Defending himself, the United Kingdom's newly-appointed Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi said he is "clearly being smeared" after reports accused him of his tax affairs.

Defending himself, the United Kingdom's newly-appointed Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi said he is "clearly being smeared" after reports accused him of his tax affairs. A media report recently claimed the investigation authorities are probing his tax affairs. During an interview with UK-based media outlet Sky News, Zahawi said, "I was clearly being smeared. I was being told that the Serious Fraud Office that the National Crime Agency, that HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) are looking into me." Reacting to that, Zahawi said, "I'm not aware of this." He further insisted, "I've always declared my taxes. I will answer questions HMRC has of me." ALSO READ | Boris Johnson refuses to give his backing to any candidate vying to replace him as British prime minister What was the claim? A report by the Observer suggested that before he was promoted, officials raised a flag over Zahawi's financial affairs. It is claimed that civil servants in the cabinet office's propriety and ethics team had apparently alerted Boris Johnson to an HM Revenue and Customs "flag". But Zahawi was still appointed by Johnson. As quoted by the media outlet, one source said: "It's extraordinary that flags were raised ahead of Nadhim's appointment by the Downing Street proprietary team. These sorts of concerns would stop someone receiving an MBE or OBE. The idea he could be chancellor or even prime minister is unbelievable." As per the report, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has apparently investigated Zahawi, the Independent reported last week. There is no report or suggestion of wrongdoing. The 55-year-old Zahawi was appointed as finance minister after Rishi Sunak resigned from the post. Zahawi was previously the education secretary. He was replaced as education secretary by Michelle Donelan, previously a junior education minister. 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.

'I was clearly being smeared': New UK finance minister defends himself over tax affairs

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years. On Friday, Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total.&nbsp;

The world was expecting that he will weigh in on his decision, explaining why he pulled out. But he avoided any possible discussion over the collapsed Twitter deal when he addressed an audience of moguls on Saturday in Sun Valley.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters spoke to two sources who attended the conference. They said that Musk spent most of his time talking about colonising Mars and extolling the virtues of boosting birth rates on Earth.&nbsp;

The world's richest man spoke about how birth rates are declining in wealthy countries. The billionaire entrepreneur took the stage at the Allen &amp; Co Sun Valley Conference, an annual gathering of media and technology executives in Idaho.&nbsp;

The interview was conducted by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company founded by Musk and several others.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years. On Friday, Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total. The world was expecting that he will weigh in on his decision, explaining why he pulled out. But he avoided any possible discussion over the collapsed Twitter deal when he addressed an audience of moguls on Saturday in Sun Valley. News agency Reuters spoke to two sources who attended the conference. They said that Musk spent most of his time talking about colonising Mars and extolling the virtues of boosting birth rates on Earth. The world's richest man spoke about how birth rates are declining in wealthy countries. The billionaire entrepreneur took the stage at the Allen & Co Sun Valley Conference, an annual gathering of media and technology executives in Idaho. The interview was conducted by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company founded by Musk and several others. 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.

Elon Musk talks about Mars and birth rates but no comments on Twitter

Japan's ruling coalition is projected to have won the most votes in an election.&nbsp;The missing&nbsp;Sri Lankan president has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas.&nbsp;Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 10) claimed that its forces have struck two Ukrainian army hangars.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read the full report&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-election-kishidas-coalition-projected-to-win-in-wake-of-abes-assassination-496179">Japan election: Kishida's coalition projected to win in wake of Abe's assassination</a> 
Japan's ruling coalition is projected to have won the most votes in an election held just two days after the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, local media said Sunday.&nbsp;

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0b1dff7-921c-4ad4-bcb0-a901233f6793" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan_0.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-sri-lanka-melted-away-anatomy-of-a-massive-protest-496115">How Sri Lanka melted away: Anatomy of a massive protest</a> 
Sri Lanka is currently in a mess, facing its worst economic crisis. The country has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation. The South Asian nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods.&nbsp;

<img alt="Sri Lanka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca60ec5d-3337-4d55-b784-b0b5ec45b0a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sri%20Lanka.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-hit-ukrainian-hangars-storing-us-made-m777-howitzers-496177">Russia claims to have hit Ukrainian hangars storing US-made M777 howitzers</a> 
The Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 10) claimed that its forces have struck two Ukrainian army hangars storing US-produced M777 howitzers, which is a type of artillery weapon.&nbsp;

