<p><strong>Nepal plane crash:</strong>&nbsp;The Nepal plane crash on Wednesday (July 24) that killed at least 18 people is the latest such accident&nbsp;in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which is considered one of the toughest to land on or take off from. Located in Kathmandu's Bagmati, TIA&nbsp;has a 'tabletop' runway. That and other factors like high altitude, weather changes and Himalayan terrain are the reasons why Tribhuvan airport is the site of several crashes.</p>

<h2>What is a tabletop runway?</h2>

<p>Tabletop runways are made on plateaus, hills or other elevated surfaces. One or both ends of it are&nbsp;at an elevation, and usually near a trench of some form. When landing or taking off, the pilots have to navigate the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below. It requires extreme precision and experience to land on and take off from a tabletop runway.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-plane-crash-aircraft-with-19-people-onboard-crashes-during-takeoff-743682">Nepal Flight Crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 onboard crashes during takeoff</a><br />
<br />
Mechanised or 'instrument landings' are mostly not done on tabletop runways for this reason. In Nepal, at least seven airports including Tribhuvan International Airport have tabletop runways, given its mountainous terrain. In India, there are tabletop runways at Shimla Airport in Himachal Pradesh, Calicut International Airport in Kerala, Mangalore International Airport&nbsp;in Karnataka and Lengpui Airport in Mizoram.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Weather can be a killer in Nepal airports</h2>

<p>Tribhuvan airport is in Kathmandu Valley from where one can see the Himalayas towering over in some distance on a good weather day. The airport is located at a high altitude, at an elevation of 1,338 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>VIDEO&nbsp;</strong>|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/nepal-plane-crash-moment-when-flight-with-19-people-onboard-crashed-at-kathmandu-airport-captured-watch-743695">Nepal Plane Crash: Moment when flight with 19 people onboard crashed at Kathmandu airport captured</a></p>

<p>The presence of the Himalayas affects the weather, as the wind patterns and fog are influenced by the mighty mountains. Visibility falls particularly during the rainy season and winters.</p>

<h2>It takes an experienced pilot</h2>

<p>Navigating tough airports like Tribhuvan International Airport runway is a skill acquired by pilots over the years. So only those with sufficient&nbsp;experience and skill can land or take off there. It is not uncommon for pilots to return back from the airport, not risking a landing that could turn into tragedy.</p>

<h2>A small and busy airport known for traffic congestion</h2>

<p>For such a small airport, TIA has handled a lot of traffic, at least 8.5 million in 2023. In order to address traffic congestion in the airport, the Nepal government over the past few years has promoted other airports, including the ones in Pokhara and Lumbini.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Nepal plane crash: Aircraft with 19 people on board crashes during takeoff</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-plane-crash-plane-crash-at-kathmandus-tribhuvan-intl-airport-743697/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Particularly during tourist season marked by the Everest mountaineering period, the airport gets quite busy with landings and takeoffs.</p>

<p>For that kind of traffic, the airport is not big enough. The runway is around 3,350 metres as against 3,500 in similar airports elsewhere, meaning the pilots have only so much distance, and time, to make a safe landing or takeoff.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Nepal plane crash: The Nepal plane crash on Wednesday (July 24) that killed at least 18 people is the latest such accident in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which is considered one of the toughest to land on or take off from.

Nepal plane crash: The Nepal plane crash on Wednesday (July 24) that killed at least 18 people is the latest such accident in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which is considered one of the toughest to land on or take off from. Located in Kathmandu's Bagmati, TIA has a 'tabletop' runway. That and other factors like high altitude, weather changes and Himalayan terrain are the reasons why Tribhuvan airport is the site of several crashes. What is a tabletop runway? Tabletop runways are made on plateaus, hills or other elevated surfaces. One or both ends of it are at an elevation, and usually near a trench of some form. When landing or taking off, the pilots have to navigate the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below. It requires extreme precision and experience to land on and take off from a tabletop runway. Also read: Nepal Flight Crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 onboard crashes during takeoff Mechanised or 'instrument landings' are mostly not done on tabletop runways for this reason. In Nepal, at least seven airports including Tribhuvan International Airport have tabletop runways, given its mountainous terrain. In India, there are tabletop runways at Shimla Airport in Himachal Pradesh, Calicut International Airport in Kerala, Mangalore International Airport in Karnataka and Lengpui Airport in Mizoram. Weather can be a killer in Nepal airports Tribhuvan airport is in Kathmandu Valley from where one can see the Himalayas towering over in some distance on a good weather day. The airport is located at a high altitude, at an elevation of 1,338 metres. VIDEO | Nepal Plane Crash: Moment when flight with 19 people onboard crashed at Kathmandu airport captured The presence of the Himalayas affects the weather, as the wind patterns and fog are influenced by the mighty mountains. Visibility falls particularly during the rainy season and winters. It takes an experienced pilot Navigating tough airports like Tribhuvan International Airport runway is a skill acquired by pilots over the years. So only those with sufficient experience and skill can land or take off there. It is not uncommon for pilots to return back from the airport, not risking a landing that could turn into tragedy. A small and busy airport known for traffic congestion For such a small airport, TIA has handled a lot of traffic, at least 8.5 million in 2023. In order to address traffic congestion in the airport, the Nepal government over the past few years has promoted other airports, including the ones in Pokhara and Lumbini. Watch: Nepal plane crash: Aircraft with 19 people on board crashes during takeoff × Particularly during tourist season marked by the Everest mountaineering period, the airport gets quite busy with landings and takeoffs. For that kind of traffic, the airport is not big enough. The runway is around 3,350 metres as against 3,500 in similar airports elsewhere, meaning the pilots have only so much distance, and time, to make a safe landing or takeoff. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal plane crash kills 18: Tribhuvan Airport with tabletop runway one of scariest to land or take off

<p>The chairman and president of Japan's Kobayashi Pharmaceutical resigned after months of controversy over some 80 deaths allegedly linked to its nutritional supplements. The toxic elements in fermented rice&nbsp;in the supplements used for reducing cholesterol was blamed for many of the deaths. A probe is ongoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals president Akihiro Kobayashi and chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi are resigning in the wake of the controversy, the company said on Tuesday (July 23). They are both members of the family that founded Kobayashi, a ubiquitous name in medicine and nutrition sectors in Japan.&nbsp;Satoshi Yamane, the&nbsp;company's head of sustainability policy,&nbsp;will take over as president.</p>

<h2>Kobayashi nutrition supplement deaths: What really happened?</h2>

<p>For several months now, deaths have been reported of people who had taken the various nutrition supplements for which Kobayashi is well-known.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-plane-crash-aircraft-with-19-people-onboard-crashes-during-takeoff-743682">Nepal Flight Crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 onboard crashes during takeoff</a></p>

<p>The main issue was allegedly found in 'Beni koji', a cholesterol-reducing supplement made from rice fermented using a certain kind of mould.<br />
<br />
Kobayashi had recalled five of its products in March after complaints of kidney ailments on those who consumed them.&nbsp;The symptoms reported by consumers included urine colour change, limb swelling and tiredness.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-heatwave-shatters-record-earth-sees-hottest-day-on-record-743666">Global heatwave shatters record: Earth sees hottest day on record</a></p>

<p>Kobayashi had opened an internal investigation and opened a helpline after doctors alerted them of the side effects. It was found that there was potentially toxic acid in monascus purpureus, a species of reddish-purple mould that was used to ferment rice for its&nbsp;Beni kōji products. The acid was detected at one of its factories.&nbsp;The company subsequently closed several of its factories for inspection.</p>

<p>"We would also like to once again deeply apologise to our customers and business partners," the company said in a statement.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The chairman and president of Japan's Kobayashi Pharmaceutical resigned after months of controversy over some 80 deaths allegedly linked to its nutritional supplements.

