<p>Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims.</p>

<p>This comment set the cat among the pigeons on Indian social media, with Indians rightly pointing out how Obama should be the last person on this planet to talk about the rights of Muslims. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too joined the fray and reminded him how the US, under his watch, bombed six Muslim countries and dropped more than 26,000 bombs in these countries.</p>

<p>But Obama’s foolish comments found unexpected buyers far away in Beijing. The Communist Party of China’s official mouthpiece, the Global Times published a piece late last month, endorsing Obama’s views on India’s handling of its minorities.</p>

<p>“The dichotomy of different ethnic and religious beliefs, along with the inability of minorities to participate in the country's development and the greater difficulty of having a sense of national identity, portends greater trouble for India in the future,” the tabloid noted. “India’s modernisation will not be sustainable and will always face the possibility of division,” it prophesied. The tone reflected more of ambition than concern.</p>

<p>It is true that following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, China has seen India as the only potential rival in East Asia. That explains why the Chinese establishment has long cherished the ambition of breaking up India.</p>

<p>In 2009, a Chinese military think tank brazenly floated the idea of breaking up India into 20-30 independent states. “If China takes a little action, the so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up,” read the article posted on the website of the China International Institute for Strategic Studies. It suggested that China should help create divisions in India by supporting factions of the Assamese, Kashmiris and Tamilians.</p>

<p>Author of the report, Zhong Guo Zhan Lue Gang, also recommended Beijing join hands with the United Liberation Front of Asom to carve out an independent state of&nbsp;Assam from India.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a letter surfaced in 2020 written by the radical group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to China seeking help 'against' India that also shed light on possible links between Beijing and pro-Khalistan forces.</p>

<p>Later in 2021, the Global Times wrote that China had enough tools to shatter India’s illusion that it could capitalise upon the Taiwan card. “If India supports secessionist forces in China, the latter could as well support separatist forces in northeast India in an-eye-for-an-eye manner,” the Global Times warned. It added, “One of the measures could be not recognising Sikkim as a part of India," attributing the statement to Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies</p>

<p>To date, China continues to describe India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as “disputed territories. Beijing even boycotted the planned G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu &amp; Kashmir citing the same reason. China continues to oppose high-profile political visits to Arunachal Pradesh, by calling them a violation of China’s territorial integrity.</p>

<p>How has New Delhi returned the favour?</p>

<p>Unfortunately, it never did. Indian policymakers always feared ostracising China. The Dalai Lama and Tibetans still feel deprived of political freedom in India. India still remains silent on Taiwan, under the so-called one-China policy.</p>

<p>India’s decisions vis-à-vis China were directly influenced by US and other international factors in the past. For instance, following the rapprochement between China and US in the early 1970s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) abandoned its ‘Tibet Program’ that sought to help Tibetans achieve independence from China. This orphaned India’s own ambition to help Tibet achieve statehood.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/putins-actions-in-ukraine-do-not-make-indians-anti-russia-heres-why-613578">Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why</a></p>

<p>However, as India’s political and economic muscles keep growing, its ability to pull off such anti-China designs on its own is also bound to improve. India’s engagement with Tibetan and Taiwanese leaders has marginally increased. It’s no longer taboo for an Indian prime minister to wish the Dalai Lama on his birthday. India has also welcomed Taiwan’s increased presence in India by allowing it to open a representative office in Mumbai. But, we must realise it is just the beginning. India needs to keep capitalising upon glaring fault lines rooted deep in Chinese society.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-game-plan-for-future-wars-5-tri-service-commands-with-army-navy-air-force-combined-613354">India's game plan for future wars: 5 tri-service commands with Army, Navy, Air Force combined</a></p>

<p>As toxic as China appears to be on the international stage, it is as shallow from within as a nation. To put things into perspective, it spends more on maintaining internal security than on its defence budget. Just because it has donned itself in black through the great firewall of China, it doesn't help hide its internal divisions. Tibetans, Muslims from Xinjiang and Mongolians living under the oppressive rule of the Chinese communist party continue to strive for independence from the Chinese regime.</p>

<p>So, now it’s finally time for India to bite the bullet and finish what the Chinese started.</p>

<p>(<em><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer</strong></em>)</p>

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Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims.

Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims. This comment set the cat among the pigeons on Indian social media, with Indians rightly pointing out how Obama should be the last person on this planet to talk about the rights of Muslims. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too joined the fray and reminded him how the US, under his watch, bombed six Muslim countries and dropped more than 26,000 bombs in these countries. But Obama’s foolish comments found unexpected buyers far away in Beijing. The Communist Party of China’s official mouthpiece, the Global Times published a piece late last month, endorsing Obama’s views on India’s handling of its minorities. “The dichotomy of different ethnic and religious beliefs, along with the inability of minorities to participate in the country's development and the greater difficulty of having a sense of national identity, portends greater trouble for India in the future,” the tabloid noted. “India’s modernisation will not be sustainable and will always face the possibility of division,” it prophesied. The tone reflected more of ambition than concern. It is true that following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, China has seen India as the only potential rival in East Asia. That explains why the Chinese establishment has long cherished the ambition of breaking up India. In 2009, a Chinese military think tank brazenly floated the idea of breaking up India into 20-30 independent states. “If China takes a little action, the so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up,” read the article posted on the website of the China International Institute for Strategic Studies. It suggested that China should help create divisions in India by supporting factions of the Assamese, Kashmiris and Tamilians. Author of the report, Zhong Guo Zhan Lue Gang, also recommended Beijing join hands with the United Liberation Front of Asom to carve out an independent state of Assam from India. Meanwhile, a letter surfaced in 2020 written by the radical group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to China seeking help 'against' India that also shed light on possible links between Beijing and pro-Khalistan forces. Later in 2021, the Global Times wrote that China had enough tools to shatter India’s illusion that it could capitalise upon the Taiwan card. “If India supports secessionist forces in China, the latter could as well support separatist forces in northeast India in an-eye-for-an-eye manner,” the Global Times warned. It added, “One of the measures could be not recognising Sikkim as a part of India," attributing the statement to Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies To date, China continues to describe India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as “disputed territories. Beijing even boycotted the planned G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu & Kashmir citing the same reason. China continues to oppose high-profile political visits to Arunachal Pradesh, by calling them a violation of China’s territorial integrity. How has New Delhi returned the favour? Unfortunately, it never did. Indian policymakers always feared ostracising China. The Dalai Lama and Tibetans still feel deprived of political freedom in India. India still remains silent on Taiwan, under the so-called one-China policy. India’s decisions vis-à-vis China were directly influenced by US and other international factors in the past. For instance, following the rapprochement between China and US in the early 1970s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) abandoned its ‘Tibet Program’ that sought to help Tibetans achieve independence from China. This orphaned India’s own ambition to help Tibet achieve statehood. Also read | Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why However, as India’s political and economic muscles keep growing, its ability to pull off such anti-China designs on its own is also bound to improve. India’s engagement with Tibetan and Taiwanese leaders has marginally increased. It’s no longer taboo for an Indian prime minister to wish the Dalai Lama on his birthday. India has also welcomed Taiwan’s increased presence in India by allowing it to open a representative office in Mumbai. But, we must realise it is just the beginning. India needs to keep capitalising upon glaring fault lines rooted deep in Chinese society. Also read | India's game plan for future wars: 5 tri-service commands with Army, Navy, Air Force combined As toxic as China appears to be on the international stage, it is as shallow from within as a nation. To put things into perspective, it spends more on maintaining internal security than on its defence budget. Just because it has donned itself in black through the great firewall of China, it doesn't help hide its internal divisions. Tibetans, Muslims from Xinjiang and Mongolians living under the oppressive rule of the Chinese communist party continue to strive for independence from the Chinese regime. So, now it’s finally time for India to bite the bullet and finish what the Chinese started. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China’s long-cherished dream of breaking up India and New Delhi in slumber mode

