<p>The United States has been reeling from the issue of gun violence, and as the threat continues to grow, another bizarre incident has taken place in California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-year-old accidentally killed a one-year-old sibling on Monday (July 17) in the Fallbrook area after getting hold of an unsecured handgun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing local authorities, local reports mentioned that the toddler accidentally shot the infant. Identities of kids have not been revealed by authorities out of respect for the family.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-faces-life-sentence-for-killing-three-teens-who-pranked-him-616971">Indian-origin man faces life sentence for killing three teens who pranked him</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Lt Joseph Jarjura of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said that the deputies got a call at 7:30 am (local time) regarding a shooting in the 1100 block of S Stagecoach Lane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities said that when law enforcement arrived on the scene, they confirmed that a three-year-old got hold of an unsecured gun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also found a one-year-old girl with a head injury, who was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died due to her injuries despite lifesaving efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-columbia-seeks-military-help-and-foreign-countries-amid-record-wildfires-616946">British Columbia seeks help of military, foreign countries to tackle record wildfires</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted by FOX 5, Jarjura said, "The Sheriff's Department extends our sympathies to the family and those affected by this death. Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of the death."&nbsp;</p>

<p>SDSO said that the investigation is still ongoing because there are no unidentified suspects or threats to the community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An autopsy will be performed to determine the circumstances behind the one-year-old's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The United States has been reeling from the issue of gun violence, and as the threat continues to grow, another bizarre incident has taken place in California. A three-year-old accidentally killed a one-year-old sibling on Monday (July 17) in the Fallbrook area after getting hold of an unsecured handgun.

The United States has been reeling from the issue of gun violence, and as the threat continues to grow, another bizarre incident has taken place in California. A three-year-old accidentally killed a one-year-old sibling on Monday (July 17) in the Fallbrook area after getting hold of an unsecured handgun. Citing local authorities, local reports mentioned that the toddler accidentally shot the infant. Identities of kids have not been revealed by authorities out of respect for the family. Also read: Indian-origin man faces life sentence for killing three teens who pranked him Lt Joseph Jarjura of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said that the deputies got a call at 7:30 am (local time) regarding a shooting in the 1100 block of S Stagecoach Lane. The authorities said that when law enforcement arrived on the scene, they confirmed that a three-year-old got hold of an unsecured gun. They also found a one-year-old girl with a head injury, who was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died due to her injuries despite lifesaving efforts. Also read: British Columbia seeks help of military, foreign countries to tackle record wildfires As quoted by FOX 5, Jarjura said, "The Sheriff's Department extends our sympathies to the family and those affected by this death. Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of the death." SDSO said that the investigation is still ongoing because there are no unidentified suspects or threats to the community. An autopsy will be performed to determine the circumstances behind the one-year-old's death. 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.

US: 3-year-old 'accidentally' kills 1-year-old sibling with a gun in bizarre incident

<p>Record wildfires have forced British Columbia to seek help from the military and foreign countries. Local reports published late Monday quoted the Canadian Armed Forces as saying that the first troops to help in British Columbia's wildfire fight have arrived in the province. They have come with more soldiers, helicopters and a Hercules plane, which is for deployment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This development comes amid reports of the death of a second firefighter in recent days in Canada's wildfires. The British Columbia authorities have requested help from Canadian armed forces and an additional 1,000 international firefighters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports mentioned that blazes have burned 1.2 million hectares of forest in the province so far this year, far above the 10-year average of 76,000 hectares.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Climate change crisis LIVE: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-crisis-live-heatwaves-wreak-havoc-in-europe-key-us-china-climate-talks-begin-616939">Heatwaves wreak havoc in Europe, key US-China climate talks begin</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to the forces, a reconnaissance team is on the ground in Prince George in central BC. The team is working with local authorities, including the BC Wildfire Service.</p>

<p>The province's Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said that the arrival of the personnel and equipment will be welcomed by firefighters and communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also know we can count on the Canadian Armed Forces to be able to assist in terms of a lot of the work that needs to be done," he said as quoted by local reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"While they don't necessarily fight the fires on the front lines, they can provide important work to be able to allow the firefighters to do the work they need to be doing on the ground," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/temperatures-reach-new-highs-world-witnesses-record-breaking-heat-616853">Temperatures reach new highs: World witnesses record-breaking heat</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Typhoon Talim landfall at Zhanjiang on South China Coast</strong></p>

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<p>Farnworth further said that the federal and BC governments, including his ministry, the military and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) are currently developing a deployment plan "in terms of where is the best place and where the need is required".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement issued by the armed forces said that in addition to the reconnaissance team deployed on Sunday, two companies of soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Edmonton will be available "to assist and enable firefighting."</p>

<p>"The first company will likely be deploying to the Burns Lake area, at the Northwest Fire Centre, and the second will likely deploy to Vanderhoof, at the Prince George Fire Centre," the statement noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that the Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft will support firefighting mobility and logistics, as well as emergency evacuations. Two CH-146 Griffon Helicopters from 408 Squadron will be deployed, as will a CC-130J Hercules from 8 Wing Trenton if necessary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Record wildfires have forced British Columbia to seek help from the military and foreign countries. Local reports published late Monday quoted the Canadian Armed Forces as saying that the first troops to help in British Columbia's wildfire fight have arrived in the province.

Record wildfires have forced British Columbia to seek help from the military and foreign countries. Local reports published late Monday quoted the Canadian Armed Forces as saying that the first troops to help in British Columbia's wildfire fight have arrived in the province. They have come with more soldiers, helicopters and a Hercules plane, which is for deployment. This development comes amid reports of the death of a second firefighter in recent days in Canada's wildfires. The British Columbia authorities have requested help from Canadian armed forces and an additional 1,000 international firefighters. Reports mentioned that blazes have burned 1.2 million hectares of forest in the province so far this year, far above the 10-year average of 76,000 hectares. Climate change crisis LIVE: Heatwaves wreak havoc in Europe, key US-China climate talks begin According to the forces, a reconnaissance team is on the ground in Prince George in central BC. The team is working with local authorities, including the BC Wildfire Service. The province's Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said that the arrival of the personnel and equipment will be welcomed by firefighters and communities. "We also know we can count on the Canadian Armed Forces to be able to assist in terms of a lot of the work that needs to be done," he said as quoted by local reports. "While they don't necessarily fight the fires on the front lines, they can provide important work to be able to allow the firefighters to do the work they need to be doing on the ground," he added. Also read: Temperatures reach new highs: World witnesses record-breaking heat Watch: Typhoon Talim landfall at Zhanjiang on South China Coast × Farnworth further said that the federal and BC governments, including his ministry, the military and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) are currently developing a deployment plan "in terms of where is the best place and where the need is required". The statement issued by the armed forces said that in addition to the reconnaissance team deployed on Sunday, two companies of soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Edmonton will be available "to assist and enable firefighting." "The first company will likely be deploying to the Burns Lake area, at the Northwest Fire Centre, and the second will likely deploy to Vanderhoof, at the Prince George Fire Centre," the statement noted. The report mentioned that the Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft will support firefighting mobility and logistics, as well as emergency evacuations. Two CH-146 Griffon Helicopters from 408 Squadron will be deployed, as will a CC-130J Hercules from 8 Wing Trenton if necessary. (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.

Canada: British Columbia seeks help of military, foreign countries to tackle record wildfires

<p>Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in combating ageing and age-related diseases. The study by the researchers from Harvard Medical School and&nbsp;Massachusetts Institute of Technology was published in the journal Aging-US.</p>

<h2><strong>Humanity's attempt to prevent ageing: What is the breakthrough?</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers have introduced&nbsp;a chemical method through a 'single pill' to reprogram body cells, following which the cells effectively return to a younger state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-successfully-delay-ageing-in-cells-to-be-tried-on-humans-soon-315083">Scientists successfully delay ageing in cells; to be tried on humans soon</a></strong></p>

<p>This achievement represents a significant advancement, as previously only gene therapy could achieve similar results.</p>

<p>The researchers reportedly built upon the Nobel Prize-winning discovery in 2012 that certain genes, known as Yamanaka factors, could transform adult cells into pluripotent stem cells which have&nbsp;unlimited capacity to divide, self-renew and differentiate into cells of early primary germ cell layers, namely mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Challenges faced by researchers</strong></h2>

<p>The key challenge was to reverse cellular ageing without triggering cancerous growth.</p>

<p>Lead scientist David A. Sinclair, a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating that while aging could previously only be slowed down, it can now potentially be reversed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A step closer to anti-ageing drugs</strong></p>

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<p>"This new discovery offers the potential to reverse ageing with a single pill, with applications ranging from improving eyesight to effectively treating numerous age-related diseases," Sinclair said.</p>

<p>He noted that this breakthrough eliminates the need for gene therapy, which had limited accessibility.</p>

<p>The implications of this discovery are extensive, offering new possibilities for regenerative medicine and the potential for whole-body rejuvenation.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for humanity?</strong></h2>

<p>By developing a chemical alternative to gene therapy for age reversal, this research has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of ageing, injuries, and age-related diseases, leading to reduced costs and shorter development timelines.</p>

<p>Human clinical trials for the lab's age-reversal gene therapy are now being prepared, following successful efforts to reverse blindness in monkeys in April 2023.</p>

<p>The Harvard team envisions a future where age-related diseases can be effectively treated, injuries can be efficiently repaired, and the dream of whole-body rejuvenation becomes a reality.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in combating ageing and age-related diseases. The study by the researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology was published in the journal Aging-US.

Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in combating ageing and age-related diseases. The study by the researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology was published in the journal Aging-US. Humanity's attempt to prevent ageing: What is the breakthrough? The researchers have introduced a chemical method through a 'single pill' to reprogram body cells, following which the cells effectively return to a younger state. Also read | Scientists successfully delay ageing in cells; to be tried on humans soon This achievement represents a significant advancement, as previously only gene therapy could achieve similar results. The researchers reportedly built upon the Nobel Prize-winning discovery in 2012 that certain genes, known as Yamanaka factors, could transform adult cells into pluripotent stem cells which have unlimited capacity to divide, self-renew and differentiate into cells of early primary germ cell layers, namely mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. Challenges faced by researchers The key challenge was to reverse cellular ageing without triggering cancerous growth. Lead scientist David A. Sinclair, a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating that while aging could previously only be slowed down, it can now potentially be reversed. Also watch | Gravitas: A step closer to anti-ageing drugs × "This new discovery offers the potential to reverse ageing with a single pill, with applications ranging from improving eyesight to effectively treating numerous age-related diseases," Sinclair said. He noted that this breakthrough eliminates the need for gene therapy, which had limited accessibility. The implications of this discovery are extensive, offering new possibilities for regenerative medicine and the potential for whole-body rejuvenation. What does it mean for humanity? By developing a chemical alternative to gene therapy for age reversal, this research has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of ageing, injuries, and age-related diseases, leading to reduced costs and shorter development timelines. Human clinical trials for the lab's age-reversal gene therapy are now being prepared, following successful efforts to reverse blindness in monkeys in April 2023. The Harvard team envisions a future where age-related diseases can be effectively treated, injuries can be efficiently repaired, and the dream of whole-body rejuvenation becomes a reality. 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.

Has humanity defeated ageing? Scientists strike 'single pill' breakthrough

<p>Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who travelled to India illegally via Nepal to be with a man she met on a virtual gaming platform,&nbsp;has been reportedly detained by India's anti-terrorism authorities. The&nbsp;Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh state, where Seema along with her four children&nbsp;has been living with her purported lover Sachin, has launched an investigation into the row.</p>

<p>Reports said that Sachin, his father – Netrapal Singh – and Seema are being interrogated at an undisclosed location in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A team of plain-uniformed police officers visited Seema Haider's residence on Monday&nbsp;to question her on suspicions of being an ISI agent, reports said. Haider is reportedly being questioned over the route she took to be in India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Seema Haider PUBG row: Who is she and what happened?</strong></h2>

<p>Seema Haider, a Pakistani citizen, allegedly entered India unlawfully through the Nepal border with the intention of marrying Sachin Meena, an Indian man from Greater Noida in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-seema-haider-the-curious-case-of-woman-in-india-who-is-threatened-by-terrorists-616027">Who is Seema Haider? The curious case of the woman, now in India, who is being threatened by terrorists</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Seema, the two met while playing the online game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).</p>

<p>The local&nbsp;police are currently working to verify the information provided by the couple who crossed the border.<br />
<br />
On July 16, the Noida Police recorded their statements as part of the ongoing investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>Seema Haider has been arrested before</strong></h2>

<p>On July 4, the 30-year-old Pakistani woman was arrested by local authorities for her illegal stay in India. However, she was subsequently released on bail by a court in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'BGMI' the Indian version of PUBG Mobile banned in India?</strong></p>

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<p>Since her release, new details about their cross-border love story have emerged.</p>

<h2><strong>Seema's husband&nbsp;Ghulam&nbsp;appealed her to return</strong></h2>

<p>Ghulam Haider, Seema's husband, has made a public plea for her to come back to him.</p>

<p>In an interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Ghulam expressed his enduring love for Seema, stating that he still loves her and always will.</p>

<p>Ghulam, who currently resides in Saudi Arabia, expressed his concerns about Seema's well-being, especially regarding their children.</p>

<p>According to reports, Ghulam said, "You know how much I love you. Just think about what will happen to our children if anything happens to you there. Who will take care of them? So, please come back for their sake."</p>

<p>He further assured Seema of his unwavering love and expressed how much he misses both her and their children. Ghulam vowed to protect her and start a new life together, assuring that no one would say anything negative about her. He appealed to people not to tarnish Seema's reputation.&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>


Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who travelled to India illegally via Nepal to be with a man she met on a virtual gaming platform, has been reportedly detained by India's anti-terrorism authorities.

Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who travelled to India illegally via Nepal to be with a man she met on a virtual gaming platform, has been reportedly detained by India's anti-terrorism authorities. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh state, where Seema along with her four children has been living with her purported lover Sachin, has launched an investigation into the row. Reports said that Sachin, his father – Netrapal Singh – and Seema are being interrogated at an undisclosed location in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida. A team of plain-uniformed police officers visited Seema Haider's residence on Monday to question her on suspicions of being an ISI agent, reports said. Haider is reportedly being questioned over the route she took to be in India. Seema Haider PUBG row: Who is she and what happened? Seema Haider, a Pakistani citizen, allegedly entered India unlawfully through the Nepal border with the intention of marrying Sachin Meena, an Indian man from Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh state. Also read | Who is Seema Haider? The curious case of the woman, now in India, who is being threatened by terrorists According to Seema, the two met while playing the online game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). The local police are currently working to verify the information provided by the couple who crossed the border. On July 16, the Noida Police recorded their statements as part of the ongoing investigation. Seema Haider has been arrested before On July 4, the 30-year-old Pakistani woman was arrested by local authorities for her illegal stay in India. However, she was subsequently released on bail by a court in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Also watch | 'BGMI' the Indian version of PUBG Mobile banned in India? × Since her release, new details about their cross-border love story have emerged. Seema's husband Ghulam appealed her to return Ghulam Haider, Seema's husband, has made a public plea for her to come back to him. In an interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Ghulam expressed his enduring love for Seema, stating that he still loves her and always will. Ghulam, who currently resides in Saudi Arabia, expressed his concerns about Seema's well-being, especially regarding their children. According to reports, Ghulam said, "You know how much I love you. Just think about what will happen to our children if anything happens to you there. Who will take care of them? So, please come back for their sake." He further assured Seema of his unwavering love and expressed how much he misses both her and their children. Ghulam vowed to protect her and start a new life together, assuring that no one would say anything negative about her. He appealed to people not to tarnish Seema's reputation. 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.