<img alt="Russian defence ministry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88365d73-ebae-4eab-9227-e3019a7d8a52" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/M777%20Howitzer.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-shooting-at-a-bar-leaves-14-dead-in-south-africas-soweto-496065">Mass shooting at a bar leaves 14 dead in South Africa's Soweto</a> 
In South Africa's biggest township of Soweto, gunmen opened fire on people sitting in a tavern. The shooting took place in the early hours of Sunday.&nbsp;

<img alt="South Africa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d6f1d76-e2e7-476c-8107-a57a23a413db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/South%20Africa.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-location-unknown-yet-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-issues-orders-496141">Sri Lanka crisis: Location unknown, yet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issues orders</a> 
From an unknown location, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas after the fuel-starved country received 3,700 metric tonnes of LP gas.&nbsp;

<img alt="Gotabaya Rajapaksa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c59b648-cf7f-4204-aa51-54e3ef7c5812" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/President%20Gotabaya%20Rajapaksa.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pool-party-gym-sessions-selfies-how-sri-lankan-protesters-celebrated-after-making-prez-flee-his-residence-496160">Pool party, gym sessions, selfies: How Sri Lankan protesters celebrated after making Prez flee his residence</a> 
The Sri Lankan presidential palace in Colombo was overrun by hundreds of people. The protesters walked in the garden, laughed, took selfies, enjoyed while working out and treated themselves to a swim.&nbsp;

<img alt="Sri Lanka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66c05529-e2df-4640-b6fe-b9788957e40c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sri%20Lanka%20%283%29.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-elon-musks-hyperloop-still-popular-even-after-decade-of-setback-496171">Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback?</a> 
Elon Musk proposed a new form of transport a decade ago that would shoot passengers through vacuum tunnels in levitating pods at almost the speed of sound -- he called it "hyperloop".&nbsp;

<img alt="Elon Musk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c929504-08da-44ea-9cb8-995cc523fc0b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Elon%20Musk_0.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-scotch-whisky-sold-for-ps16m-to-a-private-collector-in-asia-whats-so-special-496144">Rare scotch whisky sold for $20mn to a private collector in Asia. What's so special?</a> 
A cask of rare scotch whisky has set a new world record after selling for £16m ($20mn) to a private collector in Asia. The single malt dates to November 1975 and smashed the previous record of £1m ($1.2mn) set in April this year.&nbsp;

<img alt="scotch" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90c36b33-da43-4b15-bb61-99228fc641e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/scotch.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-macau-announces-shutdown-of-casinos-and-businesses-for-one-week-496110">COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week</a> 
The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far.&nbsp;

<img alt="Covid " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb4a6ded-5bb1-4168-be4f-9e7daf283a9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Covid_1.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-seeks-to-counter-russian-aggression-chinese-influence-through-his-visit-to-west-asia-next-week-496073">Joe Biden seeks to counter Russian aggression, Chinese influence through his visit to West Asia next week</a> 
US President Joe Biden will next week embark on a controversial visit to Saudi Arabia. On Saturday the leader said that during the visit he aims to "strengthen a strategic partnership" with Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5224a2ed-9efe-4ea5-8096-257bc49d7356" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20%282%29.png" />

 
&nbsp;

Japan's ruling coalition is projected to have won the most votes in an election. The missing Sri Lankan president has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas.

Japan's ruling coalition is projected to have won the most votes in an election. The missing Sri Lankan president has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas. Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 10) claimed that its forces have struck two Ukrainian army hangars. Click on the links to read the full report Japan election: Kishida's coalition projected to win in wake of Abe's assassination Japan's ruling coalition is projected to have won the most votes in an election held just two days after the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, local media said Sunday. How Sri Lanka melted away: Anatomy of a massive protest Sri Lanka is currently in a mess, facing its worst economic crisis. The country has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation. The South Asian nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods. Russia claims to have hit Ukrainian hangars storing US-made M777 howitzers The Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 10) claimed that its forces have struck two Ukrainian army hangars storing US-produced M777 howitzers, which is a type of artillery weapon. Mass shooting at a bar leaves 14 dead in South Africa's Soweto In South Africa's biggest township of Soweto, gunmen opened fire on people sitting in a tavern. The shooting took place in the early hours of Sunday. Sri Lanka crisis: Location unknown, yet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issues orders From an unknown location, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas after the fuel-starved country received 3,700 metric tonnes of LP gas. Pool party, gym sessions, selfies: How Sri Lankan protesters celebrated after making Prez flee his residence The Sri Lankan presidential palace in Colombo was overrun by hundreds of people. The protesters walked in the garden, laughed, took selfies, enjoyed while working out and treated themselves to a swim. Why is Elon Musk's 'hyperloop' still popular even after decade of setback? Elon Musk proposed a new form of transport a decade ago that would shoot passengers through vacuum tunnels in levitating pods at almost the speed of sound -- he called it "hyperloop". Rare scotch whisky sold for $20mn to a private collector in Asia. What's so special? A cask of rare scotch whisky has set a new world record after selling for £16m ($20mn) to a private collector in Asia. The single malt dates to November 1975 and smashed the previous record of £1m ($1.2mn) set in April this year. COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far. Joe Biden seeks to counter Russian aggression, Chinese influence through his visit to West Asia next week US President Joe Biden will next week embark on a controversial visit to Saudi Arabia. On Saturday the leader said that during the visit he aims to "strengthen a strategic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

