and improved technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also mentioned that Railway Administration must follow the "guiding principles for deployment of RRSK funds" to avoid fund constraints in the area of Priority-I works.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Cause of the Odisha crash&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the cause behind the crash was the "change that occurred during electronic interlocking".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaishnaw said that it would be appropriate to wait for the final report before divulging other details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, the rail minister said that "considering the administrative information, Railway Board has been recommending the entire case to the CBI for further investigation".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A devasting train crash on Friday (June 2) in the Indian eastern state of Odisha has left the nation grieving as nearly 300 people lost their lives and over 1,100 were injured.

A devasting train crash on Friday (June 2) in the Indian eastern state of Odisha has left the nation grieving as nearly 300 people lost their lives and over 1,100 were injured. The accident emerged as the country's worst rail accident in over two decades. But was the accident avoidable? The tragic crash that happened in Balasore city involved three trains - Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. The Indian Railway is the fourth-largest train network in the world and functions as an integrated organisation providing passenger and freight services. It transports 13 million people every day and moved nearly 1.5 billion tonnes of freight in 2022. The crash, however, has raised concerns over the safety of Indian railway tracks, bringing to the fore a 2022 report — titled 'Derailment in Indian Railways', by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The report flagged multiple issues and also recommended a scope of improvement to enhance safety. It pointed out serious concerns related to delayed inspections and, crucial failures, inadequate staffing, and more. Also read: Here’s how Odisha trains collision occurred: Indian railway officials give minute-by-minute details The audit was for the period 2017-18 to 2020-21 of the Indian Railways and was conducted during the year 2021-22. The main focus of the report was to ascertain whether measures to prevent derailments were clearly laid down and implemented by the Ministry of Railways (MoR). The report stated: "There were shortfalls ranging from 30-100% in inspections by Track Recording Cars required to assess geometrical and structural conditions of railway tracks." The report mentioned that a total of 422 derailments were attributable to the "Engineering Department", but the major factor responsible for derailment was related to "maintenance of track" (171 cases), which was followed by "deviation of track parameters beyond permissible limits" (156 cases), while the number of derailments attributable to the "Mechanical Department" was 182. A part of the report read: "The number of accidents attributable to the "Loco Pilots" was 154. "Bad Driving/Over speeding was the major factor responsible for derailments." Some would argue why prompt actions were not taken. Notably, the government has been taking steps to improve the infrastructure. The Indian Railway is a 170-year-old system and has seen rapid expansion and modernisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to boost infrastructure and connectivity in the fast-growing economy. This year, the government made a record $30 billion capital outlay for the railways, a 50 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year, to upgrade tracks, ease congestion and add new trains. Recommendations of the CAG report It had recommended that timely conduct of investigations on derailments (or collisions) and implementation of the preventive recommendations were the other areas of the audit. The report put emphasis on the deployment of funds in accordance with the guidelines of Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK). In the recommendations, the report said that Indian Railways should ensure strict adherence to the scheduled timelines for conducting and finalisation of accident inquiries. The department may develop a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation of maintenance activities by adopting fully mechanised methods of track maintenance and improved technologies. It was also mentioned that Railway Administration must follow the "guiding principles for deployment of RRSK funds" to avoid fund constraints in the area of Priority-I works. × Cause of the Odisha crash Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the cause behind the crash was the "change that occurred during electronic interlocking". Vaishnaw said that it would be appropriate to wait for the final report before divulging other details. While speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, the rail minister said that "considering the administrative information, Railway Board has been recommending the entire case to the CBI for further investigation". (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.