Pak woman who crossed border to be with lover detained by India's anti-terror cops: Reports

<p>India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sunjay Sudhir has termed the India-UAE pact on trading in national currencies —&nbsp;Rupee and Dirham — as a "template" for other countries to go for such an arrangement.</p>

<p>The announcement of the pact comes amid New Delhi's bid to promote the usage of the Indian Rupee for global trade.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modis-uae-visit-brings-home-de-dollarisation-bonanza-to-boost-trade-in-indian-rupee-616032">Indian PM brings home de-dollarisation bonanza with Rupee-Dirham framework</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Sudhir&nbsp;hailed the development as a "paradigm shift on how we make our trade settlements".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mechanism, building upon the preferential tariffs granted under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aims to reduce transaction costs and time, benefiting exporters and importers.</p>

<p>Sudhir explained, "The mechanism will use the existing banking systems... [and] will convert payments into either rupee/Dirham directly without the need for third-country currencies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of United Arab Emirates enabling the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED) for Cross-border Transactions.</p>

<p>This is India’s first-ever LCS and was signed during the visit of PM Modi to the country over the weekend.</p>

<p>The UAE visit was also&nbsp;the fifth by Indian Prime Minister Modi since 2014, reflecting high-level engagement between the two&nbsp;sides.</p>

<p>Ambassador Sudhir also spoke on the establishment of India's premier engineering institute, the Indian Institute of Technology in UAE, and ties in other domains.</p>

<p>Below is the full interview.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: One of the key outcomes of the visit was trading in national currencies of India, UAE-Rupee and Dirham. How significant is it for the two countries?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: Thank you very much for having me on your show. I think the Rupee-Dirham trading arrangement is very relevant and is something that is extremely significant. It actually marks a paradigm shift on how we make our trade settlements. You will recall that when India and the UAE signed&nbsp;Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)&nbsp;last year, in February, that was the first CEPA ever for the UAE and for India, which we had with any country, in this part of the world. Likewise, this kind of trade settlement is also the first time we are doing it with any country in the world actually. And same for the UAE. Equally significant is the MoU on interlinking payments and messaging systems. So, if you recall two very big concrete economic or say FinTech MoU were signed, the second one, I think, was equally significant because that talks about the availability of the Rupay card and the utility of new pay cards in this country. It also talks about interlinking, our UPI and the instant payment system of the UAE and also our instant messaging system, which has recently been developed by RBI.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: How does this mechanism work, if you can simplify it? And how does it help the trade between the two countries?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: So actually, the Rupee-Dirham mechanism takes CEPA a step further. CEPA gave tariffs preference, so from our perspective, it gave 5 per cent&nbsp;tariff preference to all the items covered under CEPA. Now the Rupee-Dirham mechanism will further reduce transaction costs and also transaction time. It will give an added benefit to our exporters and importers. And the way it works is very simple. The mechanism will use - the existing banking systems in the 2 countries. All the exporters and importers now have a choice to pay for the transactions in either the UAE Dirham or Indian Rupees based on their commercial judgment or mutual agreement. This will be converted by financial intermediaries, in today's context, the banks in the two countries, into either rupee/Dirham directly without having the need to use third country currencies. Two kinds of accounts will facilitate this, one is the SNRR account which is the special non-resident rupee account and second is the vostro account. Exchange rates, of course, will be determined by the market. And you know the beauty of this mechanism is that the mechanism actually covers all current account transactions including transactions like oil and also permissible capital account transactions. The money which accrues out of this could also be used for investing in equities, government securities, private securities, so it gives a wide gamut of usage. Also, and it is so simple to operate that the day it was signed, the same day a major gold transaction also happened. An exporter in the UAE actually exported gold to yes bank and federal bank worth 12.84 crore rupees. And as you know, gold and gems and jewelry are the second largest traded item between us. It constitutes about 20 per cent of our entire trade portfolio.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: And usage of payment apps, how will it simplify things for the common man?&nbsp;For large number of Indians in UAE.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: Actually, the second MoU was more of an enabling MoU to work further on developing the technical linkages but the way it will help will be immense because under the under the RuPay tag. What will happen is that anybody traveling from India with an international RuPay card or domestic RuPay card will be able to use his or her credit card. Or anybody here, as you know, there are 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE which is the largest population of Indian nationals in any country in the world. If they have RuPay cards from India, then they can also very easily make the transaction and as far as the UPI is concerned once the UPI gets linked to the instant payment platform of the UAE the ease with which we are all able to pay in India, for example, using BHIM app or Google Pay or Paytm it will be the same seamless ease with which our tourists and the Indian community will be able to make payments so in a way it enhances the ease of ease of living in this country I would say.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: Will we use the Rupee Dirham trading arrangement for trading with other west Asian countries or with Russia?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: As I just mentioned India and the UAE have been pioneers, whether it is CEPA or the Rupee-Dirham payment mechanism, and that has its obvious advantages which I just listed out. Now the thing is that a template is already in place. It is for other countries to decide if they want to go in for a similar arrangement or not. This is entirely their call. But India by the virtue of setting up this mechanism has already conveyed its willingness to go in for more and more such deal.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: Another key announcement was establishment of IIT Delhi campus in UAE, how will it strengthen the educational ties between the 2 countries?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: You know our relations are so multi-dimensional, education is one sub part of it. UAE was actually the first country with which we started discussions on setting up a campus of the IIT last year and on our part, it was the IIT Delhi which took the lead. So, by setting up a campus of IIT D here, we will further increase our education ties and it will be another feather in the cap of India UAE relationship. The IITD campus will also enhance India's educational reputation globally as well as that of IIT Delhi and allow it to expand its international footprint. You know very well that IIT D is something which is a global brand, but so far, a very national kind of presence with this setting up for campus of IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi, the brand will actually be going out and establishing itself in another country. This is also likely to improve IIT Delhi's global rankings due to the presence of international students, international research collaborations and so many other things. Actually, discussions are already on with the big entities like ADNOC on how we can do some research in say the sustainability field in the R&amp;D sphere of oil and gas, renewables and other sphere. So IIT Delhi's presence here being at the cutting edge of R&amp;D will actually also synergize other similar efforts which are already happening in Abu Dhabi, and they are there are scores of them. While it will not be restricted to Indians, it could serve the needs of the larger Indian community in the UAE and this part of the world, and I think that will be a great boon for the Indian diaspora in this part of the world.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: India UAE have ties in other domains as well, from food security to connectivity, and also multilaterally like I2U2, if you can update us of that.</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: Relationship as I said is such a multi-dimensional relationship people to people contact is so strong and connectivity is strong. And today, the air frequencies between India and the UAE is perhaps the largest, which India has with any other country in the world. If you recall last year in February when Prime Minister Modi and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, had a virtual conference and witnessed the signing of CEPA a very key document was signed or unveiled was the vision statement. And the vision statement actually lays out the roadmap for our relationship in different areas whether it's health, education, FinTech, space, defense, food security, and so many other areas. So, there's work happening on all these areas. As far as I2U2 is concerned, you will recall that the first I2U2 leader summit was held virtually in July last year, or two projects were announced at that time involving UAE investment of about $2 billion in setting up food parks and other was about energy Park. After that the first business conclave of I2U2 countries took place in Abu Dhabi in February of this year. So, there's a lot happening in that area. And there's active engagement already taking place between UAE and Gujarat govt for setting up food parks.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: You mentioned space, what kind of collaboration we are looking at in the space front?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: Yes, and we have a history too, because the first micro satellite of the UAE was actually launched by India and ISRO had the credit to do that. And UAE has made significant progress in space research. Today as we speak one of their astronauts is on a six-month long voyage in space. In fact, you might have heard that on the International Day of yoga, one of the messages he sent out from space was about yoga. And he tweeted from the asking people that this my meditative posture, so he asked people everywhere that this is my favorite&nbsp;<i>asan</i>, which one is yours.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: And how popular is Yoga in UAE?</p>

<p><strong>Sunjay Sudhir</strong>: There's a huge and growing interest in yoga. And we can see that for ourselves. For instance, when we celebrated International Yoga Day, on 21st June this year, the theme which we had adopted was the ocean connect initiative. Now under INS Brahmaputra called on Port Rashid in Dubai and Port Rashid is a very important port because that port has really stood for connectivity between India and the UAE, between Indians and Emirati, it was the first hub for trade and people-to-people contact and it is most befitting that we did our flagship Yoga day celebration this year at Port Rashid. We did another one for exclusively for diplomats and for the international community under the iconic dome of Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, and we are grateful to His Highness Shiekh Nahyan, Minister of tolerance and coexistence for agreeing to be chief guest this year as he always gracious does every year. That was, again, a very big, very big event. So, the yoga, actually people are getting to realise more and more that this ancient Indian treasure, how useful and how beneficial is it is for their lives.</p>

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India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sunjay Sudhir has termed the India-UAE pact on trading in national currencies — Rupee and Dirham — as a "template" for other countries to go for such an arrangement.

India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sunjay Sudhir has termed the India-UAE pact on trading in national currencies — Rupee and Dirham — as a "template" for other countries to go for such an arrangement. The announcement of the pact comes amid New Delhi's bid to promote the usage of the Indian Rupee for global trade. Also read | Indian PM brings home de-dollarisation bonanza with Rupee-Dirham framework Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Sudhir hailed the development as a "paradigm shift on how we make our trade settlements". The mechanism, building upon the preferential tariffs granted under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aims to reduce transaction costs and time, benefiting exporters and importers. Sudhir explained, "The mechanism will use the existing banking systems... [and] will convert payments into either rupee/Dirham directly without the need for third-country currencies." The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of United Arab Emirates enabling the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED) for Cross-border Transactions. This is India’s first-ever LCS and was signed during the visit of PM Modi to the country over the weekend. The UAE visit was also the fifth by Indian Prime Minister Modi since 2014, reflecting high-level engagement between the two sides. Ambassador Sudhir also spoke on the establishment of India's premier engineering institute, the Indian Institute of Technology in UAE, and ties in other domains. Below is the full interview. Sidhant Sibal: One of the key outcomes of the visit was trading in national currencies of India, UAE-Rupee and Dirham. How significant is it for the two countries? Sunjay Sudhir: Thank you very much for having me on your show. I think the Rupee-Dirham trading arrangement is very relevant and is something that is extremely significant. It actually marks a paradigm shift on how we make our trade settlements. You will recall that when India and the UAE signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last year, in February, that was the first CEPA ever for the UAE and for India, which we had with any country, in this part of the world. Likewise, this kind of trade settlement is also the first time we are doing it with any country in the world actually. And same for the UAE. Equally significant is the MoU on interlinking payments and messaging systems. So, if you recall two very big concrete economic or say FinTech MoU were signed, the second one, I think, was equally significant because that talks about the availability of the Rupay card and the utility of new pay cards in this country. It also talks about interlinking, our UPI and the instant payment system of the UAE and also our instant messaging system, which has recently been developed by RBI. Sidhant Sibal: How does this mechanism work, if you can simplify it? And how does it help the trade between the two countries? Sunjay Sudhir: So actually, the Rupee-Dirham mechanism takes CEPA a step further. CEPA gave tariffs preference, so from our perspective, it gave 5 per cent tariff preference to all the items covered under CEPA. Now the Rupee-Dirham mechanism will further reduce transaction costs and also transaction time. It will give an added benefit to our exporters and importers. And the way it works is very simple. The mechanism will use - the existing banking systems in the 2 countries. All the exporters and importers now have a choice to pay for the transactions in either the UAE Dirham or Indian Rupees based on their commercial judgment or mutual agreement. This will be converted by financial intermediaries, in today's context, the banks in the two countries, into either rupee/Dirham directly without having the need to use third country currencies. Two kinds of accounts will facilitate this, one is the SNRR account which is the special non-resident rupee account and second is the vostro account. Exchange rates, of course, will be determined by the market. And you know the beauty of this mechanism is that the mechanism actually covers all current account transactions including transactions like oil and also permissible capital account transactions. The money which accrues out of this could also be used for investing in equities, government securities, private securities, so it gives a wide gamut of usage. Also, and it is so simple to operate that the day it was signed, the same day a major gold transaction also happened. An exporter in the UAE actually exported gold to yes bank and federal bank worth 12.84 crore rupees. And as you know, gold and gems and jewelry are the second largest traded item between us. It constitutes about 20 per cent of our entire trade portfolio. Sidhant Sibal: And usage of payment apps, how will it simplify things for the common man? For large number of Indians in UAE. Sunjay Sudhir: Actually, the second MoU was more of an enabling MoU to work further on developing the technical linkages but the way it will help will be immense because under the under the RuPay tag. What will happen is that anybody traveling from India with an international RuPay card or domestic RuPay card will be able to use his or her credit card. Or anybody here, as you know, there are 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE which is the largest population of Indian nationals in any country in the world. If they have RuPay cards from India, then they can also very easily make the transaction and as far as the UPI is concerned once the UPI gets linked to the instant payment platform of the UAE the ease with which we are all able to pay in India, for example, using BHIM app or Google Pay or Paytm it will be the same seamless ease with which our tourists and the Indian community will be able to make payments so in a way it enhances the ease of ease of living in this country I would say. Sidhant Sibal: Will we use the Rupee Dirham trading arrangement for trading with other west Asian countries or with Russia? Sunjay Sudhir: As I just mentioned India and the UAE have been pioneers, whether it is CEPA or the Rupee-Dirham payment mechanism, and that has its obvious advantages which I just listed out. Now the thing is that a template is already in place. It is for other countries to decide if they want to go in for a similar arrangement or not. This is entirely their call. But India by the virtue of setting up this mechanism has already conveyed its willingness to go in for more and more such deal. Sidhant Sibal: Another key announcement was establishment of IIT Delhi campus in UAE, how will it strengthen the educational ties between the 2 countries? Sunjay Sudhir: You know our relations are so multi-dimensional, education is one sub part of it. UAE was actually the first country with which we started discussions on setting up a campus of the IIT last year and on our part, it was the IIT Delhi which took the lead. So, by setting up a campus of IIT D here, we will further increase our education ties and it will be another feather in the cap of India UAE relationship. The IITD campus will also enhance India's educational reputation globally as well as that of IIT Delhi and allow it to expand its international footprint. You know very well that IIT D is something which is a global brand, but so far, a very national kind of presence with this setting up for campus of IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi, the brand will actually be going out and establishing itself in another country. This is also likely to improve IIT Delhi's global rankings due to the presence of international students, international research collaborations and so many other things. Actually, discussions are already on with the big entities like ADNOC on how we can do some research in say the sustainability field in the R&D sphere of oil and gas, renewables and other sphere. So IIT Delhi's presence here being at the cutting edge of R&D will actually also synergize other similar efforts which are already happening in Abu Dhabi, and they are there are scores of them. While it will not be restricted to Indians, it could serve the needs of the larger Indian community in the UAE and this part of the world, and I think that will be a great boon for the Indian diaspora in this part of the world. Sidhant Sibal: India UAE have ties in other domains as well, from food security to connectivity, and also multilaterally like I2U2, if you can update us of that. Sunjay Sudhir: Relationship as I said is such a multi-dimensional relationship people to people contact is so strong and connectivity is strong. And today, the air frequencies between India and the UAE is perhaps the largest, which India has with any other country in the world. If you recall last year in February when Prime Minister Modi and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, had a virtual conference and witnessed the signing of CEPA a very key document was signed or unveiled was the vision statement. And the vision statement actually lays out the roadmap for our relationship in different areas whether it's health, education, FinTech, space, defense, food security, and so many other areas. So, there's work happening on all these areas. As far as I2U2 is concerned, you will recall that the first I2U2 leader summit was held virtually in July last year, or two projects were announced at that time involving UAE investment of about $2 billion in setting up food parks and other was about energy Park. After that the first business conclave of I2U2 countries took place in Abu Dhabi in February of this year. So, there's a lot happening in that area. And there's active engagement already taking place between UAE and Gujarat govt for setting up food parks. Sidhant Sibal: You mentioned space, what kind of collaboration we are looking at in the space front? Sunjay Sudhir: Yes, and we have a history too, because the first micro satellite of the UAE was actually launched by India and ISRO had the credit to do that. And UAE has made significant progress in space research. Today as we speak one of their astronauts is on a six-month long voyage in space. In fact, you might have heard that on the International Day of yoga, one of the messages he sent out from space was about yoga. And he tweeted from the asking people that this my meditative posture, so he asked people everywhere that this is my favorite asan, which one is yours. Sidhant Sibal: And how popular is Yoga in UAE? Sunjay Sudhir: There's a huge and growing interest in yoga. And we can see that for ourselves. For instance, when we celebrated International Yoga Day, on 21st June this year, the theme which we had adopted was the ocean connect initiative. Now under INS Brahmaputra called on Port Rashid in Dubai and Port Rashid is a very important port because that port has really stood for connectivity between India and the UAE, between Indians and Emirati, it was the first hub for trade and people-to-people contact and it is most befitting that we did our flagship Yoga day celebration this year at Port Rashid. We did another one for exclusively for diplomats and for the international community under the iconic dome of Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, and we are grateful to His Highness Shiekh Nahyan, Minister of tolerance and coexistence for agreeing to be chief guest this year as he always gracious does every year. That was, again, a very big, very big event. So, the yoga, actually people are getting to realise more and more that this ancient Indian treasure, how useful and how beneficial is it is for their lives. 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.

Rupee-Dirham mechanism is a template for other countries: Indian Ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir

<p>About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cast-from-the-past-indians-who-died-protecting-france-615813">marched down</a> Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War. Thousands of Indians, albeit while serving the British imperial army, laid their lives on French land and those ultimate sacrifices reverberated this week in the French capital during its National Day celebrations in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/14/366868-untitled-design-2023-07-14t170630744.png?imwidth=1920" /><em>French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter</em></p>

<p>Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe.</p>

<p>Hailing defence as an important pillar of India-France ties, Modi said: "We will now focus on co-production and&nbsp;co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries."</p>

<p>France has been one of India's closest partners in Europe for decades. It was the only Western nation not to impose sanctions on New Delhi after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998.</p>

<p>The Paris-New Delhi bonhomie dominated the news cycle this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read this and more in The Capitals this week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Jakarta, Indonesia</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Foreign Ministers of ASEAN nations met in Jakarta this week | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88e7d27e-a553-4800-ac59-b1e0dbfb9b43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-16T231503.589.png" /></p>

<p>Sporting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/blinken-jaishankar-sport-fancy-shirts-emerge-as-homies-of-asean-meet-615700">fancy shirts</a>, the Asian 'homies' met in Jakarta in a collective albeit indirect show of resistance against China's maritime assertion in the South China Sea. But worldwide, the spotlight was put on the reiteration of the condemnation of ongoing violence in Myanmar, and its collective condemnation by Southeast Asian foreign ministers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But since top diplomats from China, the United States and Russia were among those who joined the Association of South East Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF), the broad-based agendas were hijacked by geopolitical flare-ups, consisting of a theatre for rebukes and diplomatic squabbles.</p>

<p>Myanmar, one of the bloc's 10 members, has been beset by fighting since the military seized power in early 2021 before unleashing a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents.</p>

<h2><strong>Islamabad, Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>New Delhi in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring an Ivy League of terrorists. India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar last month addressed his Pakistani counterpart as 'spokesperson and justifier of a terrorism industry'.</p>

<p>New Delhi could now add cautious-praiser-of-terrorism phrase for Pakistan in its vocabulary to slam Islamabad's credentials of exporting terrorism across Indian borders.</p>

<p>Islamabad came up with a 'cautious' praise for Kabul's Taliban's rulers, who have been described as constituents of a regime that harbours terrorism.</p>

<p>Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, told Voice of America that Afghanistan’s interim rulers recently initiated certain steps to address Pakistan’s cross-border terror concerns.</p>

<p>"It's a serious issue. But steps are being taken to neutralise the TTP. We should also understand that it will take a while, but the process has been initiated," Durrani said in response to a recent Taliban announcement that TTP militants were being moved away from Afghan areas bordering Pakistan.</p>

<p>"That is a step the Afghan government is taking, so we have to wait and see the results. It is now in the initial stages, so it would be too early to comment," said the envoy. "But if this relocation of the TTP can actually happen and lead to peace along our borders, it would be a significant development and we would welcome it."</p>

<h2><strong>Vilnius, Lithuania</strong></h2>

<p>Before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war on Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's land border with US-led NATO ran up to 754 miles. Today, it stands at 1,584 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped, as NATO leaders met for a summit at a former Soviet Republic's capital, for an additional expansion of Russia's land borders with NATO nations with Ukraine making up for the latest addition. It did not happen.</p>

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— Rahesha Sehgal (@SehgalRahesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/SehgalRahesha/status/1679111637096353794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As the alliance meet furthered in Vilnius, an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky standing alone, amid a sea of NATO leaders made way for a caption game on social media, an eerie reflection that his demands weren't met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met," the NATO declaration said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops marched down Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War.

