<p>More than 600 people have been arrested in France as violent protests continued another night following the killing of a 17-year-old boy by an on-duty police officer. Euronews reported that overnight from Thursday to Friday saw massive looting, fires and damage&nbsp;to public properties. Among cities that witnessed heavy protests were Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, Annecy, Toulouse and Saint-Etienne.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rioters in France burning down the largest public library in the city of Marseille. <a href="https://t.co/uPl6n82zFT">pic.twitter.com/uPl6n82zFT</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1674687647871107072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NOW - Looting, violent riots spread to several cities in France. The situation is out of control in parts of the country. <a href="https://t.co/ngsGcVVNol">pic.twitter.com/ngsGcVVNol</a></p>
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) <a href="https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1674571774225268739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>French President Emmanuel Macron, who spent the last night partying away at an Elton John concert, labelled the violence as “unjustifiable".</p>

<h2><strong>Why the protests are happening in France?</strong></h2>

<p>The violent protests were triggered by the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M at point-blank range by a police officer as he reportedly tried to drive away from a traffic stop in Nanterre, a Paris suburb. The officer has now been charged with homicide, with prosecutors saying that the use of the firearm was completely unjustified.</p>

<p>The mother of the deceased teen was quoted by the media as saying that she didn’t blame the whole police force for the death of her son, but the officer who fired at Nahel.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Third night of violence in France: Protesters burn cars &amp; clash with cops</strong></p>

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<p>"He saw the face of an Arab, of a little kid, he wanted to take his life," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>40,000 police officers deployed</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, French authorities had mobilised 40,000 police and riot officers, including the elite Raid squad to quell the protests across cities, but to no avail. The country’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin later informed on Twitter that more than 650 people were arrested by police so far. “Last night, our police, gendarmes and firefighters again courageously confronted rare violence. In line with my firm instructions, they made 667 arrests," he wrote.</p>

<p>As usually happens in violent riots, several clashes erupted between police officers and demonstrators, leaving more than 200 officers injured.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Loot and violence in the name of protests</strong></h2>

<p>According to police reports, shops and businesses in Paris were vandalised and looted. In the suburb of Drancy, rioters used a truck to forcefully enter a shopping centre, which was later looted and set ablaze.</p>

<p>There were also instances of public buildings being targeted, such as a police office in Pau where Molotov cocktails were thrown, and a town hall in Lille that was subjected to stone-pelting.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-officer-who-killed-teenager-in-paris-suburb-apologizes-to-family-of-victim-610310"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;French police officer who killed teenager in Paris suburb apologises to victim`s family</strong></a></p>

<p>In the city of Nanterre, where Nahel was from, the Pablo Picasso estate experienced a third consecutive night of violent incidents. Burnt cars, firework mortars, and homemade grenades were used, as observed by an AFP journalist.&nbsp;</p>

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More than 600 people have been arrested in France as violent protests continued another night following the killing of a 17-year-old boy by an on-duty police officer.

More than 600 people have been arrested in France as violent protests continued another night following the killing of a 17-year-old boy by an on-duty police officer. Euronews reported that overnight from Thursday to Friday saw massive looting, fires and damage to public properties. Among cities that witnessed heavy protests were Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, Annecy, Toulouse and Saint-Etienne. Rioters in France burning down the largest public library in the city of Marseille. pic.twitter.com/uPl6n82zFT — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 30, 2023 × NOW - Looting, violent riots spread to several cities in France. The situation is out of control in parts of the country. pic.twitter.com/ngsGcVVNol — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 30, 2023 × French President Emmanuel Macron, who spent the last night partying away at an Elton John concert, labelled the violence as “unjustifiable". Why the protests are happening in France? The violent protests were triggered by the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M at point-blank range by a police officer as he reportedly tried to drive away from a traffic stop in Nanterre, a Paris suburb. The officer has now been charged with homicide, with prosecutors saying that the use of the firearm was completely unjustified. The mother of the deceased teen was quoted by the media as saying that she didn’t blame the whole police force for the death of her son, but the officer who fired at Nahel. Watch: Third night of violence in France: Protesters burn cars & clash with cops × "He saw the face of an Arab, of a little kid, he wanted to take his life," she said. 40,000 police officers deployed Earlier, French authorities had mobilised 40,000 police and riot officers, including the elite Raid squad to quell the protests across cities, but to no avail. The country’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin later informed on Twitter that more than 650 people were arrested by police so far. “Last night, our police, gendarmes and firefighters again courageously confronted rare violence. In line with my firm instructions, they made 667 arrests," he wrote. As usually happens in violent riots, several clashes erupted between police officers and demonstrators, leaving more than 200 officers injured. Loot and violence in the name of protests According to police reports, shops and businesses in Paris were vandalised and looted. In the suburb of Drancy, rioters used a truck to forcefully enter a shopping centre, which was later looted and set ablaze. There were also instances of public buildings being targeted, such as a police office in Pau where Molotov cocktails were thrown, and a town hall in Lille that was subjected to stone-pelting. Also read: French police officer who killed teenager in Paris suburb apologises to victim`s family In the city of Nanterre, where Nahel was from, the Pablo Picasso estate experienced a third consecutive night of violent incidents. Burnt cars, firework mortars, and homemade grenades were used, as observed by an AFP journalist. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night

<p>The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite&nbsp;organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times. As per media reports, two bullets were fired at Chandrashekhar’s car, out of which one is believed to have grazed the Indian politician.</p>

<p>“I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred,” Azad told police in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Police open investigation</strong></h2>

<p>The Ambedkarite activist had gone to a supporter’s home for a death ceremony, and the attack took place when he left the spot in his SUV car. A statement by police officer overseeing the case read, “Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandrashekhar was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was rushed to a local hospital. More details are awaited. <a href="https://t.co/HhUz8RZnVw">pic.twitter.com/HhUz8RZnVw</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674037713886904320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad shot at in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. More details are awaited. <a href="https://t.co/a81RVYp7uD">pic.twitter.com/a81RVYp7uD</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674036951299551232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Supporters demand prompt action</h2>

<p>Videos circulating on the internet showed hundreds of Chandrashekhar’s supporters gathered at the hospital where he was admitted. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel at the spot. His&nbsp;Facebook account posted some pictures showing him injured, urging police to take strict action against the attackers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | People gather outside the emergency ward of the hospital where Azad was admitted. <a href="https://t.co/dD1dk1b994">pic.twitter.com/dD1dk1b994</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674039178424725509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wanted-criminal-killed-in-encounter-with-police-in-uttar-pradesh-609088"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Wanted criminal killed in encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh</strong></a></p>

<p>"The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement," the Facebook post read.<br />
<br />
"We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad," the post added.</p>

<h2><strong>State opposition leader slams the attack</strong></h2>

<p>Uttar Pradesh’s top opposition leader and former CM Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack, saying there was miserable law and order situation in the state. He said, “When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?"&nbsp;</p>

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The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times.

