<p>Archaeologists in Rome have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing the ruins of Nero's Theatre—a long-lost imperial structure mentioned in ancient Roman texts but never found thus far.</p>

<p>The site was found under the garden of a future Four Seasons hotel, located just steps away from the Vatican, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<p>The excavation took place during planned renovations on the Palazzo della Rovere, a Renaissance building on Via della Conciliazione, which is home to an ancient Vatican chivalric order. This order leases the space to a hotel to raise funds for Christians in the Holy Land.</p>

<h2><strong>The Palazzo della Rovere excavations</strong></h2>

<p>Since 2020, a team of archaeologists has been diligently excavating beneath the walled garden of Palazzo della Rovere. Originally intended for renovations, the site revealed remarkable historical treasures instead.</p>

<p>The governor general of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, confirmed that the Four Seasons hotel chain will occupy the site.</p>

<p>It is anticipated that the hotel will be ready to welcome visitors and pilgrims during the Vatican's 2025 jubilee, which is expected to draw around 30 million people to Rome.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sword-and-mirror-unite-ancient-grave-sheds-light-on-female-warriors-during-iron-age-in-britain-620027">Sword and mirror unite: Ancient grave sheds light on female warriors during Iron Age in Britain</a></p>

<h2><strong>Glimpses of Roman history&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The significance of the findings goes beyond the discovery of Nero's Theatre. The excavation offered a unique opportunity to explore various periods of Roman history, spanning from the empire to the 15th century.</p>

<p>Among the most notable discoveries were artefacts from the 10th century, including coloured glass goblets and pottery fragments. This period in Rome's history was relatively obscure, making these findings especially valuable.</p>

<p>Prior to this excavation, only seven glass chalices from this era had been found, but the site yielded an additional seven, significantly enriching our understanding of the time, said the report.</p>

<h2>Confirmation of Nero's theatre</h2>

<p>The presence of marble columns and plaster decorated with gold leaf provided compelling evidence that the site was indeed Nero's Theatre, as described in ancient texts by Pliny the Elder.</p>

<p>The location of the theatre&nbsp;aligns with historical references and confirms its identification. The discovery marks a momentous breakthrough in understanding ancient Roman entertainment and architecture.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UFO hearing: US Congressional hearing garners interest globally</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Preserving the past for posterity</strong></h2>

<p>The archaeologists and authorities are dedicated to ensuring the responsible preservation of these historical treasures. Movable antiquities will be carefully transported to a museum, where they can be studied and admired.</p>

<p>As for the ruins of Nero's Theatre itself, they will be covered again after thorough studies and documentation are completed. This measure is taken to protect the remains from potential damage and degradation.</p>

<p>As Rome prepares for the Vatican's 2025 jubilee and the influx of millions of visitors and pilgrims, this discovery adds to the city's allure and cultural richness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Archaeologists in Rome have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing the ruins of Nero's Theatre—a long-lost imperial structure mentioned in ancient Roman texts but never found thus far.

Archaeologists in Rome have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing the ruins of Nero's Theatre—a long-lost imperial structure mentioned in ancient Roman texts but never found thus far. The site was found under the garden of a future Four Seasons hotel, located just steps away from the Vatican, as reported by the Guardian. The excavation took place during planned renovations on the Palazzo della Rovere, a Renaissance building on Via della Conciliazione, which is home to an ancient Vatican chivalric order. This order leases the space to a hotel to raise funds for Christians in the Holy Land. The Palazzo della Rovere excavations Since 2020, a team of archaeologists has been diligently excavating beneath the walled garden of Palazzo della Rovere. Originally intended for renovations, the site revealed remarkable historical treasures instead. The governor general of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, confirmed that the Four Seasons hotel chain will occupy the site. It is anticipated that the hotel will be ready to welcome visitors and pilgrims during the Vatican's 2025 jubilee, which is expected to draw around 30 million people to Rome. Also read | Sword and mirror unite: Ancient grave sheds light on female warriors during Iron Age in Britain Glimpses of Roman history The significance of the findings goes beyond the discovery of Nero's Theatre. The excavation offered a unique opportunity to explore various periods of Roman history, spanning from the empire to the 15th century. Among the most notable discoveries were artefacts from the 10th century, including coloured glass goblets and pottery fragments. This period in Rome's history was relatively obscure, making these findings especially valuable. Prior to this excavation, only seven glass chalices from this era had been found, but the site yielded an additional seven, significantly enriching our understanding of the time, said the report. Confirmation of Nero's theatre The presence of marble columns and plaster decorated with gold leaf provided compelling evidence that the site was indeed Nero's Theatre, as described in ancient texts by Pliny the Elder. The location of the theatre aligns with historical references and confirms its identification. The discovery marks a momentous breakthrough in understanding ancient Roman entertainment and architecture. Also watch | UFO hearing: US Congressional hearing garners interest globally Preserving the past for posterity The archaeologists and authorities are dedicated to ensuring the responsible preservation of these historical treasures. Movable antiquities will be carefully transported to a museum, where they can be studied and admired. As for the ruins of Nero's Theatre itself, they will be covered again after thorough studies and documentation are completed. This measure is taken to protect the remains from potential damage and degradation. As Rome prepares for the Vatican's 2025 jubilee and the influx of millions of visitors and pilgrims, this discovery adds to the city's allure and cultural richness. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lost theatre of emperor Nero unearthed beneath Rome's hotel site

<p>US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the White House on Thursday (June 27),&nbsp;to discuss deepening of economic ties and enhancing cooperation on addressing challenges posed by China.</p>

<p>During the meeting, they discussed Italy's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Washington emphasising that it respects Italy's autonomy in making its policy decisions regarding China, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Skirting differences over LGBTQ rights</strong></h2>

<p>Meloni's right-wing coalition holds positions on abortion and LGBTQ rights that differ sharply from Biden's stance. Despite these differences, both leaders emphasised the strong partnership between their countries and focused on areas of cooperation in their discussions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lawyers-meet-prosecutor-amid-anticipated-indictment-over-2020-election-allegations-620091">Trump accused of instructing staffer to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case</a></p>

<h2><strong>Reaffirming solid friendship</strong></h2>

<p>Biden and Meloni highlighted their friendship and the strength of their countries' relations. They pledged to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and discussed the broader challenges posed by China's actions, particularly in the Pacific region.</p>

<h2><strong>Italy's decision on BRI membership and trade relations</strong></h2>

<p>Meloni faces a decision in the coming months regarding Italy's membership in China's BRI infrastructure plan, a programme that the US has been actively working to counter. While Italy values its relationship with China, it is also exploring options to maintain good relations without renewing the BRI deal when it expires in March 2024.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US President Biden: 'We ended cancer as we know it'</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Fostering economic connection and fair trade</strong></h2>

<p>Both leaders highlighted the importance of their economic connection and mutual trade, aiming to further boost trade between Italy and the United States. Meloni called for "fair" trade, addressing trade practices that undermine workers' rights and safety, seen as a veiled reference to China.</p>

<h2><strong>G7's alternative to BRI</strong></h2>

<p>The G7, including Italy and the US, launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment as an alternative to China's BRI. While they seek to reduce dependencies on other countries, they emphasise the need for cooperation without completely isolating themselves.</p>

<h2><strong>Cooperation on African development and migration</strong></h2>

<p>Italy and the US&nbsp;discussed ways to support the development and stability of Africa, particularly in the context of managing migration from North Africa to Italy. This issue has been a significant challenge for Italy, prompting international discussions on how to address the situation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the White House on Thursday (June 27), to discuss deepening of economic ties and enhancing cooperation on addressing challenges posed by China.

US President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the White House on Thursday (June 27), to discuss deepening of economic ties and enhancing cooperation on addressing challenges posed by China. During the meeting, they discussed Italy's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Washington emphasising that it respects Italy's autonomy in making its policy decisions regarding China, reported Reuters. Skirting differences over LGBTQ rights Meloni's right-wing coalition holds positions on abortion and LGBTQ rights that differ sharply from Biden's stance. Despite these differences, both leaders emphasised the strong partnership between their countries and focused on areas of cooperation in their discussions. Also read | Trump accused of instructing staffer to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case Reaffirming solid friendship Biden and Meloni highlighted their friendship and the strength of their countries' relations. They pledged to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and discussed the broader challenges posed by China's actions, particularly in the Pacific region. Italy's decision on BRI membership and trade relations Meloni faces a decision in the coming months regarding Italy's membership in China's BRI infrastructure plan, a programme that the US has been actively working to counter. While Italy values its relationship with China, it is also exploring options to maintain good relations without renewing the BRI deal when it expires in March 2024. Also watch | Gravitas: US President Biden: 'We ended cancer as we know it' Fostering economic connection and fair trade Both leaders highlighted the importance of their economic connection and mutual trade, aiming to further boost trade between Italy and the United States. Meloni called for "fair" trade, addressing trade practices that undermine workers' rights and safety, seen as a veiled reference to China. G7's alternative to BRI The G7, including Italy and the US, launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment as an alternative to China's BRI. While they seek to reduce dependencies on other countries, they emphasise the need for cooperation without completely isolating themselves. Cooperation on African development and migration Italy and the US discussed ways to support the development and stability of Africa, particularly in the context of managing migration from North Africa to Italy. This issue has been a significant challenge for Italy, prompting international discussions on how to address the situation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden and Italy's Meloni discuss China cooperation in Washington meeting

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<p>Over 40 people have died in Italy, Algeria and Greece while thousands have been evacuated as wildfires continue to sweep large swaths of the Mediterranean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thirty-four people have died in Algeria alone, with the coastal province of Bejaia, east of Algiers accounting for 23 deaths. Although Algerian authorities claimed that 80 per cent of the blazes had been put out since Sunday, a massive firefighting effort was still underway to bring the situation under complete control. Some 8,000 firefighting personnel, hundreds of fire engines and aircraft have been pushed into service.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Italy hit by wildfires</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Italy has been hit by contrasting weather conditions with deadly storms engulfing the north while scorching heat, tempering the land in Sicily as well as several southern regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a BBC report, an elderly couple in their 70s was charred to death in a holiday home in Palermo, after fire came close to the boundary of the city's airport. An 88-year-old woman also died near the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-2500-tourists-evacuated-from-greek-island-of-corfu-amid-raging-wildfires-618841">Around 2,500 tourists evacuated from Greek island of Corfu amid raging wildfires</a></strong></p>

<p>In Calabria, located east of Sicily, a man touching 100 was trapped by flames in his home while his daughter and son-in-law suffered burns while trying to save him.</p>

<p>Fires have also raged in neighbouring Tunisia, where 300 people had to be evacuated from the coastal village of Melloula.</p>

<h2><strong>Greece suffers&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, two pilots died in a tragic incident after a&nbsp;plane they were operating crashed on the island of Evia, near Athens, where a fire had been raging for several days.</p>

<p>The aircraft, a Canadair CL-215 belonging to the Greek air force, was shown in footage dropping water over a fire before crashing into a hillside and catching fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-record-ocean-temperatures-observed-in-florida-mediterranean-burns-like-blowtorch-619743"><b>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Record ocean temperatures observed in Florida | Mediterranean burns like blowtorch</b></a></p>

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<p>The situation in Greece has been dire due to rampant wildfires, with the island of Rhodes being severely affected. The blazes have been raging since Wednesday and intensified due to hot and windy conditions.</p>

<p>"For the next few weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war. We will rebuild what we lost, we will compensate those who were hurt," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"The climate crisis is already here, it will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters," he said.</p>

<p>According to experts, the Mediterranean burning like a blowtorch may have never happened without human-induced climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Over 40 people have died in Italy, Algeria and Greece while thousands have been evacuated as wildfires continue to sweep large swaths of the Mediterranean. Thirty-four people have died in Algeria alone, with the coastal province of Bejaia, east of Algiers accounting for 23 deaths.