Was Odisha train crash avoidable? A 2022 CAG report flagged serious concerns

<p>A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress party said that the party he referred to was different from the Muslim League, for which the BJP has "more love". The opposition party also recalled when LK Advani had hailed Muslim League's leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments were made when Gandhi was speaking during an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Thursday (June 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about Congress's alliance with the Muslim League in the South Indian state of Kerala, Gandhi said, "Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about them. I think the person (reporter) hasn't studied the Muslim League."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Washington, DC: ..." Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League...": Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on being asked about Congress's alliance with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala <a href="https://t.co/wXWa7t1bb0">pic.twitter.com/wXWa7t1bb0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1664421472524468225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Kerala party is guided by the same mindset which was behind Jinnah's All India Muslim League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in response to that, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was in league with the Muslim League in the government in Bengal when (Mahatma) Gandhiji launched Quit India movement. SPM was singularly responsible for the partition of Bengal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, he tagged a tweet by Congress leader Amitabh Dubey who had slammed BJP IT department head Amit Malviya for his criticism of Gandhi, saying "You're confusing the Kerala-based IUML he is talking about with Jinnah's Muslim League that took Savarkar's two-nation theory to its logical conclusion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey said, "The same Muslim League with whom BJP founder SP Mukherjee and Hindu Mahasabha formed coalition governments in Bengal, Sind, NWFP (North-West Frontier Province)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress' media department head Pawan Khera said, "Those with entire political science (degree) should have some knowledge of the politics of their country." Khera mentioned that Muhammad Ismail, the founder of the Indian Union Muslim League, was a member of the Constituent Assembly. He said that during the war with China, his son Miyan Khan had joined the Indian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gourav Vallabh said here that the party Gandhi referred to is IUML which is a registered political party in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vallabh said, "Is a registered party in India not a secular party? Does the Election Commission get ineligible parties registered? I would like to remind the BJP that this is not the party with which Syama Prasad Mookerjee aligned to form the government in Bengal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "That Muslim League of Jinnah is different, with which you formed the government. Rahul Gandhi has not talked about that Muslim League but the thing is that you have more love for that party, therefore, you think that the party being talked about is the one whose founder was Jinnah."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party".

A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party". Congress party said that the party he referred to was different from the Muslim League, for which the BJP has "more love". The opposition party also recalled when LK Advani had hailed Muslim League's leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The comments were made when Gandhi was speaking during an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Thursday (June 1). On being asked about Congress's alliance with the Muslim League in the South Indian state of Kerala, Gandhi said, "Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about them. I think the person (reporter) hasn't studied the Muslim League." Watch: #WATCH | Washington, DC: ..." Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League...": Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on being asked about Congress's alliance with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala pic.twitter.com/wXWa7t1bb0 — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2023 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Kerala party is guided by the same mindset which was behind Jinnah's All India Muslim League. But in response to that, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was in league with the Muslim League in the government in Bengal when (Mahatma) Gandhiji launched Quit India movement. SPM was singularly responsible for the partition of Bengal." Further, he tagged a tweet by Congress leader Amitabh Dubey who had slammed BJP IT department head Amit Malviya for his criticism of Gandhi, saying "You're confusing the Kerala-based IUML he is talking about with Jinnah's Muslim League that took Savarkar's two-nation theory to its logical conclusion." Dubey said, "The same Muslim League with whom BJP founder SP Mukherjee and Hindu Mahasabha formed coalition governments in Bengal, Sind, NWFP (North-West Frontier Province)." Congress' media department head Pawan Khera said, "Those with entire political science (degree) should have some knowledge of the politics of their country." Khera mentioned that Muhammad Ismail, the founder of the Indian Union Muslim League, was a member of the Constituent Assembly. He said that during the war with China, his son Miyan Khan had joined the Indian Army. While speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gourav Vallabh said here that the party Gandhi referred to is IUML which is a registered political party in India. Vallabh said, "Is a registered party in India not a secular party? Does the Election Commission get ineligible parties registered? I would like to remind the BJP that this is not the party with which Syama Prasad Mookerjee aligned to form the government in Bengal." He said, "That Muslim League of Jinnah is different, with which you formed the government. Rahul Gandhi has not talked about that Muslim League but the thing is that you have more love for that party, therefore, you think that the party being talked about is the one whose founder was Jinnah." (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: Political row erupts over Rahul Gandhi's ‘secular’ remark on IUML

<p>A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that shelling had struck a section of road in the town of Maslova Pristan, which is some 15 kilometres from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two women were travelling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said, also stating that shell fragments had struck passing cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another post later in the day, Gladkov said two more people had been injured and an industrial facility had caught fire after shelling in the town of Shebekino.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to the news agency AFP, Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov said that a total of 5,000 people had transited through the temporary shelters and registered in recent days, with many then going to stay with relatives.</p>