Top 10 world news: Japan election exit polls, Sri Lanka economic crisis, and more

A joint media investigation showed how the ride-sharing app Uber won access to world leaders, deceived investigators and exploited violence against its drivers in the battle for global dominance.

A joint media investigation showed how the ride-sharing app Uber won access to world leaders, deceived investigators and exploited violence against its drivers in the battle for global dominance. On Sunday (July 10), an investigative report revealed the previously unknown story of how the tech giant dodged taxes amid chaotic global expansion. Led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and The Guardian, 'The Uber Files' project revealed how the company deployed a system of lobbyists to attract prominent world leaders to influence legislation and help it avoid taxes. The report highlights the ethically dubious acts, that are potentially illegal, done by the company to fuel its global expansion beginning nearly a decade ago. The investigation is based on 124,000 records of sensitive texts, emails, invoices, briefing notes, presentations and other documents exchanged by top Uber executives, government bureaucrats and world leaders in nearly 30 countries. The documents found that early in the company's history, company officials leveraged sometimes violent backlash from the taxi industry against drivers to garner support and evaded regulatory authorities. Uber acknowledged 'mistakes' After the report was published, Uber released a statement on Sunday, acknowledging "mistakes". However, the company also said that the blame is on previous leadership under former chief executive Travis Kalanick. In 2017, Kalanick was forced to resign after revelations accusing him of brutal management practices and multiple episodes of sexual and psychological harassment at the company. "We've moved from an era of confrontation to one of collaboration, demonstrating a willingness to come to the table and find common ground with former opponents, including labour unions and taxi companies," it said. As per the report, Uber's subsidised drivers and discounted fares threatened the taxi industry, and the company's drivers faced violent retaliation, including protests in Paris in 2016. The Washington Post was also involved in the probe. It revealed that "In some instances, when drivers were attacked, Uber executives pivoted quickly to capitalize" to seek public and regulatory support as it entered new markets, "often without seeking licenses to operate as a taxi and livery service." As per the Post, Uber is also accused of having worked to evade regulatory investigations by leveraging a technological edge. The media outlet also described an instance when Kalanick implemented a "kill switch" to remotely cut off access of devices in an Amsterdam office to Uber's internal systems as regulators raided. As per The Washington Post, another finding indicated that between 2014 and 2016 Uber found an ally in France's then-economy minister Emmanuel Macron, now the country's president. The company reportedly believed he would encourage regulators "to be 'less conservative' in their interpretation of rules limiting the company's operations." 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.

The Uber Files: Leaked docs reveal how Uber won access to world leaders, deceived investigators

Eid al Adha, which is usually known as Bakra Eid in India, will begin in the evening of July 9 and end in the evening of July 10. All Islamic festivals depend on the lunar conditions and according to that the date is decided every year, which is why the date also differs every year. The festival is widely celebrated across the world. The festival is one of the most important and biggest, celebrated in Islam. It celebrates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah as he sacrifice his son Ismail. Hence, Eid al Adha is also known as the "festival of sacrifice". An animal, usually a goat is sacrificed in the festival to show the devotion towards Allah. A prayer is also organised before the sacrifice. A day before the festival, Hajj is also conducted which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

In India we can see huge gatherings of people, mostly wearing white clothes praying and wishing each other "Eid Mubarak". The open air prayer before the sacrifice is also called "Namaz" had is conduced in Mosques, across the country. Jama Masjid, Haji Ali and Ajmer Sharif&nbsp;are&nbsp;one of the most famous mosques in the country and huge crowd can be seen in and around the mosques all year long. Also cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad have food stalls that serve Bakra Eid special food and people can enjoy in the streets having the food and buying gifts for their family and friends. Biryani,&nbsp;Korma and Bhuna Kaleji are some of the most popular foods during the festival.&nbsp;

<h2>Below are the&nbsp;Eid Mubarak&nbsp;greetings, wishes, images&nbsp;you can greet&nbsp;your dear&nbsp;ones for Eid al Adha</h2>

Happy Eid Ul Adha! May your heart lighten up with the observance of this holy day!