Over 40 people have died in Italy, Algeria and Greece while thousands have been evacuated as wildfires continue to sweep large swaths of the Mediterranean. Thirty-four people have died in Algeria alone, with the coastal province of Bejaia, east of Algiers accounting for 23 deaths. Although Algerian authorities claimed that 80 per cent of the blazes had been put out since Sunday, a massive firefighting effort was still underway to bring the situation under complete control. Some 8,000 firefighting personnel, hundreds of fire engines and aircraft have been pushed into service. Italy hit by wildfires Meanwhile, Italy has been hit by contrasting weather conditions with deadly storms engulfing the north while scorching heat, tempering the land in Sicily as well as several southern regions. According to a BBC report, an elderly couple in their 70s was charred to death in a holiday home in Palermo, after fire came close to the boundary of the city's airport. An 88-year-old woman also died near the city. Also read | Around 2,500 tourists evacuated from Greek island of Corfu amid raging wildfires In Calabria, located east of Sicily, a man touching 100 was trapped by flames in his home while his daughter and son-in-law suffered burns while trying to save him. Fires have also raged in neighbouring Tunisia, where 300 people had to be evacuated from the coastal village of Melloula. Greece suffers Earlier this week, two pilots died in a tragic incident after a plane they were operating crashed on the island of Evia, near Athens, where a fire had been raging for several days. The aircraft, a Canadair CL-215 belonging to the Greek air force, was shown in footage dropping water over a fire before crashing into a hillside and catching fire. Watch | Gravitas: Record ocean temperatures observed in Florida | Mediterranean burns like blowtorch × The situation in Greece has been dire due to rampant wildfires, with the island of Rhodes being severely affected. The blazes have been raging since Wednesday and intensified due to hot and windy conditions. "For the next few weeks, we must be on constant alert. We are at war. We will rebuild what we lost, we will compensate those who were hurt," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament, as quoted by Reuters. "The climate crisis is already here, it will manifest itself everywhere in the Mediterranean with greater disasters," he said. According to experts, the Mediterranean burning like a blowtorch may have never happened without human-induced climate change. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mediterranean continues to burn as wildfires kill more than 40

<p>The Italian parliament has approved a controversial bill that criminalises the act of going abroad to have children through surrogacy.</p>

<p>The measure, which has been heavily criticised, aims to target Italians engaging in surrogacy and could result in hefty fines of over&nbsp;$1 million and jail sentences of up to two years for offenders, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>Surrogacy and IVF restrictions</strong></h2>

<p>Surrogacy is already illegal in Italy, and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is only accessible to heterosexual couples.</p>

<p>The new legislation seeks to extend the ban on surrogacy to include those seeking the procedure outside of the country.</p>

<p>The initiative was a key policy of the Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and supported by her far-right coalition partner, the League.</p>

<h2><strong>Approval process and backlash</strong></h2>

<p>Although the bill has passed in the chamber of deputies with 166 votes in favour and 109 against, it still needs approval in the Italian Senate before becoming law.</p>

<p>The measure has faced strong opposition from critics, who view it as an unjust infringement on personal reproductive choices.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Italy hit by raging wildfires &amp; violent storms at the same time | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Defending women and children</strong></h2>

<p>Eugenia Roccella, Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family, praised the bill, stating that it puts Italy at the forefront of protecting women and children internationally. She hopes that this move will initiate a global debate on surrogacy and eventually lead to its abolition.</p>

<h2><strong>Majority of surrogacy seekers are heterosexual</strong></h2>

<p>The majority of Italians seeking surrogacy abroad are believed to be heterosexual couples, with many choosing to keep the practice clandestine.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, same-sex parents have faced harsh treatment under Meloni's government, with local authorities being forced to cease registering their children.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-italy-palermo-airport-partially-reopens-after-closure-due-to-wildfires-619289">Italy: Palermo airport partially reopens after closure due to wildfires</a></p>

<h2><strong>Controversy surrounding the bill</strong></h2>

<p>Critics argue that the government's focus on enacting easier policies, like the surrogacy ban, distracts from more pressing issues plaguing Italy, such as economic challenges and natural disasters. Some politicians have labelled the bill a "legal disgrace" and question its practicality.</p>

<h2><strong>International discrepancies and LGBTQ+ concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Opponents argue that the legislation puts Italy at odds with other countries, as no European citizen should be convicted of an action that is not considered a crime either in the country where it takes place or under international agreements. The LGBTQ+ community in Italy fears that the Meloni government's policies could erode the rights they have gained thus far, given her outspoken views against same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ rights.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Italian parliament has approved a controversial bill that criminalises the act of going abroad to have children through surrogacy. The measure, which has been heavily criticised, aims to target Italians engaging in surrogacy and could result in hefty fines of over $1 million and jail sentences of up to two years for offenders, as reported by the Guardian.

The Italian parliament has approved a controversial bill that criminalises the act of going abroad to have children through surrogacy. The measure, which has been heavily criticised, aims to target Italians engaging in surrogacy and could result in hefty fines of over $1 million and jail sentences of up to two years for offenders, as reported by the Guardian. Surrogacy and IVF restrictions Surrogacy is already illegal in Italy, and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is only accessible to heterosexual couples. The new legislation seeks to extend the ban on surrogacy to include those seeking the procedure outside of the country. The initiative was a key policy of the Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and supported by her far-right coalition partner, the League. Approval process and backlash Although the bill has passed in the chamber of deputies with 166 votes in favour and 109 against, it still needs approval in the Italian Senate before becoming law. The measure has faced strong opposition from critics, who view it as an unjust infringement on personal reproductive choices. Also watch | Italy hit by raging wildfires & violent storms at the same time | WION Climate Tracker Defending women and children Eugenia Roccella, Italian Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family, praised the bill, stating that it puts Italy at the forefront of protecting women and children internationally. She hopes that this move will initiate a global debate on surrogacy and eventually lead to its abolition. Majority of surrogacy seekers are heterosexual The majority of Italians seeking surrogacy abroad are believed to be heterosexual couples, with many choosing to keep the practice clandestine. Meanwhile, same-sex parents have faced harsh treatment under Meloni's government, with local authorities being forced to cease registering their children. Also read | Italy: Palermo airport partially reopens after closure due to wildfires Controversy surrounding the bill Critics argue that the government's focus on enacting easier policies, like the surrogacy ban, distracts from more pressing issues plaguing Italy, such as economic challenges and natural disasters. Some politicians have labelled the bill a "legal disgrace" and question its practicality. International discrepancies and LGBTQ+ concerns Opponents argue that the legislation puts Italy at odds with other countries, as no European citizen should be convicted of an action that is not considered a crime either in the country where it takes place or under international agreements. The LGBTQ+ community in Italy fears that the Meloni government's policies could erode the rights they have gained thus far, given her outspoken views against same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italian parliament greenlights bill criminalising surrogacy abroad

From raging wildfires in Sicily to violent storms in the North, Italy is facing a climate change crisis with casualties, evacuations and environmental damage. A state of emergency has also been declared in many areas of the European nation. The government is preparing emergency measures to help regions hit by the extreme weather.

Italy hit by raging wildfires & violent storms at the same time | WION Climate Tracker

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<p>A Delta Airlines flight from Milan to New York was hit by severe turbulence and hail soon after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing. The plane had to be rerouted to Rome due to heavy damage to the fuselage near the wings and nose.</p>

<p>According to a New York Post report, there were 215 passengers, eight flight attendants and three pilots onboard the Delta 185 flight when the incident took place. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, despite the haphazard nature of the landing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Photos and videos posted by passengers of the aircraft showed how extensive the damage was. The nose of the plane was nearly blown off while large holes were spotted in numerous regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We take off, it’s a normal takeoff, we get into the air a few minutes later, we encounter severe turbulence and we all hear noise we’ve never heard before,” Steven Coury, a passenger was quoted as saying by the publication. “And that was hail pounding on the roof of the plane."</p>

<p>“One passenger looked out the window and saw the wing shaking violently like it was gonna break off. Look, I saw flashes of light like lightning hitting the plane. And the turbulence was like being on a roller coaster ride dropping significantly," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-business-news-us-company-debuts-all-electric-aircraft-520425" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Delta Airlines released a statement saying the flight was diverted due to extreme weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Delta flight 185 from Milan to New York-JFK diverted to Rome after experiencing an apparent weather-related maintenance issue shortly after departure. The flight landed safely in Rome where passengers deplaned normally and where maintenance personnel is conducting a thorough evaluation of the aircraft. Delta apologises for the delay in our customers' journey. The safety of our customers and crew is Delta's top priority."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delta Boeing 767-300 (N189DN) flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DL185?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DL185</a> from Milan to New York JFK encountered hailstorms and severe turbulence after takeoff from Milan Malpensa Airport. The crew decided to divert to Rome Fiumicino. The aircraft received damage to its wings, engines, and radome. <a href="https://t.co/2Se7hFpOtS">pic.twitter.com/2Se7hFpOtS</a></p>
— Sαƈԋιɳ Kυɱαɾ ʋҽɾɱα (@Imsachin_kv) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imsachin_kv/status/1683904271182630914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Delta Airlines remains in the news</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Delta Airlines has made headlines this year. In March, a passenger aboard Delta Flight 1714 from Los Angeles to Seattle was arrested after opening one of the aircraft doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The Delta staff nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-passenger-arrested-for-opening-emergency-door-deploying-exit-slide-at-lax-airport-576082" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport</strong></a></p>

<p>Last month, a 61-year-old Delta pilot was arrested at Edinburgh Airport&nbsp;30 minutes before his flight&nbsp;for being under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A Delta Airlines flight from Milan to New York was hit by severe turbulence and hail soon after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing. The plane had to be rerouted to Rome due to heavy damage to the fuselage near the wings and nose.

