<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>

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<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>

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<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>

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<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>

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<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>

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<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>

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<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?

<p>Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination bid on Saturday (Jul&nbsp;13) as the Republican presumptive nominee for the US presidential election&nbsp;was addressing a rally in Pennsylvania. What does it mean for the former president's prospects in the November presidential election?</p>

<p>"What does not kill me, makes me stronger," wrote 19th-century&nbsp;German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in&nbsp;<i>Twilight of the Idols.</i></p>

<p>Will Trump emerge stronger from the bid on his life&nbsp;by a rooftop shooter whose bullets managed to graze his ear, leaving him with a trail of blood on his face?</p>

<p>Did the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, make Trump invincible?</p>

<p>Trump was already ahead in many of the polls, but the main focus this pre-election season was on his Democratic rival and current president Joe Biden's fitness to run again for the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-shooter-thomas-crooks-was-registered-as-republican-but-donated-to-democrats-740693">Trump shooter was registered as Republican but donated to Dems too</a></p>

<p>After a multitude of gaffes which continued till last week - he reportedly called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who invaded Ukraine - many in his Democratic party&nbsp;and donors asked him to exit the race.</p>

<p>The real election season will kick off with the party conventions of Republicans on 15-18 July and Democrats on 19-22 August.&nbsp;There was no doubt that Trump would be endorsed at the GOP convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but for Democrats, it's a different story before going to the event to be held in Chicago, Illinois.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after he wrote a stern letter to Democrats saying the 'drama should end' by asking him to step aside, uncertainty is growing about the viability of Biden's candidacy. Now, the assassination bid on Trump, just two days ahead of the Republican National Convention, will only add to Biden's woes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-footage-shows-alleged-donald-trump-assassination-shooter-lying-dead-on-roof-740634">VIDEO: Footage shows alleged Donald Trump shooter lying dead on roof</a></p>

<p>For one, any doubters or fence-sitters in the Republican party and many 'neutral' or 'independent' voters might have a change of heart with regard to Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who had misgivings about him in the wake of multiple court cases might now support him.</p>

<p>These cases, now it might look, were attempts to prevent him from running for president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before he became the presumptive nominee, there was a sense that the only way to defeat Trump was not to allow him to contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Making him legally ineligible, through criminal convictions in any one of the cases, was one possibility. The hush money case, where he is alleged to have paid off porn actor Stormy Daniels to stay silent on a sexual liaison, was the one that got him a criminal conviction. There are other ongoing cases related to the Capitol Hill riots of 6th January 2021, election interference cases arising from Trump's refusal to accept the verdict of November 2020 that made Biden the president, as well as those related to his financial dealings and tax dodges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Trump rally shooting: Former President shot at Pennsylvania rally</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the cases are now safely away from conclusion any time before the election, which will happen on &nbsp;November 5 this year.&nbsp;Note that several of the judges who made rulings to delay the trials, including some in the Supreme Court, were appointed by Trump himself during his presidency.</p>

<p>Add to this the national outrage and sympathy generated by the failed attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks, and Trump will emerge stronger.</p>

<p>He had already gone back to the campaign trail much stronger&nbsp;after the presidential debate performance (so far the only one), which had led to turmoil for Biden who came out damaged by his own incoherent delivery on 27 June.</p>

<p>The clamour to remove Biden as candidate soon followed and polls were suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, was a better choice than the 81-year-old incumbent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-shooter-thomas-crooks-was-registered-as-republican-but-donated-to-democrats-740693">Trump shooter Crooks was registered as Republican but donated to Dems too</a></p>

<p>The last major poll, published just a day before the Trump assassination attempt, found that two in three Americans felt Biden should step aside. At the same time, the poll, done by ABC News, Washington Post and Ipsos, said that most respondents felt both Biden and Trump, who is 78,&nbsp; are too old. Their race was tied, as per the poll, which also gave an edge to Harris in case she is fielded against Trump. But with the attempt on his life, any replacement for Biden also looks improbable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also important that the shooting happened in Pennsylvania. With 19 electoral votes, which is one of the highest when compared to its population, the Rust Belt state holds key importance in every election season. It has often been right in predicting who will be the president, meaning, whoever wins Pennsylvania wins the presidency, most of the time. It is a swing state, as it did not vote specifically for either Democrats or Republicans on a regular basis.</p>

<p>The mood of the Republican party as well as the hardline Trump supporters are set now. People have come out in open endorsement of the Republican, including Elon Musk, the chief of X, one of the most important online public squares. Notably, Meta had recently removed restrictions on Trump on its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.<br />
<br />
Trump's defiant fist-pumping and shouting "USA-USA" after being aided up from the ground is going to be the most iconic image of this election season. The Republican political machinery will milk the footage for every vote.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Those eight or nine pumps from Crookes' automatic rifle have put paid to the election results, unless something more dramatic happens before November 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p><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>


Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination bid on Saturday (Jul 13) as the Republican presumptive nominee for the US presidential election was addressing a rally in Pennsylvania.

Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination bid on Saturday (Jul 13) as the Republican presumptive nominee for the US presidential election was addressing a rally in Pennsylvania. What does it mean for the former president's prospects in the November presidential election? "What does not kill me, makes me stronger," wrote 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in Twilight of the Idols. Will Trump emerge stronger from the bid on his life by a rooftop shooter whose bullets managed to graze his ear, leaving him with a trail of blood on his face? Did the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, make Trump invincible? Trump was already ahead in many of the polls, but the main focus this pre-election season was on his Democratic rival and current president Joe Biden's fitness to run again for the White House. Also read: Trump shooter was registered as Republican but donated to Dems too After a multitude of gaffes which continued till last week - he reportedly called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who invaded Ukraine - many in his Democratic party and donors asked him to exit the race. The real election season will kick off with the party conventions of Republicans on 15-18 July and Democrats on 19-22 August. There was no doubt that Trump would be endorsed at the GOP convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but for Democrats, it's a different story before going to the event to be held in Chicago, Illinois. Even after he wrote a stern letter to Democrats saying the 'drama should end' by asking him to step aside, uncertainty is growing about the viability of Biden's candidacy. Now, the assassination bid on Trump, just two days ahead of the Republican National Convention, will only add to Biden's woes. Also read: VIDEO: Footage shows alleged Donald Trump shooter lying dead on roof For one, any doubters or fence-sitters in the Republican party and many 'neutral' or 'independent' voters might have a change of heart with regard to Trump. Those who had misgivings about him in the wake of multiple court cases might now support him. These cases, now it might look, were attempts to prevent him from running for president. Before he became the presumptive nominee, there was a sense that the only way to defeat Trump was not to allow him to contest. Making him legally ineligible, through criminal convictions in any one of the cases, was one possibility. The hush money case, where he is alleged to have paid off porn actor Stormy Daniels to stay silent on a sexual liaison, was the one that got him a criminal conviction. There are other ongoing cases related to the Capitol Hill riots of 6th January 2021, election interference cases arising from Trump's refusal to accept the verdict of November 2020 that made Biden the president, as well as those related to his financial dealings and tax dodges. WATCH | Trump rally shooting: Former President shot at Pennsylvania rally × Most of the cases are now safely away from conclusion any time before the election, which will happen on November 5 this year. Note that several of the judges who made rulings to delay the trials, including some in the Supreme Court, were appointed by Trump himself during his presidency. Add to this the national outrage and sympathy generated by the failed attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks, and Trump will emerge stronger. He had already gone back to the campaign trail much stronger after the presidential debate performance (so far the only one), which had led to turmoil for Biden who came out damaged by his own incoherent delivery on 27 June. The clamour to remove Biden as candidate soon followed and polls were suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, was a better choice than the 81-year-old incumbent. Also read: Trump shooter Crooks was registered as Republican but donated to Dems too The last major poll, published just a day before the Trump assassination attempt, found that two in three Americans felt Biden should step aside. At the same time, the poll, done by ABC News, Washington Post and Ipsos, said that most respondents felt both Biden and Trump, who is 78, are too old. Their race was tied, as per the poll, which also gave an edge to Harris in case she is fielded against Trump. But with the attempt on his life, any replacement for Biden also looks improbable. It is also important that the shooting happened in Pennsylvania. With 19 electoral votes, which is one of the highest when compared to its population, the Rust Belt state holds key importance in every election season. It has often been right in predicting who will be the president, meaning, whoever wins Pennsylvania wins the presidency, most of the time. It is a swing state, as it did not vote specifically for either Democrats or Republicans on a regular basis. The mood of the Republican party as well as the hardline Trump supporters are set now. People have come out in open endorsement of the Republican, including Elon Musk, the chief of X, one of the most important online public squares. Notably, Meta had recently removed restrictions on Trump on its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. Trump's defiant fist-pumping and shouting "USA-USA" after being aided up from the ground is going to be the most iconic image of this election season. The Republican political machinery will milk the footage for every vote. Those eight or nine pumps from Crookes' automatic rifle have put paid to the election results, unless something more dramatic happens before November 5. (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.)

Trump assassination attempt: It didn't kill him, but will it make him stronger?

