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One of the most explicit public acknowledgments, US Air Force's Chief of Staff has warned that the American Airmen to be on guard against office to work for companies training Chinese military pilots. This happened through a letter that recently became public.

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After three months of political turmoil and on the same day former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned from exile, Thai lawmakers on Tuesday (Aug 22) voted to approve tycoon Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's new prime minister.

This decision, which came as a surprise to many, marks the end of a prolonged deadlock in Thai politics. Despite his Pheu Thai party finishing second in the May election, Srettha secured a comfortable majority across both houses of parliament to become the 30th prime minister of Thailand.

<h2>Thavisin's&nbsp;resounding majority</h2>

Srettha Thavisin garnered more than the 374 votes required for a majority of elected lower house MPs and senators appointed by the previous junta. This victory was a clear demonstration of support for his leadership and policies.

Pheu Thai coalition, which includes approximately a dozen parties, controls 314 seats in the lower house out of a total of 500. However, this coalition raised eyebrows by forming partnerships with former political adversaries, including pro-military parties that had previously ousted a Pheu Thai prime minister.

<h2>Shinawatra's return and immediate detainment</h2>

The approval of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister coincided with the return of Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand, marking his first visit since 2008.

However, Thaksin's return was short-lived as he was promptly detained upon arrival. His presence added a layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-thaksin-shinawatra-former-thai-pm-returns-to-country-after-15-years-in-self-exile-627898">Who is Thaksin Shinawatra? Former Thai PM returns to country after 15 years in self-exile</a>

<h2>Pheu Thai's emergence</h2>

Pheu Thai, despite finishing second in the May election, stepped in to form a government after the reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats, saw its leader denied the prime ministerial position due to opposition from conservative, pro-military factions.

Thavisin, formerly the head of Thai property giant Sansiri, made several promises upon assuming office.

He pledged to address poverty and inequality issues in Thailand, promising much-needed reforms.

Additionally, he staunchly rejected corruption allegations made by an anti-graft whistleblower.

Also watch |&nbsp;Thailand's Ex-PM Thaksin to serve 8 years in jail: Court statement

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<h2>MFP's rise and challenges</h2>

The May election saw the unexpected rise of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fuelled by urban and youth discontent after nearly a decade of military-backed rule. While MFP secured the most seats, its commitment to reform royal insult laws and challenge powerful business monopolies encountered fierce resistance from the country's influential elite.

MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's failure to secure support from pro-military and royalist senators in a previous prime ministerial vote led to his suspension from parliament by the Constitutional Court.

Srettha Thavisin's approval as prime minister represents a significant development in Thai politics, breaking a prolonged deadlock. However, this decision also raises questions about the future direction of Thai governance, especially in light of Thaksin Shinawatra's return and the political controversies that surround it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After three months of political turmoil and on the same day former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned from exile, Thai lawmakers on Tuesday (Aug 22) voted to approve tycoon Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's new prime minister.

After three months of political turmoil and on the same day former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned from exile, Thai lawmakers on Tuesday (Aug 22) voted to approve tycoon Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's new prime minister. This decision, which came as a surprise to many, marks the end of a prolonged deadlock in Thai politics. Despite his Pheu Thai party finishing second in the May election, Srettha secured a comfortable majority across both houses of parliament to become the 30th prime minister of Thailand. Thavisin's resounding majority Srettha Thavisin garnered more than the 374 votes required for a majority of elected lower house MPs and senators appointed by the previous junta. This victory was a clear demonstration of support for his leadership and policies. Pheu Thai coalition, which includes approximately a dozen parties, controls 314 seats in the lower house out of a total of 500. However, this coalition raised eyebrows by forming partnerships with former political adversaries, including pro-military parties that had previously ousted a Pheu Thai prime minister. Shinawatra's return and immediate detainment The approval of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister coincided with the return of Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand, marking his first visit since 2008. However, Thaksin's return was short-lived as he was promptly detained upon arrival. His presence added a layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape. Also read | Who is Thaksin Shinawatra? Former Thai PM returns to country after 15 years in self-exile Pheu Thai's emergence Pheu Thai, despite finishing second in the May election, stepped in to form a government after the reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats, saw its leader denied the prime ministerial position due to opposition from conservative, pro-military factions. Thavisin, formerly the head of Thai property giant Sansiri, made several promises upon assuming office. He pledged to address poverty and inequality issues in Thailand, promising much-needed reforms. Additionally, he staunchly rejected corruption allegations made by an anti-graft whistleblower. Also watch | Thailand's Ex-PM Thaksin to serve 8 years in jail: Court statement MFP's rise and challenges The May election saw the unexpected rise of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fuelled by urban and youth discontent after nearly a decade of military-backed rule. While MFP secured the most seats, its commitment to reform royal insult laws and challenge powerful business monopolies encountered fierce resistance from the country's influential elite. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat's failure to secure support from pro-military and royalist senators in a previous prime ministerial vote led to his suspension from parliament by the Constitutional Court. Srettha Thavisin's approval as prime minister represents a significant development in Thai politics, breaking a prolonged deadlock. However, this decision also raises questions about the future direction of Thai governance, especially in light of Thaksin Shinawatra's return and the political controversies that surround it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thai parliament elects Srettha Thavisin as next PM, ending months of political deadlock

Pakistan's National Assembly is all set to be dissolved on August 9 or Wednesday at midnight, marking the end of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government. With this, Shehbaz is likely to step down from his prime ministerial position. While speaking at an event held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, he confirmed, “On the completion of the incumbent government’s term, I would send a summary to the President of Pakistan for dissolution of the National Assembly by Wednesday.”

“Tomorrow [Wednesday] my government completes its term and [after] meeting constitutional norms, we will hand over the reins to the interim set-up,” the premier added.&nbsp;

Though the tenure of the NA will end on August 12, Shehbaz decided to write to Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi to end government tenure three days early.

Now, according to Pakistan’s constitution, elections are to be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of the lower house. However, this election window is extended to 90 days if the NA is dissolved way before the completion of its tenure.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-reaping-benefits-from-instability-in-niger-says-us-state-secretary-antony-blinken-623660">Wagner reaping benefits from instability in Niger, says US State Secretary Antony Blinken</a>

Shehbaz is expected to engage in consultations with both allies and opposition leaders with the focus of these discussions on the formation of a caretaker government.

<h2>Interim set-up</h2>

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the chief election commissioner will play a crucial role in determining the future steps related to the upcoming elections. While there is unanimous consensus among various parties for holding elections expeditiously, the exact timeline will be determined by the relevant authorities.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-gets-furious-and-locks-ex-colleagues-at-former-workplace-after-being-fired-from-job-623655">Man gets furious and locks ex-colleagues at former workplace after being fired from job</a>

To fulfil his constitutional obligation, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to meet with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz.

The focus of this meeting will be discussions regarding the appointment of an interim prime minister.

As per Dawn News, a final federal cabinet meeting is on the agenda, during which Shehbaz will provide an overview of his government's performance since April of the preceding year. Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz will inform cabinet members about the composition of the caretaker government.

Watch | Nepal initiates investigation against former Prime Ministers

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Riaz told a media outlet that after discussions, three names for the interim prime minister have been finalised. “They do not include any politicians, but an economist has been shortlisted,” he said.

<h2>Potential election delays</h2>

Regarding the election timeline, Raja Riaz noted that while elections are ideally held within three months, complications arising from the approval of the latest census might lead to a six-month delay. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had previously speculated that elections could be delayed due to the need for constituency delimitations following the 2023 census, potentially pushing the elections to March of the following year.

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Pakistan's National Assembly is all set to be dissolved on August 9 or Wednesday at midnight, marking the end of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government. With this, Shehbaz is likely to step down from his prime ministerial position.

Pakistan's National Assembly is all set to be dissolved on August 9 or Wednesday at midnight, marking the end of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government. With this, Shehbaz is likely to step down from his prime ministerial position. While speaking at an event held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, he confirmed, “On the completion of the incumbent government’s term, I would send a summary to the President of Pakistan for dissolution of the National Assembly by Wednesday.” “Tomorrow [Wednesday] my government completes its term and [after] meeting constitutional norms, we will hand over the reins to the interim set-up,” the premier added. Though the tenure of the NA will end on August 12, Shehbaz decided to write to Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi to end government tenure three days early. Now, according to Pakistan’s constitution, elections are to be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of the lower house. However, this election window is extended to 90 days if the NA is dissolved way before the completion of its tenure. Also Read | Wagner reaping benefits from instability in Niger, says US State Secretary Antony Blinken Shehbaz is expected to engage in consultations with both allies and opposition leaders with the focus of these discussions on the formation of a caretaker government. Interim set-up Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the chief election commissioner will play a crucial role in determining the future steps related to the upcoming elections. While there is unanimous consensus among various parties for holding elections expeditiously, the exact timeline will be determined by the relevant authorities. Also Read | Man gets furious and locks ex-colleagues at former workplace after being fired from job To fulfil his constitutional obligation, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to meet with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz. The focus of this meeting will be discussions regarding the appointment of an interim prime minister. As per Dawn News, a final federal cabinet meeting is on the agenda, during which Shehbaz will provide an overview of his government's performance since April of the preceding year. Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz will inform cabinet members about the composition of the caretaker government. Watch | Nepal initiates investigation against former Prime Ministers × Riaz told a media outlet that after discussions, three names for the interim prime minister have been finalised. “They do not include any politicians, but an economist has been shortlisted,” he said. Potential election delays Regarding the election timeline, Raja Riaz noted that while elections are ideally held within three months, complications arising from the approval of the latest census might lead to a six-month delay. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had previously speculated that elections could be delayed due to the need for constituency delimitations following the 2023 census, potentially pushing the elections to March of the following year. 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. ×

Pakistan politics braces for change with National Assembly set to dissolve on August 9

Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister of Pakistan, has a difficult path ahead of him. The PTI staff leader was arrested once more and given a three-year prison term. He is prohibited from running in elections for a period of five years.