<p>He said, "We are trying to re-settle people as quickly as possible. We hope they will not have to be there (in temporary accommodation) for long but we have to prepare for anything."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another message posted later on the day, Gladkov said residents from the town of Shebekino have poured into the region's main city, also called Belgorod.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shebekino has been hit hard as Russian officials said it suffered heavy bombardment on Thursday as well as a cross-border incursion. According to Gladkov, more than 2,500 people were being evacuated from the Shebekino area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four homes have been damaged by shelling in the Bryansk region, which is north of Belgorod, said the governor. Meanwhile, the head of the neighbouring Kursk region said some buildings had been damaged in an overnight drone attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar reports emerged from the Smolensk region as long-range drones hit two towns overnight, the local governor there said. The head of Russia's Kaluga region said a blast had been reported in a forest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine claims it destroyed&nbsp;missiles</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has intensified air strikes on several Ukrainian regions in over the past few days. On Friday, Ukraine said it had destroyed all 15 missiles and 21 drones from a new wave of overnight attacks that left two people wounded in Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chief of the capital's city administration, Sergiy Popko, said on Telegram: "In the last six days, (Russians) have already carried out six attacks on the city!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local authorities said that three people including a nine-year-old child were killed in Kyiv on Thursday after rocket fragments fell when Russia launched ballistic and cruise missiles on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Estonian President in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As Estonian President Alar Karis visited Ukraine on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he knew it would be "impossible" for Ukraine to join NATO while Russia was waging war on his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint briefing in the Ukrainian capital with Estonian President Alar Karis, he said joining the alliance was still the best security guarantee for Kyiv.</p>

<p>"But we are adequate people and understand that we will not pull any NATO country into a war. And that's why we understand that we won't be a member of NATO while this war is ongoing. Not because we don't want to, because it's impossible," Zelensky said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I welcome President of Estonia <a href="https://twitter.com/AlarKaris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlarKaris</a> to Kyiv.<br />
<br />
Estonia is among those whose assistance to our defense is the fastest and the largest, if you look at the ratio of aid to the country's GDP. Thank you for all your support!<br />
<br />
🇺🇦🇪🇪 <a href="https://t.co/hOQwm6sbMz">pic.twitter.com/hOQwm6sbMz</a></p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1664615530215485443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<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)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine. Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border.

A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine. Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border. Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that shelling had struck a section of road in the town of Maslova Pristan, which is some 15 kilometres from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region. "Two women were travelling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said, also stating that shell fragments had struck passing cars. In another post later in the day, Gladkov said two more people had been injured and an industrial facility had caught fire after shelling in the town of Shebekino. While speaking to the news agency AFP, Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov said that a total of 5,000 people had transited through the temporary shelters and registered in recent days, with many then going to stay with relatives. He said, "We are trying to re-settle people as quickly as possible. We hope they will not have to be there (in temporary accommodation) for long but we have to prepare for anything." In another message posted later on the day, Gladkov said residents from the town of Shebekino have poured into the region's main city, also called Belgorod. Shebekino has been hit hard as Russian officials said it suffered heavy bombardment on Thursday as well as a cross-border incursion. According to Gladkov, more than 2,500 people were being evacuated from the Shebekino area. Four homes have been damaged by shelling in the Bryansk region, which is north of Belgorod, said the governor. Meanwhile, the head of the neighbouring Kursk region said some buildings had been damaged in an overnight drone attack. Similar reports emerged from the Smolensk region as long-range drones hit two towns overnight, the local governor there said. The head of Russia's Kaluga region said a blast had been reported in a forest. Ukraine claims it destroyed missiles Russia has intensified air strikes on several Ukrainian regions in over the past few days. On Friday, Ukraine said it had destroyed all 15 missiles and 21 drones from a new wave of overnight attacks that left two people wounded in Kyiv. The chief of the capital's city administration, Sergiy Popko, said on Telegram: "In the last six days, (Russians) have already carried out six attacks on the city!" Local authorities said that three people including a nine-year-old child were killed in Kyiv on Thursday after rocket fragments fell when Russia launched ballistic and cruise missiles on Kyiv. Estonian President in Ukraine As Estonian President Alar Karis visited Ukraine on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he knew it would be "impossible" for Ukraine to join NATO while Russia was waging war on his country. In a joint briefing in the Ukrainian capital with Estonian President Alar Karis, he said joining the alliance was still the best security guarantee for Kyiv. "But we are adequate people and understand that we will not pull any NATO country into a war. And that's why we understand that we won't be a member of NATO while this war is ongoing. Not because we don't want to, because it's impossible," Zelensky said. I welcome President of Estonia @AlarKaris to Kyiv. Estonia is among those whose assistance to our defense is the fastest and the largest, if you look at the ratio of aid to the country's GDP. Thank you for all your support! 🇺🇦🇪🇪 pic.twitter.com/hOQwm6sbMz — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2023 × Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims two killed as Ukraine shells border regions

