Iran's President elect Pezeshkian is on an outreach mission. It's been less than a week since he was elected and he's already working the phone lines in Tehran trying to shore up foreign ties. In reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran has found a new president over a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash which necessitated snap elections. A cardiac surgeon and single dad who is seen as an advocate of greater freedoms for women in post-revolution Iran, Pezeshkian will now confront the challenge of navigating through his reformist policy agenda in a deeply conservative polity.

Iran: Iranian President-elect Pezeshkian's outreach mission

US President Joe Biden is not being treated for Parkinsons disease. The White House has issued a reassuring statement after report surface that a doctor specialising in illness had visited the White House at least eight times over the past year.

US Elections: Biden under rising pressure to quit the race

The following are among the Irainian President's responsibilities, subject to oversight and approval by the Supreme Leader: Chairperson of the Cabinet and second in command (after the Supreme Leader) of the executive arm of government.

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Voting begins in snap presidential election after Raisi's death

At eight in the morning local time, leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casted his ballot at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Husseiniya in front of eager reporters and photographers. Ayatollah Khamenei prayed for the Iranian nation's brightest days and years in remarks made following the 14th presidential election.

The Guardian Council of Iran, a body of clerics and jurists ultimately subordinate to Khamenei, has not yet ratified a bill introduced by the country's parliament that could inflict 10-year prison sentences for violating the hijab. Only Pezeshkian, one of the presidential contenders, has criticized the hijab law thus far.

Iran votes amid tensions boiling over new hijab law

Voting starts in Iran's snap presidential election to choose a successor to Ebrahim Raisi following his death in a helicopter crash.

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: One reformist and three Khamenei loyalists battle it out

The talks to seal the final details of a multi-party government and appoint a Cabinet have been going on for two weeks and have been marked by disagreements between Ramaphosa's African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, the second biggest party. Watch in for more details!

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa yet to announce cabinet

Iranians started voting on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader, at a time of growing public frustration.

Iran Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Polls open to elect Raisi’s successor in Iran

The election coincides with escalating regional tension due to war between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its fast-advancing nuclear programme.

Iran Presidential elections 2024: Iran begins voting in presidential election with limited choices

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Can Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist President change Iran?

As Iran votes to elect as successor for the late president Ebrahim Raisi, two of the six candidates gearing up for the polls has already dropped out of this race. Watch this to know more.

Iran Presidential Elections 2024: Three-way contest expected between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

The Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that his country will repay India's loan and emphasised on Delhi's key role in the country's energy, infrastructure, and connectivity projects.

Speaking at the 31st All India Partner’s Meet 2024 (AIPM 2024), in Colombo, the President highlighted the importance of increased cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the energy sector that will promote development for the Northern region, which has been deeply affected by three decades of conflict.&nbsp;

He said, "We are looking at developing the Palk Strait for wind energy and solar energy, both countries to get together and have a large farm for solar energy, for renewable energy. It also means that we will have a new economy for the northern province, which was worst affected by the wars."

The President pointed out that India and Sri Lanka discussing ways to expedite the Trincomalee Development Project. "Trincomalee is poised to become a hub for oil refining, with the development of ports &amp; investment zones, transforming it into a significant hub on the Bay of Bengal", he further stated.&nbsp;

Plans are underway to construct a multi-product oil pipeline from Nagapattinam to Trincomalee, pending the final observation report. Plans are underway for the Indian role in expanding the Kankesanturai port, which is the major port on the Jaffna Peninsula &amp; development of the Palali airport.

"When I was in Delhi last week, I discussed with Prime Minister Modi the need to accelerate the joint program that we have decided, agreed on. So the major ones are identified... Now this will show the new path we are taking, and a number of projects, all will be in one parcel.", he explained.

While the Sri Lankan President was in Delhi on 9th June to attend the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar travelled to the country on June 20. During the latter's visit, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was commissioned that has been built with Indian support. It&nbsp;enhances Sri Lanka's ability to patrol its vast maritime zone.

The Sri Lankan President lauded India's role in supporting the country economically during the financial crisis. The Indian government extended a $3.5 billion credit line to Sri Lanka to support the island nation's efforts to stabilize the economy and address the severe shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medicine. The President said, "Having now survived two difficult years, I must acknowledge that this was possible because India gave us a loan of $3.5 billion. All that will be repaid".