Imran Khan's second innings in politics in the doldrums

Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister&nbsp;Najla&nbsp;Bouden without explanation Tuesday night and replaced her with former central bank executive Ahmed Hachani, whom he tasked with overcoming the "colossal challenges" facing the cash-strapped North African country.

No official explanation was given for Bouden's dismissal, but several local media outlets highlighted Saied's displeasure over a number of shortages, particularly of bread in state-subsidised bakeries.

Saied "terminated the functions" of Bouden, who had been the first woman to head a government in Tunisia, according to a press release and video released by the presidency shortly before midnight.

Saied immediately appointed in her place Hachani, who until now worked at the Tunisian central bank and studied law at the University of Tunis, where Saied taught, according to Hachani's Facebook profile.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-political-scandal-rocks-singapore-top-leaders-of-workers-party-quit-over-inappropriate-relationship-617414">Another political scandal in Singapore: Workers Party leaders quit over inappropriate relationship</a>

The new head of government, a figure unknown to the general public, was sworn in before the president, according to the presidency video.

At the end of the ceremony, Saied wished him "good luck in this responsibility".

The president stressed that "there are colossal challenges that we must overcome with a solid and strong will, in order to protect our homeland, our state and social peace".

In recent days, several meetings have taken place within the government and between the president and ministers over the problem of shortages of subsidised bread in several regions.

According to media, Saied, who recently said "bread is a red line for Tunisians", fears a repeat of the bread riots that left 150 dead in 1984 under Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence.

Faced with a low-wage economy, the Tunisian state has since the 1970s centralised the purchase of a large number of basic ingredients such as flour, semolina, sugar, coffee and cooking oil, before putting them on the market at subsidised prices.

The country has been facing sporadic shortages of these products for months, linked, according to economists, to the requirement that suppliers be paid in advance, which Tunisia has had great difficulty doing.

<h2>&nbsp;Economic woes&nbsp;</h2>

The North African country, which is saddled with a crippling public wage bill from a civil service that employs 680,000 of its 12 million citizens, is struggling with debt of around 80 per cent of GDP and seeking foreign aid.

Tunisia in October reached a tentative deal for a $1.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund that would require Tunis to undertake a "comprehensive economic reform programme" that would phase out subsidies on fuel and electricity.

The IMF has also called for legislation to restructure more than 100 state-owned firms, which hold monopolies over many parts of the economy and in many cases are heavily indebted.

But hopes of securing the IMF bailout appear slim as President Kais Saied has repeatedly rejected "foreign diktats that will lead to more poverty".

Bouden was appointed by Saied on October 11, 2021, two and a half months after the president granted himself sweeping powers on July 25 by dismissing his then-prime minister and suspending parliament. Since his power grab, Saied has ruled by decree.

The constitution, which he had amended by referendum in the summer of 2022, greatly reduced the powers of parliament and granted the president's office unlimited powers.

A new assembly took office in the spring of 2023 following legislative elections at the end of 2022, which were boycotted by the opposition parties and shunned by voters with a turnout rate of around 10 per cent.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-increases-consumption-after-disappointing-post-covid-economic-recovery-data-621078">&nbsp;China increases consumption after disappointing post-Covid economic recovery data</a>

On several occasions in recent months, the president has ordered the dismissal of various ministers, including the foreign minister, without giving a reason.

Since last February, about 20 opposition, media and business figures have been imprisoned in a wave of arrests that included Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party and one of the president's highest-profile critics.

They are accused of "plotting against state security", and Saied has called them "terrorists".

Amnesty International has labelled the roundup a "politically motivated witch hunt".

Ennahdha dominated coalitions in the decade since the 2011 democratic revolution that culminated in the downfall of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and kicked off the Arab Spring uprisings across the region.

The political crisis Tunisia has been going through for two years is compounded by its serious economic difficulties.

Besides being heavily indebted, growth is a sluggish two per cent while poverty levels are rising and unemployment is very high at 15 per cent.

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Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister Najla Bouden without explanation Tuesday night and replaced her with former central bank executive Ahmed Hachani, whom he tasked with overcoming the "colossal challenges" facing the cash-strapped North African country.

Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked Prime Minister Najla Bouden without explanation Tuesday night and replaced her with former central bank executive Ahmed Hachani, whom he tasked with overcoming the "colossal challenges" facing the cash-strapped North African country. No official explanation was given for Bouden's dismissal, but several local media outlets highlighted Saied's displeasure over a number of shortages, particularly of bread in state-subsidised bakeries. Saied "terminated the functions" of Bouden, who had been the first woman to head a government in Tunisia, according to a press release and video released by the presidency shortly before midnight. Saied immediately appointed in her place Hachani, who until now worked at the Tunisian central bank and studied law at the University of Tunis, where Saied taught, according to Hachani's Facebook profile. Also read | Another political scandal in Singapore: Workers Party leaders quit over inappropriate relationship The new head of government, a figure unknown to the general public, was sworn in before the president, according to the presidency video. At the end of the ceremony, Saied wished him "good luck in this responsibility". The president stressed that "there are colossal challenges that we must overcome with a solid and strong will, in order to protect our homeland, our state and social peace". In recent days, several meetings have taken place within the government and between the president and ministers over the problem of shortages of subsidised bread in several regions. According to media, Saied, who recently said "bread is a red line for Tunisians", fears a repeat of the bread riots that left 150 dead in 1984 under Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence. Faced with a low-wage economy, the Tunisian state has since the 1970s centralised the purchase of a large number of basic ingredients such as flour, semolina, sugar, coffee and cooking oil, before putting them on the market at subsidised prices. The country has been facing sporadic shortages of these products for months, linked, according to economists, to the requirement that suppliers be paid in advance, which Tunisia has had great difficulty doing. Economic woes The North African country, which is saddled with a crippling public wage bill from a civil service that employs 680,000 of its 12 million citizens, is struggling with debt of around 80 per cent of GDP and seeking foreign aid. Tunisia in October reached a tentative deal for a $1.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund that would require Tunis to undertake a "comprehensive economic reform programme" that would phase out subsidies on fuel and electricity. The IMF has also called for legislation to restructure more than 100 state-owned firms, which hold monopolies over many parts of the economy and in many cases are heavily indebted. But hopes of securing the IMF bailout appear slim as President Kais Saied has repeatedly rejected "foreign diktats that will lead to more poverty". Bouden was appointed by Saied on October 11, 2021, two and a half months after the president granted himself sweeping powers on July 25 by dismissing his then-prime minister and suspending parliament. Since his power grab, Saied has ruled by decree. The constitution, which he had amended by referendum in the summer of 2022, greatly reduced the powers of parliament and granted the president's office unlimited powers. A new assembly took office in the spring of 2023 following legislative elections at the end of 2022, which were boycotted by the opposition parties and shunned by voters with a turnout rate of around 10 per cent. Also read | China increases consumption after disappointing post-Covid economic recovery data On several occasions in recent months, the president has ordered the dismissal of various ministers, including the foreign minister, without giving a reason. Since last February, about 20 opposition, media and business figures have been imprisoned in a wave of arrests that included Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party and one of the president's highest-profile critics. They are accused of "plotting against state security", and Saied has called them "terrorists". Amnesty International has labelled the roundup a "politically motivated witch hunt". Ennahdha dominated coalitions in the decade since the 2011 democratic revolution that culminated in the downfall of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and kicked off the Arab Spring uprisings across the region. The political crisis Tunisia has been going through for two years is compounded by its serious economic difficulties. Besides being heavily indebted, growth is a sluggish two per cent while poverty levels are rising and unemployment is very high at 15 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tunisia's first female prime minister fired by President Kais Saeid

The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet)&nbsp;issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh.

The controversy, originally centred around the usage of Nandini brand ghee (clarified butter), in the revered Tirupati temple offering, has now ignited a clash of narratives, as reported by PTI.

<h2>A rift in ghee supply claims</h2>

The escalation began when officials from the Tirumala Temple Devasthanams (TTD) indicated that Nandini ghee had been used in Tirupati laddus for just one year out of the past two decades.

However, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) swiftly contradicted this claim, stating that they had never specified the duration of their ghee supply to the temple.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-ttd-trust-plans-tirupati-temples-in-every-state-ut-says-report-608473">India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report</a>

<h2>Setting the stage for political strife</h2>

The unfolding events on a Sunday set the stage for a brewing political tussle.