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22 during his official state visit to the country.&nbsp;The news was announced with an invitation letter addressed to PM Modi and signed by top congressional leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter dated June 1 read, "On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you (Prime Minister Modi) to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi's address will revolve around his mission and vision for India's future and also the global challenges faced by both nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi is scheduled to travel to the United States for an official state visit from June 21 to 24 and will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House, including a state dinner.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is my honor to invite <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd.<br />
<br />
This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face. <a href="https://t.co/gu68UjJltG">pic.twitter.com/gu68UjJltG</a></p>
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1664630165802983427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>McCarthy said in a tweet, "It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," the tweet added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the invitation letter, McCarthy reminisced PM Modi's last address to the US Congress seven years ago, which according to the house speaker "left a lasting impact".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22 during his official state visit to the country. The news was announced with an invitation letter addressed to PM Modi and signed by top congressional leaders.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22 during his official state visit to the country. The news was announced with an invitation letter addressed to PM Modi and signed by top congressional leaders. The letter dated June 1 read, "On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you (Prime Minister Modi) to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22." The statement was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. PM Modi's address will revolve around his mission and vision for India's future and also the global challenges faced by both nations. PM Modi is scheduled to travel to the United States for an official state visit from June 21 to 24 and will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House, including a state dinner. It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia@narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face. pic.twitter.com/gu68UjJltG — Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 2, 2023 × McCarthy said in a tweet, "It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd." "This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," the tweet added. In the invitation letter, McCarthy reminisced PM Modi's last address to the US Congress seven years ago, which according to the house speaker "left a lasting impact". (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.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to address joint session of US Congress during state visit

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said on Thursday that party President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who is a close aide of former prime minister Imran Khan, was arrested outside his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by DAWN quoted Elahi's spokesperson Iqbal Chaudhry as saying that the former Punjab chief minister was arrested as he was leaving his house. The report also mentioned that according to the spokesperson, authorities "misbehaved" with women accompanying Elahi.</p>

<p>A district court in Lahore issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Elahi on May 26. The&nbsp;politician had been evading arrest since May 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, the party said, "Shameful how the regime doesn't stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous!" It also shared a video in which the 77-year-old leader was seen being dragged by security personnel from his residence.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shameful how the regime doesn’t stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous! <a href="https://t.co/epfQxGm47e">pic.twitter.com/epfQxGm47e</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1664261007978496007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PTI leader Moonis Elahi, who is the son of Pervez Elahi, said that he will stay with the party. He tweeted, "A series of crackdowns began in January and at that time, my father told me that even if he is arrested, we must stand with Imran Khan. Three days ago, my parents reiterated the same thing. Now it is being said that my father has been arrested in false cases," he said, further adding that "we are with PTI and will remain with the party".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pervez Elahi was a close aide to military dictator General Pervez Musharraf. He was appointed as the president of the PTI party in March this year after he quit his former party — the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court order noted, "The pre-arrest bail of the accused was dismissed due to non-prosecution vide order dated May 25 and he is not appearing before the court and also not joining the investigation."</p>

<p>"In view of the request of the IO, let non-bailable arrest warrants of accused Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi be issued for June 2, 2023," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said on Thursday that party President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who is a close aide of former prime minister Imran Khan, was arrested outside his residence.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said on Thursday that party President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who is a close aide of former prime minister Imran Khan, was arrested outside his residence. A report by DAWN quoted Elahi's spokesperson Iqbal Chaudhry as saying that the former Punjab chief minister was arrested as he was leaving his house. The report also mentioned that according to the spokesperson, authorities "misbehaved" with women accompanying Elahi. A district court in Lahore issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Elahi on May 26. The politician had been evading arrest since May 9. In a tweet, the party said, "Shameful how the regime doesn't stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous!" It also shared a video in which the 77-year-old leader was seen being dragged by security personnel from his residence. Shameful how the regime doesn’t stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/epfQxGm47e — PTI (@PTIofficial) June 1, 2023 × PTI leader Moonis Elahi, who is the son of Pervez Elahi, said that he will stay with the party. He tweeted, "A series of crackdowns began in January and at that time, my father told me that even if he is arrested, we must stand with Imran Khan. Three days ago, my parents reiterated the same thing. Now it is being said that my father has been arrested in false cases," he said, further adding that "we are with PTI and will remain with the party". Pervez Elahi was a close aide to military dictator General Pervez Musharraf. He was appointed as the president of the PTI party in March this year after he quit his former party — the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). The court order noted, "The pre-arrest bail of the accused was dismissed due to non-prosecution vide order dated May 25 and he is not appearing before the court and also not joining the investigation." "In view of the request of the IO, let non-bailable arrest warrants of accused Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi be issued for June 2, 2023," it 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.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi arrested