<img alt="Eid images" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35ba0a87-8859-48df-b9b8-b475ee9346c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXK58qZWAAELT_b.jpg" />

Know that all of your sacrifices and prayers will never go unanswered. Allah will reward you with His divine blessings—Happy Eid-Ul-Adha to you and your family.

<img alt="Eid quotes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98a81de0-cc75-4f7e-99c3-5a1cbbe561de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXOdauHWAAA6wZI.jpg" />

I wish you and your family a happy prosperous Eid al Adha. May Allah’s be upon on you now and for the rest of the life.

<img alt="Eid wishes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dcd94ff-c918-4203-84be-b643b0ea04a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DlMHxfMXoAAPVzl.jpg" />

On this blessed occasion of devotion and sacrifice, may Allah bless you with all your desire. Eid Mubarak!

<img alt="Eid messages" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c984a4d-05b6-4c7d-8520-dd501c53826e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXHgMUxWIAAT7xL_0.jpg" />

May Allah accept our sacrifices and let us not forget the needy ones during this Eid, Ameen! 
Eid Mubarak 2022!

<img alt="Eid images" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96dd0134-b76b-4854-afa6-9a01f7ac02e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXFX8lcWAAMKCz9_0.jpg" />

 
<img alt="Eid messages" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb85e50a-7453-4cc3-93ef-8e5465f92ed4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXInHYbWYAAcVhQ.jpg" />

Wishing you a happy Eid-al-Adha! I cannot wait to meet you and show off my beautiful Eid attire!

<img alt="Eid wishes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5288d19-b379-43fc-91fc-f5cd33dc0ef8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXHP-oHUcAA_2lD_0.jpg" />

May the spirit of faith and warmth of love brighten your path towards enlightenment and may Allah bless everyone with peace and grace.

<img alt="Eid wishes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4767632-f560-4d56-8aff-489555db071a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FXI4cQtXEAEe2zA.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<img alt="Eid messages" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df06b3d2-632e-40b4-b562-031bcff367d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/eid4_0.jpg" />

May the divine blessings of Allah bring you hope, faith and joy on Eid-al-Adha and Forever

<img alt="Eid quotes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61366229-0379-4833-b8b8-b2a0bfaff7b8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/E6ynbpiUcAMQ_sL%20%281%29.jpg" />

India is one of the countries in which the festival of Eid al Adha is celebrated widely. People share offerings with each other and especially with the ones in need. With over than 200 million Islamic population, the holy festival is celebrated with much love and joy.&nbsp;

Eid al Adha, which is usually known as Bakra Eid in India, will begin in the evening of July 9 and end in the evening of July 10. All Islamic festivals depend on the lunar conditions and according to that the date is decided every year, which is why the date also differs every year.

Eid al Adha, which is usually known as Bakra Eid in India, will begin in the evening of July 9 and end in the evening of July 10. All Islamic festivals depend on the lunar conditions and according to that the date is decided every year, which is why the date also differs every year. The festival is widely celebrated across the world. The festival is one of the most important and biggest, celebrated in Islam. It celebrates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah as he sacrifice his son Ismail. Hence, Eid al Adha is also known as the "festival of sacrifice". An animal, usually a goat is sacrificed in the festival to show the devotion towards Allah. A prayer is also organised before the sacrifice. A day before the festival, Hajj is also conducted which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In India we can see huge gatherings of people, mostly wearing white clothes praying and wishing each other "Eid Mubarak". The open air prayer before the sacrifice is also called "Namaz" had is conduced in Mosques, across the country. Jama Masjid, Haji Ali and Ajmer Sharif are one of the most famous mosques in the country and huge crowd can be seen in and around the mosques all year long. Also cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad have food stalls that serve Bakra Eid special food and people can enjoy in the streets having the food and buying gifts for their family and friends. Biryani, Korma and Bhuna Kaleji are some of the most popular foods during the festival. Below are the Eid Mubarak greetings, wishes, images you can greet your dear ones for Eid al Adha Happy Eid Ul Adha! May your heart lighten up with the observance of this holy day! Know that all of your sacrifices and prayers will never go unanswered. Allah will reward you with His divine blessings—Happy Eid-Ul-Adha to you and your family. I wish you and your family a happy prosperous Eid al Adha. May Allah’s be upon on you now and for the rest of the life. On this blessed occasion of devotion and sacrifice, may Allah bless you with all your desire. Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept our sacrifices and let us not forget the needy ones during this Eid, Ameen! Eid Mubarak 2022! Wishing you a happy Eid-al-Adha! I cannot wait to meet you and show off my beautiful Eid attire! May the spirit of faith and warmth of love brighten your path towards enlightenment and may Allah bless everyone with peace and grace. May the divine blessings of Allah bring you hope, faith and joy on Eid-al-Adha and Forever India is one of the countries in which the festival of Eid al Adha is celebrated widely. People share offerings with each other and especially with the ones in need. With over than 200 million Islamic population, the holy festival is celebrated with much love and joy.