References to KMF's alleged non-supply of Nandini ghee to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh quickly attracted the attention of Karnataka's ruling Congress party and provided ammunition for the opposition BJP to ramp up the heat.

<h2>Opposition heats up</h2>

Nalin Kumar Kateel, a prominent BJP leader, accused the Karnataka Congress government of deliberately halting the ghee supply as part of their "policy of indifference towards temples, and Hindu beliefs and devotion."

The BJP's claims added fuel to the controversy, shifting the focus onto the religious sentiments involved.

To counter the allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the suspension of Nandini ghee supply for Tirupati laddus had occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP government, effectively defusing the BJP's argument. This revelation introduced a twist in the timeline of events, demonstrating the complexity of the issue.

KMF Chairman Bheema Naik highlighted that the competitive bidding process for supply contracts had led to the selection of another supplier at a lower rate than KMF's bid.

He emphasised the high quality of Nandini ghee and expressed confidence in its superiority. However, the Tirumala Temple authorities contested KMF's claims, asserting that their ghee had been supplied only once in the past two decades, and that too for a relatively insignificant portion of their requirement.

As the controversy deepened, KMF officials anonymously denied making any definitive claims about the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. While KMF's Managing Director and CEO, MK Jagdish, confirmed their last supply in 2021-22, he reiterated their interest in re-establishing a connection with the TTD and resolving the pricing concerns.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: Haryana violence spreads, Delhi on alert; Police conducts flag march in Gurugram

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<h2>A history of political&nbsp;manoeuvring&nbsp;</h2>

The Nandini brand, managed by KMF, had previously been entangled in political debates and counterclaims in Karnataka, both before and after the state Assembly elections. The BJP accused the Congress of exploiting the Nandini issue for political gains during the elections, leading to pricing fluctuations and strained supply relations.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet) issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh.

The anticipated political showdown between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka took an unexpected twist, as the Tirupati laddu (an Indian sweet) issue evolved into a simmering debate involving Tirumala authorities in state of Andhra Pradesh. The controversy, originally centred around the usage of Nandini brand ghee (clarified butter), in the revered Tirupati temple offering, has now ignited a clash of narratives, as reported by PTI. A rift in ghee supply claims The escalation began when officials from the Tirumala Temple Devasthanams (TTD) indicated that Nandini ghee had been used in Tirupati laddus for just one year out of the past two decades. However, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) swiftly contradicted this claim, stating that they had never specified the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. Also read | India: TTD trust plans Tirupati temples in every state and UT, says report Setting the stage for political strife The unfolding events on a Sunday set the stage for a brewing political tussle. References to KMF's alleged non-supply of Nandini ghee to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh quickly attracted the attention of Karnataka's ruling Congress party and provided ammunition for the opposition BJP to ramp up the heat. Opposition heats up Nalin Kumar Kateel, a prominent BJP leader, accused the Karnataka Congress government of deliberately halting the ghee supply as part of their "policy of indifference towards temples, and Hindu beliefs and devotion." The BJP's claims added fuel to the controversy, shifting the focus onto the religious sentiments involved. To counter the allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the suspension of Nandini ghee supply for Tirupati laddus had occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP government, effectively defusing the BJP's argument. This revelation introduced a twist in the timeline of events, demonstrating the complexity of the issue. KMF Chairman Bheema Naik highlighted that the competitive bidding process for supply contracts had led to the selection of another supplier at a lower rate than KMF's bid. He emphasised the high quality of Nandini ghee and expressed confidence in its superiority. However, the Tirumala Temple authorities contested KMF's claims, asserting that their ghee had been supplied only once in the past two decades, and that too for a relatively insignificant portion of their requirement. As the controversy deepened, KMF officials anonymously denied making any definitive claims about the duration of their ghee supply to the temple. While KMF's Managing Director and CEO, MK Jagdish, confirmed their last supply in 2021-22, he reiterated their interest in re-establishing a connection with the TTD and resolving the pricing concerns. Also watch | India: Haryana violence spreads, Delhi on alert; Police conducts flag march in Gurugram A history of political manoeuvring The Nandini brand, managed by KMF, had previously been entangled in political debates and counterclaims in Karnataka, both before and after the state Assembly elections. The BJP accused the Congress of exploiting the Nandini issue for political gains during the elections, leading to pricing fluctuations and strained supply relations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: The humble Tirupati laddu has become a recipe for political battle. Here's how

Each cigarette sold in&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;will have to come with an individual health warning that "cigarettes cause impotence" and cancer, and that there is "poison in every puff" under new rules that came into effect Tuesday.

The new regulations, which were first announced in May, are a first in the world.

King-size cigarettes with the new individual labels are expected to be available in stores within a year, followed by regular-size cigarettes in early 2025.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/some-so-called-nicotine-free-vapes-have-same-level-of-addictive-substances-as-e-cigarettes-finds-test-583442">Some so-called ‘nicotine-free’ vapes have same level of addictive substances as e-cigarettes, finds test</a>

The warning labels will be "virtually unavoidable and, together with updated graphic images displayed on the package, will provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking,"&nbsp;Canada's former addictions minister, Carolyn Bennett, has previously said.

The Canadian government noted that some young people, who are particularly susceptible to the risk of tobacco dependence, start smoking after being given a single cigarette rather than a pack labelled with health warnings.

In 2000,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;became the first country to order graphic warnings on packs of cigarettes — including grisly pictorials of diseased hearts and lungs — to raise awareness of the health hazards associated with tobacco use.

Smoking has been trending down over the past two decades.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/if-looks-could-kill-hong-kong-asks-citizens-to-stare-at-people-smoking-in-public-617508">&nbsp;'If looks could kill': Hong Kong asks citizens to 'stare' at people smoking in public</a>

But, according to government data, tobacco use continues to kill 48,000 Canadians each year, and almost half of the country's healthcare costs are linked to substance use.

Ottawa aims to further reduce the number of smokers in the country to five per cent of the population, or about two&nbsp;million people, by 2035 -- from about 13 per cent currently.

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Each cigarette sold in Canada will have to come with an individual health warning that "cigarettes cause impotence" and cancer, and that there is "poison in every puff" under new rules that came into effect Tuesday.

Each cigarette sold in Canada will have to come with an individual health warning that "cigarettes cause impotence" and cancer, and that there is "poison in every puff" under new rules that came into effect Tuesday. The new regulations, which were first announced in May, are a first in the world. King-size cigarettes with the new individual labels are expected to be available in stores within a year, followed by regular-size cigarettes in early 2025. Also read | Some so-called ‘nicotine-free’ vapes have same level of addictive substances as e-cigarettes, finds test The warning labels will be "virtually unavoidable and, together with updated graphic images displayed on the package, will provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking," Canada's former addictions minister, Carolyn Bennett, has previously said. The Canadian government noted that some young people, who are particularly susceptible to the risk of tobacco dependence, start smoking after being given a single cigarette rather than a pack labelled with health warnings. In 2000, Canada became the first country to order graphic warnings on packs of cigarettes — including grisly pictorials of diseased hearts and lungs — to raise awareness of the health hazards associated with tobacco use. Smoking has been trending down over the past two decades. Also read | 'If looks could kill': Hong Kong asks citizens to 'stare' at people smoking in public But, according to government data, tobacco use continues to kill 48,000 Canadians each year, and almost half of the country's healthcare costs are linked to substance use. Ottawa aims to further reduce the number of smokers in the country to five per cent of the population, or about two million people, by 2035 -- from about 13 per cent currently. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Canada puts warning label on each cigarette, saying ‘cigarettes cause impotence’, ‘poison in every puff’

France&nbsp;will "very soon" start to&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday.

"In the face of a deteriorating security situation in Niamey, and taking advantage of the relative calm in Niamey, an operation of evacuation by air from Niamey is being prepared," said a message sent out by the embassy to French citizens, adding that the evacuations "will take place very soon in a very limited span of time".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-military-junta-claims-france-plotting-military-intervention-paris-denies-621197">Niger’s military junta claims France plotting military intervention, Paris denies</a>

In Paris, the foreign ministry confirmed that "an evacuation is being organised and will take place very quickly".

Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup, when President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled last week by elite troops from his own Presidential Guard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-intervention-in-niger-will-be-declaration-of-war-against-us-mali-and-burkina-faso-621214">Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso</a>

In all three nations, jihadist insurgencies have strained fragile governments, stoked anger in the military and rained economic blows on some of the world's poorest countries.

The overthrow of elected presidents in the former French colonies has been accompanied by anti-French, pro-Russian demonstrations.

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France will "very soon" start to evacuate its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday.