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<p>A cacophony of voices in Democratic party and their donors as well as opinion leaders in the US are asking President Joe Biden to step down from the race to the White House against his formidable Republican challenger, former president Donald Trump.</p>

<p>They want either Kamala Harris, the current vice president, or someone else to fight in his place. There are mentions of former first lady Michelle Obama, but she has maintained a stoic silence so far.</p>

<p>In spite of the damage control being done by White House that Biden is digging in his heels after the disastrous debate performance on&nbsp;June 27, many in the ruling party are not convinced.</p>

<p>Here is a list of those who want&nbsp;Biden out, and related reports:</p>

<h2><strong>Senior House Democrats</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (July 7), several US media outlets reported citing sources that four Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives have sought a replacement candidate for Biden. They are: Representative Adam Smith (Washington), Jerry Nadler (New York), Mark Takano (California) and Joe Morelle (New York).</p>

<p>Earlier, at least five Democratic lawmakers had demanded that Biden exit&nbsp;the race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are looking for alternatives include House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Mark Warner.</p>

<p>Biden's efforts to placate public opinion through an ABC interview last weekend did not go well either. Soon after the interview, Representative Angie Craig (Minnesota) asked him to step away. Mike Quigley of Illinois is another representative who argued that Biden should go.</p>

<p>Other Democrat Congressmen seeking a replacement candidate include Seth Moulton (Massachusetts), Lloyed Dogget (Texas) and Raul Giralva (Arizona).</p>

<p>Several other prominent Democrats have joined the chorus. They include Julian Castro, a former housing and urban development secretary under Barack Obama, and former representative Tim Ryan of Ohio.</p>

<h2><strong>Top donors pull out or withhold funds: Hitting where it hurts most</strong></h2>

<p>Several business tycoons who donate to Democratic campaign, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, have in the past days expressed their displeasure with Biden. Many of them have stopped or are withholding the donations, or threatened to do so.</p>

<p>Disney heir Abigail Disney was among the main figures who wanted Biden out. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings said Biden should step aside for a "vigourous Democratic leader" to fight Trump.</p>

<p>Gideon Stein, the president of Moriah Fund, has said he would stop donations. Karla Jurveston, a physician-philanthropist, also took the same stance.</p>

<p>Christy Walton, the billionaire heiress of Walmart, cryptocurrency entrepreneur&nbsp;Michael Novogratz and tech venture capitalist Mark Cuban also want Biden out.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-house-democrat-to-publicly-ask-biden-to-exit-presidential-race-on-monday-reports-suggest-738825"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Senior House Democrat to publicly ask Biden to exit presidential race on Monday, reports suggest</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The Commentariat, from NYT editors to Thomas Friedman, want Biden to step away</strong></h2>

<p>The New York Times's editorial board wrote that Biden should leave the race "to serve his country". The editorial boards of The Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are also taking similar stance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In spite of knowing Biden for years, prominent columnist Thomas Friedman said he cried while watching the debate, which he described as "heartbreaking'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nicolas Kristof, another NYT columnist, said the debate reinforced the perception that Biden is too old to serve. While describing Biden as the 'best president of my life', prominent NYT columnist Paul Krugman also made a plea for him to withdraw from the race.</p>

<p>David Remnick, the&nbsp;editor of The New Yorker magazine, wrote Biden seemed to "wander into senselessness" during his debate outing.</p>

<p>Numerous other columnists and correspondents like David Ignatious also wrote post-debate articles in&nbsp;Washington Post expressing the same sentiment.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/team-biden-releases-new-post-debate-campaign-advertisement-737223"><strong>Watch | Team Biden releases new post debate campaign</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who could replace Biden: Kamala Harris, Gretchen Whitmer, or others?</strong></h2>

<p>Even as she appeared to defend Biden's debate performance, party insiders are rallying behind Kamala Harris as a possible replacement candidate. She has tacit support from senior Democrats as well as some wealthy donors. Having cut her teeth in the past four years as Biden's deputy, Harris has improved her image and has a fan base on social media, particularly among the youth, Black and other minority communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Harris' name is prominently being mentioned, there are others also who could be contenders. Among them are Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and current Secretary of Commerce&nbsp;Gina Raimondo.</p>

<p>Though none them have made a direct pitch, the following names are also doing the rounds: California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.</p>

<h2><strong>Will things change before Democratic Convention?</strong></h2>

<p>The Democratic Party Convention, where traditionally the party's presidential candidate is formally announced, is not just a formality anymore this year. Much could change - or not- before the event set to take place on August 19-22 in Illinois.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The usual process is for the Democratic delegates Biden had&nbsp;gathered so far - nearly 4,000 in number- to name him as the nominee. But if there's a challenge, there could be a vote and the delegates can vote according to their conscience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An open challenge is unlikely as it could turn really&nbsp;messy, with the best-case scenario being Biden himself 'transferring' his delegates to an alternative candidate.</p>

<p>But if one goes by White House stance and Biden's interviews since the debate debacle, this scenario looks highly unlikely too.</p>


A cacophony of voices in Democratic party and their donors as well as opinion leaders in the US are asking President Joe Biden to step down from the race to the White House against his formidable Republican challenger, former president Donald Trump.