Next week will be a key week for Sri Lanka's economic recovery. Sri Lanka will meet the Official Creditors Committee (OCC)-co-chaired by India, Japan, and France &amp; hold talks with the Exim Bank Of China that could lead to external debt restructuring and pave the way for more financial recovery. The President hoped that next week will see the "end of bankruptcy." 
&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that his country will repay India's loan and emphasised on Delhi's key role in the country's energy, infrastructure, and connectivity projects.

The Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that his country will repay India's loan and emphasised on Delhi's key role in the country's energy, infrastructure, and connectivity projects. Speaking at the 31st All India Partner’s Meet 2024 (AIPM 2024), in Colombo, the President highlighted the importance of increased cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the energy sector that will promote development for the Northern region, which has been deeply affected by three decades of conflict. He said, "We are looking at developing the Palk Strait for wind energy and solar energy, both countries to get together and have a large farm for solar energy, for renewable energy. It also means that we will have a new economy for the northern province, which was worst affected by the wars." The President pointed out that India and Sri Lanka discussing ways to expedite the Trincomalee Development Project. "Trincomalee is poised to become a hub for oil refining, with the development of ports & investment zones, transforming it into a significant hub on the Bay of Bengal", he further stated. Plans are underway to construct a multi-product oil pipeline from Nagapattinam to Trincomalee, pending the final observation report. Plans are underway for the Indian role in expanding the Kankesanturai port, which is the major port on the Jaffna Peninsula & development of the Palali airport. "When I was in Delhi last week, I discussed with Prime Minister Modi the need to accelerate the joint program that we have decided, agreed on. So the major ones are identified... Now this will show the new path we are taking, and a number of projects, all will be in one parcel.", he explained. While the Sri Lankan President was in Delhi on 9th June to attend the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar travelled to the country on June 20. During the latter's visit, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was commissioned that has been built with Indian support. It enhances Sri Lanka's ability to patrol its vast maritime zone. The Sri Lankan President lauded India's role in supporting the country economically during the financial crisis. The Indian government extended a $3.5 billion credit line to Sri Lanka to support the island nation's efforts to stabilize the economy and address the severe shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medicine. The President said, "Having now survived two difficult years, I must acknowledge that this was possible because India gave us a loan of $3.5 billion. All that will be repaid". Next week will be a key week for Sri Lanka's economic recovery. Sri Lanka will meet the Official Creditors Committee (OCC)-co-chaired by India, Japan, and France & hold talks with the Exim Bank Of China that could lead to external debt restructuring and pave the way for more financial recovery. The President hoped that next week will see the "end of bankruptcy."

Sri Lankan President says will repay Indian loan; sees Delhi's role in key projects

Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress, took oath as the nation's president for the next five years on Wednesday at a ceremony in Pretoria, the administrative capital. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in as President for second term

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for second term

Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in as South African president for second term

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa is to be sworn in for a new term as president at a ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday, after his weakened African National Congress (ANC) struck a government coalition deal. Watch in for more details!

Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected as South African president

Some shocking details regarding United States President Joe Biden's cognitive decline have been revealed in a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday (June 4).

The Journal interviewed nearly 45 Republican and Democratic lawmakers and staffers&nbsp;who spoke about noticing Biden’s apparent deterioration in cognitive fitness while interacting with the 81-year-old leader in recent months.

The staffers and lawmakers said that the president has been seen speaking so softly in the meetings that it becomes difficult to understand what he is saying.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-limit-asylum-seekers-with-new-order-halt-requests-at-2500-crossings-and-resume-when-below-1500-728667">Biden to limit asylum seekers with new order, halt requests at 2,500 crossings and resume when below 1,500</a>

Meanwhile, others said that the president's grasp of policy details and demeanour differed by the day and he had to rely on notes frequently and sought help from aides during conferences.

“You couldn’t be there and not feel uncomfortable,” said one person, who claimed to have held talks with the president when critical negotiations were going on over providing Ukraine aid in January.

Meanwhile, others who attended the meeting recalled that Biden needed 10 minutes to start the meeting after entering the room and after he did, he had to resort to note cards to make obvious points on which people had already agreed. They added that the participants in the meeting were not able to clearly hear him.