France will "very soon" start to evacuate its nationals from Niger, where a coup last week has unleashed anti-French protests, Paris's embassy in Niamey said Tuesday. "In the face of a deteriorating security situation in Niamey, and taking advantage of the relative calm in Niamey, an operation of evacuation by air from Niamey is being prepared," said a message sent out by the embassy to French citizens, adding that the evacuations "will take place very soon in a very limited span of time". Also read | Niger’s military junta claims France plotting military intervention, Paris denies In Paris, the foreign ministry confirmed that "an evacuation is being organised and will take place very quickly". Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup, when President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled last week by elite troops from his own Presidential Guard. Also read | Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso In all three nations, jihadist insurgencies have strained fragile governments, stoked anger in the military and rained economic blows on some of the world's poorest countries. The overthrow of elected presidents in the former French colonies has been accompanied by anti-French, pro-Russian demonstrations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France planning evacuation of nationals from Niger amidst protests

Local authorities in northwest Pakistan reported that a massive bomb that tore through a political event left at least 40 people dead. On the outskirts of Khar in Pakistan's northwest Bajur district, which borders Afghanistan, the fundamentalist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party gathering was where the explosion occurred on Sunday.

Dozens killed in bomb blast at political rally in northwest Pakistan

Soldiers claimed to have overthrown the Niger government on Wednesday following an apparent coup in the fragile state.

Disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard sealed off access to President Mohamed Bazoum's residence and offices in the capital Niamey, and after talks broke down "refused to release" him, a presidential source said.

Regional and global leaders called for the release of Bazoum, who entered office two years ago in Niger's first peaceful transition of power since independence.

The president of neighbouring Benin, Patrice Talon, would head to Niamey for mediation efforts, the head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said.

In a televised address late Wednesday, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said: "We, the defence and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime" of President Bazoum.

"This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance," he added,&nbsp;surrounded by nine other uniformed soldiers.

They said "all institutions" in the country would be suspended, borders were closed, and a curfew had been imposed "until further notice", from 10 pm to 5 am.

Abdramane sought to reassure "the national and international community with regard to respect for the physical and moral integrity of the deposed authorities in accordance with the principles of human rights".

One of a dwindling group of pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, Bazoum was elected in April 2021, taking the helm of a country burdened by poverty, chronic instability and plagued in recent years by jihadist insurgency.

Watch |&nbsp;President being held by Presidential guards: Niger

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In a message on X (formerly Twitter),&nbsp;the president's office said "elements of the Presidential Guard (PG) had a fit of temper... (and) tried unsuccessfully to gain the support of the national armed forces and the national guard".

"The army and national guard are ready to attack the elements of the PG who are involved in this fit of temper if they do not return to a better disposition," the presidency said.

"The president and his family are well," it added.

Hours after his detention, Bazoum's supporters had tried to approach the official complex, but were dispersed by members of the Presidential Guard who fired warning shots, an AFP reporter saw.

One person was hurt, but it was not immediately clear if he was injured by a bullet or from falling as the crowd scattered.

The parties of Niger's ruling coalition in Niamey denounced "a suicidal and anti-republican madness" in a statement, saying that "certain elements of the presidential guard sequestered the President" and his family, as well as the interior minister.

Condemnation also poured in from beyond the nation's borders.

ECOWAS and the African Union both decried&nbsp;what they called an "attempted coup d'etat".

ECOWAS called for Bazoum's immediate and unconditional release, and warned all those involved would be held responsible for his safety.

The European Union said it "associates itself" with the ECOWAS statement and attacked "any attempt to destabilise democracy and threaten the stability" of Niger.

Both UN chief Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they had spoken to Bazoum to offer their support.

France -- Niger's former colonial power -- and neighbouring Algeria also issued condemnations, as did the World Bank which said it "strongly condemns any attempt to seize power by force" or "destabilise" Niger.

President Talon was expected to arrive in Niamey Thursday, after a meeting in Abuja Wednesday with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu said President Talon would mediate with both the Presidential Guard and Bazoum, with a view to finding an agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-coup-attempt-in-nigeria-presidential-palace-sealed-off-military-being-mobilised-619600">Another coup attempt in Niger? President Mohamed Bazoum detained by presidential guards</a>

<h2>Coup-prone&nbsp;</h2>

The landlocked Sahel state has experienced four coups since independence from France in 1960, and numerous other attempts.

Bazoum, a former interior minister, was right-hand man to former president Mahamadou Issoufou, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms.

But reminders of the troubled past have never been far away.

An attempted coup took place just days before Bazoum's inauguration, according to a security source at the time.

Several people were arrested, including the suspected ringleader. Five people were jailed in February for 20 years.

A second bid to oust Bazoum occurred last March "while the president... was in Turkey", according to a Niger official, who said an arrest was made.&nbsp;The authorities have never commented publicly on the incident.

<h2>Poverty and jihadism</h2>

The nation of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, a benchmark of prosperity.

Niger is struggling with two jihadist campaigns -- one in the southwest, which swept in from Mali in 2015, and the other in the southeast, involving jihadists from northeastern Nigeria.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes, stoking a humanitarian crisis and further straining the economy.

The poorly equipped military is receiving training and logistical support from the United States and France, which have bases there.

&nbsp;

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Soldiers claimed to have overthrown the Niger government on Wednesday following an apparent coup in the fragile state. Disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard sealed off access to President Mohamed Bazoum's residence and offices in the capital Niamey, and after talks broke down "refused to release" him, a presidential source said.

Soldiers claimed to have overthrown the Niger government on Wednesday following an apparent coup in the fragile state. Disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard sealed off access to President Mohamed Bazoum's residence and offices in the capital Niamey, and after talks broke down "refused to release" him, a presidential source said. Regional and global leaders called for the release of Bazoum, who entered office two years ago in Niger's first peaceful transition of power since independence. The president of neighbouring Benin, Patrice Talon, would head to Niamey for mediation efforts, the head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said. In a televised address late Wednesday, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said: "We, the defence and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime" of President Bazoum. "This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance," he added, surrounded by nine other uniformed soldiers. They said "all institutions" in the country would be suspended, borders were closed, and a curfew had been imposed "until further notice", from 10 pm to 5 am. Abdramane sought to reassure "the national and international community with regard to respect for the physical and moral integrity of the deposed authorities in accordance with the principles of human rights". One of a dwindling group of pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, Bazoum was elected in April 2021, taking the helm of a country burdened by poverty, chronic instability and plagued in recent years by jihadist insurgency. Watch | President being held by Presidential guards: Niger In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the president's office said "elements of the Presidential Guard (PG) had a fit of temper... (and) tried unsuccessfully to gain the support of the national armed forces and the national guard". "The army and national guard are ready to attack the elements of the PG who are involved in this fit of temper if they do not return to a better disposition," the presidency said. "The president and his family are well," it added. Hours after his detention, Bazoum's supporters had tried to approach the official complex, but were dispersed by members of the Presidential Guard who fired warning shots, an AFP reporter saw. One person was hurt, but it was not immediately clear if he was injured by a bullet or from falling as the crowd scattered. The parties of Niger's ruling coalition in Niamey denounced "a suicidal and anti-republican madness" in a statement, saying that "certain elements of the presidential guard sequestered the President" and his family, as well as the interior minister. Condemnation also poured in from beyond the nation's borders. ECOWAS and the African Union both decried what they called an "attempted coup d'etat". ECOWAS called for Bazoum's immediate and unconditional release, and warned all those involved would be held responsible for his safety. The European Union said it "associates itself" with the ECOWAS statement and attacked "any attempt to destabilise democracy and threaten the stability" of Niger. Both UN chief Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they had spoken to Bazoum to offer their support. France -- Niger's former colonial power -- and neighbouring Algeria also issued condemnations, as did the World Bank which said it "strongly condemns any attempt to seize power by force" or "destabilise" Niger. President Talon was expected to arrive in Niamey Thursday, after a meeting in Abuja Wednesday with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu said President Talon would mediate with both the Presidential Guard and Bazoum, with a view to finding an agreement. Also read | Another coup attempt in Niger? President Mohamed Bazoum detained by presidential guards Coup-prone The landlocked Sahel state has experienced four coups since independence from France in 1960, and numerous other attempts. Bazoum, a former interior minister, was right-hand man to former president Mahamadou Issoufou, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms. But reminders of the troubled past have never been far away. An attempted coup took place just days before Bazoum's inauguration, according to a security source at the time. Several people were arrested, including the suspected ringleader. Five people were jailed in February for 20 years. A second bid to oust Bazoum occurred last March "while the president... was in Turkey", according to a Niger official, who said an arrest was made. The authorities have never commented publicly on the incident. Poverty and jihadism The nation of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, a benchmark of prosperity. Niger is struggling with two jihadist campaigns -- one in the southwest, which swept in from Mali in 2015, and the other in the southeast, involving jihadists from northeastern Nigeria. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes, stoking a humanitarian crisis and further straining the economy. The poorly equipped military is receiving training and logistical support from the United States and France, which have bases there. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Niger soldiers claim to have overthrown president

In Thailand, a seemingly innocent chocolate-mint ice drink has become entangled in a political storm.

Some cafes have suspended its sale&nbsp;due to its association with a prime ministerial candidate from the opposition Pheu Thai party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The beverage, once a harmless treat, is now seen as a symbol of political betrayal, as reported by The Guardian.

<h2>Election results and coalition dynamics</h2>

In the May general election, Pheu Thai won the second-highest number of seats, and it subsequently formed a coalition with Move Forward, a party advocating for reforms to remove the military from politics and amend the country's lese-majesty law.