A Delta Airlines flight from Milan to New York was hit by severe turbulence and hail soon after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing. The plane had to be rerouted to Rome due to heavy damage to the fuselage near the wings and nose. According to a New York Post report, there were 215 passengers, eight flight attendants and three pilots onboard the Delta 185 flight when the incident took place. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, despite the haphazard nature of the landing. Photos and videos posted by passengers of the aircraft showed how extensive the damage was. The nose of the plane was nearly blown off while large holes were spotted in numerous regions. “We take off, it’s a normal takeoff, we get into the air a few minutes later, we encounter severe turbulence and we all hear noise we’ve never heard before,” Steven Coury, a passenger was quoted as saying by the publication. “And that was hail pounding on the roof of the plane." “One passenger looked out the window and saw the wing shaking violently like it was gonna break off. Look, I saw flashes of light like lightning hitting the plane. And the turbulence was like being on a roller coaster ride dropping significantly," he added. WATCH | WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft Meanwhile, Delta Airlines released a statement saying the flight was diverted due to extreme weather. "Delta flight 185 from Milan to New York-JFK diverted to Rome after experiencing an apparent weather-related maintenance issue shortly after departure. The flight landed safely in Rome where passengers deplaned normally and where maintenance personnel is conducting a thorough evaluation of the aircraft. Delta apologises for the delay in our customers' journey. The safety of our customers and crew is Delta's top priority." Delta Boeing 767-300 (N189DN) flight #DL185 from Milan to New York JFK encountered hailstorms and severe turbulence after takeoff from Milan Malpensa Airport. The crew decided to divert to Rome Fiumicino. The aircraft received damage to its wings, engines, and radome. pic.twitter.com/2Se7hFpOtS — Sαƈԋιɳ Kυɱαɾ ʋҽɾɱα (@Imsachin_kv) July 25, 2023 × Delta Airlines remains in the news Notably, this is not the first instance when Delta Airlines has made headlines this year. In March, a passenger aboard Delta Flight 1714 from Los Angeles to Seattle was arrested after opening one of the aircraft doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide. The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The Delta staff nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police. Also read | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport Last month, a 61-year-old Delta pilot was arrested at Edinburgh Airport 30 minutes before his flight for being under the influence of alcohol. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Delta Airlines flight makes emergency landing after getting battered by hail storm

<p>Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures. Meanwhile, in northern Italy, two people were killed after an overnight storm.</p>

<h2><strong>Watch: Wildfires force closure of Palermo airport</strong></h2>

<p>The Palermo airport was closed for hours due to wildfires, however, the airport operator, shortly after 0900 GMT took to X (formerly Twitter)&nbsp;and announced that only a limited number of outbound flights would be allowed “for the moment”. It was later announced that a plane from northern Italy’s Turnin was able to land, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wildfires in Sicily continued to rage across the region&nbsp;on Tuesday amid high temperatures. The airport was closed after firefighters struggled to put out the major blaze in the nearby area which has since also disrupted local road and rail traffic.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wildfires have forced the closure of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Palermo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Palermo</a> airport in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sicily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sicily</a> as extreme weather continues to batter Italy, with severe storms causing major damage and resulting in at least two deaths in the north. The airport looks to remain closed until this evening. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sicilia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sicilia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milano</a> <a href="https://t.co/hULrjz8a1V">pic.twitter.com/hULrjz8a1V</a></p>
— Our World (@MeetOurWorld) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeetOurWorld/status/1683763413275537408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The regional authorities also reported the death of a woman after an ambulance could not reach her house due to wildfire-related disruptions. The closure of the airport also further exacerbated Sicily’s travel while the region is in the midst of a peak tourist season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the island’s main airport of Catania, also the country’s fifth-biggest, was closed after a fire in a terminal building but later reopened for a few flights. Wildfires also raged across various parts of Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian mainland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palermo and Catania were&nbsp;also placed on red alert by Italian authorities due to soaring temperatures and witnessed power and water supply cuts. The temperature in parts of eastern Sicily rose to 47 degree&nbsp;Celsius, said Sicily’s civil protection agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the region recorded the highest temperature in Europe, two years ago, at 48.8 degree&nbsp;Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Storm in northern Italy</strong></h2>

<p>In an overnight storm in Italy’s financial capital, Milan, roofs were torn off, and trees were uprooted causing road blockages and disrupted overground transportation, reported Reuters. Milan residents reported torrential rain and hail on Tuesday morning which have also flooded parts of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime...and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives,” said Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two “tragic” deaths due to bad weather in northern Italy’s Lissone and near Brescia were confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those killed was a 16-year-old girl who was on a camping trip near Brescia when a tree fell on her tent overnight due to high winds and torrential rain, on Tuesday. On Monday, a middle-aged woman died after also being hit by a falling tree in Lissone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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&nbsp;</p>

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Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures.

Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures. Meanwhile, in northern Italy, two people were killed after an overnight storm. Watch: Wildfires force closure of Palermo airport The Palermo airport was closed for hours due to wildfires, however, the airport operator, shortly after 0900 GMT took to X (formerly Twitter) and announced that only a limited number of outbound flights would be allowed “for the moment”. It was later announced that a plane from northern Italy’s Turnin was able to land, reported Reuters. The wildfires in Sicily continued to rage across the region on Tuesday amid high temperatures. The airport was closed after firefighters struggled to put out the major blaze in the nearby area which has since also disrupted local road and rail traffic. Wildfires have forced the closure of #Palermo airport in #Sicily as extreme weather continues to batter Italy, with severe storms causing major damage and resulting in at least two deaths in the north. The airport looks to remain closed until this evening. #Sicilia #Milano pic.twitter.com/hULrjz8a1V — Our World (@MeetOurWorld) July 25, 2023 × The regional authorities also reported the death of a woman after an ambulance could not reach her house due to wildfire-related disruptions. The closure of the airport also further exacerbated Sicily’s travel while the region is in the midst of a peak tourist season. Furthermore, the island’s main airport of Catania, also the country’s fifth-biggest, was closed after a fire in a terminal building but later reopened for a few flights. Wildfires also raged across various parts of Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian mainland. Palermo and Catania were also placed on red alert by Italian authorities due to soaring temperatures and witnessed power and water supply cuts. The temperature in parts of eastern Sicily rose to 47 degree Celsius, said Sicily’s civil protection agency. This comes as the region recorded the highest temperature in Europe, two years ago, at 48.8 degree Celsius. Storm in northern Italy In an overnight storm in Italy’s financial capital, Milan, roofs were torn off, and trees were uprooted causing road blockages and disrupted overground transportation, reported Reuters. Milan residents reported torrential rain and hail on Tuesday morning which have also flooded parts of the city. “I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime...and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives,” said Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala. The two “tragic” deaths due to bad weather in northern Italy’s Lissone and near Brescia were confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Tuesday. Among those killed was a 16-year-old girl who was on a camping trip near Brescia when a tree fell on her tent overnight due to high winds and torrential rain, on Tuesday. On Monday, a middle-aged woman died after also being hit by a falling tree in Lissone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

VIDEO | Italy: Palermo airport partially reopens after closure due to wildfires

<p>Italy started their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 campaign with a 1-0 win against Argentina. The goal was courtesy Christina Girelli who came on the field as a substitute in the 83rd minute and immediately made an impact. The game, however, will be remembered most for the debut of Italy's 16-year-old Giulia Dragoni.</p>

<p>Nicknamed&nbsp;'Little Messi'&nbsp;by teammates,&nbsp;it was apt as the teen made her debut against&nbsp;football superstar Lionel Messi's country.&nbsp;Dragoni also recently signed with Messi's long-time former club Barcelona from Inter Milan in a two-and-a-half-year&nbsp;deal.</p>

<p>During the match against Argentina, Dragoni showed her class and one of her moves became viral when she got the football ahead by taking it above the head of the opposition player. Have a look at the video here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">giulia dragoni genia del fútbol mundial <a href="https://t.co/v4zQ01GkMd">pic.twitter.com/v4zQ01GkMd</a></p>
— nuk 🇫🇷🇧🇷 (@bonmapi) <a href="https://twitter.com/bonmapi/status/1683385871943303168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dragoni played till the 83rd minute before being substituted by veteran Girelli who eventually took her team home with the lone goal of the match in the 87th minute. With the win, Italy started off their campaign with three crucial points in Group G.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-minnesota-timberwolves-forward-kyle-anderson-obtains-chinese-citizenship-ahead-of-fiba-world-cup-618886">NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson obtains Chinese citizenship ahead of FIBA World Cup</a></p>

<p>Among other teams in their group, Sweden also won their opening match against South Africa with a 2-1 lead. Italy currently are in second place in their group as they have scored one goal less than Sweden. South Africa and Argentina are in third and fourth place, respectively.</p>

<p>Out of all 32 teams in the World Cup, 30 teams have played at least one match in the tournament. Colombia and South Korea will kick start their campaign Tuesday, July 25 in a Group H match. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will move forward to the round of 16 to start the knockout round of the tournament.</p>

<p>The knockout round starts August 5 with quarterfinals taking place on August 11 and 12. The top four teams will clash for a place in the finale on August 15 and 16 before the winner is decided on August 20.</p>

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Italy started their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 campaign with a 1-0 win against Argentina. The goal was courtesy Christina Girelli who came on the field as a substitute in the 83rd minute and immediately made an impact.