<p>Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Indonesia to discuss the Myanmar crisis, tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing arms buildup in the region. The foreign ministers met on Tuesday, where this year’s chair Indonesia spelt out the measures to break the deadlock amid the Myanmar junta's ongoing campaign of violence against pro-democracy forces.</p>

<p>Myanmar has not been invited to attend the meet, conforming to ASEAN’s officially stated position. Only a non-political representative of Myanmar will be allowed to visit Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indonesia in talks with all stakeholders in Myanmar</strong></h2>

<p>Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told the media that his nation was in talks with all of the stakeholders in Myanmar. He said, “It included my in-person engagements either with NUG and SAC foreign ministers several times.” He was referring to the National Unity Government, the Myanmar government-in-exile, and the State Administration Council.</p>

<p>"Now, it is time (to move forward) -- encouraging a national, inclusive dialogue among all of the stakeholders," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese foreign minister to skip the meeting</strong></h2>

<p>ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to hold meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar later this week on Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was also supposed to attend the summit, but Reuters reported that now China will be represented by Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat and the former foreign minister.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Myanmar, South China Sea dispute to dominate talks&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang cannot attend this ASEAN ministerial meeting because of health reasons," spokesman Wang Wenbin of the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Qin has been&nbsp;missing from the public stage since June 25 when he met officials from Sri Lanka, Russia and Vietnam. He was supposed to hold meetings with European Union foreign policy chief Josep last week in Beijing but the meeting was postponed.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s engagements with Southeast Asia</strong></h2>

<p>India has stepped up its engagements with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East policy. Recently, New Delhi also demonstrated its willingness to actively engage with South China Sea nations by openly supporting the international tribunal’s ruling in favour of the Philippines against China. India is also focused on improving its naval power in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/de-dollarisation-10-asean-countries-agree-to-ditch-the-us-dollar-593824"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;De-dollarisation: 10 ASEAN countries agree to ditch the US Dollar</strong></a></p>

<p>India’s intensified cooperation with ASEAN is aimed at China’s growing presence in the region, which New Delhi sees as a threat to its own interests and national security.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to media reports, foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the EU, and Britain will also attend the summit in Jakarta.</p>

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Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Indonesia to discuss the Myanmar crisis, tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing arms buildup in the region.

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Indonesia to discuss the Myanmar crisis, tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing arms buildup in the region. The foreign ministers met on Tuesday, where this year’s chair Indonesia spelt out the measures to break the deadlock amid the Myanmar junta's ongoing campaign of violence against pro-democracy forces. Myanmar has not been invited to attend the meet, conforming to ASEAN’s officially stated position. Only a non-political representative of Myanmar will be allowed to visit Indonesia. Indonesia in talks with all stakeholders in Myanmar Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told the media that his nation was in talks with all of the stakeholders in Myanmar. He said, “It included my in-person engagements either with NUG and SAC foreign ministers several times.” He was referring to the National Unity Government, the Myanmar government-in-exile, and the State Administration Council. "Now, it is time (to move forward) -- encouraging a national, inclusive dialogue among all of the stakeholders," she added. Chinese foreign minister to skip the meeting ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to hold meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar later this week on Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was also supposed to attend the summit, but Reuters reported that now China will be represented by Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat and the former foreign minister. Watch: Myanmar, South China Sea dispute to dominate talks × "State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang cannot attend this ASEAN ministerial meeting because of health reasons," spokesman Wang Wenbin of the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Qin has been missing from the public stage since June 25 when he met officials from Sri Lanka, Russia and Vietnam. He was supposed to hold meetings with European Union foreign policy chief Josep last week in Beijing but the meeting was postponed. India’s engagements with Southeast Asia India has stepped up its engagements with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East policy. Recently, New Delhi also demonstrated its willingness to actively engage with South China Sea nations by openly supporting the international tribunal’s ruling in favour of the Philippines against China. India is also focused on improving its naval power in the region. Also read: De-dollarisation: 10 ASEAN countries agree to ditch the US Dollar India’s intensified cooperation with ASEAN is aimed at China’s growing presence in the region, which New Delhi sees as a threat to its own interests and national security. According to media reports, foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the EU, and Britain will also attend the summit in Jakarta. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Foreign ministers of ASEAN kick off key meeting in Indonesia, Chinese FM absent

<p>The Delhi High Court on Saturday quashed PepsiCo’s appeal against a 2021 order that saw the revocation of its patent for a special potato variety grown for Lay’s chips. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPVFR) Authority of India had revoked the patent in 2021 citing Indian laws that bar an intellectual cover on seed varieties.</p>

<h2><strong>Dispute between Indian farmers and PepsiCo</strong></h2>

<p>The dispute over the seed variety, known as FC5, began in 2019. PepsiCo sued some Indian farmers for growing this variety of potatoes, known for having less moisture content, which bodes well for making chips.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, sensing the gravity of the situation involving farmers, the New York-based company decided to withdraw legal cases the same year and declared it will solve the issue amicably.</p>

<h2><strong>Farmers’ fight against PepsiCo</strong></h2>

<p>After PepsiCo sued Indian farmers, Kavitha Kuruganti, a farmers' rights activist, petitioned the PPVFR Authority for the revocation of intellectual protection granted to PepsiCo's FC5 potato variety. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority acted on Kavitha’s concerns by dismissing PepsiCo’s patent.</p>

<p>"The certificate of registration...is hereby revoked with immediate effect," KV&nbsp;Prabhu, the then-chairman of the PPVFR Authority, said in the order.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pepsico recalls over 25000 cases of Starbucks Chilled Coffee</strong></p>

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<p>PepsiCo later approached Delhi High Court against the revocation of the patent cover. The court in its July 5 order ruled in favour of the farmers and dismissed the company’s plea. "We are aware of the order ... and are in the process of reviewing the same," a PepsiCo India spokesperson said while reacting to the order.</p>

<p>Activist Kavitha Kuruganti also lauded Delhi High Court’s judgement and said, "It is good that the judgement of Justice Navin Chawla upheld the revocation order..."</p>

<h2><strong>How has PepsiCo responded?</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement to WION,&nbsp;PepsiCo India's&nbsp;spokesperson said, "We had filed an Appeal against the order of revocation of registration of our potato variety FL-2027. The Appeal was filed on several grounds and the Hon'ble Delhi High Court vide its order dated 5th July 2023 upheld the revocation primarily on procedural infirmities in the application and other supporting documents."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "The Court, however, held that exercising of rights by PepsiCo, granted vide registration of its potato variety under PPVFRA cannot be construed as against public interest and revocation of registration by PPVFR Authority on the ground of 'public interest' was erroneous. We are in the process of examining the order in detail to decide our options."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is potato’s FC5 variety?</strong></h2>

<p>The FC5 variety of potatoes has gained significant attention due to its association with PepsiCo, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PepsiCo has maintained that it developed the FC5 variety of potato, and registered the trait in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/popular-artificial-sweetener-aspartame-used-in-diet-coke-causes-cancer-who-to-declare-610105"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Popular artificial sweetener Aspartame used in Diet Coke causes cancer, WHO to declare soon</strong></a></p>

<p>PepsiCo has been working closely with a group of farmers in India to cultivate the FC5 variety which is specifically developed to meet the company's requirements for making high-quality potato chips. The group of farmers sells its produce to PepsiCo at a fixed price.</p>

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The Delhi High Court on Saturday quashed PepsiCo’s appeal against a 2021 order that saw the revocation of its patent for a special potato variety grown for Lay’s chips.