The chairman and president of Japan's Kobayashi Pharmaceutical resigned after months of controversy over some 80 deaths allegedly linked to its nutritional supplements. The toxic elements in fermented rice in the supplements used for reducing cholesterol was blamed for many of the deaths. A probe is ongoing. Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals president Akihiro Kobayashi and chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi are resigning in the wake of the controversy, the company said on Tuesday (July 23). They are both members of the family that founded Kobayashi, a ubiquitous name in medicine and nutrition sectors in Japan. Satoshi Yamane, the company's head of sustainability policy, will take over as president. Kobayashi nutrition supplement deaths: What really happened? For several months now, deaths have been reported of people who had taken the various nutrition supplements for which Kobayashi is well-known. Also read | Nepal Flight Crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 onboard crashes during takeoff The main issue was allegedly found in 'Beni koji', a cholesterol-reducing supplement made from rice fermented using a certain kind of mould. Kobayashi had recalled five of its products in March after complaints of kidney ailments on those who consumed them. The symptoms reported by consumers included urine colour change, limb swelling and tiredness. Also read: Global heatwave shatters record: Earth sees hottest day on record Kobayashi had opened an internal investigation and opened a helpline after doctors alerted them of the side effects. It was found that there was potentially toxic acid in monascus purpureus, a species of reddish-purple mould that was used to ferment rice for its Beni kōji products. The acid was detected at one of its factories. The company subsequently closed several of its factories for inspection. "We would also like to once again deeply apologise to our customers and business partners," the company said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Kobayashi Pharma nutrition supplement scare: After 80 deaths, chief and president of Japan firm quit

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;</strong></em><strong>Trump shooting video:</strong> A new bodycam video from the failed assassination bid on Republican&nbsp;presidential candidate Donald Trump has been shared by a Congressman, which purportedly shows secret service agents and local police gathered on the roof of a building from where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at the&nbsp;former US president.<br />
<br />
Chuck Grassley, a Republican Senator from Iowa, shared the video on Tuesday (July 23), with a post on X saying: "Bodycam footage provides more info than Secret Service will share" with American.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-slams-trump-at-her-first-presidential-rally-743610">Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential campaign rally</a><br />
<br />
"We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY," Grassley said.<br />
<br />
He added that&nbsp;the video was&nbsp;obtained from Beaver Co Emergency Services Unit in compliance with congressional requests, referring to the county in Pennsylvania where the shooting happened on July 13 when Trump was addressing the meeting.</p>

<h2>What is in new bodycam footage of Trump assassination bid?</h2>

<p>The video, likely captured from the bodycam of a local police sniper,&nbsp;appears to show a group of law enforcement agents, including those from US Secret Service, and local police, on the rooftop. They're talking while one of them is holding a couple of cell phones. Behind them, what appears to be a dead body with blood trailing all the way the roof.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secret-service-chief-kimberly-cheatle-resigns-days-after-trump-assassination-attempt-743536" target="_blank">US Secret Service chief resigns days after Trump assassination attempt</a><br />
<br />
Here is the full video:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify authenticity of content shared on social media</em></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is ATROCIOUS!<br />
<br />
The snipers inside the building got a picture of Crooks before the shooting, sent it in (to the other Secret Service agents?), lost sight of Crooks, and yet SS still let Trump come out on the stage to be a sitting duck at 130 yards. <a href="https://t.co/X85OBZZGDD">pic.twitter.com/X85OBZZGDD</a></p>
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevivafrei/status/1815945611495014721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Secret Service faces heat as chief resigns</h2>

<p>It is apparent from the video that local police snipers posted in the building from where Crooks pulled the trigger had located him before the shooting. In fact, one of them even snapped his picture. It was claimed that Secret Service had been alerted by local police, yet allowed Trump to go with the planned rally speech in spite of the threat perception.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-halt-outdoor-rallies-following-assassination-attempt-743641">Trump to halt outdoor rallies following assassination attempt</a><br />
<br />
The new bodycam video was shared on the same day Kimberly Cheatle resigned as Secret Service chief after facing Congressional grilling on the major security lapse.<br />
<br />
Trump was shot at multiple times, with one bullet grazing past his ear. He survived and was endorsed as Republican candidate for president at the party convention held two days after the shooting.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Trump shooting video: A new bodycam video from the failed assassination bid on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been shared by a Congressman, which purportedly shows secret service agents and local police gathered on the roof of a building from where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at the former US president.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Trump shooting video: A new bodycam video from the failed assassination bid on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been shared by a Congressman, which purportedly shows secret service agents and local police gathered on the roof of a building from where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at the former US president. Chuck Grassley, a Republican Senator from Iowa, shared the video on Tuesday (July 23), with a post on X saying: "Bodycam footage provides more info than Secret Service will share" with American. Also read: Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential campaign rally "We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY," Grassley said. He added that the video was obtained from Beaver Co Emergency Services Unit in compliance with congressional requests, referring to the county in Pennsylvania where the shooting happened on July 13 when Trump was addressing the meeting. What is in new bodycam footage of Trump assassination bid? The video, likely captured from the bodycam of a local police sniper, appears to show a group of law enforcement agents, including those from US Secret Service, and local police, on the rooftop. They're talking while one of them is holding a couple of cell phones. Behind them, what appears to be a dead body with blood trailing all the way the roof. Also read: US Secret Service chief resigns days after Trump assassination attempt Here is the full video: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify authenticity of content shared on social media This is ATROCIOUS! The snipers inside the building got a picture of Crooks before the shooting, sent it in (to the other Secret Service agents?), lost sight of Crooks, and yet SS still let Trump come out on the stage to be a sitting duck at 130 yards. pic.twitter.com/X85OBZZGDD — Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) July 24, 2024 × Secret Service faces heat as chief resigns It is apparent from the video that local police snipers posted in the building from where Crooks pulled the trigger had located him before the shooting. In fact, one of them even snapped his picture. It was claimed that Secret Service had been alerted by local police, yet allowed Trump to go with the planned rally speech in spite of the threat perception. Also read: Trump to halt outdoor rallies following assassination attempt The new bodycam video was shared on the same day Kimberly Cheatle resigned as Secret Service chief after facing Congressional grilling on the major security lapse. Trump was shot at multiple times, with one bullet grazing past his ear. He survived and was endorsed as Republican candidate for president at the party convention held two days after the shooting. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump shooting new bodycam video shows failed assassin Thomas Crooks in pool of blood on roof: WATCH

<p>The brief of the brutal reality TV show <em>Race to Survive: New Zealand</em>&nbsp;was that the contestants have to find their own food while navigating through tough territory for the race to win $500,000. While filming the American&nbsp;show in New Zealand, a contestant killed and made a meal of a Weka, a flightless bird considered endangered in many parts of the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Race to Survive: New Zealand</strong></h2>

<p>The contestants Spencer 'Corry' Jones And Oliver Dev, the two river guides who at one point in the show were considered frontrunners,&nbsp;were disqualified after violating New Zealand's tough environment laws.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creature-washed-up-on-new-zealand-beach-believed-to-be-worlds-rarest-whale-741065">Creature washed up on New Zealand beach believed to be world's rarest whale</a></strong></p>

<p>One of them has admitted to the wrongdoing and has since apologised for having disrespected New Zealand, even as the country's conservation department is investigating the incident, which it described as unacceptable.</p>

<p>According to a clip from the episode, Jones knew he was breaking the rule but said he made the foolish mistake as he wasn't prepared for the hunger. "What I did disrespected New Zealand, and I'm sorry," he said.</p>

<p>Weka is a heavy, curious and flightless bird that is one of the iconic species of New Zealand akin to Kiwi.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New Zealand accuses China of 2021 parliament hacking</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-accuses-china-of-2021-parliament-hacking-704480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The flightless bird is considered endangered in many parts of New Zealand. Weka is a protected species and hurting or killing it could lead to fines of nearly 60,000 US dollars or up to two years of jail, as per the Wildlife Act 1953 of New Zealand.</p>

<h2>Who won the <em>Race to Survive: New Zealand</em> survival reality show?</h2>

<p>The show <em>Race to Survive: New Zealand </em>had 10 episodes and started airing in May.</p>

<p>The contestants went on the race through the challenging wilderness of New Zealand which included,&nbsp;trekking, kayaking, and mountain-climbing in a 40-day ordeal covering 150 miles to win the prize money of $500,000. All the while, they were also supposed to find their own food.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-super-rugby-player-connor-garden-bachop-passes-away-after-medical-event-732654">New Zealand Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop passes away after 'medical event'</a></strong></p>

<p>The show started with nine teams, but only three survived to the end, others having quit mainly due to injuries.</p>

<p>Being touted as the toughest race ever conceived, it was won by the team of smokejumpers&nbsp;Ethan&nbsp;Greenberg and&nbsp;Tyrie&nbsp;Mann Merrill.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The brief of the brutal reality TV show Race to Survive: New Zealand was that the contestants have to find their own food while navigating through tough territory for the race to win $500,000.