Both parties pledged to uphold democracy in a country prone to military coups. They vowed not to join a coalition with the army generals who have held power since the 2014 coup.

Also watch |&nbsp;What's happening in Thai politics?

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<h2>'Betray-your-friend'&nbsp;drink</h2>

As Pheu Thai's coalition dynamics remain uncertain, creative protests are emerging. Many support shops have removed the choc-mint drink from their menu as a symbolic gesture.

Some cafes describe it as a "betray-your-friend" drink and refuse to serve it. The political connotation has sparked debates on social media, with users expressing their opinions both for and against the beverage.

However, some worry about the pitfalls of symbolism in polarised politics.

They fear that associating the chocolate-mint drink with a specific political party could lead to division and further polarization.

Critics argue that the drink should be enjoyed by all, just like the colour yellow, which was once associated with the military and monarchy but is now seen as neutral.

Move Forward leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was blocked from becoming prime minister by military-appointed senators. As a result, Pheu Thai, the expected coalition partner, may be seeking alternative alliances. The scheduled coalition meeting was abruptly postponed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-court-suspends-pita-as-lawmaker-as-parliament-votes-on-pm-617270">Thai court suspends PM frontrunner Pita as lawmaker as parliament votes on next leader</a>

<h2>Potential electoral impact</h2>

If Pheu Thai leaves the coalition, it could face electoral consequences, with the Move Forward party gaining support from disillusioned voters. Pheu Thai may be discreet in its moves to avoid outrightly breaking off from its current partners. The delay in announcing a prime ministerial candidate for a vote on Thursday has given Pheu Thai extra time for negotiations.

As Pheu Thai awaits a court ruling over Pita's second attempt at the prime ministerial candidacy, negotiations and alliances remain uncertain. Meanwhile, protesters at Pheu Thai's headquarters remind the party of past military crackdowns, urging them not to betray the people. A protester holding Pheu Thai's beloved choc-mint drink with a sign reading "Pheu Thai, don't betray the people" encapsulates the sense of uncertainty and apprehension among the public.

In this tumultuous political climate, Thailand is at a standstill, with its future leadership in question. As the chocolate-mint drink becomes an unlikely symbol of political division, the country waits to see how the political drama unfolds and what alliances will eventually be formed.

&nbsp;

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In Thailand, a seemingly innocent chocolate-mint ice drink has become entangled in a political storm. Some cafes have suspended its sale due to its association with a prime ministerial candidate from the opposition Pheu Thai party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In Thailand, a seemingly innocent chocolate-mint ice drink has become entangled in a political storm. Some cafes have suspended its sale due to its association with a prime ministerial candidate from the opposition Pheu Thai party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The beverage, once a harmless treat, is now seen as a symbol of political betrayal, as reported by The Guardian. Election results and coalition dynamics In the May general election, Pheu Thai won the second-highest number of seats, and it subsequently formed a coalition with Move Forward, a party advocating for reforms to remove the military from politics and amend the country's lese-majesty law. Both parties pledged to uphold democracy in a country prone to military coups. They vowed not to join a coalition with the army generals who have held power since the 2014 coup. Also watch | What's happening in Thai politics? 'Betray-your-friend' drink As Pheu Thai's coalition dynamics remain uncertain, creative protests are emerging. Many support shops have removed the choc-mint drink from their menu as a symbolic gesture. Some cafes describe it as a "betray-your-friend" drink and refuse to serve it. The political connotation has sparked debates on social media, with users expressing their opinions both for and against the beverage. However, some worry about the pitfalls of symbolism in polarised politics. They fear that associating the chocolate-mint drink with a specific political party could lead to division and further polarization. Critics argue that the drink should be enjoyed by all, just like the colour yellow, which was once associated with the military and monarchy but is now seen as neutral. Move Forward leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was blocked from becoming prime minister by military-appointed senators. As a result, Pheu Thai, the expected coalition partner, may be seeking alternative alliances. The scheduled coalition meeting was abruptly postponed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape. Also read | Thai court suspends PM frontrunner Pita as lawmaker as parliament votes on next leader Potential electoral impact If Pheu Thai leaves the coalition, it could face electoral consequences, with the Move Forward party gaining support from disillusioned voters. Pheu Thai may be discreet in its moves to avoid outrightly breaking off from its current partners. The delay in announcing a prime ministerial candidate for a vote on Thursday has given Pheu Thai extra time for negotiations. As Pheu Thai awaits a court ruling over Pita's second attempt at the prime ministerial candidacy, negotiations and alliances remain uncertain. Meanwhile, protesters at Pheu Thai's headquarters remind the party of past military crackdowns, urging them not to betray the people. A protester holding Pheu Thai's beloved choc-mint drink with a sign reading "Pheu Thai, don't betray the people" encapsulates the sense of uncertainty and apprehension among the public. In this tumultuous political climate, Thailand is at a standstill, with its future leadership in question. As the chocolate-mint drink becomes an unlikely symbol of political division, the country waits to see how the political drama unfolds and what alliances will eventually be formed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Choco-mint drink is now a symbol of political betrayal in Thailand. Here's why

Singapore, a nation with usually stable and drama-free politics, has been hit by yet another political controversy, as two senior members of the nation's largest opposition party quit after admitting to an inappropriate relationship.

As per Reuters, this is the third scandal to rock Singapore within a week.

Of the total 93 lawmakers, the leading opposition party now only has eight lawmakers left in the parliament.

<h2>An 'inappropriate relationship'</h2>

The Worker's Party (WP), Singapore's largest opposition party, said on Wednesday (July 19) that Member of Parliament Leon Perera and the party's youth wing president Nicole Seah have handed in their resignations after a video of the two was circulated on social media. In the video, they were seen holding hands.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/two-singaporean-lawmakers-resign-after-admitting-to-inappropriate-relationship-616585">Two Singaporean lawmakers resign after admitting to ‘inappropriate relationship’</a>

Party chief Pritam Singh as per Reuters told the press that Parera had been untruthful about the relationship when first asked back in 2020 - early 2021.

"This is unacceptable," he said.

He revealed that Seah had also denied the relationship when asked by party leaders.

"The Constitution of the Workers' Party requires candidates to be honest and frank in their dealings with the party and the people of Singapore," said Singh.

As per AFP, 53-year-old Leon Perera, and 36-year-old Nicole Seah, who were part of the party's top decision-making body, are both married with children.

In the resignation letter, the two lawmakers have apologised to their families, constituents and the party.

<h2>Scandals that rocked Singapore politics recently</h2>

In the last one week, three scandals have rocked the nation's political landscape.

Just last week, the nation's transport minister S Iswaran was arrested in connection with&nbsp;a graft investigation. The controversy has also ensnared a billionaire hotel tycoon. While the nation's anti-graft body hasn't disclosed details of the investigation against&nbsp;Iswaran yet, the transport minister has been ordered to go on leave.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-tycoon-who-brought-f1-races-to-city-state-arrested-in-high-level-graft-probe-615963">Singapore tycoon, who brought F1 races to city-state, arrested in high-level graft probe</a>

On Monday, two lawmakers, including Tan Chuan-Jin, the house speaker, quit because of an inappropriate relationship. All three controversial figures were members of Singapore's ruling party, the People's Action Party (PAP).

As per Reuters, both the Worker's Party and PAP have in the past sacked ministers over extramarital affairs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Singapore, a nation with usually stable and drama-free politics, has been hit by yet another political controversy, as two senior members of the nation's largest opposition party quit after admitting to an inappropriate relationship.

Singapore, a nation with usually stable and drama-free politics, has been hit by yet another political controversy, as two senior members of the nation's largest opposition party quit after admitting to an inappropriate relationship. As per Reuters, this is the third scandal to rock Singapore within a week. Of the total 93 lawmakers, the leading opposition party now only has eight lawmakers left in the parliament. An 'inappropriate relationship' The Worker's Party (WP), Singapore's largest opposition party, said on Wednesday (July 19) that Member of Parliament Leon Perera and the party's youth wing president Nicole Seah have handed in their resignations after a video of the two was circulated on social media. In the video, they were seen holding hands. Also read | Two Singaporean lawmakers resign after admitting to ‘inappropriate relationship’ Party chief Pritam Singh as per Reuters told the press that Parera had been untruthful about the relationship when first asked back in 2020 - early 2021. "This is unacceptable," he said. He revealed that Seah had also denied the relationship when asked by party leaders. "The Constitution of the Workers' Party requires candidates to be honest and frank in their dealings with the party and the people of Singapore," said Singh. As per AFP, 53-year-old Leon Perera, and 36-year-old Nicole Seah, who were part of the party's top decision-making body, are both married with children. In the resignation letter, the two lawmakers have apologised to their families, constituents and the party. Scandals that rocked Singapore politics recently In the last one week, three scandals have rocked the nation's political landscape. Just last week, the nation's transport minister S Iswaran was arrested in connection with a graft investigation. The controversy has also ensnared a billionaire hotel tycoon. While the nation's anti-graft body hasn't disclosed details of the investigation against Iswaran yet, the transport minister has been ordered to go on leave. Also read | Singapore tycoon, who brought F1 races to city-state, arrested in high-level graft probe On Monday, two lawmakers, including Tan Chuan-Jin, the house speaker, quit because of an inappropriate relationship. All three controversial figures were members of Singapore's ruling party, the People's Action Party (PAP). As per Reuters, both the Worker's Party and PAP have in the past sacked ministers over extramarital affairs. (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.