The Delhi High Court on Saturday quashed PepsiCo’s appeal against a 2021 order that saw the revocation of its patent for a special potato variety grown for Lay’s chips. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPVFR) Authority of India had revoked the patent in 2021 citing Indian laws that bar an intellectual cover on seed varieties. Dispute between Indian farmers and PepsiCo The dispute over the seed variety, known as FC5, began in 2019. PepsiCo sued some Indian farmers for growing this variety of potatoes, known for having less moisture content, which bodes well for making chips. However, sensing the gravity of the situation involving farmers, the New York-based company decided to withdraw legal cases the same year and declared it will solve the issue amicably. Farmers’ fight against PepsiCo After PepsiCo sued Indian farmers, Kavitha Kuruganti, a farmers' rights activist, petitioned the PPVFR Authority for the revocation of intellectual protection granted to PepsiCo's FC5 potato variety. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority acted on Kavitha’s concerns by dismissing PepsiCo’s patent. "The certificate of registration...is hereby revoked with immediate effect," KV Prabhu, the then-chairman of the PPVFR Authority, said in the order. Watch: Pepsico recalls over 25000 cases of Starbucks Chilled Coffee × PepsiCo later approached Delhi High Court against the revocation of the patent cover. The court in its July 5 order ruled in favour of the farmers and dismissed the company’s plea. "We are aware of the order ... and are in the process of reviewing the same," a PepsiCo India spokesperson said while reacting to the order. Activist Kavitha Kuruganti also lauded Delhi High Court’s judgement and said, "It is good that the judgement of Justice Navin Chawla upheld the revocation order..." How has PepsiCo responded? In a statement to WION, PepsiCo India's spokesperson said, "We had filed an Appeal against the order of revocation of registration of our potato variety FL-2027. The Appeal was filed on several grounds and the Hon'ble Delhi High Court vide its order dated 5th July 2023 upheld the revocation primarily on procedural infirmities in the application and other supporting documents." It added, "The Court, however, held that exercising of rights by PepsiCo, granted vide registration of its potato variety under PPVFRA cannot be construed as against public interest and revocation of registration by PPVFR Authority on the ground of 'public interest' was erroneous. We are in the process of examining the order in detail to decide our options." What is potato’s FC5 variety? The FC5 variety of potatoes has gained significant attention due to its association with PepsiCo, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. PepsiCo has maintained that it developed the FC5 variety of potato, and registered the trait in 2016. Also read: Popular artificial sweetener Aspartame used in Diet Coke causes cancer, WHO to declare soon PepsiCo has been working closely with a group of farmers in India to cultivate the FC5 variety which is specifically developed to meet the company's requirements for making high-quality potato chips. The group of farmers sells its produce to PepsiCo at a fixed price. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Big win for Indian farmers: Court rejects PepsiCo’s appeal for patent on potato seeds used for Lay’s chips

<p>Police in India’s financial capital Mumbai apprehended four people for allegedly stealing a 6,000 kg iron bridge in a western suburb. The bridge was placed above a drain and was in use until April this year. However, when a permanent bridge was built there, the makeshift bridge was carefully placed in an empty area near Malad Back Road.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 90-foot-long iron structure was owned by Adani Electricity and was used to place heavy electricity cables, a police official was quoted as saying by India Today.</p>

<p>However, on one fine day in June, the bridge mysteriously disappeared, following which a police complaint was filed by Adani Electricity.</p>

<h2><strong>Iron structure valued at INR 200,000</strong></h2>

<p>The bridge was last spotted on the site on June 6; however, the FIR was only filed on June 26 following the revelation of the theft. The FIR report mentioned that the value of the stolen bridge is more than INR 200,000 ($2,420).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India's MET office issues orange alert for Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>As per a report by The Times of India, the bridge was erected in June last year and was removed only after a permanent bridge was built by the authorities at the same location.</p>

<h2><strong>Four people held by police</strong></h2>

<p>As soon as the FIR was filed, authorities initiated an investigation to find the culprits. What made the case trickier was the fact that no CCTV camera was installed in the area where the bridge was placed to be carted away later. When police checked CCTV footage from nearby areas, they spotted a big truck going towards the Malad Back Road on June 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further investigation led the police to track down the truck on the basis of its registration number and revealed that it was carrying gas-cutter machines, which were most likely used to dismantle the iron bridge.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shockingly, one person out of the four arrested turned out to be a worker of the same company which was hired by Adani Electricity to build the bridge.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-road-caves-in-during-mumbai-rains-taking-down-vehicles-with-it-612186"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Video: Road caves in during Mumbai rains, several vehicles stuck after falling in pit</strong></a></p>

<p>The metal structure was later recovered, as per a statement by Adani Electricity.</p>

<p>A spokesperson from Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd&nbsp;said, "Material stolen from the site has been recovered with prompt action of Mumbai Police. Investigations are ongoing."</p>

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Police in India’s financial capital Mumbai apprehended four people for allegedly stealing a 6,000 kg iron bridge in a western suburb. The bridge was placed above a drain and was in use until April this year.

Police in India’s financial capital Mumbai apprehended four people for allegedly stealing a 6,000 kg iron bridge in a western suburb. The bridge was placed above a drain and was in use until April this year. However, when a permanent bridge was built there, the makeshift bridge was carefully placed in an empty area near Malad Back Road. The 90-foot-long iron structure was owned by Adani Electricity and was used to place heavy electricity cables, a police official was quoted as saying by India Today. However, on one fine day in June, the bridge mysteriously disappeared, following which a police complaint was filed by Adani Electricity. Iron structure valued at INR 200,000 The bridge was last spotted on the site on June 6; however, the FIR was only filed on June 26 following the revelation of the theft. The FIR report mentioned that the value of the stolen bridge is more than INR 200,000 ($2,420). Watch: India's MET office issues orange alert for Mumbai × As per a report by The Times of India, the bridge was erected in June last year and was removed only after a permanent bridge was built by the authorities at the same location. Four people held by police As soon as the FIR was filed, authorities initiated an investigation to find the culprits. What made the case trickier was the fact that no CCTV camera was installed in the area where the bridge was placed to be carted away later. When police checked CCTV footage from nearby areas, they spotted a big truck going towards the Malad Back Road on June 11. Further investigation led the police to track down the truck on the basis of its registration number and revealed that it was carrying gas-cutter machines, which were most likely used to dismantle the iron bridge. Shockingly, one person out of the four arrested turned out to be a worker of the same company which was hired by Adani Electricity to build the bridge. Also read: Video: Road caves in during Mumbai rains, several vehicles stuck after falling in pit The metal structure was later recovered, as per a statement by Adani Electricity. A spokesperson from Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd said, "Material stolen from the site has been recovered with prompt action of Mumbai Police. Investigations are ongoing." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Four people held in Mumbai for stealing 6,000kg iron bridge

<p>A United Airlines flight en route from Houston to Amsterdam experienced an unexpected diversion to Chicago due to an unruly passenger in the business class section. The cause of the disruption is believed to be the passenger's dissatisfaction regarding the unavailability of his preferred meal choice.</p>

<p>The flight took off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at 4:20 pm local time on Sunday. However, approximately two hours into the journey, while the aircraft was in Chicago airspace, the pilot was forced to divert to Chicago's O'Hare airport.</p>