The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times. As per media reports, two bullets were fired at Chandrashekhar’s car, out of which one is believed to have grazed the Indian politician. “I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred,” Azad told police in a statement. Police open investigation The Ambedkarite activist had gone to a supporter’s home for a death ceremony, and the attack took place when he left the spot in his SUV car. A statement by police officer overseeing the case read, “Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandrashekhar was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter.” VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was rushed to a local hospital. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/HhUz8RZnVw — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad shot at in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/a81RVYp7uD — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × Supporters demand prompt action Videos circulating on the internet showed hundreds of Chandrashekhar’s supporters gathered at the hospital where he was admitted. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel at the spot. His Facebook account posted some pictures showing him injured, urging police to take strict action against the attackers. VIDEO | People gather outside the emergency ward of the hospital where Azad was admitted. pic.twitter.com/dD1dk1b994 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × Also read: India: Wanted criminal killed in encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh "The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement," the Facebook post read. "We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad," the post added. State opposition leader slams the attack Uttar Pradesh’s top opposition leader and former CM Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack, saying there was miserable law and order situation in the state. He said, “When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?" WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar shot at by car-borne attackers, rushed to hospital

<p>Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come." His remarks came shortly after he spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over the phone.</p>

<h2><strong>Key NATO summit to be held next month</strong></h2>

<p>A major NATO security summit is slated to be held in Lithuania’s Vilnius on July 11-12, where Ukraine’s membership of the alliance is expected to be the key agenda on the table. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured his Western counterparts that Kyiv’s full membership will further strengthen NATO, not weaken it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While delivering a speech in the parliament, Zelensky said, “We are now a recipient of security assistance. But a victorious Ukraine will be a donor of security for our region, for the whole of Europe, for the whole world."</p>

<p>However, Zelensky has himself conceded that Ukraine will not become a NATO member until the conflict with Russia ends.</p>

<h2><strong>NATO ‘split’ on Ukraine’s membership</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at a press conference in Brussels last week, the NATO chief acknowledged that the member countries were divided over the issue of Ukraine’s admission into the alliance in the upcoming alliance meet. "On that issue, there are different views in the alliance and of course, the only way to make decisions in Nato is by consensus," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying by Indiatimes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia?</strong></p>

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<p>"No one is able to tell you exactly what will be the final decision at the Vilnius summit on this issue," Stoltenberg further said.</p>

<h2><strong>US reluctant on Ukraine’s NATO bid</strong></h2>

<p>NATO diplomats have expressed concerns over the United States' hesitation to extend its commitment to Ukraine beyond the membership pledge made 15 years ago. If Ukraine were to join NATO, it would fall under the protection of Article 5, which requires all member states to provide assistance in the event of an attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tough-to-include-ukraine-in-nato-while-war-goes-on-stoltenberg-596111"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Tough to include Ukraine in NATO while war goes on: Stoltenberg</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Western allies of Ukraine are considering alternative security assurances that could be offered as an interim measure before full NATO membership is granted. France has recently stated its willingness to negotiate a deal with Ukraine, offering long-term security guarantees to enhance its self-defence capabilities.</p>

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Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come.

Ukraine on Thursday said the time had come for NATO to clarify its stance on the war-torn country’s membership of the military alliance. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “Ukraine continues to work actively with all NATO allies to convince them that the time for clarity on Ukraine's membership in the Alliance has come." His remarks came shortly after he spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg over the phone. Key NATO summit to be held next month A major NATO security summit is slated to be held in Lithuania’s Vilnius on July 11-12, where Ukraine’s membership of the alliance is expected to be the key agenda on the table. Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured his Western counterparts that Kyiv’s full membership will further strengthen NATO, not weaken it. While delivering a speech in the parliament, Zelensky said, “We are now a recipient of security assistance. But a victorious Ukraine will be a donor of security for our region, for the whole of Europe, for the whole world." However, Zelensky has himself conceded that Ukraine will not become a NATO member until the conflict with Russia ends. NATO ‘split’ on Ukraine’s membership Speaking at a press conference in Brussels last week, the NATO chief acknowledged that the member countries were divided over the issue of Ukraine’s admission into the alliance in the upcoming alliance meet. "On that issue, there are different views in the alliance and of course, the only way to make decisions in Nato is by consensus," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying by Indiatimes. Watch: Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia? × "No one is able to tell you exactly what will be the final decision at the Vilnius summit on this issue," Stoltenberg further said. US reluctant on Ukraine’s NATO bid NATO diplomats have expressed concerns over the United States' hesitation to extend its commitment to Ukraine beyond the membership pledge made 15 years ago. If Ukraine were to join NATO, it would fall under the protection of Article 5, which requires all member states to provide assistance in the event of an attack. Also read: Tough to include Ukraine in NATO while war goes on: Stoltenberg However, Western allies of Ukraine are considering alternative security assurances that could be offered as an interim measure before full NATO membership is granted. France has recently stated its willingness to negotiate a deal with Ukraine, offering long-term security guarantees to enhance its self-defence capabilities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kyiv asks NATO to clarify its stance as alliance remains divided over Ukraine’s membership

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday blasted Sweden after a court in the country allowed protesters to burn pages from a copy of the Quran. While angrily condemning the Nordic nation, Erdogan said, “We will eventually teach the arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of thought.” He further condemned the incident “in the strongest possible terms” in a televised address.</p>

<p>Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also condemned the move in a statement released on Twitter. Fidan wrote, “I curse the despicable act committed against our Holy Book, the Holy Quran, on the first day of Eid al-Adha.”</p>

<p>The deteriorating ties with Turkey could further stall Sweden’s bid for joining NATO.</p>

<h2><strong>Quran burnt in front of Stockholm's central mosque</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters reported that a protester tore up and burnt a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm's central mosque on Wednesday, the day which marked the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holidays.</p>

<p>Swedish police had earlier denied the permission to hold anti-Quran demonstrations outside the mosque; however, the decision was later overturned by a Swedish appeals court citing freedom of expression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swedish police later charged the man who burnt Quran with violence against an ethnic or national group.</p>

<h2><strong>Iraqi protesters breach the Swedish embassy</strong></h2>

<p>A group of Iraqi protesters breached the Swedish embassy in Baghdad for a brief period on Thursday in response to the burning of the Quran by an Iraqi named Momika.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sweden permits Quran burning protests&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The demonstrators, who were supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, entered the embassy building and remained inside for approximately 15 minutes before leaving peacefully when security forces arrived.</p>

<h2><strong>Incident triggers massive uproar in Muslim world</strong></h2>

<p>The incident in Sweden has garnered condemnation from several Muslim-majority countries. Morocco and Jordan have responded by recalling their ambassadors from Stockholm, with Morocco also summoning Sweden's charge d'affaires in Rabat.</p>

<p>The Iraqi government denounced the incident by saying it was "a reflection of a hateful aggressive spirit that has nothing to do with freedom of expression." Iran echoed Iraq's criticism, labelling the act as provocative and unacceptable. Egypt described it as a shameful act, particularly offensive during the observance of Eid al-Adha.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-police-allow-quran-burning-protest-outside-stockholms-main-mosque-609615"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque</strong></a></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, where millions of worshippers are currently participating in the annual Hajj&nbsp;pilgrimage, stated that such hateful and repeated acts cannot be justified and should not be tolerated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan's Taliban authorities also condemned the incident saying that it was an "utter contempt towards this noble religion". In a statement, the Taliban said, "Permission for such despicable acts in front of a mosque on one of the holiest days of Islam shows nothing more than the utter contempt towards this noble religion and its close to two billion adherents by the Swedish authorities."</p>