Another political scandal in Singapore: Workers Party leaders quit over inappropriate relationship

Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister of Thailand, announced his departure from politics but said he would remain in office for the time being. The statement comes nine years after a military coup that gave him the presidency. Only 36 of the 500 seats in the house were gained by the United Thai Nation, led by the former army chief, on May 14.

Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha retires from politics, nine years after his coup

Jain seer Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj has ended&nbsp;his fast unto death&nbsp;after&nbsp;meeting Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara&nbsp;in Varur, Hubballi, on Monday (July 10). Following an assurance from the minister, the Jain monk said he has full faith in Parameshwara's words&nbsp;that justice will prevail. Notably, the seer started the indefinite&nbsp;fast following&nbsp;the gruesome murder of Jain muni&nbsp;Acharya Sri Kamakumara Nandi Maharaja&nbsp;last week.

The minister, accompanied by other officials, went to the Jain ashram at Varur. After a detailed discussion with Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, the minister told&nbsp;the media that he was deeply hurt by the murder of Jain monk Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj in the Belagavi district. "The accused have been arrested. The investigation is proceeding within the legal framework by a team led by Deputy SP."

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"Today, I have given an assurance on taking all necessary steps and conveyed to him that we are with the Jain community. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has spoken to the seer over the telephone. Based on our request, the seer has withdrawn his fast," he added.&nbsp;

Jain Monk puts forward demands

According to Jain Wiki, Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj is the 108th Jain Sree Acharaya, who received his initiation from Jain Monk Kunthu Sagar Maharaj.&nbsp;

He was born on December 20, and his birth name was Raju.&nbsp;

As a follower of non-violence, Jain monk Gunadhar Nandhi Maharaj said he forgives the murderer. He said, "Various seers, including the Panchacharyas, Muslim religious heads, political leaders, including former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and others, have expressed solidarity." He also apologised to people if he hurt anyone's sentiments.&nbsp;

Parameshwara&nbsp;said that the Jain monk has put forward certain demands to the government:

-Protection for&nbsp;Jain monks during their pilgrimage and the places where monks stay during their yatras.&nbsp;

-He asked for the protection of Jain mandirs.&nbsp;

-Separate development corporations for Jains.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-cant-take-away-states-job-in-upholding-law-and-order-indian-sc-says-613929">Manipur violence: Can’t take away state’s job in upholding law and order, Indian SC says</a>

State government rules out CBI investigation

The BJP party earlier accused the Congress party of shielding the killer.

While talking to the media, Parameshwara&nbsp;said that nobody should try to give this case political colour and urged people to stop making irresponsible statements.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;assured that no one is shielding anybody and that a thorough investigation will be conducted.&nbsp;

However, he ruled out a CBI probe stating that the state police are capable of investigating the case.&nbsp;

"As Home Minister, I will not elaborate on the case and leave it to the police to share details after a thorough investigation. As the investigation is being done properly, I don’t see any reason to hand the case over to the CBI," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Jain seer Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj has ended his fast unto death after meeting Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara in Varur, Hubballi, on Monday (July 10). Following an assurance from the minister, the Jain monk said he has full faith in Parameshwara's words that justice will prevail.

Jain seer Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj has ended his fast unto death after meeting Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara in Varur, Hubballi, on Monday (July 10). Following an assurance from the minister, the Jain monk said he has full faith in Parameshwara's words that justice will prevail. Notably, the seer started the indefinite fast following the gruesome murder of Jain muni Acharya Sri Kamakumara Nandi Maharaja last week. The minister, accompanied by other officials, went to the Jain ashram at Varur. After a detailed discussion with Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, the minister told the media that he was deeply hurt by the murder of Jain monk Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj in the Belagavi district. "The accused have been arrested. The investigation is proceeding within the legal framework by a team led by Deputy SP." Also read | Delhi Weather Update: Yamuna River crosses danger mark, evacuation begins; IMD issues alert "Today, I have given an assurance on taking all necessary steps and conveyed to him that we are with the Jain community. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has spoken to the seer over the telephone. Based on our request, the seer has withdrawn his fast," he added. Jain Monk puts forward demands According to Jain Wiki, Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj is the 108th Jain Sree Acharaya, who received his initiation from Jain Monk Kunthu Sagar Maharaj. He was born on December 20, and his birth name was Raju. As a follower of non-violence, Jain monk Gunadhar Nandhi Maharaj said he forgives the murderer. He said, "Various seers, including the Panchacharyas, Muslim religious heads, political leaders, including former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and others, have expressed solidarity." He also apologised to people if he hurt anyone's sentiments. Parameshwara said that the Jain monk has put forward certain demands to the government: -Protection for Jain monks during their pilgrimage and the places where monks stay during their yatras. -He asked for the protection of Jain mandirs. -Separate development corporations for Jains. Also read | Manipur violence: Can’t take away state’s job in upholding law and order, Indian SC says State government rules out CBI investigation The BJP party earlier accused the Congress party of shielding the killer. While talking to the media, Parameshwara said that nobody should try to give this case political colour and urged people to stop making irresponsible statements. He assured that no one is shielding anybody and that a thorough investigation will be conducted. However, he ruled out a CBI probe stating that the state police are capable of investigating the case. "As Home Minister, I will not elaborate on the case and leave it to the police to share details after a thorough investigation. As the investigation is being done properly, I don’t see any reason to hand the case over to the CBI," he said. (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.

Who is Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, the Jain seer who was on 'fast unto death'?

Political commentator Dr. Brahma Chellaney says that India's membership lends respectability to the SCO and helps counter the perception of it being an anti-Western club of autocracies. However, the question remains about what India gains from its SCO membership. Former Ambassador Ashok Kantha explains India's limited expectations from the SCO due to strategic differences among member countries but stresses the importance of bilateral relations with the Central Asian countries which are part of the SCO.

'Empty commitments by heads of state' says political commentator Brahma Chellaney

Four out of the seven judges on the Superior Electoral Tribunal in Brazil have voted to punish Bolsonaro for alleged abuses of his power, giving the court the majority it needs to ban the far-right former president from politics for an entire eight years.

Brazil court moves towards barring Bolsonaro from politics

The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154. This comes as the report found that the gap between various aspects it takes into account for the measurement of equality has closed only by 0.3 per cent since last year.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the report about?</h2>

The WEF’s Gender Gap Index measures equality across 146 countries along&nbsp;four dimensions:&nbsp;economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; and political empowerment. The index was first launched by the WEF in 2006 and since then parity has advanced 4.1 percentage points.

<h2>WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Key findings</h2>

The report shows that the world would take 131 years to close the overall gender gap between men and women at the current rate of progress.

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Additionally, it might&nbsp;take 169 years for economic parity and 162 years for political empowerment to gender gap but no clear timeline was given for health and survival. On the bright side, educational attainment parity might&nbsp;take 16 years. 
 
While no country has achieved full gender parity, the top nine countries – Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia and Lithuania – have managed to close the gender gap by at least 80 per cent.&nbsp;

Iceland was at the top of the list for the 14th consecutive year with 91.2 per cent of its overall gender gap closed. Notably, it is also the only country with a score which is above 90 per cent. It is followed by Norway (87.9 per cent), Finland (86.3 per cent), New Zealand (85.6 per cent), and Sweden (81.5 per cent), all with scores above 80 per cent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patriarchy-is-fighting-backso-are-we-gender-equality-is-still-300-years-away-says-un-569489">'Patriarchy is fighting back...so are we': Gender equality is still 300 years away, says UN</a>

In addition to the top five countries, only four nations – Germany (81.5 per cent), Nicaragua (81.1 per cent), Namibia (80.2 per cent) and Lithuania (80.0 per cent) – have managed to close their gender gap by at least 80 per cent.&nbsp;

In terms of overall gender parity, the Southern Asian region ranked second-lowest of the eight regions with 63.4 per cent. However, the score has risen 1.1 percentage points since last year’s report which has partially been attributed to better rankings of countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the United States witnessed a drop from 27th on the list with 76.9 per cent parity in 2022 to 43rd this year with a parity score of 74.8 per cent. The sharp decline has been attributed to the political empowerment index.&nbsp;

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The last five countries on the list – Pakistan (57.5 per cent), Iran (57.5 per cent), Algeria (57.3 per cent), Chad (57.0 per cent), and Afghanistan (40.5 per cent) – have scored below 60 per cent. 
 