Happy Eid al Adha 2022 wishes: quotes, greetings, images, messages, WhatsApp status to greet your dear ones

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.

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. Amid the ongoing war, at least 15 people were killed and two dozen more are feared trapped after Russian Uragan rockets hit a five-storey apartment block in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Local officials said that the search and rescue operations are underway. Reports have mentioned that around 24 more people could still be under the rubble. Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said the strike on the apartment building took place on Saturday evening in the town of Chasiv Yar. ALSO READ | Russia claims to have hit Ukrainian hangars storing US-made M777 howitzers Andriy Yermak said in a Telegram post that the strike was "another terrorist attack" and that Russia should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism as a result. Yermak is the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky. A local resident who has been identified as Ludmila said, "We ran to the basement, there were three hits, the first somewhere in the kitchen. The second, I do not even remember, there was lightning, we ran towards the second entrance and then straight into the basement. We sat there all night until this morning." Another survivor, who gave her name as Venera, said she had wanted to save her two kittens. "I was thrown into the bathroom, it was all chaos, I was in shock, all covered in blood," she said, crying. "By the time I left the bathroom, the room was full up of rubble, three floors fell down. I never found the kittens under the rubble." (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: At least 15 dead, several feared trapped as Russian rockets hit apartment block in Ukraine

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. The Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 10) claimed that its forces have struck two Ukrainian army hangars storing US-produced M777 howitzers, which is a type of artillery weapon. The ministry said that the army hangars were near Kostantinovka in the Donetsk region. News agency Reuters cited the Russian ministry as saying that the US-made M777 howitzers had been used to shell residential areas of Donetsk. However, there was no confirmation from the Ukrainian side as the Ukrainian military spokespeople were not immediately available for comment. ALSO READ | US mourns for Shinzo Abe: Blinken to visit Japan to pay condolences, Yellen cancels speech in deference In the face of Russian aggression, the Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw. The Western countries have also supplied advanced and high-precision weapons to Ukraine to counter Russia. On the other hand, Russia denies deliberately attacking civilians. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Zelensky sacks Ukraine's ambassadors to five countries, including India Luhansk and Donetsk provinces comprise the Donbas, Ukraine's eastern industrial region that has become Europe's biggest battlefield for generations. Russia wants to wrest control of the Donbas on behalf of the separatists that it supports. Moscow says ejecting the Ukrainian military out of the region is central to what it calls its "special military operation" to ensure its own security, an offensive that has lasted for more than four months and which the West calls an unprovoked 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.

Russia claims to have hit Ukrainian hangars storing US-made M777 howitzers

After a chaotic day, Sri Lankan protesters have said that they won't leave President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence on Sunday (July 10). On Saturday, angry protesters stormed the president's home and forced him to flee.