A cacophony of voices in Democratic party and their donors as well as opinion leaders in the US are asking President Joe Biden to step down from the race to the White House against his formidable Republican challenger, former president Donald Trump. They want either Kamala Harris, the current vice president, or someone else to fight in his place. There are mentions of former first lady Michelle Obama, but she has maintained a stoic silence so far. In spite of the damage control being done by White House that Biden is digging in his heels after the disastrous debate performance on June 27, many in the ruling party are not convinced. Here is a list of those who want Biden out, and related reports: Senior House Democrats On Sunday (July 7), several US media outlets reported citing sources that four Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives have sought a replacement candidate for Biden. They are: Representative Adam Smith (Washington), Jerry Nadler (New York), Mark Takano (California) and Joe Morelle (New York). Earlier, at least five Democratic lawmakers had demanded that Biden exit the race. Those who are looking for alternatives include House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Mark Warner. Biden's efforts to placate public opinion through an ABC interview last weekend did not go well either. Soon after the interview, Representative Angie Craig (Minnesota) asked him to step away. Mike Quigley of Illinois is another representative who argued that Biden should go. Other Democrat Congressmen seeking a replacement candidate include Seth Moulton (Massachusetts), Lloyed Dogget (Texas) and Raul Giralva (Arizona). Several other prominent Democrats have joined the chorus. They include Julian Castro, a former housing and urban development secretary under Barack Obama, and former representative Tim Ryan of Ohio. Top donors pull out or withhold funds: Hitting where it hurts most Several business tycoons who donate to Democratic campaign, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, have in the past days expressed their displeasure with Biden. Many of them have stopped or are withholding the donations, or threatened to do so. Disney heir Abigail Disney was among the main figures who wanted Biden out. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings said Biden should step aside for a "vigourous Democratic leader" to fight Trump. Gideon Stein, the president of Moriah Fund, has said he would stop donations. Karla Jurveston, a physician-philanthropist, also took the same stance. Christy Walton, the billionaire heiress of Walmart, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Michael Novogratz and tech venture capitalist Mark Cuban also want Biden out. Also read | Senior House Democrat to publicly ask Biden to exit presidential race on Monday, reports suggest The Commentariat, from NYT editors to Thomas Friedman, want Biden to step away The New York Times's editorial board wrote that Biden should leave the race "to serve his country". The editorial boards of The Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are also taking similar stance. In spite of knowing Biden for years, prominent columnist Thomas Friedman said he cried while watching the debate, which he described as "heartbreaking'. Nicolas Kristof, another NYT columnist, said the debate reinforced the perception that Biden is too old to serve. While describing Biden as the 'best president of my life', prominent NYT columnist Paul Krugman also made a plea for him to withdraw from the race. David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker magazine, wrote Biden seemed to "wander into senselessness" during his debate outing. Numerous other columnists and correspondents like David Ignatious also wrote post-debate articles in Washington Post expressing the same sentiment. Watch | Team Biden releases new post debate campaign × Who could replace Biden: Kamala Harris, Gretchen Whitmer, or others? Even as she appeared to defend Biden's debate performance, party insiders are rallying behind Kamala Harris as a possible replacement candidate. She has tacit support from senior Democrats as well as some wealthy donors. Having cut her teeth in the past four years as Biden's deputy, Harris has improved her image and has a fan base on social media, particularly among the youth, Black and other minority communities. While Harris' name is prominently being mentioned, there are others also who could be contenders. Among them are Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and current Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Though none them have made a direct pitch, the following names are also doing the rounds: California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Will things change before Democratic Convention? The Democratic Party Convention, where traditionally the party's presidential candidate is formally announced, is not just a formality anymore this year. Much could change - or not- before the event set to take place on August 19-22 in Illinois. The usual process is for the Democratic delegates Biden had gathered so far - nearly 4,000 in number- to name him as the nominee. But if there's a challenge, there could be a vote and the delegates can vote according to their conscience. An open challenge is unlikely as it could turn really messy, with the best-case scenario being Biden himself 'transferring' his delegates to an alternative candidate. But if one goes by White House stance and Biden's interviews since the debate debacle, this scenario looks highly unlikely too.

Go Biden, go: Who all are clamouring for US president to exit White House race? Will it happen?