Afghanistan was the only one among the last five as well as among the 146 nations with a score below 50 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2>What has the overall gender gap been attributed to?&nbsp;</h2>

“Global gender gaps in health and education have narrowed over the past year, yet progress on political empowerment is effectively at a standstill, and women’s economic participation has regressed rather than recovered,” Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the WEF, stated in the report.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-work-harder-put-in-more-effort-than-men-anthropological-study-551559">Women work harder, put in more effort than men: Study</a>

Addressing the findings of the report, she also said, “Recent years have been marked by major setbacks for gender parity globally, with previous progress disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on women and girls in education and the workforce, followed by economic and geopolitical crises.”&nbsp;

She added, “Today, some parts of the world are seeing partial recoveries while others are experiencing deteriorations as new crises unfold.” Therefore, the “tepid progress” on “persistently large gaps documented (in the report)…creates an urgent case for renewed and concerted action.”

<h2>India ranks 127 out of 146 in gender parity</h2>

This year, India ranked 127th out of 146 countries which is an improvement of&nbsp;eight positions since last year’s report. The country has closed 64.3 per cent of the overall gender gap, said the 2023 report. According to the report, India has “attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education” but has only reached about 36.7 per cent parity on economic participation and opportunity.&nbsp;

This comes as the report noted upticks in parity in wages and income but a slight drop in “shares of women in senior positions and technical roles” since last year. India was also listed among countries like Pakistan (36.2 per cent), Iran (34.4 per cent), and Algeria (31.7 per cent), aside from Afghanistan, at the bottom of the list for economic participation and opportunity with less than 40 per cent parity.&nbsp;

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On the political front, India has reached 25.3 per cent parity, with women representing 15.1 per cent of parliamentarians. Notably, this is the highest for India since the first report was published nearly two decades ago.&nbsp;

Notably, out of the 117 countries for which the data is available since 2017, 18 countries&nbsp; including&nbsp;Bolivia (50.4 per cent), India (44.4 per cent) and France (42.3 per cent) &nbsp;– have achieved women’s representation of over 40 per cent in local governance.&nbsp;

This comes after Indian Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, earlier this year, raised an issue with the WEF in Geneva saying that the organisation must also include women’s participation in local government bodies in its report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-bring-in-gender-parity-in-15-years-indias-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant-to-wion-604956">Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION</a>

On the health and survival index, the WEF has noted 1.9 percentage points to 92.7 per cent improvement in the sex ratio at birth after “more than a decade of slow progress” for India. The relatively low overall rankings for countries like India, China and Vietnam for this particular index “is explained by skewed sex ratios at birth,” said the report.&nbsp;

“Compared to top scoring countries that register a 94.4 per cent gender parity at birth, the indicator stands at 92.7 per cent for India (albeit an improvement over last edition) and below 90 per cent for Vietnam, China and Azerbaijan,” the report stated.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154.

The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154. This comes as the report found that the gap between various aspects it takes into account for the measurement of equality has closed only by 0.3 per cent since last year. What is the report about? The WEF’s Gender Gap Index measures equality across 146 countries along four dimensions: economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; and political empowerment. The index was first launched by the WEF in 2006 and since then parity has advanced 4.1 percentage points. WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Key findings The report shows that the world would take 131 years to close the overall gender gap between men and women at the current rate of progress. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: UN chief warns gender equality still 300 years away Additionally, it might take 169 years for economic parity and 162 years for political empowerment to gender gap but no clear timeline was given for health and survival. On the bright side, educational attainment parity might take 16 years. While no country has achieved full gender parity, the top nine countries – Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia and Lithuania – have managed to close the gender gap by at least 80 per cent. Iceland was at the top of the list for the 14th consecutive year with 91.2 per cent of its overall gender gap closed. Notably, it is also the only country with a score which is above 90 per cent. It is followed by Norway (87.9 per cent), Finland (86.3 per cent), New Zealand (85.6 per cent), and Sweden (81.5 per cent), all with scores above 80 per cent. ALSO READ | 'Patriarchy is fighting back...so are we': Gender equality is still 300 years away, says UN In addition to the top five countries, only four nations – Germany (81.5 per cent), Nicaragua (81.1 per cent), Namibia (80.2 per cent) and Lithuania (80.0 per cent) – have managed to close their gender gap by at least 80 per cent. In terms of overall gender parity, the Southern Asian region ranked second-lowest of the eight regions with 63.4 per cent. However, the score has risen 1.1 percentage points since last year’s report which has partially been attributed to better rankings of countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the United States witnessed a drop from 27th on the list with 76.9 per cent parity in 2022 to 43rd this year with a parity score of 74.8 per cent. The sharp decline has been attributed to the political empowerment index. ALSO READ | Around 90% of people have at least one bias against women: UN report The last five countries on the list – Pakistan (57.5 per cent), Iran (57.5 per cent), Algeria (57.3 per cent), Chad (57.0 per cent), and Afghanistan (40.5 per cent) – have scored below 60 per cent. Afghanistan was the only one among the last five as well as among the 146 nations with a score below 50 per cent. What has the overall gender gap been attributed to? “Global gender gaps in health and education have narrowed over the past year, yet progress on political empowerment is effectively at a standstill, and women’s economic participation has regressed rather than recovered,” Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the WEF, stated in the report. ALSO READ | Women work harder, put in more effort than men: Study Addressing the findings of the report, she also said, “Recent years have been marked by major setbacks for gender parity globally, with previous progress disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on women and girls in education and the workforce, followed by economic and geopolitical crises.” She added, “Today, some parts of the world are seeing partial recoveries while others are experiencing deteriorations as new crises unfold.” Therefore, the “tepid progress” on “persistently large gaps documented (in the report)…creates an urgent case for renewed and concerted action.” India ranks 127 out of 146 in gender parity This year, India ranked 127th out of 146 countries which is an improvement of eight positions since last year’s report. The country has closed 64.3 per cent of the overall gender gap, said the 2023 report. According to the report, India has “attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education” but has only reached about 36.7 per cent parity on economic participation and opportunity. This comes as the report noted upticks in parity in wages and income but a slight drop in “shares of women in senior positions and technical roles” since last year. India was also listed among countries like Pakistan (36.2 per cent), Iran (34.4 per cent), and Algeria (31.7 per cent), aside from Afghanistan, at the bottom of the list for economic participation and opportunity with less than 40 per cent parity. ALSO READ | Women’s rights have gone ‘too far’, now men feeling discriminated, says latest survey On the political front, India has reached 25.3 per cent parity, with women representing 15.1 per cent of parliamentarians. Notably, this is the highest for India since the first report was published nearly two decades ago. Notably, out of the 117 countries for which the data is available since 2017, 18 countries including Bolivia (50.4 per cent), India (44.4 per cent) and France (42.3 per cent) – have achieved women’s representation of over 40 per cent in local governance. This comes after Indian Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, earlier this year, raised an issue with the WEF in Geneva saying that the organisation must also include women’s participation in local government bodies in its report. ALSO READ | Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION On the health and survival index, the WEF has noted 1.9 percentage points to 92.7 per cent improvement in the sex ratio at birth after “more than a decade of slow progress” for India. The relatively low overall rankings for countries like India, China and Vietnam for this particular index “is explained by skewed sex ratios at birth,” said the report. “Compared to top scoring countries that register a 94.4 per cent gender parity at birth, the indicator stands at 92.7 per cent for India (albeit an improvement over last edition) and below 90 per cent for Vietnam, China and Azerbaijan,” the report stated. 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.

Explained | World may take 131 years to close the gender gap, says report

Nepal's PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's much-hyped visit to the Pashupatinath - a Hindu temple in Kathmandu has sparked a row. While the opposition called the move politically motivated. Many analysts believe that Nepal's prime minister - a former Maoist rebel-was trying to cosy up to both India and the Hindu community in Nepal. Questions have also been raised about whether he's sending out a message to Beijing. Is Prachanda walking a tight rope between Indian and China?

Prachanda's temple visit sparks debate |  Inside South Asia

The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment.

On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations.

The two-judge panel, which also includes Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, will be presided over by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, as reported by the Dawn

It may be recalled that a final decision in the Panama Papers leak case is already in the field.

JI reminded the court of its unresolved appeal, which was submitted by party emir Sirajul Haq in August 2016, through an application on November 3, 2017.

However, this case was segregated&nbsp;because the reasons established in it were too broad by a five-judge panel presided over by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who was considering petitions against then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members for making investments in offshore firms.

However, the court guaranteed that its petition will be heard at a suitable time to the Jamaat-i-Islami.

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The petitioner contended that the court's attention was being sought in the greater national interest to save public money in the motion submitted by Advocate Muhammad Ishtiaq Ahmed Raja on behalf of Haq under Order 33 Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980.

The owner of offshore firms would be able to further conceal their sources of income and money thanks to the delay in the case's fixation, he noted.

<h2>The initial petition</h2>

In his initial petition, Haq asked the court to issue an order compelling the five respondents, the federal government through the ministry of parliamentary affairs, the secretaries of law and justice, the finance and cabinet division, and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), to detain all of the criminals who had invested stolen money in foreign corporations and return the public funds that had been improperly transferred to those corporations to the nation.

The JI had argued that despite Pakistan's tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, civilians, officeholders in government organisations, and government employees were funding offshore businesses through unethical and corrupt practises.

Large quantities of money had been unlawfully moved, laundered, and parked in some offshore entities, posing problems for the state.