About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops marched down Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War. Thousands of Indians, albeit while serving the British imperial army, laid their lives on French land and those ultimate sacrifices reverberated this week in the French capital during its National Day celebrations in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour. French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe. Hailing defence as an important pillar of India-France ties, Modi said: "We will now focus on co-production and co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries." France has been one of India's closest partners in Europe for decades. It was the only Western nation not to impose sanctions on New Delhi after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998. The Paris-New Delhi bonhomie dominated the news cycle this week. Read this and more in The Capitals this week. Jakarta, Indonesia Sporting fancy shirts, the Asian 'homies' met in Jakarta in a collective albeit indirect show of resistance against China's maritime assertion in the South China Sea. But worldwide, the spotlight was put on the reiteration of the condemnation of ongoing violence in Myanmar, and its collective condemnation by Southeast Asian foreign ministers. But since top diplomats from China, the United States and Russia were among those who joined the Association of South East Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF), the broad-based agendas were hijacked by geopolitical flare-ups, consisting of a theatre for rebukes and diplomatic squabbles. Myanmar, one of the bloc's 10 members, has been beset by fighting since the military seized power in early 2021 before unleashing a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents. Islamabad, Pakistan New Delhi in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring an Ivy League of terrorists. India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar last month addressed his Pakistani counterpart as 'spokesperson and justifier of a terrorism industry'. New Delhi could now add cautious-praiser-of-terrorism phrase for Pakistan in its vocabulary to slam Islamabad's credentials of exporting terrorism across Indian borders. Islamabad came up with a 'cautious' praise for Kabul's Taliban's rulers, who have been described as constituents of a regime that harbours terrorism. Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, told Voice of America that Afghanistan’s interim rulers recently initiated certain steps to address Pakistan’s cross-border terror concerns. "It's a serious issue. But steps are being taken to neutralise the TTP. We should also understand that it will take a while, but the process has been initiated," Durrani said in response to a recent Taliban announcement that TTP militants were being moved away from Afghan areas bordering Pakistan. "That is a step the Afghan government is taking, so we have to wait and see the results. It is now in the initial stages, so it would be too early to comment," said the envoy. "But if this relocation of the TTP can actually happen and lead to peace along our borders, it would be a significant development and we would welcome it." Vilnius, Lithuania Before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war on Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's land border with US-led NATO ran up to 754 miles. Today, it stands at 1,584 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped, as NATO leaders met for a summit at a former Soviet Republic's capital, for an additional expansion of Russia's land borders with NATO nations with Ukraine making up for the latest addition. It did not happen. ‘Not a part of the cool kids league’ https://t.co/MWG7CWVfx1 — Rahesha Sehgal (@SehgalRahesha) July 12, 2023 × As the alliance meet furthered in Vilnius, an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky standing alone, amid a sea of NATO leaders made way for a caption game on social media, an eerie reflection that his demands weren't met. "We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met," the NATO declaration said. 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.

The Capitals: Delhi's 'defence' march with Paris, Kyiv fails its NATO admission for now, and more

<p>Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination&nbsp;for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with Fox News, the former president said that he shares a good equation with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump further went on to say that the current US President Joe Biden is not capable of dealing with world leaders.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history'</a></strong></p>

<p>"These are smart people, including Macron of France. I could go through the whole list of people, including Putin. These people are sharp, tough and generally vicious. They are vicious, and they are at the top of their game. We have a man that has no clue what's happening. It's the most dangerous time in the history of our country," Trump said while slamming the Biden administration's response to the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'I would tell Zelensky, no more': Donald Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Asked what will be Trump's response in the wake of his previous assertion that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, the former US president said: "I know Zelensky very well, and I know Putin very well, even better. And I had a good relationship, very good with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we are going to give him [Zelensky]&nbsp;a lot. We're going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to. I will have the deal done in one day. One day."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump: 'World War III' is a possibility due to Biden's 'stupid' approach</strong></p>

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<p>There have been multiple attempts at halting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine but none have resulted in anything concrete.</p>

<p>While Russian President Vladimir Putin has reasoned US-led NATO's expansion as one of the reasons behind invading Ukraine, NATO's land border with Russia has further increased (from 754 miles before the beginning of the war in Ukraine to 1,584 miles now). Subsequently, Putin has also accused Ukraine of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">signing a peace treaty and then throwing it into 'garbage of history'</a> during the spring of 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian side has not reacted to Putin's said accusations of signing a peace treaty.</p>

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Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours.

Donald Trump, former US President and Republican contender for a presidential nomination for the upcoming 2024 elections, repeated over the weekend his purported plan to restore peace in Ukraine within 24 hours. In an interview with Fox News, the former president said that he shares a good equation with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Trump further went on to say that the current US President Joe Biden is not capable of dealing with world leaders. Also read | Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history' "These are smart people, including Macron of France. I could go through the whole list of people, including Putin. These people are sharp, tough and generally vicious. They are vicious, and they are at the top of their game. We have a man that has no clue what's happening. It's the most dangerous time in the history of our country," Trump said while slamming the Biden administration's response to the war in Ukraine. 'I would tell Zelensky, no more': Donald Trump Asked what will be Trump's response in the wake of his previous assertion that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, the former US president said: "I know Zelensky very well, and I know Putin very well, even better. And I had a good relationship, very good with both of them. I would tell Zelenskyy, no more. You got to make a deal. I would tell Putin, if you don't make a deal, we are going to give him [Zelensky] a lot. We're going to [give Ukraine] more than they ever got if we have to. I will have the deal done in one day. One day." Also watch | Donald Trump: 'World War III' is a possibility due to Biden's 'stupid' approach × There have been multiple attempts at halting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine but none have resulted in anything concrete. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has reasoned US-led NATO's expansion as one of the reasons behind invading Ukraine, NATO's land border with Russia has further increased (from 754 miles before the beginning of the war in Ukraine to 1,584 miles now). Subsequently, Putin has also accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty and then throwing it into 'garbage of history' during the spring of 2022. The Ukrainian side has not reacted to Putin's said accusations of signing a peace treaty. 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.

Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power

<p>China's foreign minister Qin Gang has been absent from public view for three weeks, a remarkably unusual duration of absence during a period of active diplomacy in Beijing. Qin's absence has led to immense speculation in a country where political affairs remain notoriously opaque.</p>

<p>Qin, a seasoned diplomat and a trusted aide of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, took on the role of foreign minister in December, following a short tenure as ambassador to the United States.</p>

<p>As foreign minister, Qin has strongly criticised Washington after bilateral relations reached a new low following the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon in the US.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Qin Gang: Where is China's missing Foreign Minister? Here's what could have happened to him</strong></p>

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<p>He has also played a significant role in subsequent efforts by both sides to stabilise relations and restore communication, including a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Beijing last month.</p>

<p>Beijing has cited "health reasons" for Qin's conspicuous absence.&nbsp;But in the past, senior Chinese officials have disappeared from public view, following which they've been&nbsp;revealed to the world by the ruling Communist Party’s disciplinary watchdog.</p>

<p>Such sudden disappearances have become a common feature in Chinese leader&nbsp;Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign.</p>

<h2><strong>Since when Qin Gang has not been seen?</strong></h2>

<p>The 57-year-old has not been seen in public since June 25. His last reported engagement was a multilateral meeting with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia in Beijing in the immediate hours after the uprising by Wagner mercenary group.</p>

<h2><strong>Qin Gang's absence: Why is it unusual?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because there has been a flurry of diplomatic engagements taking place in and beyond China that directly and specifically impact Beijing's interests. This&nbsp;includes high-profile visits by senior US officials Janet Yellen and John Kerry.</p>

<h2><strong>Qin Gang missing? Scheduled engagements cancelled</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, Qin was scheduled to meet European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell in Beijing. However, the meeting was postponed after China informed the European Union that the originally planned dates were no longer feasible, according to Reuters.</p>

<p>The European Union was notified of the postponement just two days before Borrell's expected arrival on July 5.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Qin did not attend the annual foreign ministers' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta last week. Instead, China's top diplomat Wang Yi represented the country at the gathering.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just concluded meeting with Director Wang Yi of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.<br />
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Discussed outstanding issues related to peace &amp; tranquility in border areas.<br />
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Our conversation also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/83VejZxUdX">pic.twitter.com/83VejZxUdX</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1679839758715895811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>It must be noted that in China, the foreign minister is not the top authority on foreign affairs. Instead, it is the office&nbsp;of the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, currently headed by Wang Yi.&nbsp;</p>

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China's foreign minister Qin Gang has been absent from public view for three weeks, a remarkably unusual duration of absence during a period of active diplomacy in Beijing.

China's foreign minister Qin Gang has been absent from public view for three weeks, a remarkably unusual duration of absence during a period of active diplomacy in Beijing. Qin's absence has led to immense speculation in a country where political affairs remain notoriously opaque. Qin, a seasoned diplomat and a trusted aide of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, took on the role of foreign minister in December, following a short tenure as ambassador to the United States. As foreign minister, Qin has strongly criticised Washington after bilateral relations reached a new low following the downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon in the US. Also watch | Gravitas: Qin Gang: Where is China's missing Foreign Minister? Here's what could have happened to him × He has also played a significant role in subsequent efforts by both sides to stabilise relations and restore communication, including a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Beijing last month. Beijing has cited "health reasons" for Qin's conspicuous absence. But in the past, senior Chinese officials have disappeared from public view, following which they've been revealed to the world by the ruling Communist Party’s disciplinary watchdog. Such sudden disappearances have become a common feature in Chinese leader Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. Since when Qin Gang has not been seen? The 57-year-old has not been seen in public since June 25. His last reported engagement was a multilateral meeting with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia in Beijing in the immediate hours after the uprising by Wagner mercenary group. Qin Gang's absence: Why is it unusual? This is because there has been a flurry of diplomatic engagements taking place in and beyond China that directly and specifically impact Beijing's interests. This includes high-profile visits by senior US officials Janet Yellen and John Kerry. Qin Gang missing? Scheduled engagements cancelled Earlier this month, Qin was scheduled to meet European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell in Beijing. However, the meeting was postponed after China informed the European Union that the originally planned dates were no longer feasible, according to Reuters. The European Union was notified of the postponement just two days before Borrell's expected arrival on July 5. Furthermore, Qin did not attend the annual foreign ministers' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta last week. Instead, China's top diplomat Wang Yi represented the country at the gathering. Just concluded meeting with Director Wang Yi of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs. Discussed outstanding issues related to peace & tranquility in border areas. Our conversation also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/83VejZxUdX — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 14, 2023 × It must be noted that in China, the foreign minister is not the top authority on foreign affairs. Instead, it is the office of the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, currently headed by Wang Yi. 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.

Where is Qin Gang? Chinese foreign minister was last seen over three weeks ago

<p>Nearly ten months after billionaire business magnate Elon Musk took over Twitter, the financial health of the microblogging platform is yet to see a sight of improvement. Musk on Saturday said that Twitter's cash flow is still negative and that there has been a nearly 50 per cent drop in the advertising revenue of the social media platform. Twitter also continues to have its infamous legacy of heavy debt load, an aspect Musk inherited from Jack Dorsey's executive leadership.</p>

<p>"Need to reach positive cash flow before we have the luxury of anything else," Musk said in a tweet early on Saturday.</p>

<p>Ever since Musk acquired Twitter in October last year, the platform has been gripped by massive chaos. From layoffs of thousands of employees to lax content moderation, Musk's Twitter has been swarmed by a number of issues and conflicts that have repelled many advertisers.</p>

<h2><strong>A 'tanking' active user base: What all Twitter is facing amid threat of rout from Zuckerberg's Threads</strong></h2>

<p>According to the chief of internet services company Cloudflare, Twitter's website traffic is tanking and there have been signs that the users are migrating to alternative platforms such as Threads, BlueSky and Mastodon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In early July, Twitter started forcing internet surfers to log in to view tweets. Musk also set a rate limit for the number of tweets different Twitter accounts could read each day:&nbsp;initially 6,000 for paying users and 600 for non-paying users. Musk said the changes were introduced to curb attempts to scrape the website.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/code-for-recommending-tweets-will-be-public-says-elon-musk-573189">Twitter to make its code used for recommending tweets public, says Elon Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>The limit has since been increased. Twitter also removed the requirement of logging in to view the tweets last week.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg launched his answer to Twitter, the Threads platform, saying:&nbsp;"The goal is to keep it friendly as it expands. I think it’s possible and will ultimately be the key to its success."</p>

<p>"That’s one reason why Twitter&nbsp;never succeeded as much as I think it should have, and we want to do it differently.”</p>

<h2><strong>How do Twitter's finances look right now?</strong></h2>

<p>Not quite bright and definitely not alright.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk</strong></p>

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<p>After&nbsp;cutting cloud service bills, Musk had said that Twitter&nbsp;reduced its non-debt expenditures to $1.5 billion from a projected $4.5 billion in 2023.</p>

<p>But annually, Twitter is supposed to pay $1.5 billion in payments due to debt it took on a $44 billion deal in October 2023.</p>

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Nearly ten months after billionaire business magnate Elon Musk took over Twitter, the financial health of the microblogging platform is yet to see a sight of improvement.

Nearly ten months after billionaire business magnate Elon Musk took over Twitter, the financial health of the microblogging platform is yet to see a sight of improvement. Musk on Saturday said that Twitter's cash flow is still negative and that there has been a nearly 50 per cent drop in the advertising revenue of the social media platform. Twitter also continues to have its infamous legacy of heavy debt load, an aspect Musk inherited from Jack Dorsey's executive leadership. "Need to reach positive cash flow before we have the luxury of anything else," Musk said in a tweet early on Saturday. Ever since Musk acquired Twitter in October last year, the platform has been gripped by massive chaos. From layoffs of thousands of employees to lax content moderation, Musk's Twitter has been swarmed by a number of issues and conflicts that have repelled many advertisers. A 'tanking' active user base: What all Twitter is facing amid threat of rout from Zuckerberg's Threads According to the chief of internet services company Cloudflare, Twitter's website traffic is tanking and there have been signs that the users are migrating to alternative platforms such as Threads, BlueSky and Mastodon. In early July, Twitter started forcing internet surfers to log in to view tweets. Musk also set a rate limit for the number of tweets different Twitter accounts could read each day: initially 6,000 for paying users and 600 for non-paying users. Musk said the changes were introduced to curb attempts to scrape the website. Also read | Twitter to make its code used for recommending tweets public, says Elon Musk The limit has since been increased. Twitter also removed the requirement of logging in to view the tweets last week. Meanwhile, Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg launched his answer to Twitter, the Threads platform, saying: "The goal is to keep it friendly as it expands. I think it’s possible and will ultimately be the key to its success." "That’s one reason why Twitter never succeeded as much as I think it should have, and we want to do it differently.” How do Twitter's finances look right now? Not quite bright and definitely not alright. Also watch | Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk × After cutting cloud service bills, Musk had said that Twitter reduced its non-debt expenditures to $1.5 billion from a projected $4.5 billion in 2023. But annually, Twitter is supposed to pay $1.5 billion in payments due to debt it took on a $44 billion deal in October 2023. 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.

Twitter still sinking under Elon Musk? Platform struggles to reach 'positive cash flows'

<p>Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16.</p>

<p>"We as one of the biggest suppliers of oil in the world. We are ready to give special priority to India but India should show willingness," Ali Bagheri, Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs, told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>India has not imported crude oil from Iran for the last four years after the US did not continue with sanction waivers to India and several other countries.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran-India ties: Focus on Chabahar Port</strong></h2>

<p>The deputy foreign minister also said that any increase in the investment from the Indian side "could play an important role in advances, progress and the completion of Chabahar Port."</p>

<p>Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost connectivity and trade ties.</p>

<p>Chabahar Port is also a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).</p>

<p>The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.</p>

<h2><strong>Iranian Rial-Indian Rupee framework in the works</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking on the use of local currencies for bilateral trade, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said that it falls on the Iranian agenda.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-and-armenia-form-trilateral-grouping-to-deepen-ties-and-co-operation-584545">India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have made good progress in this. Hopefully, this could take new momentum and we could see widespread use of our national currencies in this process," Ali Bagheri said.</p>

<p>Iran and India engage at various multilateral forums alongside their relevant bilateral engagements.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer by Indonesia</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, India joined its Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) counterparts in welcoming Iran into the multilateral grouping founded by China.</p>

<p>Prior to that, in April 2023, in a move aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, India, Iran and Armenia formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on April 20, 2023.</p>

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Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16.

Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16. "We as one of the biggest suppliers of oil in the world. We are ready to give special priority to India but India should show willingness," Ali Bagheri, Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs, told news agency ANI. India has not imported crude oil from Iran for the last four years after the US did not continue with sanction waivers to India and several other countries. Iran-India ties: Focus on Chabahar Port The deputy foreign minister also said that any increase in the investment from the Indian side "could play an important role in advances, progress and the completion of Chabahar Port." Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost connectivity and trade ties. Chabahar Port is also a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Iranian Rial-Indian Rupee framework in the works Speaking on the use of local currencies for bilateral trade, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said that it falls on the Iranian agenda. Also read | India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation "We have made good progress in this. Hopefully, this could take new momentum and we could see widespread use of our national currencies in this process," Ali Bagheri said. Iran and India engage at various multilateral forums alongside their relevant bilateral engagements. Also watch | Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer by Indonesia × Earlier this month, India joined its Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) counterparts in welcoming Iran into the multilateral grouping founded by China. Prior to that, in April 2023, in a move aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, India, Iran and Armenia formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on April 20, 2023. 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.

Iran pitches 'special priority' for India in oil exports with focus on cooperation over Chabahar Port

<p>A manhunt was launched in the state of Georgia in the United States after an unidentified male shooter shot down four people. So far no known motive is known for the shooting incident.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Georgia shooting incident: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The shooting incident occurred in a&nbsp;residential neighbourhood in Hampton, Georgia, located about 35 miles south of Atlanta.</p>

<p>Police Chief James Turner addressed the media and identified the deceased. Turner informed&nbsp;that three men and one woman had lost their lives in the shooting incident.</p>

<p>The precise identities of the victims were withheld as their bereaved relatives were still being notified.</p>

<h2><strong>Georgia shooting incident: Suspect identified</strong></h2>

<p>Authorities issued four arrest warrants for a resident of Hampton, Andre Longmore, aged 40.</p>

<p>It remained uncertain whether Longmore had any prior connection to the victims.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indian-origin-man-shot-dead-in-gun-violence-georgia-two-juveniles-arrested-612688">US gun violence: Indian-origin man shot dead in Georgia, two juveniles arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>News of the shooting rapidly spread, prompting law enforcement agencies throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area to join the search for Longmore.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;United States: 3 men found guilty for murdering a black man in Georgia</strong></p>

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<p>He was last seen driving a black GMC Acadia SUV, although the vehicle reportedly did not belong to him.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett vowed to relentlessly pursue Longmore and ensure his capture.</p>

<p>The sheriff's office offered a substantial $10,000 reward for any information leading to Longmore's arrest and subsequent prosecution.</p>

<p>Hampton's Mayor, Ann Tarpley, asked people to direct their thoughts and prayers towards the affected families and victims.&nbsp;</p>

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A manhunt was launched in the state of Georgia in the United States after an unidentified male shooter shot down four people. So far no known motive is known for the shooting incident.

A manhunt was launched in the state of Georgia in the United States after an unidentified male shooter shot down four people. So far no known motive is known for the shooting incident. Georgia shooting incident: What happened? The shooting incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood in Hampton, Georgia, located about 35 miles south of Atlanta. Police Chief James Turner addressed the media and identified the deceased. Turner informed that three men and one woman had lost their lives in the shooting incident. The precise identities of the victims were withheld as their bereaved relatives were still being notified. Georgia shooting incident: Suspect identified Authorities issued four arrest warrants for a resident of Hampton, Andre Longmore, aged 40. It remained uncertain whether Longmore had any prior connection to the victims. Also read | US gun violence: Indian-origin man shot dead in Georgia, two juveniles arrested News of the shooting rapidly spread, prompting law enforcement agencies throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area to join the search for Longmore. Also watch | United States: 3 men found guilty for murdering a black man in Georgia × He was last seen driving a black GMC Acadia SUV, although the vehicle reportedly did not belong to him. Meanwhile, Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett vowed to relentlessly pursue Longmore and ensure his capture. The sheriff's office offered a substantial $10,000 reward for any information leading to Longmore's arrest and subsequent prosecution. Hampton's Mayor, Ann Tarpley, asked people to direct their thoughts and prayers towards the affected families and victims. 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.

US gun violence: Georgia shooter still at large; authorities announce reward towards suspect's capture

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons. The Biden administration last week approved the export of cluster munitions that the White House itself once flagged for purported 'war crimes' during the initial days of war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The use of cluster munitions was called a crime by the US itself," Putin <a href="https://twitter.com/SpriterTeam/status/1680522405251371010?s=20">said</a> in an interview published on Sunday, in an indirect reference to an international treaty signed by Washington's allies against the use of cluster munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition</strong></p>

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<p>The international treaty – United Nations Convention on Cluster Munitions – signed in 2008 prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of such weapons.&nbsp;United Kingdom, Germany and France are its signatories among NATO countries. Russia, United States and China did not sign this treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-mulls-giving-ukraine-lethal-weapons-that-white-house-once-described-as-aiding-war-crimes-612905">White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think this is how it should be treated," Putin added, while referring to Washington's earlier assertion of use of cluster munitions as constituting war crimes.</p>

<p>"Until now, we have not used it," claimed the Russian president against West's accusations that Moscow used cluster munitions in Kharkiv early on during the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If they are used against us, we reserve ourselves the right to tit-for-tat actions," Putin warned, adding that Russia has a sufficient stockpile of various kinds of cluster munitions.</p>

<h2><b>What makes cluster munition lethal?</b></h2>

<article data-io-article-url="https://guardian.ng/news/putin-says-russia-has-sufficient-cluster-munitions-for-tit-for-tat/" data-post-id="2152106" data-post-type="post">
<p>Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called&nbsp;submunitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a></strong><br />
<br />
The bomblets,&nbsp;engineered in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all. So after the conflict dies down, they pose a threat to the civilian population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the US decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden said the decision was "very difficult" but stressed Ukraine needed extra ammunition to refill its depleted stocks.</p>

<p>Putin on Sunday also claimed that the Ukrainian stockpile of ammunition is depleting.</p>

<p>"The Ukrainian army uses up to 15 to 16 thousand shells of 155-calibre per day of hostilities and in the USA they produce 15 thousand per month."</p>

<p>"They don't have enough (ammunition)&nbsp;and Europe doesn't have enough. They did not find anything better than to suggest the use of cluster munitions."</p>
</article>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has sufficient stockpiles of cluster munition to respond to Kyiv's use of internationally sanctioned lethal weapons. The Biden administration last week approved the export of cluster munitions that the White House itself once flagged for purported 'war crimes' during the initial days of war in Ukraine. "The use of cluster munitions was called a crime by the US itself," Putin said in an interview published on Sunday, in an indirect reference to an international treaty signed by Washington's allies against the use of cluster munitions. Also watch | US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition × The international treaty – United Nations Convention on Cluster Munitions – signed in 2008 prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of such weapons. United Kingdom, Germany and France are its signatories among NATO countries. Russia, United States and China did not sign this treaty. Also read | White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’ "I think this is how it should be treated," Putin added, while referring to Washington's earlier assertion of use of cluster munitions as constituting war crimes. "Until now, we have not used it," claimed the Russian president against West's accusations that Moscow used cluster munitions in Kharkiv early on during the war. "If they are used against us, we reserve ourselves the right to tit-for-tat actions," Putin warned, adding that Russia has a sufficient stockpile of various kinds of cluster munitions. What makes cluster munition lethal? Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called submunitions. Also read | Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? The bomblets, engineered in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all. So after the conflict dies down, they pose a threat to the civilian population. Humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the US decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden said the decision was "very difficult" but stressed Ukraine needed extra ammunition to refill its depleted stocks. Putin on Sunday also claimed that the Ukrainian stockpile of ammunition is depleting. "The Ukrainian army uses up to 15 to 16 thousand shells of 155-calibre per day of hostilities and in the USA they produce 15 thousand per month." "They don't have enough (ammunition) and Europe doesn't have enough. They did not find anything better than to suggest the use of cluster munitions." 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.

Putin threatens 'tit-for-tat' use of cluster munitions against Ukraine

<p>Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31&nbsp;people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides. Heavy rainfall in South Korea during the ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korea floods: Most affected regions</strong></h2>

<p>Most of the casualties have been reported to be in the North Gyeongsang province.</p>

<p>In the most severely affected areas, "entire houses were swept away whole", one emergency responder was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Yonhap agency.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korea floods: Goesan Dam surpasses capacity</strong></h2>

<p>Early on Saturday, the Goesan Dam reportedly surpassed its capacity following which more than 6,400 residents in the central Goesan county were being evacuated. Officials said that missing people were swept away when a river overflowed in the North Gyeongsang province.</p>

<h2><strong>South Korea floods: Rescue workers&nbsp;battle difficult terrain</strong></h2>

<p>According to Yonhap, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, rescue workers were engaged in a difficult battle to reach dozens of cars trapped in an underground tunnel.</p>

<p>One person was found dead at the scene.</p>

<p>The water levels in the tunnel remained dangerously high, making it unclear how many individuals were still trapped inside their vehicles.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in South Korea flash floods likely to rise</strong></h2>

<p>Flash flooding occurred swiftly, preventing people from escaping in time, officials said.</p>

<p>Yonhap reported that the death toll is expected to increase as local government agencies assess the extent of the damage across the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Torrential rain, flooding kill at least 8 in South Korea's capital Seoul | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, in response to this ongoing crisis, all regular train services throughout the nation were suspended as of 2 pm (0500 GMT). However, the KTX high-speed trains were still operational, albeit with potential adjustments to their schedules, as confirmed by the Korea Railroad Corporation.</p>

<p>Due to the heavy rain and flooding, roads were closed, and trails in national parks were shut down.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yeol-makes-sudden-ukraine-visit-to-meet-zelensky-615960">South Korea's President Yeol makes sudden Ukraine visit to meet Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>The Korea Meteorological Administration issued warnings for heavy rain, predicting further precipitation until upcoming&nbsp;Wednesday, stating that the weather poses&nbsp;"grave" danger.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea urgently called on officials to take proactive measures to prevent river overflows and landslides.&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>


Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31 people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides.

Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 31 people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides. Heavy rainfall in South Korea during the ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides. South Korea floods: Most affected regions Most of the casualties have been reported to be in the North Gyeongsang province. In the most severely affected areas, "entire houses were swept away whole", one emergency responder was quoted as saying by Yonhap agency. South Korea floods: Goesan Dam surpasses capacity Early on Saturday, the Goesan Dam reportedly surpassed its capacity following which more than 6,400 residents in the central Goesan county were being evacuated. Officials said that missing people were swept away when a river overflowed in the North Gyeongsang province. South Korea floods: Rescue workers battle difficult terrain According to Yonhap, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, rescue workers were engaged in a difficult battle to reach dozens of cars trapped in an underground tunnel. One person was found dead at the scene. The water levels in the tunnel remained dangerously high, making it unclear how many individuals were still trapped inside their vehicles. Death toll in South Korea flash floods likely to rise Flash flooding occurred swiftly, preventing people from escaping in time, officials said. Yonhap reported that the death toll is expected to increase as local government agencies assess the extent of the damage across the country. Also watch | Torrential rain, flooding kill at least 8 in South Korea's capital Seoul | WION Climate Tracker × Consequently, in response to this ongoing crisis, all regular train services throughout the nation were suspended as of 2 pm (0500 GMT). However, the KTX high-speed trains were still operational, albeit with potential adjustments to their schedules, as confirmed by the Korea Railroad Corporation. Due to the heavy rain and flooding, roads were closed, and trails in national parks were shut down. Also read | South Korea's President Yeol makes sudden Ukraine visit to meet Zelensky The Korea Meteorological Administration issued warnings for heavy rain, predicting further precipitation until upcoming Wednesday, stating that the weather poses "grave" danger. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea urgently called on officials to take proactive measures to prevent river overflows and landslides. 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.

South Korea flood fury leaves 31 dead, dozens missing, more 'grave' rainfall forecast

<p>A group of divers had an unexpected encounter when they came across a massive oarfish with unique openings in its body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This rare fish, believed to be a harbinger of earthquakes, was spotted near Taiwan, and a video that captured the sighting went viral on social media.</p>

<p>The footage, which gained widespread attention, was originally shared on Instagram by a page called Wealth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-millions-of-dead-rotten-fish-wash-ashore-river-near-australian-town-573555">'Horrific': Millions of dead, rotten fish wash ashore river near Australian town</a></strong></p>

<p>It shows astonished divers encircling the impressive shiny silver fish off the coast of Ruifang in Taipei County.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At one point, one of the divers even extended their hand to touch this extraordinary creature.</p>

<p>According to the divers, the fish measured approximately 6.5 feet in length, which, although sizable, pales in comparison to their maximum recorded size of 36 feet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Guinness Book of World Records recognises the oarfish as the longest bony fish currently known to exist.</p>

<p>However, the divers believed that the fish's presence was not a good sign for its well-being.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diving instructor Wang Cheng-Ru told Jam Press publication: "It must have been dying, so it swam into shallower waters."</p>

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<p>Experts cited in the media suggested that the mysterious holes discovered on the fish's body were likely the result of shark bites, possibly inflicted by a cookie-cutter shark.</p>

<p>Additionally, the appearance of an oarfish has long been associated with the notion of earthquakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These creatures are often found at depths ranging from 656 to 3,200 feet below the ocean's surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a superstition in Japanese mythology, the oarfish emerges from the depths and rises to the surface prior to an impending earthquake.</p>

<p>This belief gained traction after the devastating Fukushima earthquake and tsunami in 2011. In the two years leading up to the catastrophe, numerous oarfish washed ashore which fueled the speculation of an earthquake.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A group of divers had an unexpected encounter when they came across a massive oarfish with unique openings in its body. This rare fish, believed to be a harbinger of earthquakes, was spotted near Taiwan, and a video that captured the sighting went viral on social media.

A group of divers had an unexpected encounter when they came across a massive oarfish with unique openings in its body. This rare fish, believed to be a harbinger of earthquakes, was spotted near Taiwan, and a video that captured the sighting went viral on social media. The footage, which gained widespread attention, was originally shared on Instagram by a page called Wealth. Also read | 'Horrific': Millions of dead, rotten fish wash ashore river near Australian town It shows astonished divers encircling the impressive shiny silver fish off the coast of Ruifang in Taipei County. At one point, one of the divers even extended their hand to touch this extraordinary creature. According to the divers, the fish measured approximately 6.5 feet in length, which, although sizable, pales in comparison to their maximum recorded size of 36 feet. The Guinness Book of World Records recognises the oarfish as the longest bony fish currently known to exist. However, the divers believed that the fish's presence was not a good sign for its well-being. Diving instructor Wang Cheng-Ru told Jam Press publication: "It must have been dying, so it swam into shallower waters." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Business | Motivation | Technology (@wealth) × Experts cited in the media suggested that the mysterious holes discovered on the fish's body were likely the result of shark bites, possibly inflicted by a cookie-cutter shark. Additionally, the appearance of an oarfish has long been associated with the notion of earthquakes. These creatures are often found at depths ranging from 656 to 3,200 feet below the ocean's surface. According to a superstition in Japanese mythology, the oarfish emerges from the depths and rises to the surface prior to an impending earthquake. This belief gained traction after the devastating Fukushima earthquake and tsunami in 2011. In the two years leading up to the catastrophe, numerous oarfish washed ashore which fueled the speculation of an earthquake. 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.

Watch | Giant oarfish, believed to be a 'harbinger of earthquakes', spotted in Taiwan

<p>India's tryst&nbsp;with space shot up for the third time on Friday after Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission of the world's most populous nation, took off from Sriharikota.</p>

<p>Only three nations have achieved the feat of landing on the Moon's surface so far.</p>

<p>The mission is a follow-up of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which failed a desired soft landing on the lunar surface nearly four years ago in 2019.</p>

<p>The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are to demonstrate the complete capability of safe landing and exploration on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scheduled to reach the Moon's south pole region on August 23, the spacecraft consists of a six-wheeled lander and rover module equipped with payloads to gather valuable data about the Moon's surface.</p>

<h2><strong>How Pragyan rover will leave Indian imprint on&nbsp;moon?</strong></h2>

<p>Beyond its scientific endeavours, the lunar rover, Pragyan, has a symbolic role too.</p>

<p>As it traverses the lunar terrain, the rear wheels of the rover will leave distinct imprints representing the Indian Space Research Organisation and India's national emblem: the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISRO shared a captivating curtain-raiser video on its website, providing a glimpse into the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The video showcases the embossed imprints on the rover.</p>

<p>During the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the ISRO also presented a visual representation of the mission on its YouTube channel. The animated video depicted the lander's arrival on the Moon's surface, followed by the rover commencing its mission after assessing the environment.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>If the module achieves a successful soft landing, India will join the ranks of the United States, the erstwhile Soviet Union, and China as the fourth nation to accomplish this remarkable feat.</p>

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India's tryst with space shot up for the third time on Friday after Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission of the world's most populous nation, took off from Sriharikota.