<p>When UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came to India for New Delhi G20 Leaders summit in September 2023, his early morning visit with wife Akshata Murty to the picturesque Akshardham temple on the bank of river Yamuna&nbsp;turned heads and won headlines.</p>

<p>The Indian-origin leader of the UK's Conservative Party garnered the admiration of Indians for the purported display of humility when he sat beside Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on one knee as the elder leader from Dhaka sat on a chair.</p>

<p>The picture was clicked&nbsp;right after the G20 leaders paid homage to Indian freedom icon&nbsp;Mahatma Gandhi at his resting place in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishi Sunak, the UK's Indian-origin PM, stole the spotlight as he mingled with world leaders at the Delhi G20 summit. <a href="https://t.co/ntsCXCuvXh">pic.twitter.com/ntsCXCuvXh</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1700810357189886343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>But with the UK election results showing Tories headed for a historic defeat, Sunak is out of the equation of Delhi-London ties for at least next five years. Here's what it means for key tenets of the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-UK ties after Rishi Sunak: On Free Trade Deal&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India and the UK are working to secure a free trade pact, but the negotiations remain stalled in the 14th round. The deal was touted to have reached final points of consensus during Boris Johnson's tenure but the contentions renaub on lower tariffs on items such as whiskey and automobiles. Pending issues include UK's ask for greater market access into the world's third biggest economy amid New Delhi's focus on protecting&nbsp;domestic players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deal, if it succeeds, will serve as template for a future trade deal with the European Union. A Labour PM is likely to continue the talks but the trade deal may still be far from fruition at least in the near future.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>On issues carried forward from history</strong></h2>

<p>More than any other relationship, India's ties with the UK carry the burden of the complex colonial past. The scars are both material and psychological. The success of film <em>RRR&nbsp;</em>is a reminder of how strongly the feelings about colonial era resonate with the Indian masses. Many in India found an Indian-origin prime minister in the Downing Street as a psychological balm for the deep wounds of colonialism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rishi-sunak-the-proud-british-are-you-sorry-for-jallianwala-bagh-massacre-582205">Rishi Sunak, the 'proud British', are you sorry for Jallianwala Bagh massacre?</a></strong></p>

<p>A Labour prime minister will be expected to ensure a consistent acknowledgement of Britain's colonial past. At the same time, New Delhi would continue to approach London much more clinically. The UK serves as an effective gateway for Indian businesses in Europe, and New Delhi has been cognizant of the same in its engagements with Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>On immigration and visa issues</strong></h2>

<p>Immigration remains among the most heated issues in British politics. There is a&nbsp;bipartisan consensus that it must be restricted.</p>

<p>New Delhi is seeking temporary visas for its service sector workforce under the FTA. With the UK's prowess in the IT and financial services segment, India’s service sector could benefit from this immigrational integration. The Labour, however, too is likely to negotiate hard on the visa issue.</p>


When UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came to India for New Delhi G20 Leaders summit in September 2023, his early morning visit with wife Akshata Murty to the picturesque Akshardham temple on the bank of river Yamuna turned heads and won headlines.

When UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came to India for New Delhi G20 Leaders summit in September 2023, his early morning visit with wife Akshata Murty to the picturesque Akshardham temple on the bank of river Yamuna turned heads and won headlines. The Indian-origin leader of the UK's Conservative Party garnered the admiration of Indians for the purported display of humility when he sat beside Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on one knee as the elder leader from Dhaka sat on a chair. The picture was clicked right after the G20 leaders paid homage to Indian freedom icon Mahatma Gandhi at his resting place in New Delhi. Rishi Sunak, the UK's Indian-origin PM, stole the spotlight as he mingled with world leaders at the Delhi G20 summit. pic.twitter.com/ntsCXCuvXh — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 10, 2023 × But with the UK election results showing Tories headed for a historic defeat, Sunak is out of the equation of Delhi-London ties for at least next five years. Here's what it means for key tenets of the bilateral relationship. India-UK ties after Rishi Sunak: On Free Trade Deal India and the UK are working to secure a free trade pact, but the negotiations remain stalled in the 14th round. The deal was touted to have reached final points of consensus during Boris Johnson's tenure but the contentions renaub on lower tariffs on items such as whiskey and automobiles. Pending issues include UK's ask for greater market access into the world's third biggest economy amid New Delhi's focus on protecting domestic players. The deal, if it succeeds, will serve as template for a future trade deal with the European Union. A Labour PM is likely to continue the talks but the trade deal may still be far from fruition at least in the near future. On issues carried forward from history More than any other relationship, India's ties with the UK carry the burden of the complex colonial past. The scars are both material and psychological. The success of film RRR is a reminder of how strongly the feelings about colonial era resonate with the Indian masses. Many in India found an Indian-origin prime minister in the Downing Street as a psychological balm for the deep wounds of colonialism. Also read | Rishi Sunak, the 'proud British', are you sorry for Jallianwala Bagh massacre? A Labour prime minister will be expected to ensure a consistent acknowledgement of Britain's colonial past. At the same time, New Delhi would continue to approach London much more clinically. The UK serves as an effective gateway for Indian businesses in Europe, and New Delhi has been cognizant of the same in its engagements with Britain. On immigration and visa issues Immigration remains among the most heated issues in British politics. There is a bipartisan consensus that it must be restricted. New Delhi is seeking temporary visas for its service sector workforce under the FTA. With the UK's prowess in the IT and financial services segment, India’s service sector could benefit from this immigrational integration. The Labour, however, too is likely to negotiate hard on the visa issue.