Italy started their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 campaign with a 1-0 win against Argentina. The goal was courtesy Christina Girelli who came on the field as a substitute in the 83rd minute and immediately made an impact. The game, however, will be remembered most for the debut of Italy's 16-year-old Giulia Dragoni. Nicknamed 'Little Messi' by teammates, it was apt as the teen made her debut against football superstar Lionel Messi's country. Dragoni also recently signed with Messi's long-time former club Barcelona from Inter Milan in a two-and-a-half-year deal. During the match against Argentina, Dragoni showed her class and one of her moves became viral when she got the football ahead by taking it above the head of the opposition player. Have a look at the video here: giulia dragoni genia del fútbol mundial pic.twitter.com/v4zQ01GkMd — nuk 🇫🇷🇧🇷 (@bonmapi) July 24, 2023 × Dragoni played till the 83rd minute before being substituted by veteran Girelli who eventually took her team home with the lone goal of the match in the 87th minute. With the win, Italy started off their campaign with three crucial points in Group G. Also Read: NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson obtains Chinese citizenship ahead of FIBA World Cup Among other teams in their group, Sweden also won their opening match against South Africa with a 2-1 lead. Italy currently are in second place in their group as they have scored one goal less than Sweden. South Africa and Argentina are in third and fourth place, respectively. Out of all 32 teams in the World Cup, 30 teams have played at least one match in the tournament. Colombia and South Korea will kick start their campaign Tuesday, July 25 in a Group H match. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will move forward to the round of 16 to start the knockout round of the tournament. The knockout round starts August 5 with quarterfinals taking place on August 11 and 12. The top four teams will clash for a place in the finale on August 15 and 16 before the winner is decided on August 20. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FIFA Women's WC: Italy's 16-year-old 'little Messi' makes heads turn in debut against Argentina

<p>European Union member Italy&nbsp;is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration. The EU deal with the North African country has left human rights groups and migrant charities fuming.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Italy’s PM reverses stance on migrants</strong></h2>

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the talks in Rome and said that the meetings with presidents&nbsp;and ministers of various nations will focus on illegal and legal immigration, refugee support and “the most important...wide cooperation to support development in Africa.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, in contrast to her past rhetoric, Meloni also said that the country would be open to taking in more people through legal routes as “Europe and Italy needed immigration.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “Mass illegal immigration harms each and every one of us. No one benefits from this, except criminal groups who get rich at the expense of the most fragile and use their strength even against the governments”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian PM called for action to prevent the migrants from taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">dangerous Mediterranean Sea route</a> to reach Europe. The conference is also hosting representatives from Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Libya and the EU.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UAE has pledged $100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration, reported the state news agency WAM, on Sunday. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is reportedly in the midst of attending the conference in Rome.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU and Tunisia’s ‘strategic partnership’ deal</strong></h2>

<p>Last week,&nbsp;the EU and Tunisia signed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-give-tunisia-over-1-billion-to-combat-trafficking-support-economy-report-615809">“strategic partnership”</a> which will include a crackdown on human traffickers and tighten&nbsp;border security. The 27-nation bloc has pledged $1.1 billion (one billion euros) in aid to support the North African country’s battered economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Echoing a similar view&nbsp;as Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said, “We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future. For partnerships with other countries in the region.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pope calls on governments to act</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the crowd gathered near St. Peter’s Square, earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis called on European and African governments to help migrants fleeing poverty and conflict and ensure that the Mediterranean never again becomes “a theatre of death” for those trying to cross it. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>More countries to join&nbsp;EU-Tunisia like deal?</strong></h2>

<p>A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the EU has sought similar partnership deals with Egypt and Morocco as the one it recently struck with Tunisia. “We must cooperate with the countries of North Africa, even if to do so we have to accept that they are not perfect democracies,” the Rome-based ambassador told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Human rights groups fume over deal</strong></h2>

<p>While the EU chief has called the deal with Tunisia a “blueprint for the future,” human rights groups and migrant charities have called it a “new low” for the 27-nation bloc’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Human Rights Watch called the deal “a new low in the European Union’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals at any cost” that “pays only lip service to human rights.” It added, “It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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European Union member Italy is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration.

European Union member Italy is in the midst of hosting an international conference of leaders of several nations in Rome, on Sunday (July 23) as it has sought to extend the EU-backed deal struck with Tunisia to curb migration to Europe and build an alliance to tackle illegal migration. The EU deal with the North African country has left human rights groups and migrant charities fuming. Italy’s PM reverses stance on migrants Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the talks in Rome and said that the meetings with presidents and ministers of various nations will focus on illegal and legal immigration, refugee support and “the most important...wide cooperation to support development in Africa.” Furthermore, in contrast to her past rhetoric, Meloni also said that the country would be open to taking in more people through legal routes as “Europe and Italy needed immigration.” She added, “Mass illegal immigration harms each and every one of us. No one benefits from this, except criminal groups who get rich at the expense of the most fragile and use their strength even against the governments”. The Italian PM called for action to prevent the migrants from taking the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route to reach Europe. The conference is also hosting representatives from Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Libya and the EU. UAE has pledged $100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration, reported the state news agency WAM, on Sunday. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is reportedly in the midst of attending the conference in Rome. EU and Tunisia’s ‘strategic partnership’ deal Last week, the EU and Tunisia signed a “strategic partnership” which will include a crackdown on human traffickers and tighten border security. The 27-nation bloc has pledged $1.1 billion (one billion euros) in aid to support the North African country’s battered economy. Echoing a similar view as Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said, “We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future. For partnerships with other countries in the region.” Pope calls on governments to act Addressing the crowd gathered near St. Peter’s Square, earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis called on European and African governments to help migrants fleeing poverty and conflict and ensure that the Mediterranean never again becomes “a theatre of death” for those trying to cross it. More countries to join EU-Tunisia like deal? A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the EU has sought similar partnership deals with Egypt and Morocco as the one it recently struck with Tunisia. “We must cooperate with the countries of North Africa, even if to do so we have to accept that they are not perfect democracies,” the Rome-based ambassador told AFP. Human rights groups fume over deal While the EU chief has called the deal with Tunisia a “blueprint for the future,” human rights groups and migrant charities have called it a “new low” for the 27-nation bloc’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals, reported news agency AFP. In a statement, Human Rights Watch called the deal “a new low in the European Union’s efforts to curb migrants’ arrivals at any cost” that “pays only lip service to human rights.” It added, “It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy hosts migration conference as PM Meloni, EU hope to extend Tunisia deal to other nations

<p>Italy has started removing the names of non-biological lesbian mothers from their children’s birth certificates under a new law against same-sex parenting that was recently passed by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.</p>

<p>CNN on Friday (July 22) reported that 33 children’s birth certificates in northern Padua city had the names of their non-birth mothers removed.</p>

<p>These children were conceived through artificial insemination abroad and then their mothers registered them under the city’s centre-left government, led by Sergio Giordani, in 2017.</p>

<p>Giordani rose to power after promising to remove the traditional “mother” and “father” designations on birth certificates. However, Meloni’s government ordered local authorities to stop registering children of same-sex parents with both of their names, reports CNN.</p>

<h2><strong>Same-sex parents being targeted</strong></h2>

<p>Local reports mentioned that the state prosecutor has sent letters to other families in Milan, Florence and Fiumicino, near Rome, warning them of similar action.</p>

<p>The move comes as Italy has banned surrogacy, while gay marriage has not been legalised yet. Since same-sex relationships are illegal, the non-biological parent has to make a special case for legally adopting their child.</p>

<p>The measure also prevents men in a same-sex relationship from registering both fathers’ names in the child’s birth certificate. Instead, they have to choose one to be the legal father.</p>

<p>The new law only recognises biological mother’s parenting rights. And in the event of her death, her children are to be handed over to relatives or admitted at the state’s care centre.</p>

<h2><strong>Pushback</strong></h2>

<p>The move has evoked a strong response from a local LGBT campaign group, Rainbow Family Association, which has launched an official protest.</p>

<p>“These birth certificates have not broken any law since they were signed in a legislative vacuum, which now leaves our children in limbo,” the group said in a statement when the first certificates were annulled in June.</p>

<p>“We ask that our children are nothing but citizens, fully protected, and that our families are not destroyed by the political will of the government to impose a single family model.”</p>

<p>Meloni, who is Italy’s first prime minister, catapulted to the premiership through rhetorics against LGBT and same-sex parenting.</p>

<p>In a recent speech, she said, “We want a nation in which – whatever each person’s legitimate choices and free inclinations may be – it is no longer a scandal to say we are all born from a man and a woman.”</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><br />
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Italy has started removing the names of non-biological lesbian mothers from their children’s birth certificates under a new law against same-sex parenting that was recently passed by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Italy has started removing the names of non-biological lesbian mothers from their children’s birth certificates under a new law against same-sex parenting that was recently passed by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. CNN on Friday (July 22) reported that 33 children’s birth certificates in northern Padua city had the names of their non-birth mothers removed. These children were conceived through artificial insemination abroad and then their mothers registered them under the city’s centre-left government, led by Sergio Giordani, in 2017. Giordani rose to power after promising to remove the traditional “mother” and “father” designations on birth certificates. However, Meloni’s government ordered local authorities to stop registering children of same-sex parents with both of their names, reports CNN. Same-sex parents being targeted Local reports mentioned that the state prosecutor has sent letters to other families in Milan, Florence and Fiumicino, near Rome, warning them of similar action. The move comes as Italy has banned surrogacy, while gay marriage has not been legalised yet. Since same-sex relationships are illegal, the non-biological parent has to make a special case for legally adopting their child. The measure also prevents men in a same-sex relationship from registering both fathers’ names in the child’s birth certificate. Instead, they have to choose one to be the legal father. The new law only recognises biological mother’s parenting rights. And in the event of her death, her children are to be handed over to relatives or admitted at the state’s care centre. Pushback The move has evoked a strong response from a local LGBT campaign group, Rainbow Family Association, which has launched an official protest. “These birth certificates have not broken any law since they were signed in a legislative vacuum, which now leaves our children in limbo,” the group said in a statement when the first certificates were annulled in June. “We ask that our children are nothing but citizens, fully protected, and that our families are not destroyed by the political will of the government to impose a single family model.” Meloni, who is Italy’s first prime minister, catapulted to the premiership through rhetorics against LGBT and same-sex parenting. In a recent speech, she said, “We want a nation in which – whatever each person’s legitimate choices and free inclinations may be – it is no longer a scandal to say we are all born from a man and a woman.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Italy starts removing names of lesbian mothers from kids’ birth certificates

The names of non-biological lesbian moms have begun to disappear from birth certificates in Italy. The action follows recently passed same-sex parenting legislation in Rome.