<p>"We call on all Muslim states and organisations... to take all appropriate measures in response to such odious acts across the world," the statement added.</p>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday blasted Sweden after a court in the country allowed protesters to burn pages from a copy of the Quran. While angrily condemning the Nordic nation, Erdogan said, “We will eventually teach the arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of thought.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday blasted Sweden after a court in the country allowed protesters to burn pages from a copy of the Quran. While angrily condemning the Nordic nation, Erdogan said, “We will eventually teach the arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of thought.” He further condemned the incident “in the strongest possible terms” in a televised address. Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also condemned the move in a statement released on Twitter. Fidan wrote, “I curse the despicable act committed against our Holy Book, the Holy Quran, on the first day of Eid al-Adha.” The deteriorating ties with Turkey could further stall Sweden’s bid for joining NATO. Quran burnt in front of Stockholm's central mosque Reuters reported that a protester tore up and burnt a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm's central mosque on Wednesday, the day which marked the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holidays. Swedish police had earlier denied the permission to hold anti-Quran demonstrations outside the mosque; however, the decision was later overturned by a Swedish appeals court citing freedom of expression. Swedish police later charged the man who burnt Quran with violence against an ethnic or national group. Iraqi protesters breach the Swedish embassy A group of Iraqi protesters breached the Swedish embassy in Baghdad for a brief period on Thursday in response to the burning of the Quran by an Iraqi named Momika. Watch: Sweden permits Quran burning protests × The demonstrators, who were supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, entered the embassy building and remained inside for approximately 15 minutes before leaving peacefully when security forces arrived. Incident triggers massive uproar in Muslim world The incident in Sweden has garnered condemnation from several Muslim-majority countries. Morocco and Jordan have responded by recalling their ambassadors from Stockholm, with Morocco also summoning Sweden's charge d'affaires in Rabat. The Iraqi government denounced the incident by saying it was "a reflection of a hateful aggressive spirit that has nothing to do with freedom of expression." Iran echoed Iraq's criticism, labelling the act as provocative and unacceptable. Egypt described it as a shameful act, particularly offensive during the observance of Eid al-Adha. Also read: Sweden police allow Quran burning protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque Saudi Arabia, where millions of worshippers are currently participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, stated that such hateful and repeated acts cannot be justified and should not be tolerated. Afghanistan's Taliban authorities also condemned the incident saying that it was an "utter contempt towards this noble religion". In a statement, the Taliban said, "Permission for such despicable acts in front of a mosque on one of the holiest days of Islam shows nothing more than the utter contempt towards this noble religion and its close to two billion adherents by the Swedish authorities." "We call on all Muslim states and organisations... to take all appropriate measures in response to such odious acts across the world," the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkish leader Erdogan blasts Sweden for Quran-burning protest

<p>A Boston woman, aged 32, is facing criminal charges after being accused of impersonating a student and attending three different high schools in the Boston Public Schools system. The woman named Shelby Hewitt, who is a former state social worker, has been charged with document forgery, identity fraud, and "uttering false or forged records, deeds or other writings." The charges were filed in the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Extremely sophisticated fraud’</strong></h2>

<p>Superintendent Mary Skipper sent a letter to parents last week, informing them about the situation. According to Skipper, an adult woman used fake identification and paperwork to register and transfer schools using multiple false identities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman attended Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, Brighton High School, and English High School in Jamaica Plain during the 2022-2023 school year. Skipper expressed her deep concern over the breach of trust and referred to the case as "extremely sophisticated fraud."</p>

<h2><strong>Motive&nbsp;remains unclear</strong></h2>

<p>The woman's motives for attending the high schools remain unclear, as the criminal complaint against Hewitt does not provide any information about her. As per media reports, the Boston Public Schools staff noticed irregularities in her paperwork, leading to the eventual discovery of the ‘fraud’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police were involved, and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Jamaica Plain&nbsp;where Hewitt lived with two individuals posing as her parents. During the search, officers found forged documents from Lowell Juvenile Court and the Department of Children and Families, containing custody information for individuals referred to as DBH and EAH.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US loses $200bn in COVID-19 loan fraud</strong></p>

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<p>Hewitt used the name "Daniella" at Burke High School and "Ellie" at English High School. The incident has caused great concern and unease among students, parents, and city leaders, as reported by local media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Boston mayor ‘disturbed’</strong></h2>

<p>Boston Mayor Michelle Wu appeared on WBUR's "Radio Boston" and expressed her dismay at the situation, highlighting the general sense of shock and frustration within the community.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fraudsters-make-off-with-200-billion-from-covid-relief-programs-says-us-watchdog-609559"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Fraudsters make off with $200 billion from Covid Relief Programs, says US watchdog</strong></a></p>

<p>She said, “It’s extremely disturbing, right? If someone told me that an adult many decades removed from being in some of these age-appropriate settings was back in school — it’s concerning.”</p>

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A Boston woman, aged 32, is facing criminal charges after being accused of impersonating a student and attending three different high schools in the Boston Public Schools system.

A Boston woman, aged 32, is facing criminal charges after being accused of impersonating a student and attending three different high schools in the Boston Public Schools system. The woman named Shelby Hewitt, who is a former state social worker, has been charged with document forgery, identity fraud, and "uttering false or forged records, deeds or other writings." The charges were filed in the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court. ‘Extremely sophisticated fraud’ Superintendent Mary Skipper sent a letter to parents last week, informing them about the situation. According to Skipper, an adult woman used fake identification and paperwork to register and transfer schools using multiple false identities. The woman attended Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, Brighton High School, and English High School in Jamaica Plain during the 2022-2023 school year. Skipper expressed her deep concern over the breach of trust and referred to the case as "extremely sophisticated fraud." Motive remains unclear The woman's motives for attending the high schools remain unclear, as the criminal complaint against Hewitt does not provide any information about her. As per media reports, the Boston Public Schools staff noticed irregularities in her paperwork, leading to the eventual discovery of the ‘fraud’. Police were involved, and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Jamaica Plain where Hewitt lived with two individuals posing as her parents. During the search, officers found forged documents from Lowell Juvenile Court and the Department of Children and Families, containing custody information for individuals referred to as DBH and EAH. Watch: US loses $200bn in COVID-19 loan fraud × Hewitt used the name "Daniella" at Burke High School and "Ellie" at English High School. The incident has caused great concern and unease among students, parents, and city leaders, as reported by local media. Boston mayor ‘disturbed’ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu appeared on WBUR's "Radio Boston" and expressed her dismay at the situation, highlighting the general sense of shock and frustration within the community. Also read: Fraudsters make off with $200 billion from Covid Relief Programs, says US watchdog She said, “It’s extremely disturbing, right? If someone told me that an adult many decades removed from being in some of these age-appropriate settings was back in school — it’s concerning.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Boston woman charged with fraud for masquerading as student and attending three high schools

<p>One of the world's most common artificial sweeteners is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month by a leading global health body, according to two sources with knowledge of the process, pitting it against the food industry and regulators.</p>

<p>Aspartame, used in products from Coca-Cola diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum and some Snapple drinks, will be listed in July as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" for the first time by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research arm, the sources said.</p>

<p>The IARC ruling, finalised earlier this month after a meeting of the group's external experts, is intended to assess whether something is a potential hazard or not, based on all the published evidence.</p>