UK elections 2024: What Rishi Sunak's exit as UK PM means for India-UK ties

<p>A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights.</p>

<p>The soon-to-be former prime minister Rishi Sunak, in a manner of speaking, became the last one in line holding the baby handed over to him by previous prime ministers from his party.</p>

<p>And it was indeed a revolving door of prime ministers. Between 2010 and 2024, there were five: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.</p>

<p>Cameron set the ball rolling for the downfall of Tories with the Brexit referendum in 2016. While he himself was confident that Britons would vote in favour of staying within the European Union, the party itself fought against him, led by so-called 'Brexiteers' like Boris Johnson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once the referendum favoured Brexit, Cameron had no other option but to quit, which led to Theresa May taking charge.</p>

<p>The national mood was in favour of Brexit, and even a sense of national pride spread in the nation, as much of the population, the rural folk and working class in particular, thought Britain's exit from EU would lead to an exodus of European workers and businesses out of UK, which will benefit local labour, businesses and industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-elections-2024-labour-wins-ready-to-change-our-country-for-the-better-says-starmer-738219">UK Elections 2024: Labour wins, Ready to change our country for the better says Starmer</a></strong></p>

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<p>But year after year, data seemed to suggest that the cost of Brexit exceeded the benefits. On trade, Britain scrambled to find alternative partners in the Commonwealth, particularly India, with which it is negotiating a free trade deal. The European labour exodus did only create shortages, that had to be filled with immigration from elsewhere, again from Commonwealth countries like India.</p>

<p>Despite all these, an overconfident May called a snap poll in 2017, with the intention of increasing the Conservative majority accruing from the 'success' of Brexit. That was not to be. The Conservatives did win, but they lost five seats from the previous tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the years running up to the 2017 election and after that, Boris Johnson emerged as a more robust advocate for British conservatism and protectionism. With a mix of populist right-wing rhetoric and insider politics, Boris managed to oust May in an inner-party coup, mainly arising from her inability to pass the Brexit legislation in parliament. He led the Tories to victory in yet another snap election in 2019, with one of the biggest majorities for the party.</p>

<p>As Boris was affirming his grip on power, Covid pandemic hit, making UK one of the greatest sufferers.</p>

<p>It was followed by the so-called 'partygate' scandal, which exposed how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others were flouting Covid norms they had set for common folk, by holding parties in official premises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Infightings, backstabbing and no-trust motions followed, with Liz Truss replacing Boris, only to become the shortest-serving PM of UK, defeated by opposition within the party to her budget and economic reform plans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In place of Truss came Rishi Sunak, the first Asian and Indian-origin prime minister of Britain.</p>

<p>Throughout his career, Sunak was fighting the twin flames of cost of living crisis in the UK, and the no-holds-barred squabbles and clamour for Tory leadership. His erstwhile allies, notably Suella Braverman who became UK home secretary, left the cabinet over issues ranging from immigration reform to British economy.</p>

<p>Added to these were Sunak's image as a rich PM out of touch with the nation and its problems, particularly exacerbated by the wealth of his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian tech titan Narayana Murty.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-elections-2024-how-uk-voted-key-constituency-wise-winners-and-losers-738198">UK General elections 2024: How UK voted- Key constituency-wise winners and losers</a></strong></p>

<p>In a way, Sunak's troubles are now over, and Britain has got a more decisive verdict in the form of the return of Labour for the first time since 2010.</p>

<p>But the damage has been done for Tories. So many top party leaders, at least 11 of them cabinet members, have lost the election.</p>

<p>They include Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, Grant Shapps and Jacob Rees-Mogg.</p>

<p>While he himself won the &nbsp;Richmond and Northallerton constituency, Sunak conceded defeat for his party.</p>

<p>He said there is much to learn from the "sobering verdict", adding, "I take responsibility for the loss."</p>

<p>Suella Braverman, meanwhile, won her seat of Fareham and Waterlooville.</p>

<p>Boris Johnson, who stayed away during much of campaigning, returned in the last days to the podium, only to 'dance on Sunak's grave' as one report put it.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights.