The petition contended that these investments in offshore firms had really been made with public funds through dishonest and unlawful methods.

Also watch |&nbsp;Parvez Khattak: Took decision to quit after lot of thought&nbsp;

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It claimed that many people in public service had been investing in offshore firms while lying about it in the declaration of assets they provided to the relevant authorities.

The petition highlighted that all such public office holders should be penalised and should be disqualified from their positions. 
&nbsp;

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The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment. On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations.

The Panama Papers controversy is back in the news almost eight years after the shocking disclosures they revealed rocked Pakistan's political establishment. On June 9, the Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a plea from Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) asking for instructions about 436 people who are accused of hiding their assets in offshore corporations. The two-judge panel, which also includes Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, will be presided over by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, as reported by the Dawn It may be recalled that a final decision in the Panama Papers leak case is already in the field. JI reminded the court of its unresolved appeal, which was submitted by party emir Sirajul Haq in August 2016, through an application on November 3, 2017. However, this case was segregated because the reasons established in it were too broad by a five-judge panel presided over by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who was considering petitions against then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members for making investments in offshore firms. However, the court guaranteed that its petition will be heard at a suitable time to the Jamaat-i-Islami. Also read | Pakistan releases 200 Indian fishermen languishing in Karachi jail The petitioner contended that the court's attention was being sought in the greater national interest to save public money in the motion submitted by Advocate Muhammad Ishtiaq Ahmed Raja on behalf of Haq under Order 33 Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980. The owner of offshore firms would be able to further conceal their sources of income and money thanks to the delay in the case's fixation, he noted. The initial petition In his initial petition, Haq asked the court to issue an order compelling the five respondents, the federal government through the ministry of parliamentary affairs, the secretaries of law and justice, the finance and cabinet division, and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), to detain all of the criminals who had invested stolen money in foreign corporations and return the public funds that had been improperly transferred to those corporations to the nation. The JI had argued that despite Pakistan's tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, civilians, officeholders in government organisations, and government employees were funding offshore businesses through unethical and corrupt practises. Large quantities of money had been unlawfully moved, laundered, and parked in some offshore entities, posing problems for the state. The petition contended that these investments in offshore firms had really been made with public funds through dishonest and unlawful methods. Also watch | Parvez Khattak: Took decision to quit after lot of thought It claimed that many people in public service had been investing in offshore firms while lying about it in the declaration of assets they provided to the relevant authorities. The petition highlighted that all such public office holders should be penalised and should be disqualified from their positions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pak court revives call for legal action against everyone named in Panama Papers

In the 70 years since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first conquered Mount Everest, there's been a sea change in the lives of Sherpas living in the foothills of the world's tallest peak. Tourist and mountaineer traffic has risen sharply. So have earnings. Largely agrarian land has taken on commercial overtones - hotels, restaurants, clubs, and more. The new generation of Sherpas is open to looking at non-mountaineering-related career avenues

Sherpas of Everest | 70 years of Hillary-Norgay climb

On situation with China, India's EAM Jaishankar points to "complicated challenge" at border areas. He said, 'Responses have been undertaken by the Indian government." Take a look.

'India facing complicated challenges from China': EAM Jaishankar

Pakistan-A Country of Coups From 1958 to the last being Musharraf’s 1999 military takeover, is it standing on the brink of another coup? Will history repeat itself? Watch WION Wideangle | Pakistan in Paralysis: Is the Army in Two Minds?

Another Pak military coup? Will history repeat itself? - Part 4

Imran Khan has publicly blamed the Army for his arrest and recent assassination attempts on him. Will it arrest him again? Can he win the upcoming October elections? Watch WION Wideangle | Pakistan in Paralysis: Is the Army in Two Minds?

Why is Pak Army delaying Imran's arrest? - Part 3

Pak Army has pledged action against violent protesters under the Army Act & Official Secrets Act. But why the delay? Does it have some larger plan to execute? Watch WION Wideangle | Pakistan in Paralysis: Is the Army in Two Minds?

What’s next for Imran Khan: Is Pak Army planning something bigger? - Part 2

Pak military has vowed to prosecute those involved in violent protests, and might even arrest Imran Khan again. Can the Army restrain his rising popularity? Watch WION Wideangle | Pakistan in Paralysis: Is the Army in Two Minds?

Why Pakistan Army failed to counter Imran - Part 1

On one hand, new records are being made, on the other there are fatalities on the top of the world. A 59-year-old Indian climber, aiming to set a new record by becoming Asia's first woman on a pacemaker to scale Mt Everest, died at the base camp of the world's highest peak in Nepal.

Everest route from Nepal side begins, how deadly can it be?

In a first since his departure from Fox News, the former host Tucker Carlson shared a video on Twitter and took a dig at the state of public discourse on US television, reported Reuters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Both political parties and their donors have reached consensus on what benefits them and they actively collude to shut down any conversation about it," Carlson said.

"Suddenly the United States looks very much like a one-party state. That's a depressing realization, but its not permanent," he said adding, "Where can you still find Americans saying true things?," Carlson asked. "There aren’t many places left, but there are some."

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One of the most popular figures on the network, Carlson attracted a sizable audience for his commentary on his programme Tucker Carlson Tonight. He quit Fox News on Monday without giving a reason.

According to media reports citing sources, Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox, personally ordered Carlson's dismissal from the network for referring to a female executive in derogatory terms.

Carlson in the two-minute video posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday did not explain his departure. "When you step away from the noise for a few days," he said, you see how kind some individuals are.

“The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are,” he added. “They’re completely irrelevant. They mean nothing. In five years we won’t even remember we heard them. Trust me, as somebody who participated.”

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BREAKING: Tucker Carlson chooses TWITTER as the platform to break his silence for first time after being fired. 😯 
 
He hints that Twitter's one of the only places left where Americans can still tell the Truth.<a href="https://t.co/Lr9yAJ5rfY">pic.twitter.com/Lr9yAJ5rfY</a>
— Natural Immunity FTW (@NaturallyFTW) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaturallyFTW/status/1651387616049217538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Fox News last week agreed to pay voting equipment maker Dominion $787.5m to settle a high-profile defamation case, in which Carlson played a major role. Fox hasn't officially explained why it terminated relations with Carlson.

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According to reports, Carlson's abrupt resignation was related to a lawsuit by Abby Grossberg, his former senior booking producer. The lawsuit was filed after Grossberg complained of misogyny and a toxic work environment.

In a formal statement, Fox News said that Carlson and the network had "mutually" decided to part ways.

Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur

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Fox News said it quickly filled Carlson's time slot with a rotating cast of hosts starting Monday. Carlson hinted in his video that he may be coming up with something new. “Where can you still find Americans saying true things?” he said adding, “There aren’t many places left but there are some and that’s enough. As long as you can hear the words, there is hope. See you soon.”

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In a first since his departure from Fox News, the former host Tucker Carlson shared a video on Twitter and took a dig at the state of public discourse on US television, reported Reuters.

In a first since his departure from Fox News, the former host Tucker Carlson shared a video on Twitter and took a dig at the state of public discourse on US television, reported Reuters. "Both political parties and their donors have reached consensus on what benefits them and they actively collude to shut down any conversation about it," Carlson said. "Suddenly the United States looks very much like a one-party state. That's a depressing realization, but its not permanent," he said adding, "Where can you still find Americans saying true things?," Carlson asked. "There aren’t many places left, but there are some." Also Read | Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency One of the most popular figures on the network, Carlson attracted a sizable audience for his commentary on his programme Tucker Carlson Tonight. He quit Fox News on Monday without giving a reason. According to media reports citing sources, Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox, personally ordered Carlson's dismissal from the network for referring to a female executive in derogatory terms. Carlson in the two-minute video posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday did not explain his departure. "When you step away from the noise for a few days," he said, you see how kind some individuals are. “The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are,” he added. “They’re completely irrelevant. They mean nothing. In five years we won’t even remember we heard them. Trust me, as somebody who participated.” BREAKING: Tucker Carlson chooses TWITTER as the platform to break his silence for first time after being fired. 😯 He hints that Twitter's one of the only places left where Americans can still tell the Truth.pic.twitter.com/Lr9yAJ5rfY — Natural Immunity FTW (@NaturallyFTW) April 27, 2023 × Fox News last week agreed to pay voting equipment maker Dominion $787.5m to settle a high-profile defamation case, in which Carlson played a major role. Fox hasn't officially explained why it terminated relations with Carlson. Also Read | Singapore doubles stamp duty for foreigners buying home According to reports, Carlson's abrupt resignation was related to a lawsuit by Abby Grossberg, his former senior booking producer. The lawsuit was filed after Grossberg complained of misogyny and a toxic work environment. In a formal statement, Fox News said that Carlson and the network had "mutually" decided to part ways. Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur × Fox News said it quickly filled Carlson's time slot with a rotating cast of hosts starting Monday. Carlson hinted in his video that he may be coming up with something new. “Where can you still find Americans saying true things?” he said adding, “There aren’t many places left but there are some and that’s enough. As long as you can hear the words, there is hope. See you soon.” 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.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson takes dig at US media

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