<p>Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, has warned&nbsp;that former prime minister Imran Khan is a "bigger threat" to the nation than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosive comments were made on-air while Asif was speaking to a journalist on a Pakistani TV channel, "Your foreign enemy is known to you. In Pakistan, the people are still unable to identify the enemy who was born here and is a bigger threat than the enemy from that nation (India)."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan's arrest&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Khan, who is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, is currently facing a myriad of issues. Nationwide protests were triggered by his arrest on May 9 for suspected graft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan was already facing an economic crisis and is now drowning deep in political turmoil as Khan's party witnesses&nbsp;a countrywide crackdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Khan's arrest, his party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Khan was later released on bail. Law enforcement agencies have arrested over 10,000 workers of Khan's party from across Pakistan, with 4,000 of them from Punjab province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Khan denies any wrongdoing and labels the arrest as politically motivated. Recently, dozens of top and mid-tier leaders in the PTI have been arrested, alongside hundreds of Khan supporters. Many have even quit the party after being released, while other leaders remain on the run to avoid arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Khan is a 'bigger threat'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan's defence minister said, "Imran Khan is more dangerous for Pakistan than Narendra Modi and people are not able to see this." Asif added, "He is present among us. Who is more dangerous? One who is among us or the one standing in front of you on the other side?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asif said that the violent protests across Pakistan were a "mutiny". He said, "This enemy is actually a bigger threat to our security and May 9 is proof of that. It was rebellion. It was a mutiny."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unbelievable. Defense Minister of Pakistan ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/KhawajaMAsif?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KhawajaMAsif</a>⁩ declared ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>⁩ a bigger threat to the security of Pakistan than Indian Prime Minsiter ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>⁩. <a href="https://t.co/XzEnlhYRc6">pic.twitter.com/XzEnlhYRc6</a></p>
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1664300549276323842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Thursday,&nbsp;PTI party president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi was arrested outside his residence. Elahi is&nbsp;a close aide to the former prime minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, the party tweeted, "Shameful how the regime doesn't stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous!" PTI also shared a video in which the 77-year-old leader was seen being dragged by security personnel from his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, has warned that former prime minister Imran Khan is a "bigger threat" to the nation than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, has warned that former prime minister Imran Khan is a "bigger threat" to the nation than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The explosive comments were made on-air while Asif was speaking to a journalist on a Pakistani TV channel, "Your foreign enemy is known to you. In Pakistan, the people are still unable to identify the enemy who was born here and is a bigger threat than the enemy from that nation (India)." Imran Khan's arrest Khan, who is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, is currently facing a myriad of issues. Nationwide protests were triggered by his arrest on May 9 for suspected graft. Pakistan was already facing an economic crisis and is now drowning deep in political turmoil as Khan's party witnesses a countrywide crackdown. After Khan's arrest, his party workers vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. Khan was later released on bail. Law enforcement agencies have arrested over 10,000 workers of Khan's party from across Pakistan, with 4,000 of them from Punjab province. Meanwhile, Khan denies any wrongdoing and labels the arrest as politically motivated. Recently, dozens of top and mid-tier leaders in the PTI have been arrested, alongside hundreds of Khan supporters. Many have even quit the party after being released, while other leaders remain on the run to avoid arrest. Khan is a 'bigger threat' Pakistan's defence minister said, "Imran Khan is more dangerous for Pakistan than Narendra Modi and people are not able to see this." Asif added, "He is present among us. Who is more dangerous? One who is among us or the one standing in front of you on the other side?" Asif said that the violent protests across Pakistan were a "mutiny". He said, "This enemy is actually a bigger threat to our security and May 9 is proof of that. It was rebellion. It was a mutiny." Watch the video here: Unbelievable. Defense Minister of Pakistan ⁦@KhawajaMAsif⁩ declared ⁦@ImranKhanPTI⁩ a bigger threat to the security of Pakistan than Indian Prime Minsiter ⁦@narendramodi⁩. pic.twitter.com/XzEnlhYRc6 — Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) June 1, 2023 × On Thursday, PTI party president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi was arrested outside his residence. Elahi is a close aide to the former prime minister. In a tweet, the party tweeted, "Shameful how the regime doesn't stop their fascism. The inflation has skyrocketed to 38%, and their response is arresting former CM Punjab Parvez Elahi. Absolutely ridiculous!" PTI also shared a video in which the 77-year-old leader was seen being dragged by security personnel from his residence. (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.