“Much of the conversation didn’t include him,” stated the report, emphasising that the president also asked his staffers to answer some of the questions which were posed directly to him.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden's unawareness, rambling, card-help raises questions</h2>

When House Speaker and Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson raised his concern over the administration’s liquid natural gas export policy to the president - which he said he feared is benefiting Russia - the president seemed unaware of the policy.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US: Biden to shut down Mexico border temporarily

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-biden-to-shut-down-mexico-border-temporarily-728817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The policy was in effect, however, Biden claimed that it was "only a study". Johnson was "dismayed" by the exchange, as stated by individuals who were present there.

Biden also “rambled”, mumbled and at times failed to command the room&nbsp;when tense negotiations were going on about increasing the debt ceiling last May, said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

“He always had cards,” McCarthy added, as he emphasised the US president's dependence on notes.&nbsp;

“He couldn’t negotiate another way. I used to meet with him when he was vice president. I’d go to his house. He’s not the same person,” he said.

McCarthy gave the task&nbsp;to the lawmakers to bring out the details of the debt ceiling plan from Biden.&nbsp;

He said that the talks with Biden were frustratingly “general",&nbsp;and the president would only express “optimism about working things out".

“He was going back to all the old stuff that had been done for a long time,” said McCarthy, while speaking to The Wall Street Journal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Some shocking details regarding United States President Joe Biden's cognitive decline have been revealed in a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday (June 4).

Some shocking details regarding United States President Joe Biden's cognitive decline have been revealed in a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday (June 4). The Journal interviewed nearly 45 Republican and Democratic lawmakers and staffers who spoke about noticing Biden’s apparent deterioration in cognitive fitness while interacting with the 81-year-old leader in recent months. The staffers and lawmakers said that the president has been seen speaking so softly in the meetings that it becomes difficult to understand what he is saying. Also Read: Biden to limit asylum seekers with new order, halt requests at 2,500 crossings and resume when below 1,500 Meanwhile, others said that the president's grasp of policy details and demeanour differed by the day and he had to rely on notes frequently and sought help from aides during conferences. “You couldn’t be there and not feel uncomfortable,” said one person, who claimed to have held talks with the president when critical negotiations were going on over providing Ukraine aid in January. Meanwhile, others who attended the meeting recalled that Biden needed 10 minutes to start the meeting after entering the room and after he did, he had to resort to note cards to make obvious points on which people had already agreed. They added that the participants in the meeting were not able to clearly hear him. “Much of the conversation didn’t include him,” stated the report, emphasising that the president also asked his staffers to answer some of the questions which were posed directly to him. Biden's unawareness, rambling, card-help raises questions When House Speaker and Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson raised his concern over the administration’s liquid natural gas export policy to the president - which he said he feared is benefiting Russia - the president seemed unaware of the policy. Watch: US: Biden to shut down Mexico border temporarily The policy was in effect, however, Biden claimed that it was "only a study". Johnson was "dismayed" by the exchange, as stated by individuals who were present there. Biden also “rambled”, mumbled and at times failed to command the room when tense negotiations were going on about increasing the debt ceiling last May, said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. “He always had cards,” McCarthy added, as he emphasised the US president's dependence on notes. “He couldn’t negotiate another way. I used to meet with him when he was vice president. I’d go to his house. He’s not the same person,” he said. McCarthy gave the task to the lawmakers to bring out the details of the debt ceiling plan from Biden. He said that the talks with Biden were frustratingly “general", and the president would only express “optimism about working things out". “He was going back to all the old stuff that had been done for a long time,” said McCarthy, while speaking to The Wall Street Journal. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden staffers reveal president's declining cognitive fitness, say 'not the same person’

United States former president Donald Trump is likely making plans to appoint billionaire Elon Musk as an advisor in the White House after coming back to power, reports suggested.&nbsp;

The news of Trump considering an advisory role for Musk came after the two patched up in recent months.&nbsp;

According to a report published in the The Wall Street Journal, Trump has not finalised the details, however, the two have been discussing how Musk can provide &nbsp;“formal input” on issues like the economy, border, and preventing voter fraud.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-crush-pro-palestinian-protests-after-returning-to-white-house-726207">Trump&nbsp;vows to crush pro-Palestinian protests after returning to White House</a>

There has been a change in the icy relationship between the two and Musk has now been on telephone calls with Trump “several times a month,” as per the outlet.