The brief of the brutal reality TV show Race to Survive: New Zealand was that the contestants have to find their own food while navigating through tough territory for the race to win $500,000. While filming the American show in New Zealand, a contestant killed and made a meal of a Weka, a flightless bird considered endangered in many parts of the country. Race to Survive: New Zealand The contestants Spencer 'Corry' Jones And Oliver Dev, the two river guides who at one point in the show were considered frontrunners, were disqualified after violating New Zealand's tough environment laws. Also read | Creature washed up on New Zealand beach believed to be world's rarest whale One of them has admitted to the wrongdoing and has since apologised for having disrespected New Zealand, even as the country's conservation department is investigating the incident, which it described as unacceptable. According to a clip from the episode, Jones knew he was breaking the rule but said he made the foolish mistake as he wasn't prepared for the hunger. "What I did disrespected New Zealand, and I'm sorry," he said. Weka is a heavy, curious and flightless bird that is one of the iconic species of New Zealand akin to Kiwi. Also watch | New Zealand accuses China of 2021 parliament hacking × The flightless bird is considered endangered in many parts of New Zealand. Weka is a protected species and hurting or killing it could lead to fines of nearly 60,000 US dollars or up to two years of jail, as per the Wildlife Act 1953 of New Zealand. Who won the Race to Survive: New Zealand survival reality show? The show Race to Survive: New Zealand had 10 episodes and started airing in May. The contestants went on the race through the challenging wilderness of New Zealand which included, trekking, kayaking, and mountain-climbing in a 40-day ordeal covering 150 miles to win the prize money of $500,000. All the while, they were also supposed to find their own food. Also read | New Zealand Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop passes away after 'medical event' The show started with nine teams, but only three survived to the end, others having quit mainly due to injuries. Being touted as the toughest race ever conceived, it was won by the team of smokejumpers Ethan Greenberg and Tyrie Mann Merrill. (With inputs from agencies)

Race to Survive New Zealand contestants ate a Weka bird, disqualified from brutal reality show

<p><strong>Paris Gangrape Case:&nbsp;</strong>An Australian woman has reportedly been gangraped by five men in French capital Paris which is set to host the Olympics 2024 from this week. French police are investigating the alleged incident.<br />
<br />
According to French and Australian media reports, the 25-year-old tourist&nbsp;was reported to police after being found in a disheveled state and pleading for help in a kebab shop. She complained that five men had sexually assaulted her in the early morning of Saturday (July 23).</p>

<h2><strong>Australian woman 'gangrape' incident: What we know so far</strong></h2>

<p>The incident happened on Boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ 18th arrondissement.</p>

<p>News Australia reported citing CCTV footage that the woman&nbsp;tourist was "disoriented" and unable to speak French when she appeared at the kebab shop seeking help. The partially blurred footage purportedly shows the woman complaining about the assault. Some staff members and diners at the shop were seen comforting her.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-le-figaro-highlights-security-stability-and-tourism-resurgence-in-kashmir-677151">France's Le Figaro highlights security, stability, and tourism resurgence in Kashmir</a></strong></p>

<p>Moments later, a man, one of the alleged attackers, appears in the kebab shop and another man slaps him asking about the assault. The first man quickly flees the scene, and is still at large, according to News.com.</p>

<p>The report said the woman was inebriated at the time of the assault and was supposed to leave for Australia this past weekend.</p>

<p>CCTV showed her crying and pleading for help while another woman and the shop owners tried to calm her down.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;France to deploy 35,000 security personnel for the Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-to-deploy-35000-security-personnel-for-the-olympic-games-2024-opening-ceremony-595927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The News report said her dress was “backwards” and partially torn off. She was later taken to Bichat hospital.</p>

<p>“The investigation into the charge of gang rape likely to have been committed on the night of July 19 to 20 has been entrusted to the 2nd judicial police district,” said the Paris prosecutor's office as cited by Le Parisien.</p>

<p>A female staffer at the kebab shop said she could not stop crying after the incident, which she described as sad, while speaking to Australia's 7News.<br />
<br />
The incident happened even as security is tight ahead of the Paris Olympics. The event will start on July 24.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Paris Gangrape Case: An Australian woman has reportedly been gangraped by five men in French capital Paris which is set to host the Olympics 2024 from this week.

Paris Gangrape Case: An Australian woman has reportedly been gangraped by five men in French capital Paris which is set to host the Olympics 2024 from this week. French police are investigating the alleged incident. According to French and Australian media reports, the 25-year-old tourist was reported to police after being found in a disheveled state and pleading for help in a kebab shop. She complained that five men had sexually assaulted her in the early morning of Saturday (July 23). Australian woman 'gangrape' incident: What we know so far The incident happened on Boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. News Australia reported citing CCTV footage that the woman tourist was "disoriented" and unable to speak French when she appeared at the kebab shop seeking help. The partially blurred footage purportedly shows the woman complaining about the assault. Some staff members and diners at the shop were seen comforting her. Also read | France's Le Figaro highlights security, stability, and tourism resurgence in Kashmir Moments later, a man, one of the alleged attackers, appears in the kebab shop and another man slaps him asking about the assault. The first man quickly flees the scene, and is still at large, according to News.com. The report said the woman was inebriated at the time of the assault and was supposed to leave for Australia this past weekend. CCTV showed her crying and pleading for help while another woman and the shop owners tried to calm her down. Also watch | France to deploy 35,000 security personnel for the Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony × The News report said her dress was “backwards” and partially torn off. She was later taken to Bichat hospital. “The investigation into the charge of gang rape likely to have been committed on the night of July 19 to 20 has been entrusted to the 2nd judicial police district,” said the Paris prosecutor's office as cited by Le Parisien. A female staffer at the kebab shop said she could not stop crying after the incident, which she described as sad, while speaking to Australia's 7News. The incident happened even as security is tight ahead of the Paris Olympics. The event will start on July 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian 'gangraped' in Paris: French police probe after woman claims five men assaulted her

<p>It appears purse strings are loosening for Kamala Harris as the US Vice President has raised $100 million, improving upon her record-breaking fundraising after becoming the overnight most-likely Democrat nominee for presidential elections due in November, in the wake of incumbent Joe Biden's exit from the race for White House. Earlier, Harris had set a record for 24-hour fundraising, having added $81 million to her kitty soon after being endorsed by Biden and senior Democrats for the top job.<br />
<br />
This is a setback for her Republican rival and former president Donald Trump, at least temporarily. The final fundraising data for July will come out only at the end of the month, but before Kamala entered the ring, Trump was comfortably ahead, having raised at least $35 million more than the Biden campaign.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-kamala-harris-secures-delegates-to-become-democratic-nominee-743277">US presidential election: Kamala Harris secures delegates to become Democratic nominee</a></strong></p>

<p>According to her campaign cited in American media, Harris has raised at least $100 million so far between Sunday afternoon,&nbsp;when Biden posted a statement announcing his exit from the race and endorsed his deputy for president, and Monday evening.<br />
<br />
Citing her campaign, ABC News reported that the money was raised by Democratic National Committee and its fundraising committees.</p>

<h2><strong>Kamala Harris to hold first campaign rally in Milwaukee</strong></h2>

<p>Kamala Harris will hold her first campaign rally in Milwaukee in Wisconsin state, where just days ago at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump was formally named as the GOP's presidential candidate. As per reports, she is expected to attack Trump and his running mate JD Vance on issues including abortion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/his-legacy-is-unmatched-kamala-harris-in-first-speech-after-biden-dropped-out-of-presidential-race-743171">‘His legacy is unmatched’: Kamala Harris in first speech after Biden drops out of presidential race</a></strong></p>

<p>She is "prepared to prosecute the case against Donald Trump," ABC News cited her campaign as saying, in a possible reference to her career as a public prosecutor. "There's no better place to drive this contrast than Milwaukee," it said.</p>

<p>She will continue to target Trump as a convicted felon.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Biden was forced to give up re-election dream, endorse Kamala Harris</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-biden-was-forced-to-give-up-re-election-dream-endorse-kamala-harris-743203/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, in August, Harris has already got enough delegates to become the party's candidate for president, making her the presumptive nominee.&nbsp;At least 58,000 people have signed up to volunteer for Harris, as per the campaign.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It appears purse strings are loosening for Kamala Harris as the US Vice President has raised $100 million, improving upon her record-breaking fundraising after becoming the overnight most-likely Democrat nominee for presidential elections due in November, in the wake of incumbent Joe Biden's exit from the race for White House.