After a chaotic day, Sri Lankan protesters have said that they won't leave President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence on Sunday (July 10). On Saturday, angry protesters stormed the president's home and forced him to flee. The navy later announced that Rajapaksa would resign. On Saturday, the presidential palace in Colombo was overrun by hundreds of people. The protesters walked in the garden, laughed, took selfies, enjoyed while working out and treated themselves to a swim. People were plonking on a grand piano, admiring the expensive artwork, picnicking and taking turns to sit in the president's chair. To what it appeared, the mood inside the presidential compound was festive as soon as the Rajapaksa had left. The videos showed that the crowd set aside the frustrations of long-running food and fuel shortages. ALSO READ | How Sri Lanka melted away: Anatomy of a massive protest Dozens of men shed their shirts and jumped into the presidential pool. People were frolicking in the water and some were even doing summersaults. Hundreds of others sat down on the lawns for a break from the morning's confrontation with police officers. Apart from the so-called festive, the crowd of protesters smashed furniture and artefacts inside the palace. Media reports mentioned and the videos showed that protesters who seized the residence of the head of Sri Lanka found a huge amount of money there. Some videos showed people were even taking money. "We are in Gotabaya's room, this is the underwear he left behind. He has left his shoes behind too," one young man said while holding up black briefs on a live video shared on multiple social media channels. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Dhammika Perera resigns from posts after 16 days being appointed as minister The crowd had managed to work their way into the compound after dismantling barricades and scaling its high gates with the help of a captured police truck. People even took turns lounging on Rajapaksa's king-size bed and the comfortable sofas. Protesters scanned through the presidential pantry and munched snacks and had soft drinks. They were seen spread out on counter tops. "I was surprised to see that an air conditioner was working in his bathroom. We have to put up with endless blackouts," a man who entered the palace told AFP by telephone. 'We should not be thieves' As the protesters marched in the palace, a university student climbed a gate post and loudly urged the throng not to vandalise or loot the state residence, which is home to a repository of priceless artefacts. "We called Gota a thief and got him out, please do not remove anything from the palace," he said, adding, "We should not be thieves like the Rajapaksas." (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.

Pool party, gym sessions, selfies: How Sri Lankan protesters celebrated after making Prez flee his residence

In the Netherlands, scientists at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) have found microplastic particles in beef and pork for the first time. They also found particles in the blood of cows and pigs on farms, UK-based media outlet, The Guardian, reporting referring to a study.

In the Netherlands, scientists at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) have found microplastic particles in beef and pork for the first time. They also found particles in the blood of cows and pigs on farms, UK-based media outlet, The Guardian, reporting referring to a study. The contamination has been detected in three-quarters of meat and milk products tested and every blood sample in their pilot study. During the study, the particles were also found in every sample of animal pellet feed tested. It indicates the potential route of the alarming contamination. Another possible route can be the packaging as the food products were wrapped in plastic. In March, VUA researchers reported microplastics in human blood for the first time. They followed the same process to conduct the study on animal products. The report mentioned that the discovery of the particles in blood shows "they can travel around the body and may lodge in organs". ALSO READ | Deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles: Study The researchers have to analyse whether or not the particles impact human or farm animal health. As quoted by the report, Dr Heather Leslie at VUA said: "When you're measuring blood, you're finding out the absorbed dose from all the different exposure routes: air, water, food, et cetera. So it's very interesting because it immediately tells you what's penetrating into the river of life." Image: This photo taken on October 14, 2021 shows a researcher examining a sediment sample collected by a "Smith-McIntyre" grab machine in the sea, at Japanese marine-station network Jambio's laboratory in Shimoda, Shizuoka prefecture. Credit: AFP Microplastics in oceans, air and human body Recently, the news agency AFP reported that from ocean depths to mountain peaks, humans have littered the planet with tiny shards of plastic. The report claimed that We have even absorbed these microplastics into our bodies - with uncertain implications. Images of plastic pollution have become familiar: a turtle suffocated by a shopping bag, water bottles washed up on beaches, or the monstrous "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" of floating detritus. ALSO READ | Meraxes gigas: Scientists discover new giant dinosaur predator with tiny arms Millions of tonnes of plastic produced every year, largely from fossil fuels, make their way into the environment and degrade into smaller and smaller pieces. Jean-Francois Ghiglione, a researcher at the Laboratory of Microbial Oceanography in France said, "We did not imagine 10 years ago that there could be so many small microplastics, invisible to the naked eye, and that they were everywhere around us. And we could not yet envisage finding them in the human body". 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.

Researchers detect microplastics in meat, milk and blood of farm animals

From an unknown location, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas after the fuel-starved country received 3,700 metric tonnes of LP gas, his office said on Sunday (July 10).