India's tryst with space shot up for the third time on Friday after Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar exploration mission of the world's most populous nation, took off from Sriharikota. Only three nations have achieved the feat of landing on the Moon's surface so far. The mission is a follow-up of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which failed a desired soft landing on the lunar surface nearly four years ago in 2019. The primary objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are to demonstrate the complete capability of safe landing and exploration on the lunar surface. Scheduled to reach the Moon's south pole region on August 23, the spacecraft consists of a six-wheeled lander and rover module equipped with payloads to gather valuable data about the Moon's surface. How Pragyan rover will leave Indian imprint on moon? Beyond its scientific endeavours, the lunar rover, Pragyan, has a symbolic role too. As it traverses the lunar terrain, the rear wheels of the rover will leave distinct imprints representing the Indian Space Research Organisation and India's national emblem: the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. The ISRO shared a captivating curtain-raiser video on its website, providing a glimpse into the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The video showcases the embossed imprints on the rover. During the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the ISRO also presented a visual representation of the mission on its YouTube channel. The animated video depicted the lander's arrival on the Moon's surface, followed by the rover commencing its mission after assessing the environment. × If the module achieves a successful soft landing, India will join the ranks of the United States, the erstwhile Soviet Union, and China as the fourth nation to accomplish this remarkable feat. 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.

Watch | How India's Chandrayaan-3 will leave imprints of ISRO, national emblem on moon

<p>Over a century ago, <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/539693/kapur-singh/">Sepoy Kapur Singh</a> of 69th Punjabis regiment of erstwhile British Indian Army left his home in Ambala town in&nbsp;northern India. Sepoy Kapur, husband of Asa Dai, did not return home. Like Sepoy Kapur Singh, <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2913500/deb-sing-bisht/">Rifleman Deb Sing Bisht</a> of 39th Garhwal Rifles from Chamoli town of present-day Uttarakhand did not return home either.</p>

<p><img alt="Indian soldiers who died in France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e42a004-957f-46a9-9328-3d279b5e4dff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-15T015429.610.png" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Rifleman Deb Sing Bisht's memorial stone at Neuville-Sous-Montreuil Indian Cemetery,&nbsp;in Pas-de-Calais, France | Commonwealth War Grave Commission</em></p>

<p>Sepoy Kapur Singh and&nbsp;Rifleman Deb Singh Bisht themselves lived under colonial rule. But on French land during the first world war, they fought to keep democratic values of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity alive — laying their lives for the modern democratic values alien to their homeland at the time.&nbsp;<img alt="First World War | Paris | Indian troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e424f8e2-571b-41a5-90ab-6a0743b26f3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-15T020347.011.png" /></p>

<p><em>One of the seminal pictures of World War-I&nbsp;is that of a French woman greeting Indian Sikh soldiers in Paris in 1916 at a site not far from Bastille Day's Celebrations on July 14, 2023 where India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour | Toor Collection</em></p>

<p>About 1.4 million Indian soldiers served during World War-I, of which 1,40,000 battled in the north of France and Belgium. Over 74,000 soldiers from the Indian subcontinent laid their lives during the five-year period between 1914 to 1919, of which 7,000 were killed on their line of duties in France and Belgium – paying the ultimate price in a foreign, unknown land.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1916 to 2023<br />
<br />
Solidarity, Friendship &amp; Spirit endure.....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BastilleDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BastilleDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFranceFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFranceFriendship</a> <a href="https://t.co/sH2OkozhjV">pic.twitter.com/sH2OkozhjV</a></p>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1679843217553121280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>After India’s freedom from the British, while the centre of power in New Delhi came to be symbolised by the monumental sandstone arch built by the British in the memory of troops who died in the first world war, in France – until recently – the mainstream awareness about Indians who died protecting French lands during the first world war was scarce.</p>

<p>This has changed in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="India Gate" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d4190d1-e54b-445e-a038-3da95d78ed59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-15T021035.226.png" /></p>

<p><em>India Gate,&nbsp;originally called All-India War Memorial, is a sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who laid their lives during first world war | AFP</em></p>

<p>At a war memorial of Neuve-Chapelle, in the north of France, the names of fallen soldiers hint upon their Indian origins – just like the ones whose names are engraved on India Gate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commemorative ceremonies are now held to honour the sacrifices made by the Indians who died while saving France from falling into German hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the last three decades, Ramesh Chander Vohra, 75, founder and president of Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association (IFSC) has been spending his savings and later his pension funds to commemorate the sacrifices of Indians who died protecting France in the twentieth century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 2010s, the governments of France, the United States and various European countries planned numerous military ceremonies to celebrate the centenary of victory in the former battlefields of first world war. The Indian soldiers were the great forgotten in these ceremonies, Vohra noted.</p>

<p>On August 30, 2015, Vohra organised an interfaith prayer at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial site, attended by over a dozen local mayors.</p>

<p>Vedic mantras, verses from the Koran, Shabads of Shri Granth Sahib and Christian psalms were&nbsp;chanted in for the peace of departed souls of the Indian soldiers of diverse religious backgrounds.&nbsp;<img alt="Vohra image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="836441ee-f55c-4132-9512-4b43eefd1b2b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-15T031510.573.png" /></p>

<p><em>Ramesh Chandra Vohra (Centre) during the interfaith prayer at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial site on August 30, 2015 | By special arrangement</em></p>

<p>"The French culture as a whole recognises and respects their contributions, fostering a sense of gratitude and remembrance," Vohra told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have even purchased land next to the Neuve Chapelle monument and aim to put up a statue in the memory of their gallant contribution," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, 107 years after they first marched on French streets during a victory parade after saving France from falling into German hands, the Indian troops marched into Paris again.</p>

<p>The Indian tri-services contingent added spectacle to Bastille Day Parade, marching down the tree-lined Champs-Elysee avenue, wowing the crowd in the French capital — Ramesh Chandra Vohra one among them.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marching together towards a forever friendship…<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmedForces?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmedForces</a> contingent displayed immaculate and synchronised drill movements at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BastilleDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BastilleDay</a> celebrations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a>. The participation of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> contingent in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FrenchNationalDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FrenchNationalDay</a> celebrations reinforces the… <a href="https://t.co/3vv6jRt1Qx">pic.twitter.com/3vv6jRt1Qx</a></p>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1679862966886502400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to historian-filmmaker Vijay Singh's 2016-film 'Farewell My Indian Soldier', the letters sent home by Indian soldiers were full of praises for the French.&nbsp;For the French people in Somme region, the Indian battalions were perceived as liberators who had left their tropical country to face the cold for&nbsp;their aid.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian soldiers at Champs-Élysées at the military parade of July 14, 1916. At the time this snapshot, the Battle of the Somme, in which the Indian Expeditionary Force (IEF) were fighting, had already begun. This was given as a gift by Prez Macron to PM Modi. <a href="https://t.co/FQbcGvIccv">https://t.co/FQbcGvIccv</a> <a href="https://t.co/26ZtPty9s6">pic.twitter.com/26ZtPty9s6</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1679801790156374017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A soldier's letter was quoted as saying by an article authored by Singh for The Indian Express in 2019: "Over here, marriage is never under 18 and by consent of both the parties. No man can beat his wife. This injustice happens only in India! Man and woman live together in harmony."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another soldier noted that French girls came out on streets when Indian cavalrymen were trasferred out of a village. A placard read: "Indian soldiers are departing. <em>Mademoiselle France pleure!</em> Miss France is in tears!"</p>

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Over a century ago, Sepoy Kapur Singh of 69th Punjabis regiment of erstwhile British Indian Army left his home in Ambala town in northern India. Sepoy Kapur, husband of Asa Dai, did not return home.

Over a century ago, Sepoy Kapur Singh of 69th Punjabis regiment of erstwhile British Indian Army left his home in Ambala town in northern India. Sepoy Kapur, husband of Asa Dai, did not return home. Like Sepoy Kapur Singh, Rifleman Deb Sing Bisht of 39th Garhwal Rifles from Chamoli town of present-day Uttarakhand did not return home either. Rifleman Deb Sing Bisht's memorial stone at Neuville-Sous-Montreuil Indian Cemetery, in Pas-de-Calais, France | Commonwealth War Grave Commission Sepoy Kapur Singh and Rifleman Deb Singh Bisht themselves lived under colonial rule. But on French land during the first world war, they fought to keep democratic values of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity alive — laying their lives for the modern democratic values alien to their homeland at the time. One of the seminal pictures of World War-I is that of a French woman greeting Indian Sikh soldiers in Paris in 1916 at a site not far from Bastille Day's Celebrations on July 14, 2023 where India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour | Toor Collection About 1.4 million Indian soldiers served during World War-I, of which 1,40,000 battled in the north of France and Belgium. Over 74,000 soldiers from the Indian subcontinent laid their lives during the five-year period between 1914 to 1919, of which 7,000 were killed on their line of duties in France and Belgium – paying the ultimate price in a foreign, unknown land. 1916 to 2023 Solidarity, Friendship & Spirit endure.....#BastilleDay #IndiaFranceFriendship pic.twitter.com/sH2OkozhjV — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 14, 2023 × After India’s freedom from the British, while the centre of power in New Delhi came to be symbolised by the monumental sandstone arch built by the British in the memory of troops who died in the first world war, in France – until recently – the mainstream awareness about Indians who died protecting French lands during the first world war was scarce. This has changed in recent years. India Gate, originally called All-India War Memorial, is a sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who laid their lives during first world war | AFP At a war memorial of Neuve-Chapelle, in the north of France, the names of fallen soldiers hint upon their Indian origins – just like the ones whose names are engraved on India Gate. Commemorative ceremonies are now held to honour the sacrifices made by the Indians who died while saving France from falling into German hands. For the last three decades, Ramesh Chander Vohra, 75, founder and president of Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association (IFSC) has been spending his savings and later his pension funds to commemorate the sacrifices of Indians who died protecting France in the twentieth century. In the 2010s, the governments of France, the United States and various European countries planned numerous military ceremonies to celebrate the centenary of victory in the former battlefields of first world war. The Indian soldiers were the great forgotten in these ceremonies, Vohra noted. On August 30, 2015, Vohra organised an interfaith prayer at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial site, attended by over a dozen local mayors. Vedic mantras, verses from the Koran, Shabads of Shri Granth Sahib and Christian psalms were chanted in for the peace of departed souls of the Indian soldiers of diverse religious backgrounds. Ramesh Chandra Vohra (Centre) during the interfaith prayer at the Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial site on August 30, 2015 | By special arrangement "The French culture as a whole recognises and respects their contributions, fostering a sense of gratitude and remembrance," Vohra told WION. "I have even purchased land next to the Neuve Chapelle monument and aim to put up a statue in the memory of their gallant contribution," he added. On Friday, 107 years after they first marched on French streets during a victory parade after saving France from falling into German hands, the Indian troops marched into Paris again. The Indian tri-services contingent added spectacle to Bastille Day Parade, marching down the tree-lined Champs-Elysee avenue, wowing the crowd in the French capital — Ramesh Chandra Vohra one among them. Marching together towards a forever friendship…#IndianArmedForces contingent displayed immaculate and synchronised drill movements at the #BastilleDay celebrations in #France. The participation of the #IndianArmy contingent in the #FrenchNationalDay celebrations reinforces the… pic.twitter.com/3vv6jRt1Qx — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 14, 2023 × According to historian-filmmaker Vijay Singh's 2016-film 'Farewell My Indian Soldier', the letters sent home by Indian soldiers were full of praises for the French. For the French people in Somme region, the Indian battalions were perceived as liberators who had left their tropical country to face the cold for their aid. Indian soldiers at Champs-Élysées at the military parade of July 14, 1916. At the time this snapshot, the Battle of the Somme, in which the Indian Expeditionary Force (IEF) were fighting, had already begun. This was given as a gift by Prez Macron to PM Modi. https://t.co/FQbcGvIccv pic.twitter.com/26ZtPty9s6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 14, 2023 × A soldier's letter was quoted as saying by an article authored by Singh for The Indian Express in 2019: "Over here, marriage is never under 18 and by consent of both the parties. No man can beat his wife. This injustice happens only in India! Man and woman live together in harmony." Another soldier noted that French girls came out on streets when Indian cavalrymen were trasferred out of a village. A placard read: "Indian soldiers are departing. Mademoiselle France pleure! Miss France is in tears!" 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.

Cast From The Past: Indians who died protecting France during first World War

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood beside French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris and repeated Global South's call for dialogue and diplomacy to end war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The effects of Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine have been felt all around the world. These two issues have negatively impacted the countries of Global South in particular. To sort these issues, all countries must come together. All disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India is ready to contribute towards a stable form of peace," Modi said.</p>

<p>"India and France have cooperated in their fight against terrorism. We believe in opting tough measures&nbsp;to end cross-border terrorism," Modi added, while indirectly hinting at cross-border terrorism perpetrated into the Indian side from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Defence an important pillar of India-France ties: Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Modi said that defence is an important pillar of India-France ties. "We will now focus on co-production &amp; co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-in-france-live-updates-prime-minister-arrives-for-bastille-day-parade-615473">Indian PM in Paris: We have agreed to launch India's Unified Payment Interface in France, says Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>Modi said that the people of India have taken the resolve to make the country a developed nation and France is a natural partner in this journey.</p>

<p>"Bold and ambitious goals are being set for this. The people of India have taken the resolve to make ourselves a developed nation. In this journey, we see France as a natural partner," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi invites French universities to open campuses in India</strong></h2>

<p>Modi invited French universities to open campuses in India and conveyed Delhi's regards to Paris for upcoming Olympics.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;World moving towards a new world order: PM Modi to Indian diaspora in France</strong></p>

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<p>"We will open a new Indian Consulate in the city of Marseille. We welcome the decision to grant long-term visas to people of Indian origin studying in France. I invite French universities to set up their campuses in India. Indian athletes are excited to participate in next year's Paris Olympics."</p>

<p>"Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron conferred me with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France. It is not my honour but the honour of 140 crore people of the country," Modi added.</p>

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood beside French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris and repeated Global South's call for dialogue and diplomacy to end war in Ukraine.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood beside French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris and repeated Global South's call for dialogue and diplomacy to end war in Ukraine. "The effects of Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine have been felt all around the world. These two issues have negatively impacted the countries of Global South in particular. To sort these issues, all countries must come together. All disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India is ready to contribute towards a stable form of peace," Modi said. "India and France have cooperated in their fight against terrorism. We believe in opting tough measures to end cross-border terrorism," Modi added, while indirectly hinting at cross-border terrorism perpetrated into the Indian side from Pakistan. Defence an important pillar of India-France ties: Modi Modi said that defence is an important pillar of India-France ties. "We will now focus on co-production & co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries," he said. Also read | Indian PM in Paris: We have agreed to launch India's Unified Payment Interface in France, says Modi Modi said that the people of India have taken the resolve to make the country a developed nation and France is a natural partner in this journey. "Bold and ambitious goals are being set for this. The people of India have taken the resolve to make ourselves a developed nation. In this journey, we see France as a natural partner," he added. Modi invites French universities to open campuses in India Modi invited French universities to open campuses in India and conveyed Delhi's regards to Paris for upcoming Olympics. Watch | World moving towards a new world order: PM Modi to Indian diaspora in France × "We will open a new Indian Consulate in the city of Marseille. We welcome the decision to grant long-term visas to people of Indian origin studying in France. I invite French universities to set up their campuses in India. Indian athletes are excited to participate in next year's Paris Olympics." "Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron conferred me with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest award in France. It is not my honour but the honour of 140 crore people of the country," Modi added. 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.

Modi in France: India flags cross-border terrorism, repeats call for dialogue to end Ukraine war

<p>On Friday, when the spotlight of diplomacy fell on India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar at ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) Regional Forum in Jakarta, he underlined New Delhi's response to global challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But soon, as the leaders posted the visuals of bilateral and multilateral bonhomie, the spotlight fell on the fancy shirts India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Antony Blinken were wearing.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pleasure to meet <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a>.<br />
<br />
Followed up on PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s recent visit to the US. Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/rFVUJ6aO6h">pic.twitter.com/rFVUJ6aO6h</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1679802651813498880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Blinken-Jaishankar meet was a follow up between New Delhi and Washington after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States last month.</p>

<p>"Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>As soon as Jaishankar shared the image of himself with Antony Blinken in Jakarta, the reaction on microblogging site was less directed on the substance of the bilateral meet and more on the outfits of the two leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Love the shirts," wrote a user.</p>

<p>"Looks like Hollywood actors. See their modelling shirts," wrote another user.</p>

<p>"Homies, about to rock the dance floor," wrote a third user.</p>

<p>"Are they playing rock, paper, scissors for the vibe match?," asked a fourth user.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-china-stalk-asean-india-maritime-exercise-in-south-china-sea-to-intimidate-590480">Did China stalk ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in South China Sea to 'intimidate'?</a></strong></p>

<p>As far as the proceedings of the ASEAN Regional Forum are concerned, India pressed for diplomacy to address conflicts and called for promotion of global cooperation and delegitimisation to counter-terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also expressed concern about 'activities undermining peace and stability' in the international waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India key to global blocs: ASEAN nations see India as an ally</strong></p>

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<p>On terrorism, India emphasised that ARF members "must adopt a uniform, unified and zero tolerance approach. This includes dismantling sanctuaries and financing networks, countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the ASEAN joint-statement "reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence," and called for&nbsp;exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.</p>

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On Friday, when the spotlight of diplomacy fell on India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar at ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) Regional Forum in Jakarta, he underlined New Delhi's response to global challenges.