<p>Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that the plane circled the airport as it had to decrease its fuel load through a process known as fuel dumping to ensure a safe landing without exceeding weight limits.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UA20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UA20</a> from Houston to Amsterdam jettisoning fuel prior to diversion to Chicago due to an unruly passenger. <a href="https://t.co/aAyj03wnLY">https://t.co/aAyj03wnLY</a> <a href="https://t.co/FzGN6090MC">pic.twitter.com/FzGN6090MC</a></p>
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) <a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1678202737790529537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Threat of level one raised</strong></h2>

<p>Well-known aviation insider XJonNYC shared internal United Airlines communications on Twitter, highlighting the presence of a disruptive passenger on board. The threat level associated with the incident was classified as one, the lowest level of threat.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">F*** YOU seat 11G <a href="https://t.co/urPOTexksf">https://t.co/urPOTexksf</a> <a href="https://t.co/TnPAvmnXJW">pic.twitter.com/TnPAvmnXJW</a></p>
— 🇺🇦 JonNYC 🇺🇦 (@xJonNYC) <a href="https://twitter.com/xJonNYC/status/1678224359754813442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement to the media, United Airlines confirmed that Flight 20 was diverted to O'Hare International Airport in response to a passenger disturbance. “United flight 20 from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Amsterdam diverted to O’Hare International Airport and landed safely following a passenger disturbance. Law enforcement met the aircraft at the gate and escorted the passenger off the plane. The aircraft then continued to Amsterdam,” the statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>Flight delayed by three hours</strong></h2>

<p>The diversion caused the flight to arrive in Amsterdam over three hours later than the scheduled time. Instead of landing around 9:00 am local time, the plane touched down at approximately 12:30 pm. Typically, the Houston-to-Amsterdam flight has a duration of nine hours and 30 minutes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-meddle-in-taiwan-issue-chinese-foreign-minister-qin-tells-us-antony-blinken-604232"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`Don’t meddle in Taiwan issue`: Chinese Foreign Minister Qin tells US’ Antony Blinken</strong></a></p>

<p>The exact meal demand that triggered the passenger's outburst remains unclear.&nbsp;United Airlines business class passengers are typically offered a complete three-course meal along with additional food options throughout the flight. The airline has previously faced criticism that its in-flight meal services do not meet pre-pandemic standards. As a response, United announced last year that it would enhance its business class offerings.</p>

<h2><strong>Meals available to business class flyers</strong></h2>

<p>According to a travel review website called Live and Let’s Fly, business class passengers travelling from Newark to Amsterdam could choose between seared beef short rib, seared lemongrass salmon, or ricotta salata and wild honey manicotti as their main meal options. It is important to note that a one-way business class seat on the Houston-to-Amsterdam United flight typically costs $6,927.</p>

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A United Airlines flight en route from Houston to Amsterdam experienced an unexpected diversion to Chicago due to an unruly passenger in the business class section.

A United Airlines flight en route from Houston to Amsterdam experienced an unexpected diversion to Chicago due to an unruly passenger in the business class section. The cause of the disruption is believed to be the passenger's dissatisfaction regarding the unavailability of his preferred meal choice. The flight took off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at 4:20 pm local time on Sunday. However, approximately two hours into the journey, while the aircraft was in Chicago airspace, the pilot was forced to divert to Chicago's O'Hare airport. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that the plane circled the airport as it had to decrease its fuel load through a process known as fuel dumping to ensure a safe landing without exceeding weight limits. #UA20 from Houston to Amsterdam jettisoning fuel prior to diversion to Chicago due to an unruly passenger. https://t.co/aAyj03wnLY pic.twitter.com/FzGN6090MC — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 10, 2023 × Threat of level one raised Well-known aviation insider XJonNYC shared internal United Airlines communications on Twitter, highlighting the presence of a disruptive passenger on board. The threat level associated with the incident was classified as one, the lowest level of threat. F*** YOU seat 11G https://t.co/urPOTexksf pic.twitter.com/TnPAvmnXJW — 🇺🇦 JonNYC 🇺🇦 (@xJonNYC) July 10, 2023 × In a statement to the media, United Airlines confirmed that Flight 20 was diverted to O'Hare International Airport in response to a passenger disturbance. “United flight 20 from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Amsterdam diverted to O’Hare International Airport and landed safely following a passenger disturbance. Law enforcement met the aircraft at the gate and escorted the passenger off the plane. The aircraft then continued to Amsterdam,” the statement read. Flight delayed by three hours The diversion caused the flight to arrive in Amsterdam over three hours later than the scheduled time. Instead of landing around 9:00 am local time, the plane touched down at approximately 12:30 pm. Typically, the Houston-to-Amsterdam flight has a duration of nine hours and 30 minutes. Also read: `Don’t meddle in Taiwan issue`: Chinese Foreign Minister Qin tells US’ Antony Blinken The exact meal demand that triggered the passenger's outburst remains unclear. United Airlines business class passengers are typically offered a complete three-course meal along with additional food options throughout the flight. The airline has previously faced criticism that its in-flight meal services do not meet pre-pandemic standards. As a response, United announced last year that it would enhance its business class offerings. Meals available to business class flyers According to a travel review website called Live and Let’s Fly, business class passengers travelling from Newark to Amsterdam could choose between seared beef short rib, seared lemongrass salmon, or ricotta salata and wild honey manicotti as their main meal options. It is important to note that a one-way business class seat on the Houston-to-Amsterdam United flight typically costs $6,927. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Flight to Europe diverted after passenger creates chaos over meal choice