<p>It does not take into account how much of a product a person can safely consume. This advice for individuals comes from a separate WHO expert committee on food additives, known as JECFA (the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization's Expert Committee on Food Additives), alongside determinations from national regulators.</p>

<p>However, similar IARC rulings in the past for different substances have raised concerns among consumers about their use, led to lawsuits, and pressured manufacturers to recreate recipes and swap to alternatives. That has led to criticism that the IARC's assessments can be confusing to the public.</p>

<p>JECFA, the WHO committee on additives, is also reviewing aspartame use this year. Its meeting began at the end of June and it is due to announce its findings on the same day that the IARC makes public its decision – on July 14.</p>

<p>Since 1981, JECFA has said aspartame is safe to consume within accepted daily limits. For example, an adult weighing 60 kg (132 pounds) would have to drink between 12 and 36 cans of diet soda – depending on the amount of aspartame in the beverage – every day to be at risk. Its view has been widely shared by national regulators, including in the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>An IARC spokesperson said both the IARC and JECFA committees' findings were confidential until July, but added they were "complementary", with IARC's conclusion representing "the first fundamental step to understand carcinogenicity". The additives committee "conducts risk assessment, which determines the probability of a specific type of harm (e.g., cancer) to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure."</p>

<p>However, industry and regulators fear that holding both processes at around the same time could be confusing, according to letters from U.S. and Japanese regulators seen by Reuters.</p>

<p>"We kindly ask both bodies to coordinate their efforts in reviewing aspartame to avoid any confusion or concerns among the public," Nozomi Tomita, an official from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, wrote in a letter dated March 27 to WHO's deputy director general, Zsuzsanna Jakab.</p>

<p>The letter also called for the conclusions of both bodies to be released on the same day, as is now happening. The Japanese mission in Geneva, where the WHO is based, did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<h2><strong>Debate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The IARC's rulings can have a huge impact. In 2015, its committee concluded that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic". Years later, even as other bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contested this, companies were still feeling the effects of the decision. Germany’s Bayer in 2021 lost its third appeal against U.S. court verdicts that awarded damages to customers blaming their cancers on the use of its glyphosate-based weed-killers.</p>

<p>The IARC's decisions have also faced criticism for sparking needless alarm over hard-to-avoid substances or situations. It has previously put working overnight and consuming red meat into its "probably cancer-causing" class, and using mobile phones as "possibly cancer-causing", similar to aspartame.</p>

<p>"IARC is not a food safety body and their review of aspartame is not scientifically comprehensive and is based heavily on widely discredited research," Frances Hunt-Wood, the secretary general of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), said.</p>

<p>The body, whose members include Mars Wrigley, a Coca-Cola unit and Cargill, said it had "serious concerns with the IARC review, which may mislead consumers".</p>

<p>The International Council of Beverages Associations' executive director Kate Loatman said public health authorities should be "deeply concerned" by the "leaked opinion", and also warned it "could needlessly mislead consumers into consuming more sugar rather than choosing safe no-and low-sugar options."</p>

<p>Aspartame has been extensively studied for years. Last year, an observational study in France among 100,000 adults showed that people who consumed larger amounts of artificial sweeteners – including aspartame – had a slightly higher cancer risk.</p>

<p>It followed a study from the Ramazzini Institute in Italy in the early 2000s, which reported that some cancers in mice and rats were linked to aspartame.</p>

<p>However, the first study could not prove that aspartame caused the increased cancer risk, and questions have been raised about the methodology of the second study, including by EFSA, which assessed it.</p>

<p>Aspartame is authorised for use globally by regulators who have reviewed all the available evidence, and major food and beverage makers have for decades defended their use of the ingredient. The IARC said it had assessed 1,300 studies in its June review.</p>

<p>Recent recipe tweaks by soft drinks giant Pepsico demonstrate the struggle the industry has when it comes to balancing taste preferences with health concerns. Pepsico removed aspartame from sodas in 2015, bringing it back a year later, only to remove it again in 2020.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away'</strong></p>

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<p>Listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen is intended to motivate more research, said the sources close to the IARC, which will help agencies, consumers and manufacturers draw firmer conclusions.</p>

<p>But it will also likely ignite debate once again over the IARC's role, as well as the safety of sweeteners more generally.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-clock-tells-story-of-most-populous-nation-608958"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Indian clock tells story of most populous nation</strong></a></p>

<p>Last month, the WHO published guidelines advising consumers not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. The guidelines caused a furor&nbsp;in the food industry, which argues they can be helpful for consumers wanting to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet.</p>

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One of the world's most common artificial sweeteners is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month by a leading global health body, according to two sources with knowledge of the process, pitting it against the food industry and regulators.

One of the world's most common artificial sweeteners is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month by a leading global health body, according to two sources with knowledge of the process, pitting it against the food industry and regulators. Aspartame, used in products from Coca-Cola diet sodas to Mars' Extra chewing gum and some Snapple drinks, will be listed in July as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" for the first time by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research arm, the sources said. The IARC ruling, finalised earlier this month after a meeting of the group's external experts, is intended to assess whether something is a potential hazard or not, based on all the published evidence. It does not take into account how much of a product a person can safely consume. This advice for individuals comes from a separate WHO expert committee on food additives, known as JECFA (the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization's Expert Committee on Food Additives), alongside determinations from national regulators. However, similar IARC rulings in the past for different substances have raised concerns among consumers about their use, led to lawsuits, and pressured manufacturers to recreate recipes and swap to alternatives. That has led to criticism that the IARC's assessments can be confusing to the public. JECFA, the WHO committee on additives, is also reviewing aspartame use this year. Its meeting began at the end of June and it is due to announce its findings on the same day that the IARC makes public its decision – on July 14. Since 1981, JECFA has said aspartame is safe to consume within accepted daily limits. For example, an adult weighing 60 kg (132 pounds) would have to drink between 12 and 36 cans of diet soda – depending on the amount of aspartame in the beverage – every day to be at risk. Its view has been widely shared by national regulators, including in the United States and Europe. An IARC spokesperson said both the IARC and JECFA committees' findings were confidential until July, but added they were "complementary", with IARC's conclusion representing "the first fundamental step to understand carcinogenicity". The additives committee "conducts risk assessment, which determines the probability of a specific type of harm (e.g., cancer) to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure." However, industry and regulators fear that holding both processes at around the same time could be confusing, according to letters from U.S. and Japanese regulators seen by Reuters. "We kindly ask both bodies to coordinate their efforts in reviewing aspartame to avoid any confusion or concerns among the public," Nozomi Tomita, an official from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, wrote in a letter dated March 27 to WHO's deputy director general, Zsuzsanna Jakab. The letter also called for the conclusions of both bodies to be released on the same day, as is now happening. The Japanese mission in Geneva, where the WHO is based, did not respond to a request for comment. Debate The IARC's rulings can have a huge impact. In 2015, its committee concluded that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic". Years later, even as other bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contested this, companies were still feeling the effects of the decision. Germany’s Bayer in 2021 lost its third appeal against U.S. court verdicts that awarded damages to customers blaming their cancers on the use of its glyphosate-based weed-killers. The IARC's decisions have also faced criticism for sparking needless alarm over hard-to-avoid substances or situations. It has previously put working overnight and consuming red meat into its "probably cancer-causing" class, and using mobile phones as "possibly cancer-causing", similar to aspartame. "IARC is not a food safety body and their review of aspartame is not scientifically comprehensive and is based heavily on widely discredited research," Frances Hunt-Wood, the secretary general of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), said. The body, whose members include Mars Wrigley, a Coca-Cola unit and Cargill, said it had "serious concerns with the IARC review, which may mislead consumers". The International Council of Beverages Associations' executive director Kate Loatman said public health authorities should be "deeply concerned" by the "leaked opinion", and also warned it "could needlessly mislead consumers into consuming more sugar rather than choosing safe no-and low-sugar options." Aspartame has been extensively studied for years. Last year, an observational study in France among 100,000 adults showed that people who consumed larger amounts of artificial sweeteners – including aspartame – had a slightly higher cancer risk. It followed a study from the Ramazzini Institute in Italy in the early 2000s, which reported that some cancers in mice and rats were linked to aspartame. However, the first study could not prove that aspartame caused the increased cancer risk, and questions have been raised about the methodology of the second study, including by EFSA, which assessed it. Aspartame is authorised for use globally by regulators who have reviewed all the available evidence, and major food and beverage makers have for decades defended their use of the ingredient. The IARC said it had assessed 1,300 studies in its June review. Recent recipe tweaks by soft drinks giant Pepsico demonstrate the struggle the industry has when it comes to balancing taste preferences with health concerns. Pepsico removed aspartame from sodas in 2015, bringing it back a year later, only to remove it again in 2020. Watch: WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away' × Listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen is intended to motivate more research, said the sources close to the IARC, which will help agencies, consumers and manufacturers draw firmer conclusions. But it will also likely ignite debate once again over the IARC's role, as well as the safety of sweeteners more generally. Also read: Indian clock tells story of most populous nation Last month, the WHO published guidelines advising consumers not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. The guidelines caused a furor in the food industry, which argues they can be helpful for consumers wanting to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Popular artificial sweetener Aspartame used in Diet Coke causes cancer, WHO to declare soon