Rome wipes off names of lesbian mothers from birth certificates

Italian farmer battles frost, floods, heat and hail in epic year

<p>Temperatures soared to almost 47 degrees Celcius in southern Italy on Wednesday (July 19) as factory workers threatened to go on strike over the extreme heat. Heat records were broken in coastal waters around Spain even as wildfires continued to rage in Greece.</p>

<p>In Italy's Sicily, where a record temperature of 48.8C was registered in August 2021, the mercury soared to 47C in the area between Sciacca, in Agrigento province, and Mazara del Vallo, in the province of Trapani, as per the data from ilMeteo.it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Temperatures in Sardinia soared to 46C while in Rome, where people faced energy blackouts on Tuesday because of the pressure on the grid due to the air conditioners, it peaked at 38C.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-battle-record-heatwaves-as-temperatures-dangerously-soar-in-us-europe-616127">Millions battle record heatwaves as temperatures dangerously soar in US, Europe</a></p>

<p>“This is apocalyptic,” stated Claudia Bivona, who works as a teacher in Trapani, while speaking to The Guardian. “Something we had never experienced before. And it will get worse and worse. I’m thinking of the elderly and also of animals. What is happening is not normal," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nuccia Orlando, who has been working at a hospital as a nurse in the Sicilian province of Caltanissetta, stated, “We are melting. This heat is absurd. My car’s thermometer registered 52C inside the vehicle today. Of course, I had left it in the sun. But still, we are talking about 52C.”</p>

<h2><strong>Information line to be activated for deaths occurring due to heat</strong></h2>

<p>Italy’s Health Minister Orazio Schillaci stated that they will activate information line concerns about deaths that are occurring from heat-related illnesses. A man, who was in his 60s, lost his life in a heat-related illness after he fainted in his bakery near the northern city of Padua, and last week, a 44-year-old road worker died in Milan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You can protect yourself against the heat in a major way by drinking lots of water, opting for a diet based on vegetables and fresh fruit and avoiding excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcohol,” said Schillaci. “Special attention should be paid to the most fragile, elderly and children," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stellantis, the carmaker, stated that the situation in the Pomigliano d’Arco plant near Naples was monitored by them after workers were freed early on Tuesday because of too much heat. Workers employed by battery maker Magneti Marelli said that they will hold an eight-hour strike at a plant in Sulmona, in the central Abruzzo region. The unions issued a statement saying that the “asphyxiating heat is putting the lives of workers at risk”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Floods and heatwaves grip the globe</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-floods-and-heatwaves-grip-the-globe-616760/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The CGIL union stated that temperatures were nearing 40C in factories in the southern region of Basilicata. “The arrival of the heat is a serious problem for workers because it puts their health and safety at risk. After the Stellantis case we are getting many signals from several factories across the region. For this reason we ask workers to turn to their unions if health and safety guarantees are not being met," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Concern has been expressed by the unions for agricultural workers, many of whom are seasonal workers who work outside the EU, as well as construction workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Temperatures soared to almost 47 degrees Celcius in southern Italy on Wednesday (July 19) as factory workers threatened to go on strike over the extreme heat. Heat records were broken in coastal waters around Spain even as wildfires continued to rage in Greece.

Temperatures soared to almost 47 degrees Celcius in southern Italy on Wednesday (July 19) as factory workers threatened to go on strike over the extreme heat. Heat records were broken in coastal waters around Spain even as wildfires continued to rage in Greece. In Italy's Sicily, where a record temperature of 48.8C was registered in August 2021, the mercury soared to 47C in the area between Sciacca, in Agrigento province, and Mazara del Vallo, in the province of Trapani, as per the data from ilMeteo.it. Temperatures in Sardinia soared to 46C while in Rome, where people faced energy blackouts on Tuesday because of the pressure on the grid due to the air conditioners, it peaked at 38C. ALSO READ | Millions battle record heatwaves as temperatures dangerously soar in US, Europe “This is apocalyptic,” stated Claudia Bivona, who works as a teacher in Trapani, while speaking to The Guardian. “Something we had never experienced before. And it will get worse and worse. I’m thinking of the elderly and also of animals. What is happening is not normal," she added. Nuccia Orlando, who has been working at a hospital as a nurse in the Sicilian province of Caltanissetta, stated, “We are melting. This heat is absurd. My car’s thermometer registered 52C inside the vehicle today. Of course, I had left it in the sun. But still, we are talking about 52C.” Information line to be activated for deaths occurring due to heat Italy’s Health Minister Orazio Schillaci stated that they will activate information line concerns about deaths that are occurring from heat-related illnesses. A man, who was in his 60s, lost his life in a heat-related illness after he fainted in his bakery near the northern city of Padua, and last week, a 44-year-old road worker died in Milan. “You can protect yourself against the heat in a major way by drinking lots of water, opting for a diet based on vegetables and fresh fruit and avoiding excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcohol,” said Schillaci. “Special attention should be paid to the most fragile, elderly and children," he added. Stellantis, the carmaker, stated that the situation in the Pomigliano d’Arco plant near Naples was monitored by them after workers were freed early on Tuesday because of too much heat. Workers employed by battery maker Magneti Marelli said that they will hold an eight-hour strike at a plant in Sulmona, in the central Abruzzo region. The unions issued a statement saying that the “asphyxiating heat is putting the lives of workers at risk”. WATCH | Gravitas: Floods and heatwaves grip the globe The CGIL union stated that temperatures were nearing 40C in factories in the southern region of Basilicata. “The arrival of the heat is a serious problem for workers because it puts their health and safety at risk. After the Stellantis case we are getting many signals from several factories across the region. For this reason we ask workers to turn to their unions if health and safety guarantees are not being met," it said. Concern has been expressed by the unions for agricultural workers, many of whom are seasonal workers who work outside the EU, as well as construction workers. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Extreme heat roils Europe: Workers warn of strike in Italy and stoppages in Greece

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<p>Weeks after a British tourist was caught defacing the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, another tourist has dared to repeat the same mistake. The Italian police have launched an investigation following the surfacing of a video where a teenage girl from Switzerland can be seen carving the letter "N" into a wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl was captured carving her calligraphy skills by a tourist guide who immediately called security at the site. David Battaglino, the tour guide said he had been showing a group around when someone directed his attention to the girl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After a few seconds, my group applauded me. To her, in English, I said, ‘Do you want applause?’ The young girl understood that she had ended up in the crosshairs of those who protect art and turned away to go toward her family," Battaglino told the Italian newspaper La Republica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, Battaglino approached the girl's parents about what their daughter had done. However, the parents told him: "She's just a little girl, she wasn't doing anything wrong."</p>

<p>The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media with users questioning the girl and her actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Second person caught defacing the Colosseum in only a matter of a few weeks. What is wrong with people!" said one netizen, while another added, "I don’t think she should go to prison. But she should have a fine and also Community service."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Nuovo sfregio al Colosseo, una turista svizzera incide le sue iniziali: rischia il carcere e una maximulta. E' stata filmata da una guida e denunciata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/LwYpfzyrdK">https://t.co/LwYpfzyrdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZptKpOD1Db">pic.twitter.com/ZptKpOD1Db</a></p>
— Agenzia ANSA (@Agenzia_Ansa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Agenzia_Ansa/status/1680263219594625026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A CNN report claimed that a day after the incident, a 17-year-old student from Germany was also caught doing something similar. Both teenagers risk a fine of up to €15,000 ($16,850) and up to five years in jail.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-activists-turn-romes-iconic-trevi-fountain-black-594984"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Man defaces Colosseum</strong></h2>

<p>This is the same punishment that a tourist from Britain potentially faces after he became the subject of international ridicule. 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov was caught carving his and his girlfriend's name on one of the walls of the monument.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourist-claims-to-not-realise-colosseum-is-2000-year-old-after-carving-names-on-its-walls-612603" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says he didn't realise it was 2,000-years-old</strong></a></p>

<p>After being caught, Dimitrov said he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument. In a letter addressed to the Italian authorities, Dimitrov said only now did he realise “the seriousness of the deed committed”.</p>

<p>“Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Weeks after a British tourist was caught defacing the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, another tourist has dared to repeat the same mistake. The Italian police have launched an investigation following the surfacing of a video where a teenage girl from Switzerland can be seen carving the letter "N" into a wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.

Weeks after a British tourist was caught defacing the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, another tourist has dared to repeat the same mistake. The Italian police have launched an investigation following the surfacing of a video where a teenage girl from Switzerland can be seen carving the letter "N" into a wall of the 2,000-year-old monument. The girl was captured carving her calligraphy skills by a tourist guide who immediately called security at the site. David Battaglino, the tour guide said he had been showing a group around when someone directed his attention to the girl. "After a few seconds, my group applauded me. To her, in English, I said, ‘Do you want applause?’ The young girl understood that she had ended up in the crosshairs of those who protect art and turned away to go toward her family," Battaglino told the Italian newspaper La Republica. After the incident, Battaglino approached the girl's parents about what their daughter had done. However, the parents told him: "She's just a little girl, she wasn't doing anything wrong." The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media with users questioning the girl and her actions. "Second person caught defacing the Colosseum in only a matter of a few weeks. What is wrong with people!" said one netizen, while another added, "I don’t think she should go to prison. But she should have a fine and also Community service." Nuovo sfregio al Colosseo, una turista svizzera incide le sue iniziali: rischia il carcere e una maximulta. E' stata filmata da una guida e denunciata #ANSA https://t.co/LwYpfzyrdK pic.twitter.com/ZptKpOD1Db — Agenzia ANSA (@Agenzia_Ansa) July 15, 2023 × A CNN report claimed that a day after the incident, a 17-year-old student from Germany was also caught doing something similar. Both teenagers risk a fine of up to €15,000 ($16,850) and up to five years in jail. WATCH | Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black × Man defaces Colosseum This is the same punishment that a tourist from Britain potentially faces after he became the subject of international ridicule. 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov was caught carving his and his girlfriend's name on one of the walls of the monument. Also read | Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says he didn't realise it was 2,000-years-old After being caught, Dimitrov said he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument. In a letter addressed to the Italian authorities, Dimitrov said only now did he realise “the seriousness of the deed committed”. “Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Video: Swiss teen caught vandalising Colosseum, weeks after British tourist did the same

After air transport unions carried out a scheduled work stoppage two days after a train strike that crippled rail operations, hundreds of flights across Italy were cancelled on Saturday, forcing travellers during the height of the tourist season to seek alternative plans.