On Friday, when the spotlight of diplomacy fell on India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar at ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) Regional Forum in Jakarta, he underlined New Delhi's response to global challenges. But soon, as the leaders posted the visuals of bilateral and multilateral bonhomie, the spotlight fell on the fancy shirts India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Antony Blinken were wearing. Pleasure to meet @SecBlinken. Followed up on PM @narendramodi’s recent visit to the US. Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/rFVUJ6aO6h — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 14, 2023 × The Blinken-Jaishankar meet was a follow up between New Delhi and Washington after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States last month. "Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said. As soon as Jaishankar shared the image of himself with Antony Blinken in Jakarta, the reaction on microblogging site was less directed on the substance of the bilateral meet and more on the outfits of the two leaders. "Love the shirts," wrote a user. "Looks like Hollywood actors. See their modelling shirts," wrote another user. "Homies, about to rock the dance floor," wrote a third user. "Are they playing rock, paper, scissors for the vibe match?," asked a fourth user. Also read | Did China stalk ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in South China Sea to 'intimidate'? As far as the proceedings of the ASEAN Regional Forum are concerned, India pressed for diplomacy to address conflicts and called for promotion of global cooperation and delegitimisation to counter-terrorism. India also expressed concern about 'activities undermining peace and stability' in the international waters. Also watch | India key to global blocs: ASEAN nations see India as an ally × On terrorism, India emphasised that ARF members "must adopt a uniform, unified and zero tolerance approach. This includes dismantling sanctuaries and financing networks, countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism." Meanwhile, the ASEAN joint-statement "reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence," and called for exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. 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.

Blinken, Jaishankar sport 'fancy shirts', emerge as 'homies' of ASEAN meet in Jakarta

<p>An Indian student in Sydney was allegedly beaten up by supporters of Khalistan movement, a discredited separatist movement that calls for the break-up of the Indian state of Punjab.</p>

<p>The 23-year-old was reportedly on his way to work at six in the morning in Sydney's western suburbs of Merrylands, Australia Today reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian student opposing Khalistanis beaten up: What exactly happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The victim told Australia Today that while going to work some 4-5 Khalistan supporters attacked him. The victim reportedly works as a driver.</p>

<p>"As soon as I sat in my driving seat, these Khalistan supporters came out of nowhere. One of them opened the left side door of my vehicle and hit me with an iron rod on my cheekbone under my left eye. After which they opened the driver-side door and dragged me out of the vehicle and started beating me with iron rods. Two of them were doing video recording on their phones while 4-5 were hitting me from all sides," the victim was quoted as saying by Australia Today.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-cancels-khalistan-propaganda-referendum-organised-by-sikhs-for-justice-591555">Sydney cancels Khalistan propaganda referendum organised by Sikhs For Justice</a></strong></p>

<p>"Everything happened within 5 minutes and they left saying this should be enough lesson for me for opposing the Khalistan issue, if not they are ready to give me more lessons like this," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Has the local police acted?</strong></h2>

<p>The Police of New South Wales in an official statement confirmed the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Police have been told a 23-year-old man was walking along Rupert Street before he was assaulted by four men armed with a metal pole," New South Wales police said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Radioactive capsule lost in Western Australia along 1,400 km route, authorities issue health warning</strong></p>

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<p>"The 23-year-old was allegedly kicked, punched, and hit with the metal pole repeatedly before the four men left the scene in a grey sedan."</p>

<p>The representatives of the larger Indian diaspora in Australia have pointed out this incident as a "deliberate strategy to create fear".</p>

<p>"It looks like a deliberate strategy to create fear among us. We all know that a campaign based on creating fear may bring some short-term benefits to few, but will not work in the long run," Yogesh Khattar, President of Indo Australia Sanatan Society told <em>Australia Today.</em></p>

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An Indian student in Sydney was allegedly beaten up by supporters of Khalistan movement, a discredited separatist movement that calls for the break-up of the Indian state of Punjab.

An Indian student in Sydney was allegedly beaten up by supporters of Khalistan movement, a discredited separatist movement that calls for the break-up of the Indian state of Punjab. The 23-year-old was reportedly on his way to work at six in the morning in Sydney's western suburbs of Merrylands, Australia Today reported. Indian student opposing Khalistanis beaten up: What exactly happened? The victim told Australia Today that while going to work some 4-5 Khalistan supporters attacked him. The victim reportedly works as a driver. "As soon as I sat in my driving seat, these Khalistan supporters came out of nowhere. One of them opened the left side door of my vehicle and hit me with an iron rod on my cheekbone under my left eye. After which they opened the driver-side door and dragged me out of the vehicle and started beating me with iron rods. Two of them were doing video recording on their phones while 4-5 were hitting me from all sides," the victim was quoted as saying by Australia Today. Also read | Sydney cancels Khalistan propaganda referendum organised by Sikhs For Justice "Everything happened within 5 minutes and they left saying this should be enough lesson for me for opposing the Khalistan issue, if not they are ready to give me more lessons like this," he added. Has the local police acted? The Police of New South Wales in an official statement confirmed the incident. "Police have been told a 23-year-old man was walking along Rupert Street before he was assaulted by four men armed with a metal pole," New South Wales police said in a statement. Watch | Radioactive capsule lost in Western Australia along 1,400 km route, authorities issue health warning × "The 23-year-old was allegedly kicked, punched, and hit with the metal pole repeatedly before the four men left the scene in a grey sedan." The representatives of the larger Indian diaspora in Australia have pointed out this incident as a "deliberate strategy to create fear". "It looks like a deliberate strategy to create fear among us. We all know that a campaign based on creating fear may bring some short-term benefits to few, but will not work in the long run," Yogesh Khattar, President of Indo Australia Sanatan Society told Australia Today. 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.

Indian student beaten up with iron rods by Khalistan supporters in Sydney: Report

<p>In a significant display of bilateral bonhomie, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed India as "a giant in world history" and acknowledged the 'decisive role' India is set to play in the future. Addressing India as a 'strategic partner' and 'a friend', Macron said that it gave the French a 'great pleasure to welcome India as the Guest of Honour for this year's 14th July parade', referring to the French National Day celebrated annually on 14th of July.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also conferred the highest French civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi said it was an "honour for the 140 crore people of India".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India PM Modi's second day in France, conferred with Legion of Honour | World DNA</strong></p>

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<p>Taking to Twitter, Modi said, "1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!"</p>

<p>PM Modi joined Macron for French National Day, formally known as Bastille Day, in Paris early on Friday where an Indian tri-services contingent was part of the parade. French-made Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets performed a fly-past. Both Indian and French troops marched with trumpets and drums.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-narendra-modi-lauds-superhit-french-striker-kylian-mbappe-says-hes-more-popular-in-india-than-in-france-615369">PM Narendra Modi lauds 'Superhit' French striker Kylian Mbappe, says he's more popular in India than in France</a></strong></p>

<p>The parade&nbsp;at Champs-Élysées in Paris&nbsp;had members of Indian Army's Punjab Regiment whose troops have participated in both the World Wars. Punjab Regiment has been bestowed with 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first world war.</p>

<p>It participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during the first world war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The national day of France is celebrated on July 14, also known as Bastille Day or Fête Nationale Française.</p>

<h2><strong>The significance of Bastille Day</strong></h2>

<p>The Bastille Day Parade marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison — a prison associated with repression and torture — in 1789 during the French Revolution, a pivotal moment in French history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the significance of Bastille day lies in the fact that it ended the rule of the monarchs.</p>

<p>Eventually, Napoleon retook the power but that entailed introduction of some progressive laws that set down the foundation of democracy in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bastille Day, thus, emerged as that point in French history towards the success of the French Revolution for the ascent of democracy in France and the larger European region.</p>

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In a significant display of bilateral bonhomie, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed India as "a giant in world history" and acknowledged the 'decisive role' India is set to play in the future.

In a significant display of bilateral bonhomie, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed India as "a giant in world history" and acknowledged the 'decisive role' India is set to play in the future. Addressing India as a 'strategic partner' and 'a friend', Macron said that it gave the French a 'great pleasure to welcome India as the Guest of Honour for this year's 14th July parade', referring to the French National Day celebrated annually on 14th of July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also conferred the highest French civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Prime Minister Modi said it was an "honour for the 140 crore people of India". Watch | India PM Modi's second day in France, conferred with Legion of Honour | World DNA × Taking to Twitter, Modi said, "1.4 billion Indians will always be grateful to France for being a strong and trusted partner. May the bond deepen even further!" PM Modi joined Macron for French National Day, formally known as Bastille Day, in Paris early on Friday where an Indian tri-services contingent was part of the parade. French-made Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets performed a fly-past. Both Indian and French troops marched with trumpets and drums. Also read | PM Narendra Modi lauds 'Superhit' French striker Kylian Mbappe, says he's more popular in India than in France The parade at Champs-Élysées in Paris had members of Indian Army's Punjab Regiment whose troops have participated in both the World Wars. Punjab Regiment has been bestowed with 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first world war. It participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during the first world war. The national day of France is celebrated on July 14, also known as Bastille Day or Fête Nationale Française. The significance of Bastille Day The Bastille Day Parade marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison — a prison associated with repression and torture — in 1789 during the French Revolution, a pivotal moment in French history. But the significance of Bastille day lies in the fact that it ended the rule of the monarchs. Eventually, Napoleon retook the power but that entailed introduction of some progressive laws that set down the foundation of democracy in France. Bastille Day, thus, emerged as that point in French history towards the success of the French Revolution for the ascent of democracy in France and the larger European region. 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.

'India a giant in global history': Macron, Modi pen new chapter in Delhi-Paris ties

<p>An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Science and Technology ministry official Naoya Takegami told the news agency AFP that the Epsilon S blew up "roughly 50 seconds after ignition". It was claimed to be an improved version of the Epsilon rocket that failed to launch in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media reported citing an official that the explosion took place about a minute into the test of the second-stage engine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/on-eve-of-chandrayaan-3-launch-isros-unique-launch-at-spaceport-615353">On eve of Chandrayaan-3 launch, ISRO's unique 'launch' at spaceport</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In the video shown on television, flames were seen shooting out the side of a testing facility. After that, the whole small building was engulfed in flames and the was also roof blew off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Takegami said that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has not provided any information about injuries. The agency has been investigating the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the videos:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💥🇯🇵 - In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a>, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EpsilonS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EpsilonS</a> rocket exploded during tests, the explosion occurred one minute after the start of tests of the rocket engine. <a href="https://t.co/FT0PFYXLwY">pic.twitter.com/FT0PFYXLwY</a></p>
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) <a href="https://twitter.com/theinformantofc/status/1679689175900082177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Space Rocket Explodes One Minute into Test in Japan<br />
Birds &amp; bats aren't the only things dying around those windmills🙄 <a href="https://t.co/o6EPguvwLX">pic.twitter.com/o6EPguvwLX</a></p>
— Alix (@AlixG_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlixG_2/status/1679732679774748676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Japan's failed missions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In March, Japan's second attempt to launch its next-generation H3 rocket failed after liftoff because of a reported malfunction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after the failed launch of the solid-fuel Epsilon in October, which was Japan's first failed launch in nearly two decades, and the only one for an Epsilon rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In both cases, the Japanese space agency was forced to send self-destruct orders to the rockets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-launch-india-all-set-to-take-giant-leap-in-space-615331">LIVE Chandrayaan-3 launch</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Epsilon is a model that has flown five successful missions since its 2013 debut. Japan has informed previously that it is smaller than the country's previous liquid-fuelled model and a successor to the solid-fuel "M-5" rocket that was retired in 2006 due to its high cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Japan is planning to launch the mission next year. Reports have mentioned that the country's space programme is one of the world's largest, and in October JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata flew to the International Space Station as part of the Crew-5 mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration.

An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration. Science and Technology ministry official Naoya Takegami told the news agency AFP that the Epsilon S blew up "roughly 50 seconds after ignition". It was claimed to be an improved version of the Epsilon rocket that failed to launch in October. Local media reported citing an official that the explosion took place about a minute into the test of the second-stage engine. Also read: On eve of Chandrayaan-3 launch, ISRO's unique 'launch' at spaceport In the video shown on television, flames were seen shooting out the side of a testing facility. After that, the whole small building was engulfed in flames and the was also roof blew off. Takegami said that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has not provided any information about injuries. The agency has been investigating the cause of the explosion. Watch the videos: 💥🇯🇵 - In #Japan, an #EpsilonS rocket exploded during tests, the explosion occurred one minute after the start of tests of the rocket engine. pic.twitter.com/FT0PFYXLwY — 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) July 14, 2023 × Space Rocket Explodes One Minute into Test in Japan Birds & bats aren't the only things dying around those windmills🙄 pic.twitter.com/o6EPguvwLX — Alix (@AlixG_2) July 14, 2023 × Japan's failed missions In March, Japan's second attempt to launch its next-generation H3 rocket failed after liftoff because of a reported malfunction. It was after the failed launch of the solid-fuel Epsilon in October, which was Japan's first failed launch in nearly two decades, and the only one for an Epsilon rocket. In both cases, the Japanese space agency was forced to send self-destruct orders to the rockets. LIVE Chandrayaan-3 launch For the unversed, Epsilon is a model that has flown five successful missions since its 2013 debut. Japan has informed previously that it is smaller than the country's previous liquid-fuelled model and a successor to the solid-fuel "M-5" rocket that was retired in 2006 due to its high cost. Now, Japan is planning to launch the mission next year. Reports have mentioned that the country's space programme is one of the world's largest, and in October JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata flew to the International Space Station as part of the Crew-5 mission. (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.

Watch: Japan space agency rocket engine explodes during test

<p>Jared Kushner, a former US government official and the son-in-law of ex-president Donald Trump, appeared before a grand jury among other witnesses in recent weeks, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many former senior Trump White House officials have testified before a federal grand jury regarding a probe done by the special counsel into the January 6 Capitol Hill attack. Local media reported that federal prosecutors investigating former Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was first reported by The New York Times, which discussed the line of questioning. As per the report, prosecutors are trying to establish whether or not Trump's intention was corrupt in order to remain in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that a person briefed on the matter noted Kushner had testified before a grand jury at the federal courthouse in Washington last month. At that time, he said that Trump truly believed the election was stolen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest development, there's no comment from Kushner so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith last year in November to oversee the investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency. The counsel also probing efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Janet Yellen to travel to India for G20 finance meeting; Vietnam for bilateral talks&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Trump was also charged with removing top secret documents from the White House and refusing to hand them back. If he had allowed National Archives officials to retrieve all the official government records last year, he could have avoided charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pressed by the Archives, in January 2022 Trump handed over 15 boxes of documents from his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago, including favorite keepsakes like his personal letters from North Korea's Kim Jong Un.</p>

<p>Those boxes contained 197 classified defence and intelligence documents, sparking an FBI subpoena to get any other secret files that Trump may have taken to Mar-A-Lago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump's attorney found 38 more classified documents from a search of 30 boxes kept in a storeroom and turned them over to the FBI on June 3, 2022, saying that was all.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Jared Kushner, a former US government official and the son-in-law of ex-president Donald Trump, appeared before a grand jury among other witnesses in recent weeks, reports said.

Jared Kushner, a former US government official and the son-in-law of ex-president Donald Trump, appeared before a grand jury among other witnesses in recent weeks, reports said. Many former senior Trump White House officials have testified before a federal grand jury regarding a probe done by the special counsel into the January 6 Capitol Hill attack. Local media reported that federal prosecutors investigating former Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This was first reported by The New York Times, which discussed the line of questioning. As per the report, prosecutors are trying to establish whether or not Trump's intention was corrupt in order to remain in power. The report said that a person briefed on the matter noted Kushner had testified before a grand jury at the federal courthouse in Washington last month. At that time, he said that Trump truly believed the election was stolen. In the latest development, there's no comment from Kushner so far. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith last year in November to oversee the investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency. The counsel also probing efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Watch: Janet Yellen to travel to India for G20 finance meeting; Vietnam for bilateral talks × Trump was also charged with removing top secret documents from the White House and refusing to hand them back. If he had allowed National Archives officials to retrieve all the official government records last year, he could have avoided charges. Pressed by the Archives, in January 2022 Trump handed over 15 boxes of documents from his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago, including favorite keepsakes like his personal letters from North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Those boxes contained 197 classified defence and intelligence documents, sparking an FBI subpoena to get any other secret files that Trump may have taken to Mar-A-Lago. Trump's attorney found 38 more classified documents from a search of 30 boxes kept in a storeroom and turned them over to the FBI on June 3, 2022, saying that was all. (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.