<p>A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling is a major setback for the UK government, which last December got the green light from a high court to pursue its Rwanda deportation scheme. However, that ruling stands overturned now. In response, the UK government is expected to approach the country’s Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Following the court's decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respects the decision but&nbsp;“disagreed fundamentally” with its conclusions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I strongly believe the Rwandan government has provided the assurances necessary to ensure there is no real risk that asylum-seekers relocated under the Rwanda policy would be wrongly returned to third countries – something that the Lord Chief Justice agrees with," Sunak said.</p>

<p>“Rwanda is a safe country. The High Court agreed. The UNHCR have their own refugee scheme for Libyan refugees in Rwanda. We will now seek permission to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court," he added.</p>

<p>“The policy of this government is very simple, it is this country – and your government – who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs. And I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen,” Sunak was quoted as saying by the Independent.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she remained "fully committed" to the policy.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s the migration deal with Rwanda?</strong></h2>

<p>To deter migrants from crossing the English Channel and embarking on a perilous journey, the UK government and the Rwandan authorities reached a £120 million ($151mn) agreement last April to transport asylum seekers to the African nation while their asylum claims in the UK are processed. Those granted asylum would stay in Rwanda rather than return to the UK, as per the deal.</p>

<p>However, now judges have ruled that Rwanda could not be considered safe for the migrants. The judges concluded, "The result is that the High Court's decision that Rwanda was a safe third country is reversed, and unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum process are corrected, removal of asylum seekers will be unlawful."</p>

<h2><strong>What do the critics say?</strong></h2>

<p>Those among the critics of the scheme are the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR, lawyers, charities and a group of asylum seekers. They question Rwanda’s human rights credentials while doubting that Home Office would be in a position to ensure that the rights of migrants in the East African nation are protected.<br />
UNHCR told the British court that Rwanda had a record of human rights abuses towards refugees within its borders, including refoulement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK's asylum seekers to be deported</strong></p>

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<p>However, Sir James Eadie KC, counsel for the home secretary, Suella Braverman, has dismissed all these concerns, saying that the secretary was confident the government of Rwanda would respect the memorandum of understanding signed by the two nations.</p>

<h2><strong>Not a single migrant sent to Rwanda so far</strong></h2>

<p>The policy, initially implemented by the Boris Johnson administration and continued by subsequent leaders, aims to address the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-costs-and-controversy-uks-plan-to-send-asylum-seekers-to-rwanda-to-cost-215k-609115"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;High costs and controversy: UK`s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to cost $215K</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite its implementation, no individuals have undertaken the journey so far. In June of the previous year, a flight was halted at the last moment due to an appeal made to the European Court of Human Rights.&nbsp;</p>

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A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed.

A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed. The ruling is a major setback for the UK government, which last December got the green light from a high court to pursue its Rwanda deportation scheme. However, that ruling stands overturned now. In response, the UK government is expected to approach the country’s Supreme Court. Following the court's decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respects the decision but “disagreed fundamentally” with its conclusions. "I strongly believe the Rwandan government has provided the assurances necessary to ensure there is no real risk that asylum-seekers relocated under the Rwanda policy would be wrongly returned to third countries – something that the Lord Chief Justice agrees with," Sunak said. “Rwanda is a safe country. The High Court agreed. The UNHCR have their own refugee scheme for Libyan refugees in Rwanda. We will now seek permission to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court," he added. “The policy of this government is very simple, it is this country – and your government – who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs. And I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen,” Sunak was quoted as saying by the Independent. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she remained "fully committed" to the policy. What’s the migration deal with Rwanda? To deter migrants from crossing the English Channel and embarking on a perilous journey, the UK government and the Rwandan authorities reached a £120 million ($151mn) agreement last April to transport asylum seekers to the African nation while their asylum claims in the UK are processed. Those granted asylum would stay in Rwanda rather than return to the UK, as per the deal. However, now judges have ruled that Rwanda could not be considered safe for the migrants. The judges concluded, "The result is that the High Court's decision that Rwanda was a safe third country is reversed, and unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum process are corrected, removal of asylum seekers will be unlawful." What do the critics say? Those among the critics of the scheme are the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR, lawyers, charities and a group of asylum seekers. They question Rwanda’s human rights credentials while doubting that Home Office would be in a position to ensure that the rights of migrants in the East African nation are protected. UNHCR told the British court that Rwanda had a record of human rights abuses towards refugees within its borders, including refoulement. Watch: UK's asylum seekers to be deported × However, Sir James Eadie KC, counsel for the home secretary, Suella Braverman, has dismissed all these concerns, saying that the secretary was confident the government of Rwanda would respect the memorandum of understanding signed by the two nations. Not a single migrant sent to Rwanda so far The policy, initially implemented by the Boris Johnson administration and continued by subsequent leaders, aims to address the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel. Also read: High costs and controversy: UK`s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to cost $215K Despite its implementation, no individuals have undertaken the journey so far. In June of the previous year, a flight was halted at the last moment due to an appeal made to the European Court of Human Rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful

<p>Amid increased government scrutiny and falling market share, Xiaomi India is reportedly slashing its workforce in the country to less than 1,000 employees, Economic Times reported Thursday. The report revealed that the Chinese company fired 30 employees last week of the approximately 1,500 people it employed at the beginning of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the company’s senior executives was quoted by Economic Times as saying that Xiaomi India has prepared a performance improvement plan (PIP), based on which non-performing employees would be sacked.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Xiaomi's petition rejected in Indian court</strong></p>