Italy: Air transport unions go on a strike, hundreds of flights cancelled

<p>Strikes&nbsp;by airport and airline staff grounded hundreds of flights and left&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of travellers stranded in Europe on Saturday at the height of the busy summer tourism season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In&nbsp;Italy, some 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled as a result of the strike by ground crew, according to airport and airline authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-air-strike-on-kyiv-ahead-of-nato-summit-614156">Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit</a></strong></p>

<p>Another 120 flights due to depart and arrive from Belgium's Charleroi airport were cancelled Saturday and Sunday, triggered by a walkout of budget carrier Ryanair pilots over working conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italy's strike alone left some 250,000 travellers stranded in one of the world's top tourist spots.</p>

<p>It comes amid a record heatwave, billed by the national weather service as "one of the most intense of all time", that would bring temperatures of at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) to Rome and 48C to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.</p>

<p>The strike by ground crew, who are demanding a new collective contract six years after the previous one expired, was due to last from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) to 6:00 pm (1600 GMT).</p>

<p>The airport in Rome saw some 200 flights cancelled, authorities said.</p>

<p>Flights by Malta Air, which handles transfers for popular budget carriers Ryanair, Vueling and Ita Airways, were also affected after pilots joined the walkout.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ancient-white-marble-head-possible-of-aphrodite-unearthed-in-italys-rome-613357"><strong>Ancient white marble head, possibly of Aphrodite, unearthed in Italy's Rome</strong></a></p>

<p>Milan's airports saw some 150 flight cancellations, while dozens of others were grounded in Turin and Palermo.</p>

<p>Transport Minister Matteo Salvini called the strikers to exercise "common sense" so as "not to harm millions of other workers and&nbsp;<strong>tourists</strong>".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE :&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Strikes by airport and airline staff grounded hundreds of flights and left thousands of travellers stranded in Europe on Saturday at the height of the busy summer tourism season.

Strikes by airport and airline staff grounded hundreds of flights and left thousands of travellers stranded in Europe on Saturday at the height of the busy summer tourism season. In Italy, some 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled as a result of the strike by ground crew, according to airport and airline authorities. Also read | Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit Another 120 flights due to depart and arrive from Belgium's Charleroi airport were cancelled Saturday and Sunday, triggered by a walkout of budget carrier Ryanair pilots over working conditions. Italy's strike alone left some 250,000 travellers stranded in one of the world's top tourist spots. It comes amid a record heatwave, billed by the national weather service as "one of the most intense of all time", that would bring temperatures of at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) to Rome and 48C to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The strike by ground crew, who are demanding a new collective contract six years after the previous one expired, was due to last from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) to 6:00 pm (1600 GMT). The airport in Rome saw some 200 flights cancelled, authorities said. Flights by Malta Air, which handles transfers for popular budget carriers Ryanair, Vueling and Ita Airways, were also affected after pilots joined the walkout. Also read | Ancient white marble head, possibly of Aphrodite, unearthed in Italy's Rome Milan's airports saw some 150 flight cancellations, while dozens of others were grounded in Turin and Palermo. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini called the strikers to exercise "common sense" so as "not to harm millions of other workers and tourists". WATCH WION LIVE HERE :

Strikes strand thousands of tourists in Italy, Belgium

<p>A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the deal about?</strong></h2>

<p>The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisian-president-calls-for-expulsion-of-migrants-as-wave-of-crackdowns-on-dissents-continues-565946">accused</a> illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography.</p>

<p>This has led many to leave Tunisia via the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-willfully-ignoring-deaths-of-nearly-300-children-this-year-trying-to-cross-mediterranean-un-615785">dangerous Mediterranean Sea route</a> to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-rutte-longest-serving-pm-of-netherlands-calls-it-quits-after-govt-collapse-613875">quit</a>&nbsp;after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rights groups urge support for migrants</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-mulls-new-cemeteries-as-hundreds-of-dead-refugees-wash-up-on-coast-587777">hundreds</a> were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.

A report by the Guardian, on Friday (July 14) said that the European Commission president will return to Tunisia, over the weekend with the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands to sign a $1.12 billion (1 billion euro) deal. What is the deal about? The billion euro package was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the Europe Union for the North African nation. The British media report citing sources also said that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed, on Sunday, with von der Leyen accompanying Italian and Dutch PMs Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte to Tunisia. The so-called “macro-financial assistance” package was announced last month, with $1 billion (900 million euros) directed towards helping Tunisia’s economy. The rest will be divided into a reform agenda set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a partnership with Tunisia to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and the continuing tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea. This comes weeks after Tunisian President Kais Saied rejected the package and said that Tunis will not be the EU’s “border guard”. The country has witnessed a spike in racially motivated attacks after Saied accused illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan African countries of bringing violence and alleging a “criminal plot” to change the country’s demography. This has led many to leave Tunisia via the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route to reach Europe. Several countries in the EU, particularly Italy, have been looking to reduce the increasing number of migrants fleeing Africa with most of the departures to Rome being from Tunisia. In the Netherlands, tensions ran high as Rutte, longest serving Dutch PM, quit after failing to secure a package of measures to rein in migration. Additionally, several members of the EU parliament have voiced opposition and concerns about giving Tunisia 1 billion euros over its breakdown of democracy under President Saied and the 27-nation bloc being complicit as it happens. Rights groups urge support for migrants On Friday, Tunisian rights groups sounded alarm over the deteriorating situation in the country’s port of Sfax with hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of Tunisia’s second-largest city. Sfax is a departure point for migrants making their way to Europe but due to the unrest there, hundreds were forcibly taken to the desert bordering Libya and Algeria. Around 100 and 150 migrants including women and children are stuck on the border with Libya, said Romdane Ben Amor of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), on Friday. Some 165 migrants were abandoned near the border with Algeria and were later picked up without any specifications of by whom or where they were taken, he added. Amor said that migrants need to be provided with emergency accommodation after the bodies of two migrants were found and fear of finding more, in the upcoming days. Naila Zoghlami, head of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, said Saied’s remarks have given people “green light to do what they liked to migrants,” adding that women from sub-Saharan African countries told her organisation that they had been raped by Tunisians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU to give Tunisia over $1 billion to combat trafficking, support economy: Report

Many young people in Italy are expressing outrage on social media after a judge cleared a school caretaker of groping a teenage. Reason? It did not last long enough. Watch this video to know more.

Here's why Italians are sharing unsettling videos over the 10-second groping rule

A sexual assaulter was acquitted of all charges after a judge said he was 'just lingering'. The Italian Court said it wasn't a crime since he touched the teenager for less than ten seconds. Has the Italian justice system gone rogue? Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Italy dismisses sexual assaulter with its 'ten-second rule'

<p>People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The teenager claimed the man told her, "love, you know I was joking" when she turned around in shock. The accused was later identified as&nbsp;66-year-old Antonio Avola who was reported to the police.</p>

<p>"He groped my bottom. Then, he pulled me up - hurting my private parts. For me, this is not a joke. This is not how an old man should 'joke' with a teenager," the student told&nbsp;Corriere della Sera newspaper.</p>

<p>Avola admitted groping the student but maintained&nbsp;it was a joke, according to a BBC report. While the prosecutors asked for a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Avola, the judge acquitted the caretaker of sexual&nbsp;assault charges.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-ban-recording-upskirting-non-consensual-sexual-videos-trending-on-wion-588258"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Japan to ban recording upskirting &amp; non-consensual sexual videos</strong></a></p>

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<p>According to Italian media reports, the judge determined that the groping did not amount to a crime "because it lasted less than 10 seconds".</p>

<p>"The judge&nbsp;ruled that he was joking? Well, it was no joke to me," the teenager said after the judgement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That handful of seconds was more than enough for the caretaker to make me feel his hands on me," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl says she feels doubly betrayed - by her school and the justice system after the ruling.</p>

<p>"I'm starting to think I was wrong to trust the institutions. This is not justice."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-landlord-arrested-for-secretly-installing-camera-in-women-tenants-room-614779"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Landlord arrested for secretly installing camera in women tenants' room</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Social media galvanises&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling has incensed the public with many taking to social media platforms to protest. <em>Palpata breve</em> - a brief groping has become a top trend&nbsp;on Instagram and TikTok with the hashtag&nbsp;&nbsp;#10secondi, where users are posting videos to highlight how long 10 seconds feel when groped.</p>

<p>In the videos, the influencers and activists can be seen holding their private parts. with a dead expression for 10 seconds. The uncomfortable videos showcase how vulnerable the victims of sexual assault feel during those brief seconds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Who decides that 10 seconds is not a long time? Who times the seconds, while you're being harassed?" said one of the netizens, while another added,&nbsp;"Men don't have the right to touch women's bodies, not even for a second - let alone 5 or 10".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear.

People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear. The teenager claimed the man told her, "love, you know I was joking" when she turned around in shock. The accused was later identified as 66-year-old Antonio Avola who was reported to the police. "He groped my bottom. Then, he pulled me up - hurting my private parts. For me, this is not a joke. This is not how an old man should 'joke' with a teenager," the student told Corriere della Sera newspaper. Avola admitted groping the student but maintained it was a joke, according to a BBC report. While the prosecutors asked for a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Avola, the judge acquitted the caretaker of sexual assault charges. WATCH | Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos × According to Italian media reports, the judge determined that the groping did not amount to a crime "because it lasted less than 10 seconds". "The judge ruled that he was joking? Well, it was no joke to me," the teenager said after the judgement. "That handful of seconds was more than enough for the caretaker to make me feel his hands on me," she added. The girl says she feels doubly betrayed - by her school and the justice system after the ruling. "I'm starting to think I was wrong to trust the institutions. This is not justice." Also read | India: Landlord arrested for secretly installing camera in women tenants' room Social media galvanises The ruling has incensed the public with many taking to social media platforms to protest. Palpata breve - a brief groping has become a top trend on Instagram and TikTok with the hashtag #10secondi, where users are posting videos to highlight how long 10 seconds feel when groped. In the videos, the influencers and activists can be seen holding their private parts. with a dead expression for 10 seconds. The uncomfortable videos showcase how vulnerable the victims of sexual assault feel during those brief seconds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camilla Pagliarosi (@heycamilli) × "Who decides that 10 seconds is not a long time? Who times the seconds, while you're being harassed?" said one of the netizens, while another added, "Men don't have the right to touch women's bodies, not even for a second - let alone 5 or 10". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Who decides that?': Italians in uproar over judge's '10-second' groping rule

Italian social media users are expressing outrage after judges said groping had to last 10 seconds to be considered sexual assault. How long does a grope have to last before it is considered sexual assault? More than 10 seconds, according to an Italian courtroom.

Italian uproar over judge's 10-second groping rule

Now here's a question - Does less than 10 seconds of sexual harassment not qualify as sexual assault crime? Many are outraged across the globe after an Italian judge cleared a school caretaker of sexual assault charges on the grounds that groping didn't last long enough.