It appears purse strings are loosening for Kamala Harris as the US Vice President has raised $100 million, improving upon her record-breaking fundraising after becoming the overnight most-likely Democrat nominee for presidential elections due in November, in the wake of incumbent Joe Biden's exit from the race for White House. Earlier, Harris had set a record for 24-hour fundraising, having added $81 million to her kitty soon after being endorsed by Biden and senior Democrats for the top job. This is a setback for her Republican rival and former president Donald Trump, at least temporarily. The final fundraising data for July will come out only at the end of the month, but before Kamala entered the ring, Trump was comfortably ahead, having raised at least $35 million more than the Biden campaign. Also read | US presidential election: Kamala Harris secures delegates to become Democratic nominee According to her campaign cited in American media, Harris has raised at least $100 million so far between Sunday afternoon, when Biden posted a statement announcing his exit from the race and endorsed his deputy for president, and Monday evening. Citing her campaign, ABC News reported that the money was raised by Democratic National Committee and its fundraising committees. Kamala Harris to hold first campaign rally in Milwaukee Kamala Harris will hold her first campaign rally in Milwaukee in Wisconsin state, where just days ago at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump was formally named as the GOP's presidential candidate. As per reports, she is expected to attack Trump and his running mate JD Vance on issues including abortion. Also read | ‘His legacy is unmatched’: Kamala Harris in first speech after Biden drops out of presidential race She is "prepared to prosecute the case against Donald Trump," ABC News cited her campaign as saying, in a possible reference to her career as a public prosecutor. "There's no better place to drive this contrast than Milwaukee," it said. She will continue to target Trump as a convicted felon. Also watch | Gravitas: How Biden was forced to give up re-election dream, endorse Kamala Harris × Ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, in August, Harris has already got enough delegates to become the party's candidate for president, making her the presumptive nominee. At least 58,000 people have signed up to volunteer for Harris, as per the campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris raises $100 million since Biden exit, improving on 24-hour fundraising record

<p><strong>India Budget 2024: </strong>Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;23) slashed customs duty for gold and silver while presenting the budget. This will make the import of gold cheaper, and increase the domestic demand for the yellow metal. Stocks related to gold, silver, other precious metals and jewellery reacted mostly positively to the announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Gold, silver custom duty cut: What was proposed in India Budget 2024?</h2>

<p>Sitharaman in her budget speech proposed a 6 per cent basic customs duty on gold and silver, and 6.4 per cent for&nbsp;platinum. Earlier, the duty for gold and silver was at 10 per cent. Sitharaman also proposed the removal of similar duties on&nbsp;ferronickel and blister copper. When Agriculture Infrastructure and Development&nbsp;Cess&nbsp;(AIDC) of 5 per cent is factored in, the customs duty on gold and silver will now stand at 11 per cent, as opposed to 15 per cent earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2024-key-announcements-and-implications-743392">Union budget 2024: Key announcements and implications</a></p>

<p>“To enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country, I propose to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to 6 per cent and that on platinum to 6.4 per cent,” Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>How did stock market react to gold customs duty reduction?</strong></h2>

<p>Several jewellery stocks rallied after Sitharaman's proposal, while gold futures on the commodity exchange MCX fell by&nbsp;more than&nbsp;₹2000 to&nbsp;₹70,350, and silver by&nbsp;₹2500 to&nbsp;₹86,600.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-finance-min-nirmala-sitharaman-presents-budget-2024-says-rs-2-lakh-cr-for-5-schemes-743372/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The reduction in customs duty has been a long-standing demand of the precious metals and jewellery industries. Reduction in import cost will increase demand for gold in India, which could eventually drive up prices of the metal globally. That explains the muted sentiment in the commodity exchanges.<br />
<br />
Stocks of Titan Company, PC Jeweller, Senco Gold and Thangamail Jewellery were among those that ticked up upon the news.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-modi-hails-budget-says-it-will-give-new-strength-to-countrys-middle-class-743418">Indian PM Modi hails budget, says it will give new strength to middle class</a></p>

<p>In fact, PC Jeweller jumped 5 per cent to ₹74.16 and hit the upper circuit cap.</p>

<p>Senco Gold shot up by 6.16 per cent to ₹1,000.80 on the BSE while Rajesh Exports rose 49 per cent to ₹313.90. Titan went up 3.66 per cent to ₹3,371.65. Among other stocks, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri was up 2.79 per cent at ₹140.20, and Kalyan Jewellers rose 1.54 per cent to reach ₹537.05.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Budget 2024: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) slashed customs duty for gold and silver while presenting the budget. This will make the import of gold cheaper, and increase the domestic demand for the yellow metal.

India Budget 2024: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) slashed customs duty for gold and silver while presenting the budget. This will make the import of gold cheaper, and increase the domestic demand for the yellow metal. Stocks related to gold, silver, other precious metals and jewellery reacted mostly positively to the announcement. Gold, silver custom duty cut: What was proposed in India Budget 2024? Sitharaman in her budget speech proposed a 6 per cent basic customs duty on gold and silver, and 6.4 per cent for platinum. Earlier, the duty for gold and silver was at 10 per cent. Sitharaman also proposed the removal of similar duties on ferronickel and blister copper. When Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) of 5 per cent is factored in, the customs duty on gold and silver will now stand at 11 per cent, as opposed to 15 per cent earlier. Also read: Union budget 2024: Key announcements and implications “To enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country, I propose to reduce customs duties on gold and silver to 6 per cent and that on platinum to 6.4 per cent,” Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2024. How did stock market react to gold customs duty reduction? Several jewellery stocks rallied after Sitharaman's proposal, while gold futures on the commodity exchange MCX fell by more than ₹2000 to ₹70,350, and silver by ₹2500 to ₹86,600. × The reduction in customs duty has been a long-standing demand of the precious metals and jewellery industries. Reduction in import cost will increase demand for gold in India, which could eventually drive up prices of the metal globally. That explains the muted sentiment in the commodity exchanges. Stocks of Titan Company, PC Jeweller, Senco Gold and Thangamail Jewellery were among those that ticked up upon the news. Also read: Indian PM Modi hails budget, says it will give new strength to middle class In fact, PC Jeweller jumped 5 per cent to ₹74.16 and hit the upper circuit cap. Senco Gold shot up by 6.16 per cent to ₹1,000.80 on the BSE while Rajesh Exports rose 49 per cent to ₹313.90. Titan went up 3.66 per cent to ₹3,371.65. Among other stocks, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri was up 2.79 per cent at ₹140.20, and Kalyan Jewellers rose 1.54 per cent to reach ₹537.05. (With inputs from agencies)

India Budget: Gold, silver customs duty slashed, making them cheaper; jewellery stocks gain

<p>US Vice President Kamala Harris was 'kicked up' in the presidential elections after incumbent Joe Biden exited the race against Republican ex-president Donald Trump and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. Getting into the race is one thing, but can she win? What are the aspects working&nbsp;against her?</p>

<h2>What the punters are saying</h2>

<p><br />
Let me start with a rather unusual predictive mechanism, which often gets it right more than others like opinion polls: the punters. And they're still giving Trump the upper hand. The lead that Trump has over Harris among bookmakers is considerably higher, almost unassailable.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-kamala-harris-secures-delegates-to-become-democratic-nominee-743277">Kamala Harris secures delegates to become Democratic nominee for US president</a></p>

<p>They are reportedly giving Trump a 35-point lead on winning the election, if foreign betting platforms like Polymarket are to go by. That's nearly a 65 per cent chance for Trump to win the elections, even if he loses the popular vote. Another punting site PredictIt gave 39 per cent chance to Harris, still way behind Trump who is at 60 per cent.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Democrats: A divided house</strong></h2>

<p>Part of the reason for the lack of interest in significant chunks of&nbsp;American population for Kamala Harris, is the acrimony and so-called 'Julius Ceaser-ing' of Biden that eventually led him to quit. There is a sense of annui about the circumstances which led to Biden's exit, or shall we say ouster, from the presidential race, that too after having done one debate with Trump, which proved to be his undoing. His decision came at the end of a concerted attempt within the Democratic party and donors. One after the other, Democratic Congressmen from House of Representatives and Senate publicly asked him to step aside. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker emerita and the dame of maneouvrings, told Biden it's time to hang in his gloves.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/his-legacy-is-unmatched-kamala-harris-in-first-speech-after-biden-dropped-out-of-presidential-race-743171" target="_blank">‘His legacy is unmatched’: Kamala Harris in first speech after Biden drops out of presidential race</a></strong></p>