<p>Hundreds of protesters were seen defying a protest ban in Paris, who marched peacefully to honour the Black man who died in police custody back in 2016. French police earlier dispersed the crowd gathered at central Paris’ Place de la Republique citing a threat to law and public order. Meanwhile, migration continues to rock European capitals as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had to resign on Saturday over a lack of consensus on the country's migration policy. In India, the eastern state of West Bengal saw massive political violence today, which left at least 14 people dead.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-officials-ban-march-for-black-man-who-died-in-police-after-recent-riots-613431"><strong>Hundreds defy protest ban in Paris, hold march for Black man who died in police custody</strong></a></p>
<img alt="France" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="521dbf92-c3ce-4644-9b63-52173703aea8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/365451-wion-images-2023-07-08t185205757.jpg" />
<p>According to reports, hundreds defied a police ban, on Saturday (July 8) to hold a march against violence by the country’s police which was supposed to take place in central Paris to honour the 24-year-old Black man who died in police custody in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/longest-serving-dutch-pm-mark-rutte-resigns-over-differences-about-migration-policy-with-coalition-parties-613288"><strong>Longest-serving Dutch PM Mark Rutte resigns after talks on migration fail, to update king on govt collapse</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Dutch PM" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74c774c2-39cf-4ee6-b3fd-0fced44e5ec9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/365436-wion-images-2023-07-08t164549924.jpg" />
<p>Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is due to meet King Willem-Alexander on Saturday (July 8) following his resignation, late Friday, after 13 years in power as his coalition government failed to reach a consensus on migration policy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-nominates-elliott-abrams-controversial-figure-convicted-in-iran-contra-for-key-panel-613396"><strong>Biden to nominate Elliott Abrams, controversial figure convicted in Iran-Contra, for key panel</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Biden" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fe1663-6fce-4210-bb14-aaf154274996" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/365430-the-battle-for-kyiv-32.jpg" />
<p>Joe Biden intends to nominate Elliott Abrams, a former Trump appointee with a controversial past, to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-eight-killed-13-injured-in-russian-shelling-in-eastern-ukraine-613414"><strong>At least eight killed, 13 injured after Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine</strong></a></p>
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<p>At least eight people were killed after Russian artillery shelling hit Ukraine’s Donetsk region on Saturday (July 8), said Kyiv’s interior ministry.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-bbc-anchor-taken-off-air-amid-allegations-he-paid-teenager-for-sexual-photos-613419"><strong>Top BBC anchor taken off air amid allegations he paid teenager for sexual photos</strong></a></p>
<img alt="BBC" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="193ce4b4-65d0-4b92-8872-602562c509d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/300315-0001uh56c.jpg" />
<p>A top BBC anchor has been taken off air amid allegations that he wired more than £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for explicit photos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459"><strong>Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine</strong></a></p>
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<p>Since the United States, announced that it would send the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive, it has drawn opposition and criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/honey-trapped-drdo-scientist-kurulkar-shared-details-about-indian-missile-systems-613400"><strong>Honey-trapped DRDO scientist shared details about Indian missile systems with Pakistani agent</strong></a></p>
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<p><a>The Indian state of Maharashtra’s anti-terrorism squad (ATS) filed a chargesheet against Pune city-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist, Pradeep Kurulkar who was allegedly lured by a Pakistani agent using the alias ‘Zara Dasgupta.’</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bullets-defeat-ballots-11-killed-in-indias-west-bengal-on-election-day-613408"><strong>Bullets defeat ballots? 11 killed in India’s West Bengal on election day</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Bengal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d55f4506-e3c5-43de-84b4-d7415f8659ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bengal-pti-1235046-1688807816.jpg" />
<p>Reports of massive political violence have emerged from India’s eastern state of West Bengal, where crucial local elections are taking place ahead of the general election slated to be held next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-pm-forms-high-level-committee-as-national-teams-participation-hangs-in-limbo-613392"><strong>ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan PM forms high-level committee as national team's participation hangs in limbo</strong></a></p>
<img alt="ODI" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="294c69b4-7092-4265-a32d-a11667c08efd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/365425-1-41.jpg" />
<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level executive committee to decide on the national team’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/taylor-swifts-fan-arrested-for-trespassing-at-singers-rhode-island-home-613314"><strong>Taylor Swift's fan arrested for trespassing at singer's Rhode Island home</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Taylor" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16cba0e0-f389-4ac8-aff8-acfbf1492b85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/283862-taylor.jpg" />
<p>In a recent shocking incident, a woman, who had previously been warned to stay away from Taylor Swift's beachfront residence in Rhode Island, has been arrested by the police for trespassing, according to Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella.</p>


Hundreds of protesters were seen defying a protest ban in Paris, who marched peacefully to honour the Black man who died in police custody back in 2016. French police earlier dispersed the crowd gathered at central Paris’ Place de la Republique citing a threat to law and public order.

Hundreds of protesters were seen defying a protest ban in Paris, who marched peacefully to honour the Black man who died in police custody back in 2016. French police earlier dispersed the crowd gathered at central Paris’ Place de la Republique citing a threat to law and public order. Meanwhile, migration continues to rock European capitals as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had to resign on Saturday over a lack of consensus on the country's migration policy. In India, the eastern state of West Bengal saw massive political violence today, which left at least 14 people dead. Click on the headlines to read more. Hundreds defy protest ban in Paris, hold march for Black man who died in police custody According to reports, hundreds defied a police ban, on Saturday (July 8) to hold a march against violence by the country’s police which was supposed to take place in central Paris to honour the 24-year-old Black man who died in police custody in 2016. Longest-serving Dutch PM Mark Rutte resigns after talks on migration fail, to update king on govt collapse Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is due to meet King Willem-Alexander on Saturday (July 8) following his resignation, late Friday, after 13 years in power as his coalition government failed to reach a consensus on migration policy. Biden to nominate Elliott Abrams, controversial figure convicted in Iran-Contra, for key panel Joe Biden intends to nominate Elliott Abrams, a former Trump appointee with a controversial past, to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. At least eight killed, 13 injured after Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine At least eight people were killed after Russian artillery shelling hit Ukraine’s Donetsk region on Saturday (July 8), said Kyiv’s interior ministry. Top BBC anchor taken off air amid allegations he paid teenager for sexual photos A top BBC anchor has been taken off air amid allegations that he wired more than £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for explicit photos. Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine Since the United States, announced that it would send the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive, it has drawn opposition and criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations. Honey-trapped DRDO scientist shared details about Indian missile systems with Pakistani agent The Indian state of Maharashtra’s anti-terrorism squad (ATS) filed a chargesheet against Pune city-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist, Pradeep Kurulkar who was allegedly lured by a Pakistani agent using the alias ‘Zara Dasgupta.’ Bullets defeat ballots? 11 killed in India’s West Bengal on election day Reports of massive political violence have emerged from India’s eastern state of West Bengal, where crucial local elections are taking place ahead of the general election slated to be held next year. ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan PM forms high-level committee as national team's participation hangs in limbo Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level executive committee to decide on the national team’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Taylor Swift's fan arrested for trespassing at singer's Rhode Island home In a recent shocking incident, a woman, who had previously been warned to stay away from Taylor Swift's beachfront residence in Rhode Island, has been arrested by the police for trespassing, according to Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella.

Top 10 world news: Hundreds seen defying protest ban in Paris, political violence in India, and more

<p>At least 7 people were killed and 14 others were injured after an LPG cylinder installed in a passenger van exploded in Pakistan’s Sargodha district. The cylinder was of poor quality and the explosion reportedly took place due to a gas leak. The van, a white Toyota Hiace, had the cylinder filled with LPG for fuel. Above 20 people were aboard the van when the explosion occurred.</p>

<p>All injured, including two children and two senior citizens, were rushed to Bhalwal Tehsil Headquarters hospital. One of them is reportedly in critical condition.</p>

<h2><strong>Flames engulfed the vehicle&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Head Constable Mohammad Shahid, stationed at Kot Momin Police Station, was on his way to work and happened to be sitting in the front seat of the van when the cylinder explosion took place. Shahid described the chaos that unfolded as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, forcing him to act swiftly.</p>

<p>Without hesitation, Shahid exited the van and proceeded to break open the middle and rear doors, attempting to rescue the passengers trapped inside. Despite his brave efforts, Shahid was unable to save the lives of six to seven individuals who were present in the van during the explosion.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan charged over attack on army headquarters</strong></p>

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<p>Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Sargodha and Kot Momin.</p>

<h2><strong>Some bodies remain unidentified&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As the investigation unfolds, the process of identifying the deceased victims is currently underway. &nbsp;Five deceased men are yet to be identified, local media reported. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the recurring occurrences in Pakistan, where passenger vans often lack proper safety measures and are equipped with substandard cylinders.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-standing-on-the-edge-of-darkness-says-imran-khan-612395"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan standing on the `edge of darkness,` says Imran Khan</strong></a></p>

<p>The absence of stringent quality and security checks poses a significant risk to the lives of individuals travelling in these vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Punjab CM expresses grief</strong></h2>

<p>The caretaker Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab, Mohsin Naqui, expressed grief over the accident and directed authorities to present a detailed report about the incident before him. He also ordered the local commissioner and Regional Police Officer (RPO) to initiate an inquiry into the matter.</p>

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At least 7 people were killed and 14 others were injured after an LPG cylinder installed in a passenger van exploded in Pakistan’s Sargodha district. The cylinder was of poor quality and the explosion reportedly took place due to a gas leak.