Italy judge's groping rule creates outrage, 'groping for less than 10 secs doesn't constitute crime'

Italy is reeling under surging temperatures and heatwave conditions. But this could be just the beginning. As per reports, temperatures in Italy could get close to breaking a European record this week. The record for the highest temperature in European history was broken on the 11 of august 2021. An Italian town logged a high of 48.8 degrees Celsius. The ongoing heatwave is expected to last for about two weeks in central and southern parts of Italy.

Italy heatwave could come close to breaking European temperature records

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Turkey agrees to support Sweden's NATO bid, France's Macron and Italy's Meloni in Vilnius ahead of summit, US and Kyiv suspect Wagner nearing Nuclear base, Knesset gives initial nod to controversial judicial bill.

Turkey agrees to support Sweden's NATO bid | NATO Summit 2023 | WION Speed News

Italy is crippled under the effects of a severe heatwave. On Sunday, temperatures reached as high as 36 degrees celsius in Rome. According to the Italian ministry of health, the weather in the capital and in eight other cities along the peninsula has reached an orange alert level, which is the third stage on a scale of four.

Italy suffers excruciating heatwave amidst tourist influx

<p>An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era&nbsp;has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome.&nbsp;Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“#Roma continues to return precious evidence of its past: a splendid intact marble head was found during the works in Piazza Augusto Imperatore attended by the @Sovrintendenza," tweeted&nbsp;Gualtieri while posting a picture of the mud-covered head.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Roma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Roma</a> continua a restituire preziose testimonianze del suo passato: una splendida testa in marmo integra è stata ritrovata durante i lavori a Piazza Augusto Imperatore curati dalla <a href="https://twitter.com/Sovrintendenza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sovrintendenza</a>. Archeologi e restauratori sono impegnati nella pulitura e nello studio del reperto <a href="https://t.co/9EAYIj4pRb">pic.twitter.com/9EAYIj4pRb</a></p>
— Roberto Gualtieri (@gualtierieurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/gualtierieurope/status/1676926327398580230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Marble head, part of a female divinity: Experts</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, the marble piece is believed to be part of a statue of a female divinity, perhaps Aphrodite due to its&nbsp;natural dimensions. The head is carved in Greek marble and displays elegant workmanship. The hair on the marble head is seemingly gathered at the back thanks to a "taenia", a ribbon knotted on the top of the head.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Sovrintendenza Capitolina (Capitoline Superintendence), responsible for managing, maintaining and enhancing the capital's&nbsp;historic and archaeological heritage, the marble head was&nbsp;discovered during the redevelopment work of the "Mausoleum of Augustus and Piazza Augusto Imperatore" on the eastern side.</p>

<p>The Mausoleum of Augustus is a tomb built by&nbsp;Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC following his victory at the Battle of Actium. The structure is circular in plan and measures 90 metres in diameter by 42 metres in height, originally capped by a conical roof with a huge bronze statue of Augustus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The find was found in the foundation of a late antique wall but is preserved intact; reused as building material it lay face down, protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests," read a statement released.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/miniature-pompeii-ancient-roman-building-found-in-abandoned-cinema-hall-in-italy-391660"><strong>Also read | 'Miniature Pompeii': Ancient Roman building found in abandoned cinema hall in Italy</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Reusing sculptures - an old tradition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The workers found the head lying face down and protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests.</p>

<p>Notably, reusing the sculptures, even of significant value was a common practice in the late Middle Ages which allowed, as in this case, "the successful preservation of important works of art".</p>

<p>"The head is currently entrusted to restorers for cleaning, and to archaeologists for correct identification and an initial dating proposal, which appears to be anchored in the Augustan era,” concluded the Superintendent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored.

An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored. “#Roma continues to return precious evidence of its past: a splendid intact marble head was found during the works in Piazza Augusto Imperatore attended by the @Sovrintendenza," tweeted Gualtieri while posting a picture of the mud-covered head. #Roma continua a restituire preziose testimonianze del suo passato: una splendida testa in marmo integra è stata ritrovata durante i lavori a Piazza Augusto Imperatore curati dalla @Sovrintendenza. Archeologi e restauratori sono impegnati nella pulitura e nello studio del reperto pic.twitter.com/9EAYIj4pRb — Roberto Gualtieri (@gualtierieurope) July 6, 2023 × Marble head, part of a female divinity: Experts According to experts, the marble piece is believed to be part of a statue of a female divinity, perhaps Aphrodite due to its natural dimensions. The head is carved in Greek marble and displays elegant workmanship. The hair on the marble head is seemingly gathered at the back thanks to a "taenia", a ribbon knotted on the top of the head. According to the Sovrintendenza Capitolina (Capitoline Superintendence), responsible for managing, maintaining and enhancing the capital's historic and archaeological heritage, the marble head was discovered during the redevelopment work of the "Mausoleum of Augustus and Piazza Augusto Imperatore" on the eastern side. The Mausoleum of Augustus is a tomb built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC following his victory at the Battle of Actium. The structure is circular in plan and measures 90 metres in diameter by 42 metres in height, originally capped by a conical roof with a huge bronze statue of Augustus. "The find was found in the foundation of a late antique wall but is preserved intact; reused as building material it lay face down, protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests," read a statement released. Also read | 'Miniature Pompeii': Ancient Roman building found in abandoned cinema hall in Italy Reusing sculptures - an old tradition The workers found the head lying face down and protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests. Notably, reusing the sculptures, even of significant value was a common practice in the late Middle Ages which allowed, as in this case, "the successful preservation of important works of art". "The head is currently entrusted to restorers for cleaning, and to archaeologists for correct identification and an initial dating proposal, which appears to be anchored in the Augustan era,” concluded the Superintendent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ancient white marble head, possibly of Aphrodite, unearthed in Italy's Rome

<p>In the early hours of Friday, a devastating fire engulfed a retirement home in Milan, Italy, claiming the lives of six people, according to emergency responders, reported DW.</p>

<p>Italian news agency ANSA reported that 81 people were rushed to the hospital in the aftermath of the fire.</p>

<p>Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala addressed the media, stating that while firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames, the residents were tragically intoxicated by the fumes.</p>

<p>The fire brigade, noting the severity of the situation, declared, "Six people killed, numerous suffering from smoke inhalation hospitalised. Dozens of people saved by firefighters who immediately evacuated the building."</p>

<p>Reports from the AGI news agency revealed that five of the victims were women aged between 69 and 87, while the sixth was a 73-year-old man.</p>

<p>Luca Cari, spokesperson for the national firefighters' service, informed Reuters that three of the hospitalised individuals are in critical condition.</p>

<p><em><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></em></p>

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<h2><strong>What caused the fire?</strong></h2>

<p>As investigations continue, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Mayor Sala told DW&nbsp;that it appeared to have originated in a single room, claiming the lives of two residents in the blaze.</p>

<p>He emphasised that the tragedy could have been even more catastrophic, stating, "The fire did not spread, not even to the neighbouring rooms, but the smoke is just as deadly, and the four other victims died of smoke inhalation."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pantheon-to-start-charging-entry-fee-from-monday-said-tourism-minister-611786">Italy: Pantheon to start charging entry fee from Monday, says tourism ministry</a></p>

<p>Milan's fire chief, Nicola Micele, reported that four teams of firefighters promptly arrived at the scene after staff members raised the alarm upon spotting the smoke. Micele told broadcaster Rai News that the evacuation process was particularly challenging due to the heavy smoke and the presence of residents who were unable to walk.</p>

<p>The fire incident occurred at a privately-run retirement home known as "Casa per Coniugi," which reportedly provides accommodations for individuals who require assistance but do not require hospitalisation.</p>

<p>This tragic event serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for continuous vigilance to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals in retirement homes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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In the early hours of Friday, a devastating fire engulfed a retirement home in Milan, Italy, claiming the lives of six people, according to emergency responders, reported DW.

In the early hours of Friday, a devastating fire engulfed a retirement home in Milan, Italy, claiming the lives of six people, according to emergency responders, reported DW. Italian news agency ANSA reported that 81 people were rushed to the hospital in the aftermath of the fire. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala addressed the media, stating that while firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames, the residents were tragically intoxicated by the fumes. The fire brigade, noting the severity of the situation, declared, "Six people killed, numerous suffering from smoke inhalation hospitalised. Dozens of people saved by firefighters who immediately evacuated the building." Reports from the AGI news agency revealed that five of the victims were women aged between 69 and 87, while the sixth was a 73-year-old man. Luca Cari, spokesperson for the national firefighters' service, informed Reuters that three of the hospitalised individuals are in critical condition. Watch the video here: What caused the fire? As investigations continue, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Mayor Sala told DW that it appeared to have originated in a single room, claiming the lives of two residents in the blaze. He emphasised that the tragedy could have been even more catastrophic, stating, "The fire did not spread, not even to the neighbouring rooms, but the smoke is just as deadly, and the four other victims died of smoke inhalation." Also read | Italy: Pantheon to start charging entry fee from Monday, says tourism ministry Milan's fire chief, Nicola Micele, reported that four teams of firefighters promptly arrived at the scene after staff members raised the alarm upon spotting the smoke. Micele told broadcaster Rai News that the evacuation process was particularly challenging due to the heavy smoke and the presence of residents who were unable to walk. The fire incident occurred at a privately-run retirement home known as "Casa per Coniugi," which reportedly provides accommodations for individuals who require assistance but do not require hospitalisation. This tragic event serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for continuous vigilance to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals in retirement homes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italy: Major fire in Milan retirement home kills six, leaves dozens injured

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Six people have died and 81 others have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a room in a retirement home in the Italian city of Milan.