<p>While the socialists like Bernie Sanders and extreme leftists were relatively supportive or quiet about this, many other Democrats- particularly those seeking re-election in November - felt that Biden's running would hurt their own chances. Several donors either halted funding Biden, or pledged funds to Harris, who was indeed working quietly in creating her own war room, gathering support from public and the moneybags as Biden struggled in the past two months.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As soon as Biden exited, several top figures from politics, business and the entertainment industry endorsed her. This includes former president Bill Clinton and his wife and former presidential contender Hillary. The only significant departure was that of Barack Obama, under whose presidency Biden had served as vice president.<br />
<br />
The problem is, all these machinations were so out in the open, that the Julius Ceaser-Brutus analogy was inevitable. The only difference was, it was not a single Brutus, but a whole section of the party and support base, that essentially betrayed Biden, though it's arguable that he probably deserved it.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-harris-campaign-debut-election-logo-743219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While the Democrats, including Kamala herself, are doing a balancing act of praising Biden and portraying the current vice president as the best option as Democrats go into a now wholly altered convention in August, the whole thing leaves a bad aftertaste. It will be a mountain to climb for Democrats to invigorate their support base in favour of Kamala, which had mostly given up on the election since poll numbers went down for Biden, exacerbated by his gaffes and debate disaster with Trump.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
That then brings us to the next question: Is Kamala Harris a popular politician?</p>

<h2>How popular is Kamala Harris, really?</h2>

<p>FiveThirtyEight, the site that compiles national opinion trends, has a hint in its latest tally of poll of polls regarding Kamala's popularity. To the survey question 'Do Americans approve or disapprove of Kamala Harris?', 51.4 per cent disapproved, as against 38.3 per cent approvals, as on July 22. Worst among the polls compiled by the site is the one by HarrisX-Forbes, which put her disapproval ratings at 56 per cent.</p>

<p>So in spite of this, can she still pull off a victory over Trump? Money speaks in American politics and the next four months will see who the greenback favours. The full campaign funding numbers will be available only at the end of this month but here is some context: While Harris did break records with an $81 million fundraising just hours after being brought to the contest, we must not forget that each major episode in Trump's political life- his court appearances,&nbsp;convictions and bid on his life- was followed by a funding rush. How much funding he got after the failed shooting will be clear only later, but consider this:&nbsp;he raised $50 million soon&nbsp;after felony convictions. In June, the Trump campaign's cash in hand was $45 million more than the Biden campaign.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rnc-poked-fun-at-kamala-harris-with-her-coconut-tree-speech-she-is-having-the-last-laugh-743331">RNC poked fun at Kamala Harris with her coconut tree speech. She is having the last laugh</a></p>

<p>Then there is the media properties of Trump, including Truth Social,&nbsp;whose stocks surged 30 percent soon after the assassination bid.&nbsp;That had made the valuation of Trump Media &amp; Technology Group soar to $7.6 billion.&nbsp;Can the rich Democratic donors bridge the gap for Harris, by putting the money where their mouth is? That remains to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And then there's the issue of her likeability.</p>

<h2>Kamala may have alienated her own support base</h2>

<p>As a coloured person of Indian and African-origin parentage, it would have been a natural fit for Kamala to appeal to the minority groups in American politics: the Blacks, Asians and Hispanics. But her political career, starting as a public prosecutor in California where she alienated many in the Black community, to her latest handling of the southern border migrant surge crisis which is a sensitive issue for the Hispanics, it is a lose-lose for both communities. In her transition from public prosecutor to California's attorney-general, her stance on various issues of the criminal justice system are best described as opportunistic flip-flops. For instance, when she became the west coast state's attorney-general, she defended the death penalty, years after opposing it as a district attorney in San Francisco.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-records-democrats-raise-nearly-50-million-after-biden-drops-out-and-endorses-kamala-harris-743107">Breaking records: Democrats raise nearly $50 million after Joe Biden drops out and endorses Kamala Harris</a></p>

<p><br />
While it hardly matters in local politics, Harris has often made woke positions on a number of global issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, which hasn't made her a lot of friends in the international community.&nbsp;This is the reputation she has to shake off, in the next four months, and that's a tall order.</p>

<p>And then, there's Trump.</p>

<h2><strong>Kamala Harris is pitted against a really formidable rival</strong></h2>

<p>Battle-hardened by a bloody assassination attempt that came at the end of a criminal conviction and ongoing court cases across states, Trump is still the favoured candidate in much of America's working class, white-majority states. By the sheer force of its larger populations, some coastal states like California and New York might push Kamala through in the popular votes, but electoral votes - the unique decider in American presidential polls - is a different ballgame. There, the support Trump enjoys is not limited to a region. He is favoured to win in much of the lily-white communities in the north, several states in the Bible Belt down south, as well as in the 'rust belt' states for whom his 'America first' approach is appealing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What if Kamala Harris loses? Will she be a 'use and throw' candidate?</h2>

<p>In spite of all the above, one cannot call this election yet. Because this is not an election like any other. The past few months have been topsy-turvy for both the Republican and Democratic camps. There's still a lot at stake, but the only difference is that this time, there is much less lack of unity in the Republican front. Even his primary rivals and most acerbic critics like Nikki Haley have come around in full endorsement of the former president at the Republican National Convention this month. But the situation with Democratic National Convention in August is going to be totally different. Will there be uneasy, or openly opposed views expressed against her? Will Obama break his silence on how the last few weeks of the infighting would damage the party in the long run?&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-father-like-son-donald-trump-jr-under-fire-for-calling-teen-daughter-sexy-743111" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Like father, like son: Donald Trump Jr. under fire for calling teen daughter 'sexy'</strong></a><br />
<br />
And more importantly, will Kamala Harris be a one-shot candidate? Will she be used as a stop-gap arrangement for this election cycle, only to be replaced by someone else- Michelle Obama being one strong possibility-in 2028 when the odds will be much better for the Democrats?&nbsp;</p>

<p>That is the key question we should be pondering upon in future. But for now, those betting on Kamala Harris' winnability in 2024 should hold their horses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>(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.)&nbsp;</em></strong></p>


US Vice President Kamala Harris was 'kicked up' in the presidential elections after incumbent Joe Biden exited the race against Republican ex-president Donald Trump and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee.