Jared Kushner testified before grand jury on Trump's mindset after 2020 election

<p>Parts of Europe, China and the United States have seen facing record-breaking heat as the temperature of the ground in some areas of Spain hit more than 60 degrees Celsius during the deadly heatwave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation across Europe continues to deteriorate, with tourists in central Athens gathered near mist machines and animals in the zoo in Madrid fed fruit popsicles and chunks of frozen food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Associated Press mentioned that southern Europeans braced for a heat wave, with European Union's space agency warning over upcoming severe conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that satellite recordings have shown the heat map, which highlighted scorching temperatures in red and turned even darker, to black for some regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the meantime, authorities have put emergency measures in place after the high-pressure system, which crossed the Mediterranean from North Africa, has been named Cerberus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Powerful cyclone batters Southern Brazil, al least one dead&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Local reports have mentioned that temperature records have been broken in many countries, including France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In some regions, highs of 40 degrees Celsius were recorded again on Wednesday. It was predicted that in Sicily and Sardinia, the temperature could be as high as 48 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Concerns around the health of residents were also raised when the heatwave claimed its first life this summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, a 44-year-old worker collapsed on Tuesday when he was reportedly painting a zebra crossing in 40 degrees Celsius heat in the town of Lodi outside Milan, Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Heat advisories issued</strong></h2>

<p>Extreme heat advisories have been issued for more than 100 million Americans, with the National Weather Service forecasting particularly dangerous conditions in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Africa has also been sweltering and the Moroccan meteorological service issued an extreme heat red alert for southern parts of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some regions of China, including the capital Beijing, are also experiencing sweltering temperatures and a major Chinese power company said its single-day power generation hit a record high on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Secretary-General Petteri Taalas of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that extreme weather resulting from a warming climate is "unfortunately becoming the new normal".&nbsp;</p>

<p>WMO said that excessive heat is one of the deadliest meteorological events and a recent study estimates over 61,000 people died from heat during Europe's record-breaking summer last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Parts of Europe, China and the United States have seen facing record-breaking heat as the temperature of the ground in some areas of Spain hit more than 60 degrees Celsius during the deadly heatwave.

Parts of Europe, China and the United States have seen facing record-breaking heat as the temperature of the ground in some areas of Spain hit more than 60 degrees Celsius during the deadly heatwave. The situation across Europe continues to deteriorate, with tourists in central Athens gathered near mist machines and animals in the zoo in Madrid fed fruit popsicles and chunks of frozen food. A report by The Associated Press mentioned that southern Europeans braced for a heat wave, with European Union's space agency warning over upcoming severe conditions. Reports have mentioned that satellite recordings have shown the heat map, which highlighted scorching temperatures in red and turned even darker, to black for some regions. In the meantime, authorities have put emergency measures in place after the high-pressure system, which crossed the Mediterranean from North Africa, has been named Cerberus. Watch: Powerful cyclone batters Southern Brazil, al least one dead × Local reports have mentioned that temperature records have been broken in many countries, including France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. In some regions, highs of 40 degrees Celsius were recorded again on Wednesday. It was predicted that in Sicily and Sardinia, the temperature could be as high as 48 degrees Celsius. Concerns around the health of residents were also raised when the heatwave claimed its first life this summer. As per reports, a 44-year-old worker collapsed on Tuesday when he was reportedly painting a zebra crossing in 40 degrees Celsius heat in the town of Lodi outside Milan, Italy. Heat advisories issued Extreme heat advisories have been issued for more than 100 million Americans, with the National Weather Service forecasting particularly dangerous conditions in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. North Africa has also been sweltering and the Moroccan meteorological service issued an extreme heat red alert for southern parts of the country. Some regions of China, including the capital Beijing, are also experiencing sweltering temperatures and a major Chinese power company said its single-day power generation hit a record high on Monday. Secretary-General Petteri Taalas of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that extreme weather resulting from a warming climate is "unfortunately becoming the new normal". WMO said that excessive heat is one of the deadliest meteorological events and a recent study estimates over 61,000 people died from heat during Europe's record-breaking summer last year. (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.

Europe heatwave: Spain swelters with land temperatures crossing 60 degrees Celsius

<p>A plastic surgeon based in Ohio, US, lost her medical license on Wednesday (July 12) when she was found live-streaming operations on the social media platform TikTok and&nbsp;patients subsequently reported&nbsp;surgical complications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The surgeon identified as Katharine Grawe was voted by the Ohio Medical Board to be banned from ever practising again in the state. She is also known as 'Dr Roxy' in her plastic surgery practice "Roxy Plastic Surgery".&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the board, she didn't take into consideration of her patients as she live-streamed parts of their procedures. She even interacted with her followers by speaking into a camera and answering questions online. Her licence was originally suspended in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sea-otter-stuns-californian-surfers-by-attacking-them-and-stealing-boards-615128">Sea otter stuns Californian surfers by attacking them and stealing boards</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A previous board suspension notice revealed Grawe was warned about her actions in early 2018 when concerns were raised over patient privacy and possible ethics violations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports have mentioned that the notice listed three patients of Grawe's who suffered severe complications and needed intense medical care after she operated on them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-junior-doctors-begin-longest-single-walkout-in-nhss-history-over-pay-issues-615098">UK junior doctors begin 'longest single walkout' in NHS’s history over pay issues</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">plastic surgeon who livestreamed procedures on TikTok has been banned from practicing medicine.<br />
The Ohio Medical Board on Wednesday voted to permanently revoke the license of Dr. Katharine Grawe —Dr. Roxy in her plastic surgery practice, "Roxy Plastic Surgery <a href="https://t.co/1UkKmd1nHT">pic.twitter.com/1UkKmd1nHT</a></p>
— Black AF News (@blackafnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackafnews/status/1679261690393686016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Associated Press mentioned in its report that one woman's intestine was found to be perforated a week after her surgery, which was partially live-streamed on TikTok by Grawe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The New York Times, Dr Jonathan B Feibel, who is the vice president of the medical board, recommended that Dr Grawe's licence be revoked because of the "life-altering, reckless treatment" provided to those patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "These outcomes were not normal complications like those that exist in the routine practice of medicine, but were rather caused by recklessness and disregard for the rules governing the practice of medicine in Ohio."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Feibel added that Grawe's social media presence "amplified her reckless behaviour".&nbsp;</p>

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A plastic surgeon based in Ohio, US, lost her medical license on Wednesday (July 12) when she was found live-streaming operations on the social media platform TikTok and patients subsequently reported surgical complications.

A plastic surgeon based in Ohio, US, lost her medical license on Wednesday (July 12) when she was found live-streaming operations on the social media platform TikTok and patients subsequently reported surgical complications. The surgeon identified as Katharine Grawe was voted by the Ohio Medical Board to be banned from ever practising again in the state. She is also known as 'Dr Roxy' in her plastic surgery practice "Roxy Plastic Surgery". According to the board, she didn't take into consideration of her patients as she live-streamed parts of their procedures. She even interacted with her followers by speaking into a camera and answering questions online. Her licence was originally suspended in November. Also read: Sea otter stuns Californian surfers by attacking them and stealing boards A previous board suspension notice revealed Grawe was warned about her actions in early 2018 when concerns were raised over patient privacy and possible ethics violations. Local reports have mentioned that the notice listed three patients of Grawe's who suffered severe complications and needed intense medical care after she operated on them. Also read: UK junior doctors begin 'longest single walkout' in NHS’s history over pay issues plastic surgeon who livestreamed procedures on TikTok has been banned from practicing medicine. The Ohio Medical Board on Wednesday voted to permanently revoke the license of Dr. Katharine Grawe —Dr. Roxy in her plastic surgery practice, "Roxy Plastic Surgery pic.twitter.com/1UkKmd1nHT — Black AF News (@blackafnews) July 12, 2023 × The Associated Press mentioned in its report that one woman's intestine was found to be perforated a week after her surgery, which was partially live-streamed on TikTok by Grawe. As quoted by The New York Times, Dr Jonathan B Feibel, who is the vice president of the medical board, recommended that Dr Grawe's licence be revoked because of the "life-altering, reckless treatment" provided to those patients. He said, "These outcomes were not normal complications like those that exist in the routine practice of medicine, but were rather caused by recklessness and disregard for the rules governing the practice of medicine in Ohio." Dr Feibel added that Grawe's social media presence "amplified her reckless behaviour". 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.

US: Plastic surgeon, who live-streamed procedures on TikTok, banned from practising medicine

<p>Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported.</p>

<p>Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been probing the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Microsoft and US officials said on Wednesday (July 11) that the hackers have secretly accessed email accounts at around 25 organisations since May.</p>

<p>White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" show that the US detected a breach of federal government accounts "fairly rapidly" and managed to prevent further violations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a senior US government official, it would not be fair to compare the espionage to the SolarWinds compromise, which was a sweeping set of digital break-ins that were disclosed in late 2020 and blamed on Russian cyber spies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official called the recently discovered campaign "much narrower" compared to SolarWinds.</p>

<p>The official said he could not comment on Microsoft's decision to attribute the hack to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Microsoft said in a statement that the hacking group - which it dubbed Storm-0558 - forged digital authentication tokens to access webmail accounts running on the firm's Outlook service.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-launches-long-teased-chatgpt-rival-xai-614844">Elon Musk launches AI firm ‘xAI’, likely to come up with ChatGPT rival</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"As with any observed nation-state actor activity, Microsoft has contacted all targeted or compromised organizations directly via their tenant admins and provided them with important information to help them investigate and respond," Microsoft said, without providing details regarding which organisations or governments had been affected.</p>

<p>However, the company added that the hacking group involved primarily targets entities in Western Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodges told the Post that the "US government safeguards identified an intrusion in Microsoft's cloud security, which affected unclassified systems".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hodges said, "Officials immediately contacted Microsoft to find the source and vulnerability in their cloud service. We continue to hold the procurement providers of the US government to a high-security threshold."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Commerce Department said it took "immediate action" after Microsoft notified it of a compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/explained-what-is-69bn-microsoft-activision-deal-that-could-transform-gaming-industry-forever-614743">Explained: What is $69bn Microsoft-Activision deal that could transform gaming industry forever?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>China says this is 'disinformation'</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Beijing denied involvement in hacking operations regardless of the available evidence or context.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese embassy in London called the accusation "disinformation" and termed the US government "the world's biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported.

Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been probing the incident. Microsoft and US officials said on Wednesday (July 11) that the hackers have secretly accessed email accounts at around 25 organisations since May. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" show that the US detected a breach of federal government accounts "fairly rapidly" and managed to prevent further violations. According to a senior US government official, it would not be fair to compare the espionage to the SolarWinds compromise, which was a sweeping set of digital break-ins that were disclosed in late 2020 and blamed on Russian cyber spies. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official called the recently discovered campaign "much narrower" compared to SolarWinds. The official said he could not comment on Microsoft's decision to attribute the hack to China. Microsoft said in a statement that the hacking group - which it dubbed Storm-0558 - forged digital authentication tokens to access webmail accounts running on the firm's Outlook service. Also read: Elon Musk launches AI firm ‘xAI’, likely to come up with ChatGPT rival "As with any observed nation-state actor activity, Microsoft has contacted all targeted or compromised organizations directly via their tenant admins and provided them with important information to help them investigate and respond," Microsoft said, without providing details regarding which organisations or governments had been affected. However, the company added that the hacking group involved primarily targets entities in Western Europe. National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodges told the Post that the "US government safeguards identified an intrusion in Microsoft's cloud security, which affected unclassified systems". Hodges said, "Officials immediately contacted Microsoft to find the source and vulnerability in their cloud service. We continue to hold the procurement providers of the US government to a high-security threshold." The US Commerce Department said it took "immediate action" after Microsoft notified it of a compromise. Also read: Explained: What is $69bn Microsoft-Activision deal that could transform gaming industry forever? China says this is 'disinformation' Beijing denied involvement in hacking operations regardless of the available evidence or context. The Chinese embassy in London called the accusation "disinformation" and termed the US government "the world's biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief". (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.

Chinese spies targeted Microsoft, US commerce secretary's email, other officials: Report

<p>The Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary fighters' organisation, reportedly rescued and evacuated a group of Chinese miners in central Africa about two weeks ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South China Morning Post reported citing analysts said that the Wagner move was an effort to rebuild its image after the failed coup attempt against the Russian military leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and a statement were released by the group on social media platform Telegram last week. The footage indicated that the operation happened earlier this month and involved a Chinese-operated mining site near Bambari in the Central African Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unidentified gunmen attacked a gold mine north of Bambari in March, killing at least nine Chinese nationals, and injuring two others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement by the Wagner group mentioned that the Chinese embassy contacted the private military, a company composed of mercenaries, for help when it received intel on July 1 about another attack being planned by local militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner then sent its soldiers to look for the miners, who were seeking refuge in a nearby jungle. They were eventually evacuated to the capital city Bangui two days later.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/f-16-jets-in-ukraine-will-be-seen-as-nuclear-threat-russia-615014">F-16 jets in Ukraine will be seen as 'nuclear' threat: Russia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The question here is, why the Chinese embassy contacted the Wagner for help?&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by SCMP, Tian Buchou, a veteran of China's special forces said that "for China, this is just an occasional case. The Wagner Group is not its only choice [for security help] in central Africa".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tian has reportedly spent nearly two decades managing security for Chinese companies in the Middle East and Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tian added that "this evacuation operation could be very important to the Wagner Group, which has been struggling to expand its business in resource-rich Africa" where France, the Netherlands&nbsp;and Spain also have mercenaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, another Chinese military veteran, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the Wagner group wanted to please Russian President Vladimir Putin that's why they disclosed the operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The veteran said: "Only Chinese state-owned enterprises are allowed to operate mines in Africa, and these operations are backed by the Chinese government. Chinese companies are major potential clients [for Wagner]."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weapons-supply-to-ukraine-allies-embarrassed-over-ben-wallaces-we-are-not-amazon-remarks-614984">Weapons supply to Ukraine: Allies embarrassed over Ben Wallace's we are 'not Amazon' remarks?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Crime&nbsp;in Mali&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (July 13) that armed Islamist groups have carried out widespread killing, rape and looting in northeast Mali this year forcing thousands of people to flee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HRW also mentioned that the Wagner Group has been implicated in "atrocities" in several African countries, including Mali, and also documented "serious abuses" by Malian security as well as "apparent Wagner forces during counter-insurgency operations in central Mali".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary fighters' organisation, reportedly rescued and evacuated a group of Chinese miners in central Africa about two weeks ago.

The Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary fighters' organisation, reportedly rescued and evacuated a group of Chinese miners in central Africa about two weeks ago. The South China Morning Post reported citing analysts said that the Wagner move was an effort to rebuild its image after the failed coup attempt against the Russian military leadership. Images and a statement were released by the group on social media platform Telegram last week. The footage indicated that the operation happened earlier this month and involved a Chinese-operated mining site near Bambari in the Central African Republic. Unidentified gunmen attacked a gold mine north of Bambari in March, killing at least nine Chinese nationals, and injuring two others. A statement by the Wagner group mentioned that the Chinese embassy contacted the private military, a company composed of mercenaries, for help when it received intel on July 1 about another attack being planned by local militants. Wagner then sent its soldiers to look for the miners, who were seeking refuge in a nearby jungle. They were eventually evacuated to the capital city Bangui two days later. Also read: F-16 jets in Ukraine will be seen as 'nuclear' threat: Russia The question here is, why the Chinese embassy contacted the Wagner for help? As quoted by SCMP, Tian Buchou, a veteran of China's special forces said that "for China, this is just an occasional case. The Wagner Group is not its only choice [for security help] in central Africa". Tian has reportedly spent nearly two decades managing security for Chinese companies in the Middle East and Africa. Tian added that "this evacuation operation could be very important to the Wagner Group, which has been struggling to expand its business in resource-rich Africa" where France, the Netherlands and Spain also have mercenaries. As quoted, another Chinese military veteran, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the Wagner group wanted to please Russian President Vladimir Putin that's why they disclosed the operation. The veteran said: "Only Chinese state-owned enterprises are allowed to operate mines in Africa, and these operations are backed by the Chinese government. Chinese companies are major potential clients [for Wagner]." Also read: Weapons supply to Ukraine: Allies embarrassed over Ben Wallace's we are 'not Amazon' remarks? Crime in Mali Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (July 13) that armed Islamist groups have carried out widespread killing, rape and looting in northeast Mali this year forcing thousands of people to flee. HRW also mentioned that the Wagner Group has been implicated in "atrocities" in several African countries, including Mali, and also documented "serious abuses" by Malian security as well as "apparent Wagner forces during counter-insurgency operations in central Mali". (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.

Wagner group rescued Chinese gold miners in Central African Republic in July. What does it show?