A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights. The soon-to-be former prime minister Rishi Sunak, in a manner of speaking, became the last one in line holding the baby handed over to him by previous prime ministers from his party. And it was indeed a revolving door of prime ministers. Between 2010 and 2024, there were five: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Cameron set the ball rolling for the downfall of Tories with the Brexit referendum in 2016. While he himself was confident that Britons would vote in favour of staying within the European Union, the party itself fought against him, led by so-called 'Brexiteers' like Boris Johnson. Once the referendum favoured Brexit, Cameron had no other option but to quit, which led to Theresa May taking charge. The national mood was in favour of Brexit, and even a sense of national pride spread in the nation, as much of the population, the rural folk and working class in particular, thought Britain's exit from EU would lead to an exodus of European workers and businesses out of UK, which will benefit local labour, businesses and industry. Watch | UK Elections 2024: Labour wins, Ready to change our country for the better says Starmer × But year after year, data seemed to suggest that the cost of Brexit exceeded the benefits. On trade, Britain scrambled to find alternative partners in the Commonwealth, particularly India, with which it is negotiating a free trade deal. The European labour exodus did only create shortages, that had to be filled with immigration from elsewhere, again from Commonwealth countries like India. Despite all these, an overconfident May called a snap poll in 2017, with the intention of increasing the Conservative majority accruing from the 'success' of Brexit. That was not to be. The Conservatives did win, but they lost five seats from the previous tally. During the years running up to the 2017 election and after that, Boris Johnson emerged as a more robust advocate for British conservatism and protectionism. With a mix of populist right-wing rhetoric and insider politics, Boris managed to oust May in an inner-party coup, mainly arising from her inability to pass the Brexit legislation in parliament. He led the Tories to victory in yet another snap election in 2019, with one of the biggest majorities for the party. As Boris was affirming his grip on power, Covid pandemic hit, making UK one of the greatest sufferers. It was followed by the so-called 'partygate' scandal, which exposed how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others were flouting Covid norms they had set for common folk, by holding parties in official premises. Infightings, backstabbing and no-trust motions followed, with Liz Truss replacing Boris, only to become the shortest-serving PM of UK, defeated by opposition within the party to her budget and economic reform plans. In place of Truss came Rishi Sunak, the first Asian and Indian-origin prime minister of Britain. Throughout his career, Sunak was fighting the twin flames of cost of living crisis in the UK, and the no-holds-barred squabbles and clamour for Tory leadership. His erstwhile allies, notably Suella Braverman who became UK home secretary, left the cabinet over issues ranging from immigration reform to British economy. Added to these were Sunak's image as a rich PM out of touch with the nation and its problems, particularly exacerbated by the wealth of his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian tech titan Narayana Murty. Also read: UK General elections 2024: How UK voted- Key constituency-wise winners and losers In a way, Sunak's troubles are now over, and Britain has got a more decisive verdict in the form of the return of Labour for the first time since 2010. But the damage has been done for Tories. So many top party leaders, at least 11 of them cabinet members, have lost the election. They include Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, Grant Shapps and Jacob Rees-Mogg. While he himself won the Richmond and Northallerton constituency, Sunak conceded defeat for his party. He said there is much to learn from the "sobering verdict", adding, "I take responsibility for the loss." Suella Braverman, meanwhile, won her seat of Fareham and Waterlooville. Boris Johnson, who stayed away during much of campaigning, returned in the last days to the podium, only to 'dance on Sunak's grave' as one report put it. (With inputs from agencies)

Why did Conservatives lose UK election? How Rishi Sunak's term helped end 14-year Tory rule, return of Labour

<p>Next week might offer some relief from the prevailing heat waves across India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are no significant heat waves expected in the country in the coming days. Maximum temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3 degrees Celsius over many parts of northwest India.</p>

<h2>Heatwave&nbsp;conditions in isolated pockets</h2>

<p>Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh till June 25 and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on June 24 and 25, and are expected to subside afterwards.</p>

<p>There is likely to be a rise in maximum temperatures by about 3 to 4 degrees Celsius&nbsp;over Northwest India during the next three days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-gears-up-for-rare-once-a-century-floods-amid-heavy-rainfall-713605">China gears up for ‘once a century’ floods amid heavy rainfall</a></p>

<p>According to IMD, there is no substantial change in maximum temperatures over other parts of the country.</p>

<h2>Monsoon and rainfall updates</h2>

<p>Uttarakhand and East Uttar Pradesh are likely to receive widespread rainfall during the next six days and isolated heavy rainfall from June 24 to 26.</p>

<p>Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal are expected to witness isolated heavy rainfall and widespread light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during next four days.</p>

<p>According to the IMD report, isolated heavy rainfall is possible over Bihar from June 24 to 26, Jharkhand on June 25 and 26, Odisha on June 26, and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during June 23 and 26.</p>

<p>Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall may occur over Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands during the next 4 days.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-severe-storms-sweep-across-central-and-eastern-regions-707360">US: Severe storms sweep across central and eastern regions</a></p>

<p>Coastal and Western regions including Kerala, coastal and south interior Karnataka, Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls during the next three&nbsp;to four days.</p>

<p>Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate showers with thunderstorms and lightning are also expected over Gujarat, Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Marathwada on June 23 and southeast Rajasthan on June 24 and 25.</p>

<p>Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Konkan and Goa from June 23 to 26.</p>

<p>Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall may occur over Southern parts of the country including Coastal Andhra Pradesh and&nbsp;Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next four days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Next week might offer some relief from the prevailing heat waves across India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are no significant heat waves expected in the country in the coming days.