US Vice President Kamala Harris was 'kicked up' in the presidential elections after incumbent Joe Biden exited the race against Republican ex-president Donald Trump and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. Getting into the race is one thing, but can she win? What are the aspects working against her? What the punters are saying Let me start with a rather unusual predictive mechanism, which often gets it right more than others like opinion polls: the punters. And they're still giving Trump the upper hand. The lead that Trump has over Harris among bookmakers is considerably higher, almost unassailable. Also read: Kamala Harris secures delegates to become Democratic nominee for US president They are reportedly giving Trump a 35-point lead on winning the election, if foreign betting platforms like Polymarket are to go by. That's nearly a 65 per cent chance for Trump to win the elections, even if he loses the popular vote. Another punting site PredictIt gave 39 per cent chance to Harris, still way behind Trump who is at 60 per cent. Democrats: A divided house Part of the reason for the lack of interest in significant chunks of American population for Kamala Harris, is the acrimony and so-called 'Julius Ceaser-ing' of Biden that eventually led him to quit. There is a sense of annui about the circumstances which led to Biden's exit, or shall we say ouster, from the presidential race, that too after having done one debate with Trump, which proved to be his undoing. His decision came at the end of a concerted attempt within the Democratic party and donors. One after the other, Democratic Congressmen from House of Representatives and Senate publicly asked him to step aside. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker emerita and the dame of maneouvrings, told Biden it's time to hang in his gloves. Also read | ‘His legacy is unmatched’: Kamala Harris in first speech after Biden drops out of presidential race While the socialists like Bernie Sanders and extreme leftists were relatively supportive or quiet about this, many other Democrats- particularly those seeking re-election in November - felt that Biden's running would hurt their own chances. Several donors either halted funding Biden, or pledged funds to Harris, who was indeed working quietly in creating her own war room, gathering support from public and the moneybags as Biden struggled in the past two months. As soon as Biden exited, several top figures from politics, business and the entertainment industry endorsed her. This includes former president Bill Clinton and his wife and former presidential contender Hillary. The only significant departure was that of Barack Obama, under whose presidency Biden had served as vice president. The problem is, all these machinations were so out in the open, that the Julius Ceaser-Brutus analogy was inevitable. The only difference was, it was not a single Brutus, but a whole section of the party and support base, that essentially betrayed Biden, though it's arguable that he probably deserved it. × While the Democrats, including Kamala herself, are doing a balancing act of praising Biden and portraying the current vice president as the best option as Democrats go into a now wholly altered convention in August, the whole thing leaves a bad aftertaste. It will be a mountain to climb for Democrats to invigorate their support base in favour of Kamala, which had mostly given up on the election since poll numbers went down for Biden, exacerbated by his gaffes and debate disaster with Trump. That then brings us to the next question: Is Kamala Harris a popular politician? How popular is Kamala Harris, really? FiveThirtyEight, the site that compiles national opinion trends, has a hint in its latest tally of poll of polls regarding Kamala's popularity. To the survey question 'Do Americans approve or disapprove of Kamala Harris?', 51.4 per cent disapproved, as against 38.3 per cent approvals, as on July 22. Worst among the polls compiled by the site is the one by HarrisX-Forbes, which put her disapproval ratings at 56 per cent. So in spite of this, can she still pull off a victory over Trump? Money speaks in American politics and the next four months will see who the greenback favours. The full campaign funding numbers will be available only at the end of this month but here is some context: While Harris did break records with an $81 million fundraising just hours after being brought to the contest, we must not forget that each major episode in Trump's political life- his court appearances, convictions and bid on his life- was followed by a funding rush. How much funding he got after the failed shooting will be clear only later, but consider this: he raised $50 million soon after felony convictions. In June, the Trump campaign's cash in hand was $45 million more than the Biden campaign. Also read: RNC poked fun at Kamala Harris with her coconut tree speech. She is having the last laugh Then there is the media properties of Trump, including Truth Social, whose stocks surged 30 percent soon after the assassination bid. That had made the valuation of Trump Media & Technology Group soar to $7.6 billion. Can the rich Democratic donors bridge the gap for Harris, by putting the money where their mouth is? That remains to be seen. And then there's the issue of her likeability. Kamala may have alienated her own support base As a coloured person of Indian and African-origin parentage, it would have been a natural fit for Kamala to appeal to the minority groups in American politics: the Blacks, Asians and Hispanics. But her political career, starting as a public prosecutor in California where she alienated many in the Black community, to her latest handling of the southern border migrant surge crisis which is a sensitive issue for the Hispanics, it is a lose-lose for both communities. In her transition from public prosecutor to California's attorney-general, her stance on various issues of the criminal justice system are best described as opportunistic flip-flops. For instance, when she became the west coast state's attorney-general, she defended the death penalty, years after opposing it as a district attorney in San Francisco. Also read: Breaking records: Democrats raise nearly $50 million after Joe Biden drops out and endorses Kamala Harris While it hardly matters in local politics, Harris has often made woke positions on a number of global issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, which hasn't made her a lot of friends in the international community. This is the reputation she has to shake off, in the next four months, and that's a tall order. And then, there's Trump. Kamala Harris is pitted against a really formidable rival Battle-hardened by a bloody assassination attempt that came at the end of a criminal conviction and ongoing court cases across states, Trump is still the favoured candidate in much of America's working class, white-majority states. By the sheer force of its larger populations, some coastal states like California and New York might push Kamala through in the popular votes, but electoral votes - the unique decider in American presidential polls - is a different ballgame. There, the support Trump enjoys is not limited to a region. He is favoured to win in much of the lily-white communities in the north, several states in the Bible Belt down south, as well as in the 'rust belt' states for whom his 'America first' approach is appealing. What if Kamala Harris loses? Will she be a 'use and throw' candidate? In spite of all the above, one cannot call this election yet. Because this is not an election like any other. The past few months have been topsy-turvy for both the Republican and Democratic camps. There's still a lot at stake, but the only difference is that this time, there is much less lack of unity in the Republican front. Even his primary rivals and most acerbic critics like Nikki Haley have come around in full endorsement of the former president at the Republican National Convention this month. But the situation with Democratic National Convention in August is going to be totally different. Will there be uneasy, or openly opposed views expressed against her? Will Obama break his silence on how the last few weeks of the infighting would damage the party in the long run? Also read | Like father, like son: Donald Trump Jr. under fire for calling teen daughter 'sexy' And more importantly, will Kamala Harris be a one-shot candidate? Will she be used as a stop-gap arrangement for this election cycle, only to be replaced by someone else- Michelle Obama being one strong possibility-in 2028 when the odds will be much better for the Democrats? That is the key question we should be pondering upon in future. But for now, those betting on Kamala Harris' winnability in 2024 should hold their horses. (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.)

Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win?

<p>An elderly prisoner has escaped after being taken to hospital in the United Kingdom, with the Met Police launching a manhunt and asking the public for information.</p>

<p>In a release on Friday, Met Police said&nbsp;Graham Gomm, 63, was taken to Hammersmith Hospital by prison staff on Thursday (July 18)&nbsp;after falling sick.&nbsp;Gomm was being held for burglary.</p>

<p>"Police were alerted at around 01:18hrs on Thursday, 18 July that Gomm had escaped," the Met Police said, adding the 63-year-old was wearing a grey t-shirt and grey tracksuit.</p>

<p>A manhunt is on for the Gomm&nbsp;and the forces are examining CCTV footage.</p>

<p>"Officers are carrying out searches, working closely with partners, conducting CCTV enquiries and have visited a number of addresses linked to Gomm," said the Met release.<br />
<br />
"If anyone sees Gomm they are asked not to approach him but they should call 999," it added.<br />
<br />
BBC reported citing a&nbsp;police spokesperson that there was concern about the 63-year-old's welfare, as he was undergoing medical treatment before he escaped.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-address-prison-overcrowding-police-cells-to-accomodate-inmates-720071"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UK to address prison overcrowding, police cells to accomodate inmates</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-address-prison-overcrowding-police-cells-to-accomodate-inmates-720071/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UK's overcrowded prisons</strong></h2>

<p>The UK is dealing with a massive overpopulation of inmates in its prisons.<br />
<br />
The government recently announced plans to release those who have served 40 per cent of their sentences for specific types of crimes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reports last week citing official data said there are 87,505 inmates and only 1,451 prisons or detention facilities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-release-thousands-of-prisoners-early-to-avert-collapse-of-overcrowded-system-740371"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK to release thousands of prisoners early to avert 'collapse' of overcrowded system</strong></a><br />
<br />
This includes 83,755 men. England and Wales have the highest per capita prison population in Western Europe, according to reports.</p>

<p>The release of prisoners is likely to happen from&nbsp;September.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An elderly prisoner has escaped after being taken to hospital in the United Kingdom, with the Met Police launching a manhunt and asking the public for information.

An elderly prisoner has escaped after being taken to hospital in the United Kingdom, with the Met Police launching a manhunt and asking the public for information. In a release on Friday, Met Police said Graham Gomm, 63, was taken to Hammersmith Hospital by prison staff on Thursday (July 18) after falling sick. Gomm was being held for burglary. "Police were alerted at around 01:18hrs on Thursday, 18 July that Gomm had escaped," the Met Police said, adding the 63-year-old was wearing a grey t-shirt and grey tracksuit. A manhunt is on for the Gomm and the forces are examining CCTV footage. "Officers are carrying out searches, working closely with partners, conducting CCTV enquiries and have visited a number of addresses linked to Gomm," said the Met release. "If anyone sees Gomm they are asked not to approach him but they should call 999," it added. BBC reported citing a police spokesperson that there was concern about the 63-year-old's welfare, as he was undergoing medical treatment before he escaped. Watch | UK to address prison overcrowding, police cells to accomodate inmates × UK's overcrowded prisons The UK is dealing with a massive overpopulation of inmates in its prisons. The government recently announced plans to release those who have served 40 per cent of their sentences for specific types of crimes. Reports last week citing official data said there are 87,505 inmates and only 1,451 prisons or detention facilities. Also read | UK to release thousands of prisoners early to avert 'collapse' of overcrowded system This includes 83,755 men. England and Wales have the highest per capita prison population in Western Europe, according to reports. The release of prisoners is likely to happen from September. (With inputs from agencies)

UK elderly prisoner escapes from custody after being taken to hospital, manhunt launched

<p>Michael Cline, the founder of online ticketing firm Fandango, jumped off a New York luxury hotel after leaving a heartbreaking suicide note that said he "can't explain the pain". Cline, 64, died on Tuesday (July 16) after jumping from the 20th floor of Kimberly hotel in Manhattan.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the suicide note say?</strong></h2>

<p>"So sorry. I can't explain the pain of f**ing up this much. I love you all," Cline wrote in the suicide note left in the hotel room located on East 50th street near Lexington Avenue.</p>