Fire at Milan Retirement Home kills at Least 6

<p>One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting&nbsp;Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.45) as an entrance fee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new charge "won't stop many people coming to visit", French visitor Camille Piallat predicted, as he queued to buy his ticket in the sunshine.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israel-launched-massive-military-operation-in-west-bank-611758">Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?</a></p>

<p>Pantheon, the vast cylindrical temple whose undamaged exterior wall supports a 43.3 metre-high (142 ft) dome, attracts millions of tourists every year, making it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Italy now charging visitors?</strong></h2>

<p>The introduction of the 5 euro entry fee is part of a national initiative to generate more revenues from the country’s cultural assets. The Tourism Ministry has set a goal of allocating 70 per cent of the revenue for covering maintenance and cleaning, while the rest is anticipated to be distributed to the Diocese of Rome. Worshippers during religious services are exempted from paying an entry fee.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>WION Climate Tracker | Wildfire rages in Northern Rome in Italy</strong></p>

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<p>The Pantheon's current form and six-metre-thick walls date from the early part of the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who came to power in AD&nbsp;117. It remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and has a circular skylight at its crown.</p>

<p>The building survived the Barbarian attacks on Rome and was transformed into a Christian church in 609.</p>

<p>"If it's going to stay for another 2000 (years), they need some money," German tourist Karsten Kohler said on Friday, queuing up for one of the last free tickets on offer.</p>

<h2><strong>Pantheon: Must-visit attraction in Rome</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Any tourist, who visits Rome, plans for Pantheon, as it is a must-see attraction in the city. It was a free-of-charge tourist spot before the Tourism Ministry of Italy introduced the entry fee, while other monuments and attractions all charge for entry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to RomeSite, one attraction that people should not skip is the Colosseum, the large amphitheatre that used to have a capacity of 65,000 spectators in Roman times. However, the price for visiting the site can be very high, varying between €35 ($38.15) and €97 ($105.74) for audio guides in multiple languages.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-frenchman-who-fought-in-d-day-normandy-landings-dies-at-100-611766">Last Frenchman who fought during D-Day Normandy landings dies at 100</a></p>

<p>All tourist attractions, except Pantheon, charge a heavy entry fee. St. Peter’s Basilica, also an important attraction in Rome, has an entry fee varying between 39 euro ($42.51) and 49 euro ($53.41).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Caring for art and architecture has long posed a challenge for a country that is responsible for more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other and has long-standing problems of bureaucracy and low public funding.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.

One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.45) as an entrance fee. The new charge "won't stop many people coming to visit", French visitor Camille Piallat predicted, as he queued to buy his ticket in the sunshine. Also Read | Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank? Pantheon, the vast cylindrical temple whose undamaged exterior wall supports a 43.3 metre-high (142 ft) dome, attracts millions of tourists every year, making it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. Why is Italy now charging visitors? The introduction of the 5 euro entry fee is part of a national initiative to generate more revenues from the country’s cultural assets. The Tourism Ministry has set a goal of allocating 70 per cent of the revenue for covering maintenance and cleaning, while the rest is anticipated to be distributed to the Diocese of Rome. Worshippers during religious services are exempted from paying an entry fee. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Wildfire rages in Northern Rome in Italy × The Pantheon's current form and six-metre-thick walls date from the early part of the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who came to power in AD 117. It remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and has a circular skylight at its crown. The building survived the Barbarian attacks on Rome and was transformed into a Christian church in 609. "If it's going to stay for another 2000 (years), they need some money," German tourist Karsten Kohler said on Friday, queuing up for one of the last free tickets on offer. Pantheon: Must-visit attraction in Rome Any tourist, who visits Rome, plans for Pantheon, as it is a must-see attraction in the city. It was a free-of-charge tourist spot before the Tourism Ministry of Italy introduced the entry fee, while other monuments and attractions all charge for entry. According to RomeSite, one attraction that people should not skip is the Colosseum, the large amphitheatre that used to have a capacity of 65,000 spectators in Roman times. However, the price for visiting the site can be very high, varying between €35 ($38.15) and €97 ($105.74) for audio guides in multiple languages. Also Read | Last Frenchman who fought during D-Day Normandy landings dies at 100 All tourist attractions, except Pantheon, charge a heavy entry fee. St. Peter’s Basilica, also an important attraction in Rome, has an entry fee varying between 39 euro ($42.51) and 49 euro ($53.41). Caring for art and architecture has long posed a challenge for a country that is responsible for more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other and has long-standing problems of bureaucracy and low public funding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy: Pantheon to start charging entry fee from Monday, says tourism ministry

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<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is chalking up a deal with Italy to stem the flow of migrants&nbsp;crossing the Mediterranean and return them to North Africa, according to a report in The Telegraph.</p>

<p>Sunak dispatched Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, the UK's most senior civil servant, to Italy in mid-June for two days of meeting with top government officials to hammer out the deal.</p>

<p>"The Cabinet Secretary was in Rome meeting senior-level Italian officials and ministers to discuss how we can cooperate more closely on tackling illegal migration. This is a key priority for the Prime Minister and the British people so it is right that we work hand-in-glove with our international partners,"&nbsp;a government source was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we are going to be successful in tackling illegal migration, we have got to deal with the issue at source as well as focus on small boats," added the source.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, the two European nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the illegal migration crisis under the "Strategic Migration Partnership".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-announces-law-to-stop-illegal-immigrants-569817"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>We will detain you: Sunak to illegal migrants</strong></h2>

<p>At the start of the year, Sunak, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023 - of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. Afterwards, Home Secretary Suella Braverman tabled the Illegal Migration Bill before the House of Commons. At the time, Sunak issued an ultimatum to illegal migrants crossing the English Channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a month later, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit as he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The Rwanda plan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" under which immigrants arriving in the UK through "illegal" means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum.</p>

<p>However, the proposal has been entangled in legal troubles&nbsp;ever since its inception. Earlier this week, a three-judge panel at the Court of Appeal blocked the plan saying there was a real risk asylum seekers relocated to Rwanda would be wrongly returned to their home countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the judgement, Sunak put up a brave face and said he was "positive" about the prospect of overturning the judgement. Despite Sunak's optimism, the decision came as a blow to his party's plan to tackle the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is chalking up a deal with Italy to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and return them to North Africa, according to a report in The Telegraph.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is chalking up a deal with Italy to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and return them to North Africa, according to a report in The Telegraph. Sunak dispatched Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, the UK's most senior civil servant, to Italy in mid-June for two days of meeting with top government officials to hammer out the deal. "The Cabinet Secretary was in Rome meeting senior-level Italian officials and ministers to discuss how we can cooperate more closely on tackling illegal migration. This is a key priority for the Prime Minister and the British people so it is right that we work hand-in-glove with our international partners," a government source was quoted as saying by the publication. “If we are going to be successful in tackling illegal migration, we have got to deal with the issue at source as well as focus on small boats," added the source. In April, the two European nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the illegal migration crisis under the "Strategic Migration Partnership". WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants × We will detain you: Sunak to illegal migrants At the start of the year, Sunak, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023 - of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. Afterwards, Home Secretary Suella Braverman tabled the Illegal Migration Bill before the House of Commons. At the time, Sunak issued an ultimatum to illegal migrants crossing the English Channel. "Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," said Sunak. However, a month later, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit as he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections. Also read | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants The Rwanda plan Former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" under which immigrants arriving in the UK through "illegal" means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum. However, the proposal has been entangled in legal troubles ever since its inception. Earlier this week, a three-judge panel at the Court of Appeal blocked the plan saying there was a real risk asylum seekers relocated to Rwanda would be wrongly returned to their home countries. After the judgement, Sunak put up a brave face and said he was "positive" about the prospect of overturning the judgement. Despite Sunak's optimism, the decision came as a blow to his party's plan to tackle the issue. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sunak chalking up deal with Italy to keep out migrants crossing the Mediterranean

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidPipdArwUt6xe" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Italian authorities have identified&nbsp;a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last&nbsp;week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the police have not named the suspect, the inscription by the suspect read “Ivan + Hayley 23”, which provides a solid clue as to what the name could be. Italian media reports claimed that Ivan lives in Bristol and the police will be sending a note to his address, informing him that he is under investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police spent the last four days sifting through photos and surveillance footage at the Colosseum - one of the seven wonders of the world. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least €15,000 (£12,900) and a prison term of up to five years.</p>

<p>Commenting on the identification of the culprit, Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, thanked the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history. Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.”</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Sangiuliano had called defacing the Colosseum, a 'sign of great incivility'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ivanhaley-23-outrage-after-tourist-captured-carving-name-of-girlfriend-into-romes-colosseum-609017" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Ivan+Haley 23: Outrage after tourist captured carving name of girlfriend into Rome’s Colosseum</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Video goes viral</strong></h2>

<p>The video titled "A**hole tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome" went viral on social media platforms and showed Ivan using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre.</p>

<p>“Are you serious, man? That is f**ked up, man. Stupid a**hole,” one person was heard questioning Ivan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-stoltenberg-to-stay-uk-defence-minister-danish-pm-quit-race-russia-ukraine-war-610345"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;NATO Chief Stoltenberg to stay, UK Defence Minister &amp; Danish PM quit race | Russia-Ukraine war</strong></a></p>

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<p>The netizens were furious at the man for desecrating the monument.&nbsp;When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest.</p>

<p>“They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. Meanwhile, another called out the girl who did not object to Ivan writing her name.</p>

<p>“The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. <a href="https://t.co/p8Jss1GWuY">pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY</a></p>
— Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/g_sangiuliano/status/1673318742057525248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, this is not the first time when the Colosseum has been defaced by tourists. In 2020, a 32-year-old man from Ireland was caught using a metal point to carve his initials into a pillar of the monument. A month later, a teenager was caught doing the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Italian authorities have identified a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.

The Italian authorities have identified a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument. Although the police have not named the suspect, the inscription by the suspect read “Ivan + Hayley 23”, which provides a solid clue as to what the name could be. Italian media reports claimed that Ivan lives in Bristol and the police will be sending a note to his address, informing him that he is under investigation. The police spent the last four days sifting through photos and surveillance footage at the Colosseum - one of the seven wonders of the world. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least €15,000 (£12,900) and a prison term of up to five years. Commenting on the identification of the culprit, Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, thanked the police. “It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history. Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.” Earlier, Sangiuliano had called defacing the Colosseum, a 'sign of great incivility'. “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée." Also read | Ivan+Haley 23: Outrage after tourist captured carving name of girlfriend into Rome’s Colosseum Video goes viral The video titled "A**hole tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome" went viral on social media platforms and showed Ivan using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre. “Are you serious, man? That is f**ked up, man. Stupid a**hole,” one person was heard questioning Ivan. WATCH | NATO Chief Stoltenberg to stay, UK Defence Minister & Danish PM quit race | Russia-Ukraine war × The netizens were furious at the man for desecrating the monument. When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest. “They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. Meanwhile, another called out the girl who did not object to Ivan writing her name. “The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster. Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY — Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) June 26, 2023 × Notably, this is not the first time when the Colosseum has been defaced by tourists. In 2020, a 32-year-old man from Ireland was caught using a metal point to carve his initials into a pillar of the monument. A month later, a teenager was caught doing the same. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

It's a Brit: Colosseum vandaliser identified by Italian police, could face 5 years in jail

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