Next week might offer some relief from the prevailing heat waves across India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are no significant heat waves expected in the country in the coming days. Maximum temperatures are expected to fall by 2-3 degrees Celsius over many parts of northwest India. Heatwave conditions in isolated pockets Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated pockets of West Uttar Pradesh till June 25 and over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on June 24 and 25, and are expected to subside afterwards. There is likely to be a rise in maximum temperatures by about 3 to 4 degrees Celsius over Northwest India during the next three days. Also Read | China gears up for ‘once a century’ floods amid heavy rainfall According to IMD, there is no substantial change in maximum temperatures over other parts of the country. Monsoon and rainfall updates Uttarakhand and East Uttar Pradesh are likely to receive widespread rainfall during the next six days and isolated heavy rainfall from June 24 to 26. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal are expected to witness isolated heavy rainfall and widespread light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during next four days. According to the IMD report, isolated heavy rainfall is possible over Bihar from June 24 to 26, Jharkhand on June 25 and 26, Odisha on June 26, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands during June 23 and 26. Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall may occur over Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the next 4 days. Also Read | US: Severe storms sweep across central and eastern regions Coastal and Western regions including Kerala, coastal and south interior Karnataka, Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls during the next three to four days. Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate showers with thunderstorms and lightning are also expected over Gujarat, Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada. Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Marathwada on June 23 and southeast Rajasthan on June 24 and 25. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Konkan and Goa from June 23 to 26. Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall may occur over Southern parts of the country including Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next four days. (With inputs from agencies)

No significant heat waves in India in coming days; north to receive rains next week - Weather update

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<p>The Israeli military and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire&nbsp;for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war that started in early October last year. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, there have been almost daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, sparking fears of a full-blown war between the two.</p>

<p>The United Nations warned on Friday (June 21) it was concerned about the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon.</p>

<p>"One rash move - one miscalculation - could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination," he told reporters. "Let's be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.</p>

<h2><strong>What will be the consequences if Israel and Hezbollah go to war:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>1)</strong> A recent report by Politico said that a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah would be devastating, and the tremors would roil the entire Middle East and beyond. The report said that the war&nbsp;would risk damaging the fragile US-led normalisation process that’s been painstakingly shaped to improve relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours.</p>

<p><strong>2)</strong> The report added that such a war&nbsp;would likely see Iran involved in the conflict in a bigger and much more open way than it was during the wars between Israel and Hezbollah in 1996 and 2006.</p>

<p><strong>3)</strong> As the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, thousands of fighters from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have agreed to come to Lebanon and join Hezbollah in its battle with Israel if there is an all-out war between the two factions, the news agency Associated Press reported. Some Lebanese and Iraqi groups backed by Iran&nbsp;have already staged attacks on Israel and its allies since the Gaza war began.</p>

<p><strong>4)</strong> Earlier this week, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out. He&nbsp;stressed that the war theatre would then expand well beyond the Levant to include Cyprus if Israel was allowed use of the island’s airport and facilities for logistics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>5)</strong> The Politico report also pointed out that neither Israel nor Hezbollah would&nbsp;fight with kid gloves. Both sides&nbsp;can inflict terrible damage on the other.&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;has been firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas since the Gaza war erupted, forcing tens of thousands to&nbsp;flee homes in Israel.&nbsp;Tens of thousands of Lebanese have also fled their homes following Israeli strikes in south Lebanon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli military and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war that started in early October last year.

The Israeli military and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war that started in early October last year. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, there have been almost daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, sparking fears of a full-blown war between the two. The United Nations warned on Friday (June 21) it was concerned about the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. "One rash move - one miscalculation - could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination," he told reporters. "Let's be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. What will be the consequences if Israel and Hezbollah go to war: 1) A recent report by Politico said that a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah would be devastating, and the tremors would roil the entire Middle East and beyond. The report said that the war would risk damaging the fragile US-led normalisation process that’s been painstakingly shaped to improve relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours. 2) The report added that such a war would likely see Iran involved in the conflict in a bigger and much more open way than it was during the wars between Israel and Hezbollah in 1996 and 2006. 3) As the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, thousands of fighters from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have agreed to come to Lebanon and join Hezbollah in its battle with Israel if there is an all-out war between the two factions, the news agency Associated Press reported. Some Lebanese and Iraqi groups backed by Iran have already staged attacks on Israel and its allies since the Gaza war began. 4) Earlier this week, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out. He stressed that the war theatre would then expand well beyond the Levant to include Cyprus if Israel was allowed use of the island’s airport and facilities for logistics. 5) The Politico report also pointed out that neither Israel nor Hezbollah would fight with kid gloves. Both sides can inflict terrible damage on the other. Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas since the Gaza war erupted, forcing tens of thousands to flee homes in Israel. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have also fled their homes following Israeli strikes in south Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah inch close to war: A look at five consequences

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