<p>According to US media reports, New York Police Department received 911 calls from the 30-storey hotel. Cline was pronounced dead on the spot after emergency medical services arrived.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-cloud-outage-grounds-flights-and-disrupts-airlines-in-us-742271">Microsoft Cloud outage grounds flights and disrupts airlines in US</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is Fandango?</strong></h2>

<p>Fandango is an online film ticket sales company. Besides selling tickets via its website and app, Fandango also runs a streaming digital video store known as Fandango at Home. Fandango also owns Rotten Tomatoes, a website known for is movie and series review aggregation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bella-hadid-became-face-of-adidas-retro-1972-olympic-sneakers-israel-calls-it-egregious-error-742272">Bella Hadid becomes face of Adidas retro 1972 Olympic sneakers, Israel calls it 'egregious error’</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>More about Fandango tycoon Michael Cline who died by suicide</strong></h2>

<p>Cline, a father of six, is<strong> </strong>known for founding Fandango, which was later acquired by Comcast. In his decades in the movie and tech industry, Cline had founded multiple startups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Trump Delivers powerful speech at RNC | China ousts ex-foreign minister</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-delivers-powerful-speech-at-rnc-china-ousts-ex-foreign-minister-742270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A resident of Palm Beach, Florida, Cline co-founded Fandango with Art Levitt in 1999.</p>

<p>Fandango helped people avoid having to stand in line for tickets, and paved the way for the online ticketing industry, which TechCrunch said is valued at at $37 billion.</p>

<p>Cline left the company in 2011. He was behind several startups like R1 RCM, Accumen, Accolade, Everspring, Dresr and Insureon. He founded the venture capital firm Accretive in 1999.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
<em>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602</em></p>


Michael Cline, the founder of online ticketing firm Fandango, jumped off a New York luxury hotel after leaving a heartbreaking suicide note that said he "can't explain the pain".

Michael Cline, the founder of online ticketing firm Fandango, jumped off a New York luxury hotel after leaving a heartbreaking suicide note that said he "can't explain the pain". Cline, 64, died on Tuesday (July 16) after jumping from the 20th floor of Kimberly hotel in Manhattan. What did the suicide note say? "So sorry. I can't explain the pain of f**ing up this much. I love you all," Cline wrote in the suicide note left in the hotel room located on East 50th street near Lexington Avenue. According to US media reports, New York Police Department received 911 calls from the 30-storey hotel. Cline was pronounced dead on the spot after emergency medical services arrived. Also read: Microsoft Cloud outage grounds flights and disrupts airlines in US What is Fandango? Fandango is an online film ticket sales company. Besides selling tickets via its website and app, Fandango also runs a streaming digital video store known as Fandango at Home. Fandango also owns Rotten Tomatoes, a website known for is movie and series review aggregation. Also read: Bella Hadid becomes face of Adidas retro 1972 Olympic sneakers, Israel calls it 'egregious error’ More about Fandango tycoon Michael Cline who died by suicide Cline, a father of six, is known for founding Fandango, which was later acquired by Comcast. In his decades in the movie and tech industry, Cline had founded multiple startups. Watch | Trump Delivers powerful speech at RNC | China ousts ex-foreign minister × A resident of Palm Beach, Florida, Cline co-founded Fandango with Art Levitt in 1999. Fandango helped people avoid having to stand in line for tickets, and paved the way for the online ticketing industry, which TechCrunch said is valued at at $37 billion. Cline left the company in 2011. He was behind several startups like R1 RCM, Accumen, Accolade, Everspring, Dresr and Insureon. He founded the venture capital firm Accretive in 1999. (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

Fandango founder Michael Cline left suicide note before jumping to death: 'I can't explain the pain...'

<p>The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened to the father and daughter in Utah?</strong></h2>

<p>Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, from Wisconsin, died after sending desperate text messages. In their message to 911, they said they had been lost in the park and had run out of water. A search was launched for them on&nbsp;July 12 in the area, which had been experiencing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.</p>

<p>They had been hiking in the park's Island in the Sky mesa, a dangerous area notorious for heat-related deaths. The Syncline Loop Trail there is described by the National Park Service (NPS) as "the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mercury-reaches-record-high-as-death-toll-rises-to-27-amid-heat-wave-in-us-739895" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/mercury-reaches-record-high-as-death-toll-rises-to-27-amid-heat-wave-in-us-739895&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Death toll rises to 27 as mercury reaches record high amid heatwave in US</a></strong></p>

<p>"The report from the NPS stated that the pair of hikers were a father and daughter who had become lost while hiking the Syncline Loop Trail. Dispatch informed NPS of emergency 911 texts from the hikers, reporting that they were lost and out of water," said a statement from the local sheriff's office.</p>

<h2>An area known for heat-related deaths</h2>

<p>In the same area, another 30-year-old woman was found dead last Saturday, apparently due to severe heat. She was among three hikers located by Snow Canyon State Park authorities in Utah, said the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, according to a report by ABC News.</p>

<h2><strong>US heat wave led to 31 deaths this month</strong></h2>

<p>Western US has been experiencing a massive heat wave this year, with temperatures in several states going beyond 100 degree Fahrenheit and breaking records in some cases.</p>

<p>All-time high temperature records were broken in several counties in California, ranging from 120 to 112 Fahrenheit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-us-swelters-under-record-breaking-heat-wave-739413" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/western-us-swelters-under-record-breaking-heat-wave-739413&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Western US swelters under record-breaking heat wave</a></strong></p>

<p>So far, 31 people have died in July due to heat-related causes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US heatwave: Earth's temperature is 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than average</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-heatwave-earths-temperature-15-degrees-celcius-higher-than-average-738904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>More than 70 million people are under heat alerts, said the ABC News report.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah. What happened to the father and daughter in Utah?

The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah. What happened to the father and daughter in Utah? Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, from Wisconsin, died after sending desperate text messages. In their message to 911, they said they had been lost in the park and had run out of water. A search was launched for them on July 12 in the area, which had been experiencing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They had been hiking in the park's Island in the Sky mesa, a dangerous area notorious for heat-related deaths. The Syncline Loop Trail there is described by the National Park Service (NPS) as "the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district." Also read: Death toll rises to 27 as mercury reaches record high amid heatwave in US "The report from the NPS stated that the pair of hikers were a father and daughter who had become lost while hiking the Syncline Loop Trail. Dispatch informed NPS of emergency 911 texts from the hikers, reporting that they were lost and out of water," said a statement from the local sheriff's office. An area known for heat-related deaths In the same area, another 30-year-old woman was found dead last Saturday, apparently due to severe heat. She was among three hikers located by Snow Canyon State Park authorities in Utah, said the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, according to a report by ABC News. US heat wave led to 31 deaths this month Western US has been experiencing a massive heat wave this year, with temperatures in several states going beyond 100 degree Fahrenheit and breaking records in some cases. All-time high temperature records were broken in several counties in California, ranging from 120 to 112 Fahrenheit. Also read: Western US swelters under record-breaking heat wave So far, 31 people have died in July due to heat-related causes. Watch: US heatwave: Earth's temperature is 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than average × More than 70 million people are under heat alerts, said the ABC News report. (With inputs from agencies)

US heat wave: Father, daughter die in Utah park after getting lost, running out of water

<p><strong>Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks:&nbsp;</strong>While it has not been fully established that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who targeted Donald Trump on Saturday (Jul&nbsp;13), was a member of Antifa, the group has come under sharp focus after the failed assassination attempt on the Republican presumptive nominee for US presidential race.</p>

<p>Here is what you should know about Antifa:</p>

<h2><strong>What is Antifa?</strong></h2>

<p>Antifa stands for anti-Fascist Action. It is largely an all-American organisation at present, but its origins can be traced to similar resistance movements against Fascist and Nazi ideology in Europe during World War 2. Fascism grew from the ideas of leaders like Benito Mussolini of Italy and Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany in the 20th century.</p>

<p>More than a cohesive group, Antifa is a loose coalition of affiliate chapters in the US and a few&nbsp;across the world. Its aim is to resist the spread of Fascist ideology, mainly in the Western world. Often, its methodologies are anarchist, and its ideas are characterised as far-left. Antifa membership ranges from socialists and communists to extreme leftists,&nbsp;anti-state and anti-capitalism activists.&nbsp;In some cases, they are known to resort to violence to make their messages heard.</p>

<p>The word Antifa itself originated from the German short form for 'antifaschistisch', meaning anti-fascist. That comes from Antifaschistische Aktion, an organisation active in the 1932–1933 period as resistance to Fascism and Hitler's Nazi&nbsp;regime. The German group inspired several other movements over the years, which died down before their 21st-century revival. The German group itself was inspired by the Italian 'anti-Fascisti' or anti-fascist groups.</p>