From an unknown location, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has ordered officials to ensure the smooth distribution of cooking gas after the fuel-starved country received 3,700 metric tonnes of LP gas, his office said on Sunday (July 10). This order comes after the country's parliamentary speaker said that Rajapaksa plans to step down on July 13. Although Rajapaksa has not commented directly. In Sri Lanka, anti-government protesters are angry over power blackouts, shortages of basic goods and rising prices. They have also demanded that Rajapaksa should step down. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters stormed the presidential palace and forced Rajapaksa to flee with the navy and announce he would resign. ALSO READ | How Sri Lanka melted away: Anatomy of a massive protest According to Sri Lankan media, President Rajapaksa has instructed the officers to carry out the unloading and distribution of gas as the first ship arrives at Kerawalapitiya this afternoon. The reports further mentioned that a second ship carrying 3,740 metric tonnes of gas is due on July 11 and a third carrying 3,200 metric tonnes of gas will arrive on July 15. WATCH | Sri Lanka crisis: PM, President agree to step down; Gotabaya's current location kept secret × Protesters at the president's home On Sunday, protesters refused to leave Rajapaksa's residence. The president was not present in the presidential house when a mob stormed the building. Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades. The country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, had announced in April that it is suspending nearly USD 7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about USD 25 billion due through 2026. Sri Lanka's total foreign debt stands at USD 51 billion. (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.

Sri Lanka crisis: Location unknown, yet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issues orders

Sri Lanka is currently in a mess, facing its worst economic crisis. The country has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation.

Sri Lanka is currently in a mess, facing its worst economic crisis. The country has suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation. The South Asian nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods. People in the country have been protesting but the magnitude of the protests changed when the frustration of people with the ongoing economic crisis boiled over on Saturday (July 9). Hundreds of thousands massed in Colombo demanding Rajapaksa take responsibility for shortages of medicines, food and fuel. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Dhammika Perera resigns from posts after 16 days being appointed as minister What happened on Saturday? Protesters stormed the presidential palace and forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to agree to resign. After that, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also said he would step down to allow an all-party interim government to take over. A huge crowd of protesters surged passed armed guards into the presidential palace and took it over. They smashed the furniture and artefacts and also were seen “partying” in the swimming pool. Media reports mentioned and the videos showed that protesters who seized the residence of the head of Sri Lanka found a huge amount of money there. Millions of rupees were in Rajapaksa’s closet, local media reported. Eyewitnesses published a video online, in which they allegedly counted 17.8 million. Watch some videos here: Protesters who seized the residence of the head of Sri Lanka found a huge amount of money there. Millions of rupees were in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's closet, local media reported. Eyewitnesses published a video online, in which they allegedly counted 17.8 million. pic.twitter.com/fwxCZiM8FJ — Jim yakus (@SJIMYAKUS) July 10, 2022 × Inside President's House. #SriLanka #SriLankaProtests pic.twitter.com/e49jeDIldv — Jamila Husain (@Jamz5251) July 9, 2022 × Video footage of Sri Lankan protesters taking over President's office in Colombo 📸 Buddi U Chandrasiri pic.twitter.com/FINwaaqUat — NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 9, 2022 × What happened on Sunday? On Sunday, to some extent, calm returned to Colombo but protesters across the country were seen on the streets waving flags and chanting. News agencies have stated that the Sri Lankan protesters refused to budge from Rajapaksa's residence on Sunday. "Our struggle is not over. We won't give up this struggle until he actually leaves," student leader Lahiru Weerasekara told reporters. Video footage has emerged of Sri Lanka security forces shooting moments before protesters entered the President's house yesterday. On Sunday the presidential palace was a free-for-all, with children and parents plonking on a grand piano, admiring the expensive artwork, picnicking and taking in turns to sit in the president's chair. "When leaders live in such luxury, they have no idea how the commoners manage. This shows what can be done when people decide to exercise their power," Buddhist monk Sri Sumeda told AFP. Video footage has emerged of Sri Lanka security forces shooting moments before protesters entered the President's house yesterday pic.twitter.com/eMMgRWyPZK — NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) July 10, 2022 × What happens next? A sitting president being ousted by street protests is unprecedented in Sri Lanka's post-independence history. Rajapaksa's decision to step down, however, is likely to add to the country's political and economic uncertainty. Sri Lanka's constitution dictates that should a president resign, the country's prime minister will assume the role. But incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe has said he too will stand down. It was therefore likely that the parliament speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, will assume temporary charge of the country, until lawmakers elect a new president to complete the rest of Rajapaksa's term, due to end in 2024, said constitutional expert Jayadeva Uyangoda. (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.