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<p>“As with any company, we take headcount decisions based on the market’s state and business projections,” Xiaomi said in a statement. Although it mentioned that the company will continue to hire talent ‘when and where needed’.</p>

<h2><strong>Xiaomi reviewing company strategy</strong></h2>

<p>The Chinese parent company of Xiaomi, a popular smartphone brand in India, is reportedly making decisions regarding internal restructuring and changes. According to the company, the goal of this move is to enhance operational efficiency, streamline the organisational structure, and optimise resource allocation. Throughout the year, the company has been reviewing its strategies, leading to a steady decline in its workforce.</p>

<h2><strong>Xiaomi India in hot waters</strong></h2>

<p>In the first quarter of 2023, Xiaomi India experienced a drop in shipments, with only five&nbsp;million units sold compared to 7-8 million units the previous year. This decline has caused Xiaomi to lose its position as the top smartphone brand in India, a title it held for 20 consecutive quarters. It now ranks third, trailing behind Samsung and Vivo, with a market share of 16 per cent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-ed-issues-show-cause-notice-to-xiaomi-over-illegal-remittances-602695"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India's ED issues show-cause notice to Xiaomi over illegal remittances</strong></a></p>

<p>Furthermore, in June, the Enforcement Directorate, India’s economic intelligence agency, issued show-cause notices under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to Xiaomi India, its officials, and three banks. The allegations involve foreign exchange violations amounting to more than ₹5,551 crore. Show cause notices were served to Manu Kumar Jain, the former Managing Director, and Sameer B Rao, the Director and Chief Financial Officer of the company.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s ties with China ‘abnormal’</strong></h2>

<p>Xiaomi India finds itself sitting in the crosshairs of deteriorating ties between India and China. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier in April said that India’s ties with China were “abnormal” due to a violation of border management agreements by Beijing.</p>

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Amid increased government scrutiny and falling market share, Xiaomi India is reportedly slashing its workforce in the country to less than 1,000 employees, Economic Times reported Thursday.

Amid increased government scrutiny and falling market share, Xiaomi India is reportedly slashing its workforce in the country to less than 1,000 employees, Economic Times reported Thursday. The report revealed that the Chinese company fired 30 employees last week of the approximately 1,500 people it employed at the beginning of the year. One of the company’s senior executives was quoted by Economic Times as saying that Xiaomi India has prepared a performance improvement plan (PIP), based on which non-performing employees would be sacked. Watch: Xiaomi's petition rejected in Indian court × “As with any company, we take headcount decisions based on the market’s state and business projections,” Xiaomi said in a statement. Although it mentioned that the company will continue to hire talent ‘when and where needed’. Xiaomi reviewing company strategy The Chinese parent company of Xiaomi, a popular smartphone brand in India, is reportedly making decisions regarding internal restructuring and changes. According to the company, the goal of this move is to enhance operational efficiency, streamline the organisational structure, and optimise resource allocation. Throughout the year, the company has been reviewing its strategies, leading to a steady decline in its workforce. Xiaomi India in hot waters In the first quarter of 2023, Xiaomi India experienced a drop in shipments, with only five million units sold compared to 7-8 million units the previous year. This decline has caused Xiaomi to lose its position as the top smartphone brand in India, a title it held for 20 consecutive quarters. It now ranks third, trailing behind Samsung and Vivo, with a market share of 16 per cent. Also read: India's ED issues show-cause notice to Xiaomi over illegal remittances Furthermore, in June, the Enforcement Directorate, India’s economic intelligence agency, issued show-cause notices under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to Xiaomi India, its officials, and three banks. The allegations involve foreign exchange violations amounting to more than ₹5,551 crore. Show cause notices were served to Manu Kumar Jain, the former Managing Director, and Sameer B Rao, the Director and Chief Financial Officer of the company. India’s ties with China ‘abnormal’ Xiaomi India finds itself sitting in the crosshairs of deteriorating ties between India and China. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier in April said that India’s ties with China were “abnormal” due to a violation of border management agreements by Beijing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Xiaomi India to slash its workforce to 1,000 amid govt scrutiny and poor growth

<p>US Marine Veteran Daniel Penny on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in the deadly chokehold of a man who was allegedly behaving aggressively in a subway car. The 24-year-old marine has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide with regard to the May 1 incident, which resulted in the death of a homeless man named Jordan Neely.</p>

<p>Penny was indicted by a grand jury on June 14. He is currently out on a $100,000 bail and will next appear in court on October 25.</p>

<h2><strong>Conflicting accounts by police and Penny’s lawyers</strong></h2>

<p>Conflicting accounts have emerged over Neely’s behaviour on the New York subway car. According to Penny’s lawyers, Penny put Neely in a fatal chokehold only after he felt severely threatened. According to Penny, the victim shouted, “I’m gonna’ kill you” and said he was “ready to die” or go to jail for life. “He was yelling in their faces saying these threats,” Penny said in a video released by his attorneys. “I just couldn’t sit still.”</p>

<p>However, as per police sources quoted by ABC News, Penny was not specifically threatened by Neely and the latter “had not become violent and had not been threatening anyone in particular.”</p>

<p>Defence attorneys representing the US marine expressed optimism outside the court regarding the possibility of their client being acquitted. Defence attorney Thomas Keniff stated, “We are a long way off from trial, but all the evidence we’ve seen is that our client acted under the law.”</p>

<h2><strong>Neely’s family strongly criticises Penny</strong></h2>

<p>On the other hand, Neely's family and supporters strongly criticised Penny and expressed their hope for justice. Attorney Dante Mills, who represents the Neely family, highlighted that Daniel Penny lacked the courage to face Jordan's father directly.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-marine-daniel-penny-whose-chokehold-killed-jordan-neely-indicted-by-grand-jury-604641"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Former US Marine Daniel Penny whose chokehold killed Jordan Neely indicted by grand jury</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the indictment, Penny's attorney, Steven Raiser, maintained confidence in his client's actions. Raiser acknowledged the grand jury's decision to proceed with the case but emphasised that the standard of proof in a grand jury is relatively low and no wrongdoing has been established. Raiser expressed confidence that once a trial jury is presented with the evidence, they will deem Penny's actions on the train fully justified.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Marine veteran surrenders to police over fatal choking of NY homeless man</strong></p>

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<p>Attorneys representing Neely's family lauded the grand jury's choice to indict Penny.</p>

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US Marine Veteran Daniel Penny on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in the deadly chokehold of a man who was allegedly behaving aggressively in a subway car. The 24-year-old marine has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide with regard to the May 1 incident, which resulted in the death of a homeless man named Jordan Neely.