<p>The Antifa movement in America came into the public glare since 2016 when Trump was elected the US president.</p>

<h2>What is the modus operandi of Antifa?</h2>

<p>Antifa group members are in fact far less in number than the media coverage they get. Most of them join larger protests, but stand out as they are identifiable by their generally black outfits, masks and rider helmets. During his presidency, Trump and many right-wing leaders called all anti-racist, anti-right protesters 'Antifa', mainly with the aim of making them look bigger than they really were so that they could be pointed out as a threat to society and the American way of life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Antifa members organise their protests mainly via online chatgroups and social media.</p>

<p>Antifa protests range from non-violent resistance to outright fisticuffs. Since 2017, they have engaged in throwing Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, and the destruction of property.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trump-assassination-attempt-it-didnt-kill-him-but-will-it-make-him-stronger-740696"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump assassination attempt: It didn't kill him, but will it make him stronger?</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>How did Antifa become popular in America?</strong></h2>

<p>Antifa became part of American consciousness and public discourse after they took part in several high-profile protests during Trump's presidency from 2016 to 2020. These include marches organised in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in 2020. Floyd was a Black man who died after being tackled by Minneapolis cops while apparently resisting arrest. His last words, "I can't breathe," became the rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protests, which were joined by Antifa and several anti-racist, anti-white pride, and anti-supremacist groups.</p>

<p>In a way, Antifa is the antithesis of the rise of right-wing, racist, neo-Fascist, neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups like Proud Boys, Oathkeepers and Boogaloo Bois.<br />
<br />
Left-wingers who could not express their views within the two-party system of America, which consists of Democrats and Republicans, often lean on groups such as Antifa. Such groups&nbsp;become the gathering point for those who feel that mainstream politicians and media are not focusing enough on issues like white supremacy, crony capitalism and racism.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/witnesses-warned-trumps-security-about-shooter-minutes-before-shots-were-fired-reports-740874"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Witnesses warned Trump's security about shooter minutes before shots were fired: Reports</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Trump wanted to ban Antifa</strong></h2>

<p>During his presidency, Trump often threatened to ban Antifa, as it took part in violent protests against right-wing ideas represented by him. In several places, particularly in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, Antifa organised counter-protests against right-wing and extreme-right organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Charlottesville was the site of the so-called Unite the Right rally organised by&nbsp;various groups like white supremacists, so-called alt-right, extreme nationalists, neo-fascists and neo-Nazis.</p>

<p>Their 'torch march'&nbsp; was confronted by left-wing and anarchist counter-protesters including Antifa. At the time, Trump had put the blame on some 'very violent people' on both sides and tried to bring in equivalence between the two.</p>

<p>On several occasions, he expressed the intention to classify Antifa as a 'domestic terrorist organisation' but didn't find much support from the legal establishment during his first presidency. There are no legal provisions to designate an organisation as a domestic terrorist in the US, part of the reason being its constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-suspected-trump-rally-shooter-was-a-quiet-lonely-bullied-child-in-school-reports-740885"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Suspected Trump rally shooter was a 'quiet', 'lonely' &amp; 'bullied' child in school: Reports</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-suspected-trump-rally-shooter-was-a-quiet-lonely-bullied-child-in-school-reports-740885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Was Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks an Antifa member?</strong></h2>

<p>Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old failed assassin who was shot dead after pumping bullets from a rooftop that injured Trump in the ear, was initially reported to have been part of Antifa. Social media chatter put him as part of&nbsp; Antifa protests or clashes with counter-protesters in Minneapolis Black Lives Matter marches in 2021, Portland unrest in 2022, and Seattle protests in 2023. He was also reportedly a part of Antifa protests in New York and Los Angeles either as an organiser or participant.</p>

<p>But none of these links are fully established.&nbsp;</p>


Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks: While it has not been fully established that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who targeted Donald Trump on Saturday (Jul 13), was a member of Antifa, the group has come under sharp focus after the failed assassination attempt on the Republican presumptive nominee for US presidential race.

Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks: While it has not been fully established that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who targeted Donald Trump on Saturday (Jul 13), was a member of Antifa, the group has come under sharp focus after the failed assassination attempt on the Republican presumptive nominee for US presidential race. Here is what you should know about Antifa: What is Antifa? Antifa stands for anti-Fascist Action. It is largely an all-American organisation at present, but its origins can be traced to similar resistance movements against Fascist and Nazi ideology in Europe during World War 2. Fascism grew from the ideas of leaders like Benito Mussolini of Italy and Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany in the 20th century. More than a cohesive group, Antifa is a loose coalition of affiliate chapters in the US and a few across the world. Its aim is to resist the spread of Fascist ideology, mainly in the Western world. Often, its methodologies are anarchist, and its ideas are characterised as far-left. Antifa membership ranges from socialists and communists to extreme leftists, anti-state and anti-capitalism activists. In some cases, they are known to resort to violence to make their messages heard. The word Antifa itself originated from the German short form for 'antifaschistisch', meaning anti-fascist. That comes from Antifaschistische Aktion, an organisation active in the 1932–1933 period as resistance to Fascism and Hitler's Nazi regime. The German group inspired several other movements over the years, which died down before their 21st-century revival. The German group itself was inspired by the Italian 'anti-Fascisti' or anti-fascist groups. The Antifa movement in America came into the public glare since 2016 when Trump was elected the US president. What is the modus operandi of Antifa? Antifa group members are in fact far less in number than the media coverage they get. Most of them join larger protests, but stand out as they are identifiable by their generally black outfits, masks and rider helmets. During his presidency, Trump and many right-wing leaders called all anti-racist, anti-right protesters 'Antifa', mainly with the aim of making them look bigger than they really were so that they could be pointed out as a threat to society and the American way of life. Antifa members organise their protests mainly via online chatgroups and social media. Antifa protests range from non-violent resistance to outright fisticuffs. Since 2017, they have engaged in throwing Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, and the destruction of property. Also read | Trump assassination attempt: It didn't kill him, but will it make him stronger? How did Antifa become popular in America? Antifa became part of American consciousness and public discourse after they took part in several high-profile protests during Trump's presidency from 2016 to 2020. These include marches organised in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in 2020. Floyd was a Black man who died after being tackled by Minneapolis cops while apparently resisting arrest. His last words, "I can't breathe," became the rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protests, which were joined by Antifa and several anti-racist, anti-white pride, and anti-supremacist groups. In a way, Antifa is the antithesis of the rise of right-wing, racist, neo-Fascist, neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups like Proud Boys, Oathkeepers and Boogaloo Bois. Left-wingers who could not express their views within the two-party system of America, which consists of Democrats and Republicans, often lean on groups such as Antifa. Such groups become the gathering point for those who feel that mainstream politicians and media are not focusing enough on issues like white supremacy, crony capitalism and racism. Also read | Witnesses warned Trump's security about shooter minutes before shots were fired: Reports Trump wanted to ban Antifa During his presidency, Trump often threatened to ban Antifa, as it took part in violent protests against right-wing ideas represented by him. In several places, particularly in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, Antifa organised counter-protests against right-wing and extreme-right organisations. Charlottesville was the site of the so-called Unite the Right rally organised by various groups like white supremacists, so-called alt-right, extreme nationalists, neo-fascists and neo-Nazis. Their 'torch march' was confronted by left-wing and anarchist counter-protesters including Antifa. At the time, Trump had put the blame on some 'very violent people' on both sides and tried to bring in equivalence between the two. On several occasions, he expressed the intention to classify Antifa as a 'domestic terrorist organisation' but didn't find much support from the legal establishment during his first presidency. There are no legal provisions to designate an organisation as a domestic terrorist in the US, part of the reason being its constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech. Watch | US: Suspected Trump rally shooter was a 'quiet', 'lonely' & 'bullied' child in school: Reports × Was Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks an Antifa member? Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old failed assassin who was shot dead after pumping bullets from a rooftop that injured Trump in the ear, was initially reported to have been part of Antifa. Social media chatter put him as part of Antifa protests or clashes with counter-protesters in Minneapolis Black Lives Matter marches in 2021, Portland unrest in 2022, and Seattle protests in 2023. He was also reportedly a part of Antifa protests in New York and Los Angeles either as an organiser or participant. But none of these links are fully established.

Trump rally shooting: What is Antifa, the movement allegedly linked to failed assassin Thomas Crooks?

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vinod Janardhanan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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