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that the armed confrontation in Ukraine will continue until the West gives up plans to dominate and defeat Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interview with an Indonesian newspaper was published on Wednesday (July 12). Lavrov said that the goal of the "US-led collective West" is to strengthen its global hegemony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has often warned the West against supplying precision and long-range weapons to Ukraine during the ongoing war, which started last year in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian minister told the Kompas newspaper that Kyiv is ignoring Indonesia's peace plan and instead promoting its own "package of ultimatums".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lost-child-in-a-fair-internet-reacts-to-zelenskys-photo-at-nato-summit-614628">'Lost child in a fair': Internet reacts to Zelensky's photo at NATO Summit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to a transcript of the interview published on Russia's foreign ministry website, Lavrov asked, "Why doesn't the armed confrontation in Ukraine come to an end?"</p>

<p>"The answer is very simple – it will continue until the West gives up its plans to preserve its domination and overcome its obsessive desire to inflict on Russia a strategic defeat at the hands of its Kyiv puppets," said Lavrov, who is due to attend the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum in Jakarta this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NATO nod for training Ukrainian pilots, says 'no membership but military support continues'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russian air strikes on Kyiv amind NATO gathering&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian military said on Wednesday that Russia launched a wave of kamikaze drone attacks on Kyiv and nearby regions for the second night in a row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strikes were carried out just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet NATO leaders at a summit that has backed Ukraine's independence.</p>

<p>As per reports, air alarms were issued over Kyiv and across Ukraine for more than two hours, and combat continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian military said that there were no immediate reports of casualties or major destruction and all the drones were intercepted before hitting their targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app: "The 504th day of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine. The enemy launched another air attack on the capital."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-delivery-of-aids-to-rebel-held-regions-of-syria-after-vetoing-un-vote-614559">Russia blocks delivery of aid to rebel-held regions of Syria after vetoing UN vote</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Lavrov on Myanmar situation&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>While speaking on the current Myanmar situation and internal strife since a military coup in 2021, Lavrov urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve issues with "close cooperation" with the junta. He added that Myanmar's domestic affairs must not be interfered with.</p>

<p>ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday was expected to address the growing violence in Myanmar. The regional bloc has barred the junta from its summits for failing to implement an agreed peace plan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that the armed confrontation in Ukraine will continue until the West gives up plans to dominate and defeat Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that the armed confrontation in Ukraine will continue until the West gives up plans to dominate and defeat Moscow. The interview with an Indonesian newspaper was published on Wednesday (July 12). Lavrov said that the goal of the "US-led collective West" is to strengthen its global hegemony. Russia has often warned the West against supplying precision and long-range weapons to Ukraine during the ongoing war, which started last year in February. The Russian minister told the Kompas newspaper that Kyiv is ignoring Indonesia's peace plan and instead promoting its own "package of ultimatums". Also read: 'Lost child in a fair': Internet reacts to Zelensky's photo at NATO Summit According to a transcript of the interview published on Russia's foreign ministry website, Lavrov asked, "Why doesn't the armed confrontation in Ukraine come to an end?" "The answer is very simple – it will continue until the West gives up its plans to preserve its domination and overcome its obsessive desire to inflict on Russia a strategic defeat at the hands of its Kyiv puppets," said Lavrov, who is due to attend the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum in Jakarta this week. Watch: NATO nod for training Ukrainian pilots, says 'no membership but military support continues' × Russian air strikes on Kyiv amind NATO gathering The Ukrainian military said on Wednesday that Russia launched a wave of kamikaze drone attacks on Kyiv and nearby regions for the second night in a row. The strikes were carried out just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet NATO leaders at a summit that has backed Ukraine's independence. As per reports, air alarms were issued over Kyiv and across Ukraine for more than two hours, and combat continued. Ukrainian military said that there were no immediate reports of casualties or major destruction and all the drones were intercepted before hitting their targets. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app: "The 504th day of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine. The enemy launched another air attack on the capital." Also read: Russia blocks delivery of aid to rebel-held regions of Syria after vetoing UN vote Lavrov on Myanmar situation While speaking on the current Myanmar situation and internal strife since a military coup in 2021, Lavrov urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve issues with "close cooperation" with the junta. He added that Myanmar's domestic affairs must not be interfered with. ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday was expected to address the growing violence in Myanmar. The regional bloc has barred the junta from its summits for failing to implement an agreed peace plan. (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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Lavrov says conflict will not end until West drops plans to defeat Moscow

<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members are gathering in Lithuania's Vilnius for a key summit on Tuesday, but hours before that, Russia launched an air strike on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's military said that the air strike was launched in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of the summit where the member nations will discuss ways to tackle security threats from Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy attacked Kyiv from the air for the second time this month," Serhiy Popko, a head of Kyiv's military administration, said in a post on the Telegram channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv said that the attack used Iranian-made Shahed explosive drones, which were launched from the south, most likely from Russia's Krasnodar region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Popko said that Ukraine's air defence systems shot down all the Iranian-made Shahed drones Russia launched before they reached their targets. As per preliminary information, there was no damage or casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-meet-zelensky-at-nato-summit-in-show-of-support-against-russian-aggression-614071">Biden to meet Zelensky at NATO summit, in show of support against Russian aggression</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ukraine's Air Force said that air raid alerts blasted over Kyiv for an hour and longer in other parts of Ukraine's east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Kyiv's interior ministry, drone wreckage had been located at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region, but it is not specified how many drones were downed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry said "windows and outbuildings of private households were damaged" and also added that there was no immediate information on victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Wagner fighters neared Russian nuclear bases during mutiny</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The month of May faced frequent nightly aerial raids in May which were comparatively more than at the beginning of the year. Sergiy Bratchuk of the local administration said that the western port city of Odesa was also targeted in an overnight drone strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Providing further details, he said that aerial defences had been activated. Air alerts were also reported in Mykolayiv, Kherson, Kirovograd, Poltava, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-signs-controversial-policing-deal-with-china-upgrades-ties-with-beijing-614126">Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>NATO summit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As NATO leaders gather for a summit in Vilnius, they would sought to overcome divisions on Ukraine's membership bid after a deal to lift Turkey's block on Sweden joining the military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit will be dominated by the repercussions of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with leaders set to approve NATO's first comprehensive plans since the end of the Cold War to defend against any attack from Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the diplomats, the differences were narrowing over Ukraine's push for NATO membership, but NATO members agree that Kyiv cannot join during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members are gathering in Lithuania's Vilnius for a key summit on Tuesday, but hours before that, Russia launched an air strike on Kyiv.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members are gathering in Lithuania's Vilnius for a key summit on Tuesday, but hours before that, Russia launched an air strike on Kyiv. Ukraine's military said that the air strike was launched in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of the summit where the member nations will discuss ways to tackle security threats from Moscow. "The enemy attacked Kyiv from the air for the second time this month," Serhiy Popko, a head of Kyiv's military administration, said in a post on the Telegram channel. Kyiv said that the attack used Iranian-made Shahed explosive drones, which were launched from the south, most likely from Russia's Krasnodar region. Popko said that Ukraine's air defence systems shot down all the Iranian-made Shahed drones Russia launched before they reached their targets. As per preliminary information, there was no damage or casualties. Also read: Biden to meet Zelensky at NATO summit, in show of support against Russian aggression Ukraine's Air Force said that air raid alerts blasted over Kyiv for an hour and longer in other parts of Ukraine's east. According to Kyiv's interior ministry, drone wreckage had been located at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region, but it is not specified how many drones were downed. The ministry said "windows and outbuildings of private households were damaged" and also added that there was no immediate information on victims. Watch: Wagner fighters neared Russian nuclear bases during mutiny × The month of May faced frequent nightly aerial raids in May which were comparatively more than at the beginning of the year. Sergiy Bratchuk of the local administration said that the western port city of Odesa was also targeted in an overnight drone strike. Providing further details, he said that aerial defences had been activated. Air alerts were also reported in Mykolayiv, Kherson, Kirovograd, Poltava, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. Also read: Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing NATO summit As NATO leaders gather for a summit in Vilnius, they would sought to overcome divisions on Ukraine's membership bid after a deal to lift Turkey's block on Sweden joining the military alliance. The summit will be dominated by the repercussions of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with leaders set to approve NATO's first comprehensive plans since the end of the Cold War to defend against any attack from Moscow. According to the diplomats, the differences were narrowing over Ukraine's push for NATO membership, but NATO members agree that Kyiv cannot join during the war. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (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.

Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit

<p>A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in May, a mother from Nebraska, identified as Jessica Burgess, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her then-17-year-old daughter Celeste Burgess had also pleaded not guilty to three charges, including a felony. Celeste is being tried as an adult in this case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jessica dropped the earlier not-guilty plea and admitted that she assisted her daughter to abort the pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She is also accused of false reporting and tampering with human skeletal remains.&nbsp;Madison County district court documents show that she had ordered abortion pills on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports have mentioned that two other charges against the mother were dismissed. The charges were: concealing the death of another person and abortion by someone other than a licensed physician.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They had burned the remains of the fetus and buried it in a field north of Norfolk in north-eastern Nebraska, which was later discovered by the investigating authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Nebraska, self-managed abortion is not illegal, but this case is different as prosecutors have charged both the mother and the daughter under other criminal statutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Celeste pleaded guilty to one count of abandoning a dead human body and faces up to two years in prison. Celeste will&nbsp;be sentenced on July 20 and Jessica is set for sentencing on September 22.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Roe v Wade judgement in US</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last year, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion making it a hot topic across the nation. The issue regarding abortion appeared to be legally settled in 1973 by the SC's landmark ruling in Roe v Wade before it&nbsp;was struck down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the decision, the court placed reproductive rights in the hands of individual US states: some quickly banned the procedure, but others moved to protect it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field.

A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field. Earlier in May, a mother from Nebraska, identified as Jessica Burgess, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her then-17-year-old daughter Celeste Burgess had also pleaded not guilty to three charges, including a felony. Celeste is being tried as an adult in this case. Jessica dropped the earlier not-guilty plea and admitted that she assisted her daughter to abort the pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation. She is also accused of false reporting and tampering with human skeletal remains. Madison County district court documents show that she had ordered abortion pills on the internet. Local reports have mentioned that two other charges against the mother were dismissed. The charges were: concealing the death of another person and abortion by someone other than a licensed physician. They had burned the remains of the fetus and buried it in a field north of Norfolk in north-eastern Nebraska, which was later discovered by the investigating authorities. In Nebraska, self-managed abortion is not illegal, but this case is different as prosecutors have charged both the mother and the daughter under other criminal statutes. Celeste pleaded guilty to one count of abandoning a dead human body and faces up to two years in prison. Celeste will be sentenced on July 20 and Jessica is set for sentencing on September 22. Roe v Wade judgement in US Last year, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion making it a hot topic across the nation. The issue regarding abortion appeared to be legally settled in 1973 by the SC's landmark ruling in Roe v Wade before it was struck down. After the decision, the court placed reproductive rights in the hands of individual US states: some quickly banned the procedure, but others moved to protect it. (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.

Woman pleads guilty to helping daughter abort pregnancy illegally, burn and bury fetus

<p>Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that&nbsp;had intruded in its exclusive economic zone.</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency carried a statement which said that the North Korean air force deployed a sortie of planes, which forced the US aircraft to "retreat".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim said, "The intrusion into the DPRK's 200-nautical mile economic water zone by the reconnaissance asset of the hostile country…is clearly a grave encroachment upon the sovereignty and security of the DPRK."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that "a shocking incident would occur in the long run in the 20-40 section in which the US spy planes habitually intrude into the sky above the economic water zone" of North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pyongyang accused the US air force of illegal intrusion stating that their drones and spy planes flew along its coasts for eight straight days, and the aircraft repeatedly violated the North Korean&nbsp;airspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marines-without-confirmed-leader-for-first-time-in-100-yrs-614171">US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As per North Korea's Defence Ministry, the US apparently flew a strategic reconnaissance plane into its "inviolable airspace" several times. The nuclear-powered nation even warned that the US aircraft might be shot down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry said it was an intrusion, but Kim went on to accuse the US of conducting aerial surveillance over the North's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim said that the US Air Force infiltrated into the North's "economic water zone" on Monday off the east coast of the Korean peninsula in the sky above the sea 435 km east of Tongchon of Gangwon Province and 276 km southeast of Uljin of North Gyeongsang Province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Pentagon refuted Pyongyang's accusations of airspace violations and said the US military had adhered to international law. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters: "So those accusations are just accusations." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-signs-controversial-policing-deal-with-china-upgrades-ties-with-beijing-614126">Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On being asked about Pyongyang’s&nbsp;accusations at a regular news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday urged North Korea "to refrain from escalatory actions" and reiterated a call for it "to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement released on Monday night, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang was escalating tensions by using threats over what it said was "normal flight activity" by the South Korea-US alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Kim criticised South as she said, "As regards the provocation by the US forces, the military of the 'ROK' again impudently took the lead in denying the encroachment on the DPRK's sovereignty, while shamelessly asserting that it was a 'normal flight'."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that had intruded in its exclusive economic zone.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the United States after Pyongyang said that it scrambled warplanes to ward off an American spy plane that had intruded in its exclusive economic zone. Earlier on Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency carried a statement which said that the North Korean air force deployed a sortie of planes, which forced the US aircraft to "retreat". Kim said, "The intrusion into the DPRK's 200-nautical mile economic water zone by the reconnaissance asset of the hostile country…is clearly a grave encroachment upon the sovereignty and security of the DPRK." She added that "a shocking incident would occur in the long run in the 20-40 section in which the US spy planes habitually intrude into the sky above the economic water zone" of North Korea. Pyongyang accused the US air force of illegal intrusion stating that their drones and spy planes flew along its coasts for eight straight days, and the aircraft repeatedly violated the North Korean airspace. Also read: US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years As per North Korea's Defence Ministry, the US apparently flew a strategic reconnaissance plane into its "inviolable airspace" several times. The nuclear-powered nation even warned that the US aircraft might be shot down. The defence ministry said it was an intrusion, but Kim went on to accuse the US of conducting aerial surveillance over the North's exclusive economic zone. Kim said that the US Air Force infiltrated into the North's "economic water zone" on Monday off the east coast of the Korean peninsula in the sky above the sea 435 km east of Tongchon of Gangwon Province and 276 km southeast of Uljin of North Gyeongsang Province. Earlier, the Pentagon refuted Pyongyang's accusations of airspace violations and said the US military had adhered to international law. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters: "So those accusations are just accusations." Also read: Solomon Islands signs controversial policing deal with China, upgrades ties with Beijing On being asked about Pyongyang’s accusations at a regular news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday urged North Korea "to refrain from escalatory actions" and reiterated a call for it "to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy". In a statement released on Monday night, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang was escalating tensions by using threats over what it said was "normal flight activity" by the South Korea-US alliance. But Kim criticised South as she said, "As regards the provocation by the US forces, the military of the 'ROK' again impudently took the lead in denying the encroachment on the DPRK's sovereignty, while shamelessly asserting that it was a 'normal flight'." (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.

Kim’s sister alleges ‘illegal intrusion’ of North Korean airspace by US surveillance, spy planes

<p>The prison sentence of Elizabeth Holmes was shortened by two years, The Guardian reported, citing new records. Holmes' profile on the website of the Bureau of Prisons has apparently been updated and now it shows that her release date is December 12 in 2032, which is two years sooner as compared to what was given.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the report, a spokesman for the federal agency confirmed the update but said he could not comment further citing “privacy, safety, and security reasons” for inmates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On May 30, the disgraced biotech star had reported to a women's prison camp located in Bryan, Texas. Last year in November, she was convicted on four counts of defrauding investors and sentenced to 11 years and three months. The date of her release has been changed as she will now serve around nine years and seven months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-shelves-pegasus-spyware-investigation-which-targeted-pm-sanchez-among-others-know-why-614153">Spain shelves Pegasus spyware investigation which targeted PM Sanchez among others. Know why</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The minimum-security prison where she is placed has inmates mostly convicted of white-collar crimes, low-level drug offences and harbouring illegal immigrants and Holmes could live in a cell with as many as three other inmates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 39-year-old Holmes has been serving jail time for defrauding investors with her Silicon Valley start-up Theranos.</p>

<p>She was found guilty of deceiving investors into believing she had invented a groundbreaking medical device. She became famous after she said that Theranos' small devices could perform a variety of diagnostic tests with only a few droplets of blood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marines-without-confirmed-leader-for-first-time-in-100-yrs-614171">US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In 2014, she was even named by Forbes as the world's youngest female self-made billionaire at the age of 30, and her stake in Theranos was valued at $4.5 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But her life changed overnight after a series of Wall Street Journal stories questioned its technology in 2015. She then went bankrupt as her fortune flamed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides the prison sentence, she and former top Theranos executive Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani were also ordered to pay $452 million to the bilked investors. Balwani was sentenced to nearly 13 years and is currently serving his time at a federal prison in California.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The prison sentence of Elizabeth Holmes was shortened by two years, The Guardian reported, citing new records. Holmes' profile on the website of the Bureau of Prisons has apparently been updated and now it shows that her release date is December 12 in 2032, which is two years sooner as compared to what was given.

The prison sentence of Elizabeth Holmes was shortened by two years, The Guardian reported, citing new records. Holmes' profile on the website of the Bureau of Prisons has apparently been updated and now it shows that her release date is December 12 in 2032, which is two years sooner as compared to what was given. As quoted by the report, a spokesman for the federal agency confirmed the update but said he could not comment further citing “privacy, safety, and security reasons” for inmates. On May 30, the disgraced biotech star had reported to a women's prison camp located in Bryan, Texas. Last year in November, she was convicted on four counts of defrauding investors and sentenced to 11 years and three months. The date of her release has been changed as she will now serve around nine years and seven months. Also read: Spain shelves Pegasus spyware investigation which targeted PM Sanchez among others. Know why The minimum-security prison where she is placed has inmates mostly convicted of white-collar crimes, low-level drug offences and harbouring illegal immigrants and Holmes could live in a cell with as many as three other inmates. The 39-year-old Holmes has been serving jail time for defrauding investors with her Silicon Valley start-up Theranos. She was found guilty of deceiving investors into believing she had invented a groundbreaking medical device. She became famous after she said that Theranos' small devices could perform a variety of diagnostic tests with only a few droplets of blood. Also read: US Marines without confirmed leader for first time in 100 years In 2014, she was even named by Forbes as the world's youngest female self-made billionaire at the age of 30, and her stake in Theranos was valued at $4.5 billion. But her life changed overnight after a series of Wall Street Journal stories questioned its technology in 2015. She then went bankrupt as her fortune flamed out. Besides the prison sentence, she and former top Theranos executive Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani were also ordered to pay $452 million to the bilked investors. Balwani was sentenced to nearly 13 years and is currently serving his time at a federal prison in California. (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.

Prison sentence of Elizabeth Holmes reduced by two years