At least 7 people were killed and 14 others were injured after an LPG cylinder installed in a passenger van exploded in Pakistan’s Sargodha district. The cylinder was of poor quality and the explosion reportedly took place due to a gas leak. The van, a white Toyota Hiace, had the cylinder filled with LPG for fuel. Above 20 people were aboard the van when the explosion occurred. All injured, including two children and two senior citizens, were rushed to Bhalwal Tehsil Headquarters hospital. One of them is reportedly in critical condition. Flames engulfed the vehicle Head Constable Mohammad Shahid, stationed at Kot Momin Police Station, was on his way to work and happened to be sitting in the front seat of the van when the cylinder explosion took place. Shahid described the chaos that unfolded as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, forcing him to act swiftly. Without hesitation, Shahid exited the van and proceeded to break open the middle and rear doors, attempting to rescue the passengers trapped inside. Despite his brave efforts, Shahid was unable to save the lives of six to seven individuals who were present in the van during the explosion. Watch: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan charged over attack on army headquarters × Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Sargodha and Kot Momin. Some bodies remain unidentified As the investigation unfolds, the process of identifying the deceased victims is currently underway. Five deceased men are yet to be identified, local media reported. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the recurring occurrences in Pakistan, where passenger vans often lack proper safety measures and are equipped with substandard cylinders. Also read: Pakistan standing on the `edge of darkness,` says Imran Khan The absence of stringent quality and security checks poses a significant risk to the lives of individuals travelling in these vehicles. Punjab CM expresses grief The caretaker Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab, Mohsin Naqui, expressed grief over the accident and directed authorities to present a detailed report about the incident before him. He also ordered the local commissioner and Regional Police Officer (RPO) to initiate an inquiry into the matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

LPG cylinder blast in passenger van kills seven people in Pakistan

<p>In a tragic event that took place on Saturday morning, a small corporate jet crashed and burst into flames near French Valley Airport of Riverside County in California. The site is located approximately 85 miles south of Los Angeles. All six individuals on board the Cessna C550 business jet lost their lives in the devastating incident, as confirmed by local and federal authorities.</p>

<p>According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the ill-fated aircraft was en route from Las Vegas when the crash occurred at approximately 4:15 am local time (0815 GMT). The FAA statement revealed that the plane crashed in a field near the airport. At this time, no details have been released regarding the identities of the passengers.</p>

<h2><strong>All six passengers declared dead</strong></h2>

<p>Flight tracking data obtained from the website FlightAware indicates that there was only one business jet travelling from Las Vegas to French Valley during the given timeframe. The aircraft was observed circling once near the crash site before descending rapidly.</p>

<p>First responders from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office swiftly arrived at the scene of the accident. They discovered the aircraft fully engulfed in flames in a field adjacent to the airport. Tragically, all six occupants were pronounced dead.</p>

<h2><strong>Crash sparks bushfire</strong></h2>

<p>The crash also sparked a bushfire at the incident site, which ended up burning an acre of land. Later, it was contained by members of the fire department.</p>

<p>The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash, as announced by the FAA. The NTSB's efforts will focus on determining the cause of the crash and uncovering any contributing factors.</p>

<h2><strong>Cause of the accident</strong></h2>

<p>The cause of the crash was not known yet but media reports highlighted the area where the crash happened was engulfed by dense fog at the time of the accident.</p>

<p>This is the second fatal plane crash near the French Valley Airport in less than a week; on 4 July, another small plane crashed, killing the pilot.</p>

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In a tragic event that took place on Saturday morning, a small corporate jet crashed and burst into flames near French Valley Airport of Riverside County in California.

In a tragic event that took place on Saturday morning, a small corporate jet crashed and burst into flames near French Valley Airport of Riverside County in California. The site is located approximately 85 miles south of Los Angeles. All six individuals on board the Cessna C550 business jet lost their lives in the devastating incident, as confirmed by local and federal authorities. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the ill-fated aircraft was en route from Las Vegas when the crash occurred at approximately 4:15 am local time (0815 GMT). The FAA statement revealed that the plane crashed in a field near the airport. At this time, no details have been released regarding the identities of the passengers. All six passengers declared dead Flight tracking data obtained from the website FlightAware indicates that there was only one business jet travelling from Las Vegas to French Valley during the given timeframe. The aircraft was observed circling once near the crash site before descending rapidly. First responders from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office swiftly arrived at the scene of the accident. They discovered the aircraft fully engulfed in flames in a field adjacent to the airport. Tragically, all six occupants were pronounced dead. Crash sparks bushfire The crash also sparked a bushfire at the incident site, which ended up burning an acre of land. Later, it was contained by members of the fire department. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash, as announced by the FAA. The NTSB's efforts will focus on determining the cause of the crash and uncovering any contributing factors. Cause of the accident The cause of the crash was not known yet but media reports highlighted the area where the crash happened was engulfed by dense fog at the time of the accident. This is the second fatal plane crash near the French Valley Airport in less than a week; on 4 July, another small plane crashed, killing the pilot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Tragic plane crash in California leaves six dead, sparks bushfire at incident site

While Singapore enjoys the world's fastest broadband speed of 219 Mbps, here are eight nations in the world languishing at the bottom in terms of internet connectivity.


The slowest broadband speed in the world is experienced in Cuba at mere 4.01 megabits per second (Mbps). The reason is that the nation is connected with just one undersea optic fiber. The 11 million people of the country are thus dependent on this particular cable, making net painfully slow in the country.



The broadband speed here is 4.11 Mbps, making it the second-slowest country in terms of net connectivity. People might have to wait for over 22 hours here to just download a 5GB movie.



Yemen has one of the slowest internet speeds globally due to its ongoing conflict, limited infrastructure, and political instability, resulting in a lack of investment in internet connectivity. Broadband speed here is just 7.59 Mbps.

Sudan’s broadband speed is 7.92 Mbps. it struggles with slow internet due to underdeveloped infrastructure, limited competition among service providers, and challenges related to political stability and economic constraints. 



Since Equatorial Guinea is spread out over a number of islands, it is challenging to put in place the necessary infrastructure. Because of this, there aren’t enough fibre optic lines needed to offer high-speed internet access. Broadband speed in this country is 7.95 Mbps.


Limited telecommunications infrastructure, rugged terrain, and political instability have led to slow internet speeds in Afghanistan, hindering widespread access and connectivity. Broadband speed in this war-torn country is 8.26 Mbps.



Mozambique’s internet speed is affected by its geographical location, limited infrastructure development, and low levels of internet penetration. Broadband speed here is just 9.27 Mbps.



Despite efforts to improve internet infrastructure, Algeria still faces slow internet speeds due to outdated technology and a lack of investment in broadband networks. Broadband speed here is 10.43 Mbps.

Here are eight nations in the world languishing at the bottom in terms of internet connectivity.