Imran Khan 'more dangerous' than Indian PM Narendra Modi, warns Pakistan defence minister

<p>A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers. The video showed some of the members of "khap panchayat" shouting and pointing fingers at each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was reportedly a "khap mahapanchayat" and representatives of various khaps and farmers' outfits reached the Jat Dharamshala from different states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several medal-winners, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting in New Delhi, asking the government to take action against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing female grapplers, including a minor.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Scuffle breaks out between the members of Khap panchayat during their meeting in support of wrestlers' protest in Kurukshetra, Haryana <a href="https://t.co/Nj15aQgxZ9">pic.twitter.com/Nj15aQgxZ9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1664557089111564289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Similar "khap mahapanchayats" were held as well in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday, to show solidarity with the distraught wrestlers. The wrestlers are even mulling over immersing their hard-earned medals in the river Ganga, and even travelling to Haridwar but they changed the plan after the khap and farmer leaders asked them not to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said, "We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed two FIRs based on the wrestlers' complaints. One of those relates to the allegations levelled by a minor wrestler and has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana: We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation: Farmer leader… <a href="https://t.co/dEnpTr4TmL">pic.twitter.com/dEnpTr4TmL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1664595950713856000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Brij Bhushan Singh postpones Ayodhya rally&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>An official said on Friday that the district administration has denied permission to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment, to hold a rally here on June 5. But Singh said he postponed the 'Jan Chetna Maharally' at the Ram Katha Park for "a few days" due to the ongoing police probe into the wrestlers' allegations against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of the events scheduled on World Environment Day on June 5, a request by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf of Singh seeking permission for the rally was turned down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Facebook post, Singh said, "My dear well wishers! With your support, I have served as a member of the Lok Sabha for the last 28 years. I have tried to unite people of all castes, communities and religions, while being in the ruling party or in opposition. It is for these reasons that my political opponents and their parties have levelled false allegations against me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the present situation, some political parties are trying to disturb the social harmony by promoting provincialism, regionalism and caste conflict by holding rallies at various places," Singh said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers.

A video of members of a "khap panchayat" scuffling and arguing went viral on social media platforms on Friday (June 2) in the West Indian state of Haryana. The members were gathered in Kurukshetra to plan what to do next over the ongoing protest by top Indian wrestlers. The video showed some of the members of "khap panchayat" shouting and pointing fingers at each other. It was reportedly a "khap mahapanchayat" and representatives of various khaps and farmers' outfits reached the Jat Dharamshala from different states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Several medal-winners, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting in New Delhi, asking the government to take action against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing female grapplers, including a minor. #WATCH | Scuffle breaks out between the members of Khap panchayat during their meeting in support of wrestlers' protest in Kurukshetra, Haryana pic.twitter.com/Nj15aQgxZ9 — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2023 × Similar "khap mahapanchayats" were held as well in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday, to show solidarity with the distraught wrestlers. The wrestlers are even mulling over immersing their hard-earned medals in the river Ganga, and even travelling to Haridwar but they changed the plan after the khap and farmer leaders asked them not to. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said, "We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation." Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed two FIRs based on the wrestlers' complaints. One of those relates to the allegations levelled by a minor wrestler and has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. #WATCH | Haryana: We have taken a decision that Govt must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation: Farmer leader… pic.twitter.com/dEnpTr4TmL — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2023 × Brij Bhushan Singh postpones Ayodhya rally An official said on Friday that the district administration has denied permission to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment, to hold a rally here on June 5. But Singh said he postponed the 'Jan Chetna Maharally' at the Ram Katha Park for "a few days" due to the ongoing police probe into the wrestlers' allegations against him. Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of the events scheduled on World Environment Day on June 5, a request by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf of Singh seeking permission for the rally was turned down. In a Facebook post, Singh said, "My dear well wishers! With your support, I have served as a member of the Lok Sabha for the last 28 years. I have tried to unite people of all castes, communities and religions, while being in the ruling party or in opposition. It is for these reasons that my political opponents and their parties have levelled false allegations against me." "In the present situation, some political parties are trying to disturb the social harmony by promoting provincialism, regionalism and caste conflict by holding rallies at various places," Singh said. (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.

Wrestlers protest in India: Scuffle breaks out between Khap members during meet - watch

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