How Sri Lanka melted away: Anatomy of a massive protest

The finalist of Wimbledon 2022, Ons Jabeur refuted reports that her family couldn't attend the final match in London as they struggled with visas. The Tunisian tennis star said on Saturday (July 9) that there were no visa issues for family members because they never applied, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;Britain said it would investigate when the reports were published that some members of her family didn't get UK visas. But before any proceedings, the player herself clarified.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old Jabeur said, "I said they don't have the visa. I didn't say they applied and they (were) refused the visa."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-special-because-i-was-super-nervous-says-elena-rybakina-after-clinching-maidenw-wimbledon-crown-495955">It's special because I was super nervous, says Elena Rybakina after clinching maiden Wimbledon crown</a>

Jabeur became the first African or Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final in the modern era. But in the summit lash, she lost to Russian-born Elena Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

Jabeur was earlier quoted by the BBC as saying her brother Hatem would "hopefully be there" to watch her. In a report, dated Friday, she was quoted as saying, "But unfortunately the other members of my family don't have visas." She added, "It will be tough for them but they will be cheering for me back home."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/elena-rybakina-creates-history-beats-ons-jabeur-in-womens-singles-final-to-clinch-maiden-wimbledon-title-495937">Elena Rybakina creates history, beats Ons Jabeur to become 1st Kazakh player to clinch Wimbledon title</a>&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the report, the British embassy in Tunis wrote on its official Twitter feed that it was "sorry to hear that your parents and sister aren't able to be there to support you, and we will look into what happened."&nbsp;

In her comments later Jabeur smiled and said the issue had gone "really bad." She clarified that her parents never applied for a visa because there wasn't enough time. She laughed and said, "UK and Tunisia are good. Good relationships."&nbsp;

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Wishing Ons the best of luck for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> final today 🎾 
We are cheering you on with all of Tunisia. We’re sorry to hear that your parents and sister aren’t able to be there to support you, and we will look into what happened.
— UK in Tunisia 🇬🇧🇹🇳 (@UKinTunisia) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinTunisia/status/1545739285126684673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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What a ride! 🙌 
 
Thank you to everyone who supported me since day 1 of this journey: my parents, my husband, my coach and my team. Without you, this would not have been possible at all. I love you all so much <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamOJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamOJ</a> 🇹🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/DThgYjSzZ5">pic.twitter.com/DThgYjSzZ5</a>
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ons_Jabeur/status/1545840562255073280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The finalist of Wimbledon 2022, Ons Jabeur refuted reports that her family couldn't attend the final match in London as they struggled with visas. The Tunisian tennis star said on Saturday (July 9) that there were no visa issues for family members because they never applied, news agency AFP reported.

The finalist of Wimbledon 2022, Ons Jabeur refuted reports that her family couldn't attend the final match in London as they struggled with visas. The Tunisian tennis star said on Saturday (July 9) that there were no visa issues for family members because they never applied, news agency AFP reported. Britain said it would investigate when the reports were published that some members of her family didn't get UK visas. But before any proceedings, the player herself clarified. The 27-year-old Jabeur said, "I said they don't have the visa. I didn't say they applied and they (were) refused the visa." ALSO READ | It's special because I was super nervous, says Elena Rybakina after clinching maiden Wimbledon crown Jabeur became the first African or Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final in the modern era. But in the summit lash, she lost to Russian-born Elena Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan. Jabeur was earlier quoted by the BBC as saying her brother Hatem would "hopefully be there" to watch her. In a report, dated Friday, she was quoted as saying, "But unfortunately the other members of my family don't have visas." She added, "It will be tough for them but they will be cheering for me back home." ALSO READ | Elena Rybakina creates history, beats Ons Jabeur to become 1st Kazakh player to clinch Wimbledon title In the aftermath of the report, the British embassy in Tunis wrote on its official Twitter feed that it was "sorry to hear that your parents and sister aren't able to be there to support you, and we will look into what happened." In her comments later Jabeur smiled and said the issue had gone "really bad." She clarified that her parents never applied for a visa because there wasn't enough time. She laughed and said, "UK and Tunisia are good. Good relationships." Wishing Ons the best of luck for the #Wimbledon final today 🎾 We are cheering you on with all of Tunisia. We’re sorry to hear that your parents and sister aren’t able to be there to support you, and we will look into what happened. — UK in Tunisia 🇬🇧🇹🇳 (@UKinTunisia) July 9, 2022 × What a ride! 🙌 Thank you to everyone who supported me since day 1 of this journey: my parents, my husband, my coach and my team. Without you, this would not have been possible at all. I love you all so much #TeamOJ 🇹🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/DThgYjSzZ5 — Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) July 9, 2022 × 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.

Tunisia's Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur says family never applied for UK visa

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