8 Nations With Slowest Broadband Speed 

<p>Reports of massive political violence have emerged from India’s eastern state of West Bengal, where crucial local elections are taking place ahead of the general election slated to be held next year. Zee News reported at least 14&nbsp;people dead as rural West Bengal voted for the&nbsp;three-tier panchayat elections. Among the dead were six workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress, one worker each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Left, Congress and ISF, and another person whose political identity could not be known. Although, the BJP claimed that the death toll had reached 15, but there was no such confirmation from the state authorities till the filing of this report.</p>

<p>The state has been reeling under political violence since the elections were announced on June 8.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ruling and opposition parties trade barbs</strong></h2>

<p>West Bengal, which is ruled by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress (TMC), has had a long history of political violence taking place during election season. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which sits in opposition in the state, has long accused the TMC of harbouring political ‘goons’.</p>

<p>As reports of violence surfaced in the state on Saturday, BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar accused a TMC candidate of murdering an independent Muslim candidate.<br />
<br />
Majumdar tweeted, “Bloodshed in West Bengal in Panchayat Election. TMC candidate killed an independent Muslim candidate in North 24, Parganas dist. TMC knows only language of violence, murder and booth capturing. CM @MamataOfficial along with @CEOWestBengal is responsible for these murders."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reports of mass booth capturing, violence, hurling bombs and murders are being reported from West Bengal on Panchayat election day.<br />
<br />
This is deeply concerning. This is one of darkest chapter in electoral history of WB. The situation is highly volatile. <a href="https://twitter.com/CEOWestBengal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CEOWestBengal</a> must ACT. <a href="https://t.co/ZuZL88vpvf">pic.twitter.com/ZuZL88vpvf</a></p>
— Vanathi Srinivasan (@VanathiBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VanathiBJP/status/1677555141292204032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari said that what was happening in the state was not an election but "death."</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> | West Bengal panchayat election | West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari says, "This is not an election, this is death. There is a fire of violence across the state. Central forces have not been deployed. CCTVs are not operating. This is not voting but… <a href="https://t.co/7XOAiG4V1S">pic.twitter.com/7XOAiG4V1S</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1677568846990049282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A TMC goon is sitting inside the polling booth and directing the voters where to caste the vote…<br />
<br />
Is this free and fair election CM <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/CEOWestBengal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CEOWestBengal</a> ?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/HQpzI979vO">pic.twitter.com/HQpzI979vO</a></p>
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSukantaBJP/status/1677530899964108800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, state minister Shashi Panja blamed the violence on the ‘incompetence’ of central forces, which are deployed by the union government, currently led by BJP, to maintain law and order, especially during elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India received $50 billion in new investment in 2022 - Third highest in the world</strong></p>

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<p>Panja said, “TMC workers have been murdered, two have been shot at. Those who were asking for deployment, saying that these central forces are the guardians of peace — the guardians have failed, faltered to protect the rights of citizens."</p>

<h2><strong>‘Ballots, not bullets’</strong></h2>

<p>State Governor CV Ananda Bose also condemned the violence, saying that an election day should be considered “most sacred for democracy” and that elections should take place through ballots and not bullets.</p>

<p>"I have been in the field right from the morning...People requested me and stopped my motorcade on the way. They told me about the murders happening around them, told me about the goons not allowing them to go to the polling booths...It should cause concern to all of us. This is the most sacred day for democracy...The election must be through ballots and not bullets," he was quoted as saying by local media.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-says-indian-govt-wrong-about-going-soft-on-khalistan-612685"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India blasts Canada for its soft response on terror in name of freedom of expression</strong></a></p>

<p>While political violence in the world’s largest democracy has reduced over the past two decades, it still remains rampant in West Bengal. In previous local polls held in 2018, TMC won uncontested 34 per cent of the total seats after a series of deadly political violence against opponents.</p>

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Reports of massive political violence have emerged from India’s eastern state of West Bengal, where crucial local elections are taking place ahead of the general election slated to be held next year.

Reports of massive political violence have emerged from India’s eastern state of West Bengal, where crucial local elections are taking place ahead of the general election slated to be held next year. Zee News reported at least 14 people dead as rural West Bengal voted for the three-tier panchayat elections. Among the dead were six workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress, one worker each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Left, Congress and ISF, and another person whose political identity could not be known. Although, the BJP claimed that the death toll had reached 15, but there was no such confirmation from the state authorities till the filing of this report. The state has been reeling under political violence since the elections were announced on June 8. Ruling and opposition parties trade barbs West Bengal, which is ruled by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress (TMC), has had a long history of political violence taking place during election season. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which sits in opposition in the state, has long accused the TMC of harbouring political ‘goons’. As reports of violence surfaced in the state on Saturday, BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar accused a TMC candidate of murdering an independent Muslim candidate. Majumdar tweeted, “Bloodshed in West Bengal in Panchayat Election. TMC candidate killed an independent Muslim candidate in North 24, Parganas dist. TMC knows only language of violence, murder and booth capturing. CM @MamataOfficial along with @CEOWestBengal is responsible for these murders." Reports of mass booth capturing, violence, hurling bombs and murders are being reported from West Bengal on Panchayat election day. This is deeply concerning. This is one of darkest chapter in electoral history of WB. The situation is highly volatile. @CEOWestBengal must ACT. pic.twitter.com/ZuZL88vpvf — Vanathi Srinivasan (@VanathiBJP) July 8, 2023 × BJP West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari said that what was happening in the state was not an election but "death." #WATCH | West Bengal panchayat election | West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari says, "This is not an election, this is death. There is a fire of violence across the state. Central forces have not been deployed. CCTVs are not operating. This is not voting but… pic.twitter.com/7XOAiG4V1S — ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2023 × A TMC goon is sitting inside the polling booth and directing the voters where to caste the vote… Is this free and fair election CM @MamataOfficial / @CEOWestBengal ? pic.twitter.com/HQpzI979vO — Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) July 8, 2023 × Meanwhile, state minister Shashi Panja blamed the violence on the ‘incompetence’ of central forces, which are deployed by the union government, currently led by BJP, to maintain law and order, especially during elections. Watch: India received $50 billion in new investment in 2022 - Third highest in the world × Panja said, “TMC workers have been murdered, two have been shot at. Those who were asking for deployment, saying that these central forces are the guardians of peace — the guardians have failed, faltered to protect the rights of citizens." ‘Ballots, not bullets’ State Governor CV Ananda Bose also condemned the violence, saying that an election day should be considered “most sacred for democracy” and that elections should take place through ballots and not bullets. "I have been in the field right from the morning...People requested me and stopped my motorcade on the way. They told me about the murders happening around them, told me about the goons not allowing them to go to the polling booths...It should cause concern to all of us. This is the most sacred day for democracy...The election must be through ballots and not bullets," he was quoted as saying by local media. Also read: India blasts Canada for its soft response on terror in name of freedom of expression While political violence in the world’s largest democracy has reduced over the past two decades, it still remains rampant in West Bengal. In previous local polls held in 2018, TMC won uncontested 34 per cent of the total seats after a series of deadly political violence against opponents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Bullets defeat ballots? 14 killed in West Bengal on local elections day

<p>In a move aimed at optimising the utilisation of accommodation in trains, the Railway Ministry has granted powers to Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme for &nbsp;AC trains. The decision will result in a reduction of fares by up to 25 per cent for AC chair cars and executive classes across all trains, including the premium Vande Bharat Express, according to a Hindustan Times report.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23</strong></p>

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<p>The discounted fare scheme will apply to AC chair cars and executive classes on trains that offer AC sitting accommodation, including coaches such as Anubhuti and Vistadome.</p>

<h2><strong>Discount linked to occupancy rate</strong></h2>

<p>Under this scheme, the discount will be applied to the basic fare and can be up to a maximum of 25 per cent. Additional charges like reservation fees, super-fast surcharges and GST will be levied separately. The discount may be offered in any or all classes based on the occupancy rate of the respective class.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-crash-faulty-signal-connections-caused-accident-finds-crs-report-611840"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Odisha train crash: Faulty signal connections caused deadly accident, finds CRS probe</strong></a></p>