US Marine Veteran Daniel Penny on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in the deadly chokehold of a man who was allegedly behaving aggressively in a subway car. The 24-year-old marine has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide with regard to the May 1 incident, which resulted in the death of a homeless man named Jordan Neely. Penny was indicted by a grand jury on June 14. He is currently out on a $100,000 bail and will next appear in court on October 25. Conflicting accounts by police and Penny’s lawyers Conflicting accounts have emerged over Neely’s behaviour on the New York subway car. According to Penny’s lawyers, Penny put Neely in a fatal chokehold only after he felt severely threatened. According to Penny, the victim shouted, “I’m gonna’ kill you” and said he was “ready to die” or go to jail for life. “He was yelling in their faces saying these threats,” Penny said in a video released by his attorneys. “I just couldn’t sit still.” However, as per police sources quoted by ABC News, Penny was not specifically threatened by Neely and the latter “had not become violent and had not been threatening anyone in particular.” Defence attorneys representing the US marine expressed optimism outside the court regarding the possibility of their client being acquitted. Defence attorney Thomas Keniff stated, “We are a long way off from trial, but all the evidence we’ve seen is that our client acted under the law.” Neely’s family strongly criticises Penny On the other hand, Neely's family and supporters strongly criticised Penny and expressed their hope for justice. Attorney Dante Mills, who represents the Neely family, highlighted that Daniel Penny lacked the courage to face Jordan's father directly. Read more: Former US Marine Daniel Penny whose chokehold killed Jordan Neely indicted by grand jury Despite the indictment, Penny's attorney, Steven Raiser, maintained confidence in his client's actions. Raiser acknowledged the grand jury's decision to proceed with the case but emphasised that the standard of proof in a grand jury is relatively low and no wrongdoing has been established. Raiser expressed confidence that once a trial jury is presented with the evidence, they will deem Penny's actions on the train fully justified. Watch: US Marine veteran surrenders to police over fatal choking of NY homeless man × Attorneys representing Neely's family lauded the grand jury's choice to indict Penny. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US ex-Marine Daniel Penny pleads not guilty in fatal chokehold of homeless man on subway

<p>The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order to the government, instructing it to temporarily allow the registration of same-sex marriages. The court order, issued by Justice Til Prasad Shrestha, requires the government to make the necessary arrangements for registering marriages of couples from sexual and gender minority groups if they wish to do so.</p>

<h2><strong>Legalisation demanded of same-sex marriage</strong></h2>

<p>The decision came after seven individuals, including activist Pinky Gurung representing the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an organisation advocating for LGBTI rights, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers, urging the legalisation of same-sex marriage.</p>

<p>In addition to ordering the government to enable registration, the Supreme Court has given the opponents of same-sex marriage 15 days to provide a written reply on the matter.</p>

<h2><strong>Same-sex marriage and Nepal's constitution</strong></h2>

<p>The petitioners argue that despite a Supreme Court ruling 15 years ago that allowed same-sex marriages, the Nepalese law has obstructed the implementation of such marriages. They base their argument on Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017, which guarantees the freedom to marry for all individuals, and Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015, which states that all citizens are equal under the law. They are demanding the legalisation of same-sex marriage based on these constitutional provisions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nepal's economic crisis: Inflation rate at 7.4% year-on-year basis</strong></p>

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<p>Pinky Gurung of the BDS stated that following the court's order, same-sex marriages can now be registered until specific laws are formulated to officially recognise these unions. She emphasised that although the Supreme Court had previously allowed same-sex marriage through an order 15 years ago, the absence of specific legislation had prevented its implementation, thereby forcing individuals from the third-gender community to seek legal recourse.</p>

<h2><strong>Same-sex marriage in India</strong></h2>

<p>The issue of same-sex marriage is a burning one in India too, where the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the legalisation after a hearing that lasted 10 days. According to petitioners who favour legalisation, the official recognition of marriage will give them certain rights and privileges that they can't avail otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-100-kg-gold-donated-by-ex-nepal-pm-being-checked-for-impurities-608991"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;More than 100 kg gold donated by ex-Nepal PM being checked for impurities</strong></a></p>

<p>The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has also advocated for same-sex marriage legalisation in the country. However, the Central government, the national child rights body NCPCR, and a body of Islamic scholars called the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind continue to oppose the proposals.</p>

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The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order to the government, instructing it to temporarily allow the registration of same-sex marriages. The court order, issued by Justice Til Prasad Shrestha, requires the government to make the necessary arrangements for registering marriages of couples from sexual and gender minority groups if they wish to do so.

The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order to the government, instructing it to temporarily allow the registration of same-sex marriages. The court order, issued by Justice Til Prasad Shrestha, requires the government to make the necessary arrangements for registering marriages of couples from sexual and gender minority groups if they wish to do so. Legalisation demanded of same-sex marriage The decision came after seven individuals, including activist Pinky Gurung representing the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an organisation advocating for LGBTI rights, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers, urging the legalisation of same-sex marriage. In addition to ordering the government to enable registration, the Supreme Court has given the opponents of same-sex marriage 15 days to provide a written reply on the matter. Same-sex marriage and Nepal's constitution The petitioners argue that despite a Supreme Court ruling 15 years ago that allowed same-sex marriages, the Nepalese law has obstructed the implementation of such marriages. They base their argument on Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017, which guarantees the freedom to marry for all individuals, and Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015, which states that all citizens are equal under the law. They are demanding the legalisation of same-sex marriage based on these constitutional provisions. Watch: Nepal's economic crisis: Inflation rate at 7.4% year-on-year basis × Pinky Gurung of the BDS stated that following the court's order, same-sex marriages can now be registered until specific laws are formulated to officially recognise these unions. She emphasised that although the Supreme Court had previously allowed same-sex marriage through an order 15 years ago, the absence of specific legislation had prevented its implementation, thereby forcing individuals from the third-gender community to seek legal recourse. Same-sex marriage in India The issue of same-sex marriage is a burning one in India too, where the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the legalisation after a hearing that lasted 10 days. According to petitioners who favour legalisation, the official recognition of marriage will give them certain rights and privileges that they can't avail otherwise. Also read: More than 100 kg gold donated by ex-Nepal PM being checked for impurities The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has also advocated for same-sex marriage legalisation in the country. However, the Central government, the national child rights body NCPCR, and a body of Islamic scholars called the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind continue to oppose the proposals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Supreme Court of Nepal directs govt to allow registration of same-sex marriages

<p>A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme. Investors were hopeful that the scheme would give them profits and tax incentives for contributing to generating green energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 66-year-old man, named Ray Brewer, is a resident of Porterville. He falsely claimed to his investors that he was building anaerobic digesters at dairies in California’s Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties and in Idaho, according to prosecutors.</p>

<h2><strong>What are anaerobic digesters?</strong></h2>

<p>Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms “to break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane,” a statement by the prosecutors said. The methane then can be directly sold, which also provides the investors with renewable energy credits.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Hundreds of dolphins and sea lions die in California due to toxic algae</strong></p>

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<p>The prosecutors alleged that Brewer falsely promised his investors that they would receive 66 per cent of net profits and tax incentives. However, it turned out to be a whopping $8.75 million scam.</p>

<p>Brewer deposited the money in&nbsp;his bank accounts and used it to live a lavish life and to buy up lands and a home for himself. He also bought Dodge Ram pickup trucks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Brewer fooled the investors?</strong></h2>

<p>Brewer reportedly took investors on guided tours of dairy farms, showcasing locations where he claimed he would build digesters. According to prosecutors, Brewer purportedly raised substantial sums of money for these projects. To further deceive investors, he sent them forged lease agreements with dairy owners, counterfeit loan agreements with banks, fraudulent contracts with multinational companies, and fabricated images depicting the machines in the process of construction.</p>

<p>Authorities state that Brewer went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of progress, providing his investors with false updates on the non-existent construction. These updates included phoney schedules, invoices, power generation reports, and pictures. Additionally, it is alleged that Brewer engaged in a scheme of refunding money to certain investors, utilising funds obtained from other investors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/human-remains-found-in-california-mountain-area-where-actor-julian-sands-disappeared-5-months-ago-608412"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months ago</strong></a></p>

<p>When investors eventually discovered the deceit and realised they had been defrauded, some pursued legal action against Brewer. However, he managed to evade his arrest by relocating to Sheridan, Montana, and getting a new identity.&nbsp;</p>

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A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme.