<p>To determine the eligibility for the discount, the occupancy rate of the train's classes will be assessed over the last 30 days. If the occupancy rate is below 50 per cent for a specific leg/section of the journey or end-to-end, the discount will be applicable. The fares of competitive modes of transportation will be considered while deciding the rate of discount.</p>

<p>The discount can be applied to the first leg, last leg, intermediate sections, or the entire journey, depending on the occupancy rate. However, passengers who have already booked their tickets will not be eligible for a refund of the fare difference.</p>

<h2><strong>How long will be the discount period?</strong></h2>

<p>The discounted fare scheme will be initially implemented for a period decided by the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs) of the respective zones, corresponding to the train's originating station.&nbsp;<br />
The scheme will be in effect for a maximum of six months from the implementation date. The discount may be offered for the entire duration or part duration, month-wise, seasonally, or on specific days of the week, based on the demand pattern during the designated period.</p>

<p>For trains with inter-zonal Origin-Destination (O-D) pairs or destinations, the discount may be applied in consultation with the PCCMs of other Zonal Railways or the Managing Director or COM/CCM in the case of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).</p>

<p>Regular reviews will be conducted, and based on the occupancy rate, the discount may be modified, extended, or withdrawn.</p>

<p>If modifications or the withdrawal of the scheme are decided, they will also be implemented immediately. However, passengers who have already booked their tickets will not be required to pay any fare difference.</p>

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In a move aimed at optimising the utilisation of accommodation in trains, the Railway Ministry has granted powers to Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme for AC trains.

In a move aimed at optimising the utilisation of accommodation in trains, the Railway Ministry has granted powers to Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme for AC trains. The decision will result in a reduction of fares by up to 25 per cent for AC chair cars and executive classes across all trains, including the premium Vande Bharat Express, according to a Hindustan Times report. Watch: Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23 × The discounted fare scheme will apply to AC chair cars and executive classes on trains that offer AC sitting accommodation, including coaches such as Anubhuti and Vistadome. Discount linked to occupancy rate Under this scheme, the discount will be applied to the basic fare and can be up to a maximum of 25 per cent. Additional charges like reservation fees, super-fast surcharges and GST will be levied separately. The discount may be offered in any or all classes based on the occupancy rate of the respective class. Watch: Odisha train crash: Faulty signal connections caused deadly accident, finds CRS probe To determine the eligibility for the discount, the occupancy rate of the train's classes will be assessed over the last 30 days. If the occupancy rate is below 50 per cent for a specific leg/section of the journey or end-to-end, the discount will be applicable. The fares of competitive modes of transportation will be considered while deciding the rate of discount. The discount can be applied to the first leg, last leg, intermediate sections, or the entire journey, depending on the occupancy rate. However, passengers who have already booked their tickets will not be eligible for a refund of the fare difference. How long will be the discount period? The discounted fare scheme will be initially implemented for a period decided by the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs) of the respective zones, corresponding to the train's originating station. The scheme will be in effect for a maximum of six months from the implementation date. The discount may be offered for the entire duration or part duration, month-wise, seasonally, or on specific days of the week, based on the demand pattern during the designated period. For trains with inter-zonal Origin-Destination (O-D) pairs or destinations, the discount may be applied in consultation with the PCCMs of other Zonal Railways or the Managing Director or COM/CCM in the case of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). Regular reviews will be conducted, and based on the occupancy rate, the discount may be modified, extended, or withdrawn. If modifications or the withdrawal of the scheme are decided, they will also be implemented immediately. However, passengers who have already booked their tickets will not be required to pay any fare difference. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bumper discount by Indian Railways: Fares of AC trains slashed by 25 per cent

<p>A top BBC anchor has been taken off air amid allegations that he wired more than £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for explicit photos. Without identifying the gender of the victim, The Sun reported Friday that the teenager has been receiving payments since the&nbsp;age of 17. The teenager’s mother first complained to BBC on May 19 and asked the broadcaster to stop the anchor from sending money to her child, who is now 20.</p>

<p>According to the mother, the money paid by the BBC anchor would often go into funding a drug habit of the teenager, who had gone from “a happy-go-lucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict” in just three years.</p>

<h2><strong>Enraged mother takes on the 'famous' BBC anchor</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun quoted the teenager’s mother as saying that the BBC anchor had destroyed her child’s life. “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child,” she was quoted as telling by The Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Did BBC just admit underreporting ₹40 crore income in India?</strong></p>

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<p>She added, “All I want is for this man to stop paying my child for sexual pictures and stop him funding my child’s drug habit.”</p>

<p>She also claims to have seen the bank statement of her child, which reveals numerous transactions from the BBC anchor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-enforcement-directorate-registers-case-against-bbc-india-for-foreign-exchange-violations-582006"><strong>Also read: India's Enforcement Directorate registers case against BBC India for foreign exchange violations</strong></a></p>

<p>“One time, he had sent £5,000 in one lump. The money had been in exchange for sexually explicit photographs of my child,” the mother said.</p>

<h2><strong>BBC reacts</strong></h2>

<p>BBC has acknowledged the complaint filed by the enraged mother and said it was taking the allegations “very seriously.”</p>

<p>“We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them. As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this,” a BBC spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian.</p>

<p>“If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes,” the spokesperson added.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is the BBC anchor in question?</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun described the BBC anchor as “a familiar face who is known to millions,” but fell short of naming him. Neither BBC confirmed which anchor was being investigated by it after the complaint was received.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family of the teenager informed that the accused anchor never tried to hide his identity and even sent his pictures while at work.</p>

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A top BBC anchor has been taken off air amid allegations that he wired more than £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for explicit photos. Without identifying the gender of the victim, The Sun reported Friday that the teenager has been receiving payments since the age of 17.

A top BBC anchor has been taken off air amid allegations that he wired more than £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for explicit photos. Without identifying the gender of the victim, The Sun reported Friday that the teenager has been receiving payments since the age of 17. The teenager’s mother first complained to BBC on May 19 and asked the broadcaster to stop the anchor from sending money to her child, who is now 20. According to the mother, the money paid by the BBC anchor would often go into funding a drug habit of the teenager, who had gone from “a happy-go-lucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict” in just three years. Enraged mother takes on the 'famous' BBC anchor The Sun quoted the teenager’s mother as saying that the BBC anchor had destroyed her child’s life. “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child,” she was quoted as telling by The Sun. Watch: Did BBC just admit underreporting ₹40 crore income in India? × She added, “All I want is for this man to stop paying my child for sexual pictures and stop him funding my child’s drug habit.” She also claims to have seen the bank statement of her child, which reveals numerous transactions from the BBC anchor. Also read: India's Enforcement Directorate registers case against BBC India for foreign exchange violations “One time, he had sent £5,000 in one lump. The money had been in exchange for sexually explicit photographs of my child,” the mother said. BBC reacts BBC has acknowledged the complaint filed by the enraged mother and said it was taking the allegations “very seriously.” “We treat any allegations very seriously and we have processes in place to proactively deal with them. As part of that, if we receive information that requires further investigation or examination we will take steps to do this,” a BBC spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “If, at any point, new information comes to light or is provided – including via newspapers – this will be acted upon appropriately, in line with internal processes,” the spokesperson added. Who is the BBC anchor in question? The Sun described the BBC anchor as “a familiar face who is known to millions,” but fell short of naming him. Neither BBC confirmed which anchor was being investigated by it after the complaint was received. The family of the teenager informed that the accused anchor never tried to hide his identity and even sent his pictures while at work. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Top BBC anchor taken off air amid allegations of paying teenager for sexual photos after mom's complaint

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