A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme. Investors were hopeful that the scheme would give them profits and tax incentives for contributing to generating green energy. The 66-year-old man, named Ray Brewer, is a resident of Porterville. He falsely claimed to his investors that he was building anaerobic digesters at dairies in California’s Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties and in Idaho, according to prosecutors. What are anaerobic digesters? Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms “to break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane,” a statement by the prosecutors said. The methane then can be directly sold, which also provides the investors with renewable energy credits. Watch: Hundreds of dolphins and sea lions die in California due to toxic algae × The prosecutors alleged that Brewer falsely promised his investors that they would receive 66 per cent of net profits and tax incentives. However, it turned out to be a whopping $8.75 million scam. Brewer deposited the money in his bank accounts and used it to live a lavish life and to buy up lands and a home for himself. He also bought Dodge Ram pickup trucks. How Brewer fooled the investors? Brewer reportedly took investors on guided tours of dairy farms, showcasing locations where he claimed he would build digesters. According to prosecutors, Brewer purportedly raised substantial sums of money for these projects. To further deceive investors, he sent them forged lease agreements with dairy owners, counterfeit loan agreements with banks, fraudulent contracts with multinational companies, and fabricated images depicting the machines in the process of construction. Authorities state that Brewer went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of progress, providing his investors with false updates on the non-existent construction. These updates included phoney schedules, invoices, power generation reports, and pictures. Additionally, it is alleged that Brewer engaged in a scheme of refunding money to certain investors, utilising funds obtained from other investors. Also read: Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months ago When investors eventually discovered the deceit and realised they had been defrauded, some pursued legal action against Brewer. However, he managed to evade his arrest by relocating to Sheridan, Montana, and getting a new identity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Multimillion-dollar cow dung scam: California man sentenced for faking methane generation scheme

<p>The US Supreme Court just made it more difficult to convict a man of making a violent threat or engaging in stalking on online bullying. Justice Elena Kagan wrote for a majority of the court that the prosecutors must prove that the defendant was aware of the threatening nature of his statement. “The State must show that the defendant consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence,” the justice wrote.</p>

<p>The ruling came in a case where a man in Colorado was sentenced to four years in prison for sending threatening messages on Facebook. His lawyers said that the man suffered from mental illness and he never meant to inflict harm on the victim. The man reportedly became obsessed with a singer he never met in the real world, and sent her hundreds of threatening messages.</p>

<h2><strong>Online harassment—covered under freedom of speech?</strong></h2>

<p>The biggest question before the court was whether to give priority to anti-stalking laws or to uphold the country’s free speech rights. In a 7-2 decision, Justice Kagan mentioned that it was important “not to create unintended consequences for street protesters or political activists who might say intemperate things in the heat of the moment but mean no real harm.” Two conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett, disagreed with the judgement.</p>

<h2><strong>The ruling creates massive uproar</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling has sparked a massive uproar among activists, lawyers and victims of stalking and online abuse, who believe it fails to take into account the unique threat that the stalkers pose even if they are not aware of the ensuing consequences of their actions. University of Miami law professor and anti-cyberbullying campaigner Mary Anne Franks wrote in a statement, “The more deluded the stalker, the more protected the stalking.”</p>

<p>Lenora Claire, a television producer turned advocate, was quoted by The Guardian as saying that her phone was blowing up with victims who were “absolutely terrified”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia says Twitter is top platform for online hate</strong></p>

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<p>“If you even get as far as prosecution, you’ve already been through the gauntlet, navigating the restraining order process, convincing law enforcement to take you seriously … Now I’m told that with this new ruling my stalker could have said his intent was not to scare me and the case against him would have been thrown out,” she said.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Situation not as bleak as it seems'</strong></h2>

<p>According to legal professionals, the situation may not be as bleak as it seems, as the evidence presented in the Colorado case suggests that the defendant, Billy Counterman, would probably be found guilty in a retrial even with the new standard set by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-watchdog-gives-twitter-28-days-to-tackle-online-hate-607292"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Australian watchdog gives Twitter 28 days to tackle online hate</strong></a></p>

<p>Rhonda Saunders, a prosecutor who played a significant role in advocating for a pioneering anti-stalking law in California during the 1990s, stated that a number of states, including California, already had provisions in their laws that aligned with the Supreme Court's decision.&nbsp;</p>

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The US Supreme Court just made it more difficult to convict a man of making a violent threat or engaging in stalking on online bullying. Justice Elena Kagan wrote for a majority of the court that the prosecutors must prove that the defendant was aware of the threatening nature of his statement.

The US Supreme Court just made it more difficult to convict a man of making a violent threat or engaging in stalking on online bullying. Justice Elena Kagan wrote for a majority of the court that the prosecutors must prove that the defendant was aware of the threatening nature of his statement. “The State must show that the defendant consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence,” the justice wrote. The ruling came in a case where a man in Colorado was sentenced to four years in prison for sending threatening messages on Facebook. His lawyers said that the man suffered from mental illness and he never meant to inflict harm on the victim. The man reportedly became obsessed with a singer he never met in the real world, and sent her hundreds of threatening messages. Online harassment—covered under freedom of speech? The biggest question before the court was whether to give priority to anti-stalking laws or to uphold the country’s free speech rights. In a 7-2 decision, Justice Kagan mentioned that it was important “not to create unintended consequences for street protesters or political activists who might say intemperate things in the heat of the moment but mean no real harm.” Two conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett, disagreed with the judgement. The ruling creates massive uproar The ruling has sparked a massive uproar among activists, lawyers and victims of stalking and online abuse, who believe it fails to take into account the unique threat that the stalkers pose even if they are not aware of the ensuing consequences of their actions. University of Miami law professor and anti-cyberbullying campaigner Mary Anne Franks wrote in a statement, “The more deluded the stalker, the more protected the stalking.” Lenora Claire, a television producer turned advocate, was quoted by The Guardian as saying that her phone was blowing up with victims who were “absolutely terrified”. Watch: Australia says Twitter is top platform for online hate × “If you even get as far as prosecution, you’ve already been through the gauntlet, navigating the restraining order process, convincing law enforcement to take you seriously … Now I’m told that with this new ruling my stalker could have said his intent was not to scare me and the case against him would have been thrown out,” she said. ‘Situation not as bleak as it seems' According to legal professionals, the situation may not be as bleak as it seems, as the evidence presented in the Colorado case suggests that the defendant, Billy Counterman, would probably be found guilty in a retrial even with the new standard set by the Supreme Court. Also read: Australian watchdog gives Twitter 28 days to tackle online hate Rhonda Saunders, a prosecutor who played a significant role in advocating for a pioneering anti-stalking law in California during the 1990s, stated that a number of states, including California, already had provisions in their laws that aligned with the Supreme Court's decision. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Stalkers protected,’ US Supreme Court makes it more difficult to prosecute someone making threats

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Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.