<h2>Musk pushes business leaders to not support Biden</h2>

The world’s third-richest man, along with billionaire investor&nbsp;Nelson Peltz, spoke to Trump regarding an effort made by Musk to convince business leaders not to support President Joe Biden in November elections.

“President Trump will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency,” said senior Trump adviser Brian Hughes, while speaking to The New York Post.

“But it has been widely reported and is demonstrated in a number of ways, that many of the nation’s most important leaders in technology and innovation are concerned with the damage done to their industry by Biden’s failures to handle our economy and his moves to overburden innovators with government bureaucracy and unrelenting regulation," he added.

Social media platform X owner and founder of Tesla and Space X Musk had earlier said that he would not give money to either candidate and has always taken an anti-Biden stance.

However, the South African-born billionaire has always portrayed himself as an independent. In 2002, Musk became a US citizen.

After clinching victory on Super Tuesday and becoming a presumptive Republican nominee, Trump met Musk at Mar-a-Lago, reported the Wall Street Journal.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump eyes Elon Musk for White House advisory role if elected, says report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-eyes-elon-musk-for-white-house-advisory-role-if-elected-says-report-727103/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In March while speaking to CNBC, Trump confirmed that he met with Musk but did not get into the details of their conversation.&nbsp;

“Look, I’ve been friendly with him over the years. I’ve helped him when I was president. I helped him. I’ve liked him,” said Trump.&nbsp;

Musk and Trump's conversations have always delved into topics like tech, immigration and science, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

“America will fall if it tries to absorb the world. That is why I am banging the drum so much about this issue,” said Musk, while speaking about immigration&nbsp;in March.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States former president Donald Trump is likely making plans to appoint billionaire Elon Musk as an advisor in the White House after coming back to power, reports suggested.

United States former president Donald Trump is likely making plans to appoint billionaire Elon Musk as an advisor in the White House after coming back to power, reports suggested. The news of Trump considering an advisory role for Musk came after the two patched up in recent months. According to a report published in the The Wall Street Journal, Trump has not finalised the details, however, the two have been discussing how Musk can provide “formal input” on issues like the economy, border, and preventing voter fraud. Also Read: Trump vows to crush pro-Palestinian protests after returning to White House There has been a change in the icy relationship between the two and Musk has now been on telephone calls with Trump “several times a month,” as per the outlet. Musk pushes business leaders to not support Biden The world’s third-richest man, along with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, spoke to Trump regarding an effort made by Musk to convince business leaders not to support President Joe Biden in November elections. “President Trump will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency,” said senior Trump adviser Brian Hughes, while speaking to The New York Post. “But it has been widely reported and is demonstrated in a number of ways, that many of the nation’s most important leaders in technology and innovation are concerned with the damage done to their industry by Biden’s failures to handle our economy and his moves to overburden innovators with government bureaucracy and unrelenting regulation," he added. Social media platform X owner and founder of Tesla and Space X Musk had earlier said that he would not give money to either candidate and has always taken an anti-Biden stance. However, the South African-born billionaire has always portrayed himself as an independent. In 2002, Musk became a US citizen. After clinching victory on Super Tuesday and becoming a presumptive Republican nominee, Trump met Musk at Mar-a-Lago, reported the Wall Street Journal. Watch: Trump eyes Elon Musk for White House advisory role if elected, says report In March while speaking to CNBC, Trump confirmed that he met with Musk but did not get into the details of their conversation. “Look, I’ve been friendly with him over the years. I’ve helped him when I was president. I helped him. I’ve liked him,” said Trump. Musk and Trump's conversations have always delved into topics like tech, immigration and science, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. “America will fall if it tries to absorb the world. That is why I am banging the drum so much about this issue,” said Musk, while speaking about immigration in March. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump planning to give White House advisory role to Elon Musk after becoming president: Report

France's former president Francois Hollande’s scooter, which at one time was at the centre of a presidential love scandal and led to legal action from a bodyguard nicknamed “Croissant Man”, was sold for more than €20,000 (approx.

France's former president Francois Hollande’s scooter, which at one time was at the centre of a presidential love scandal and led to legal action from a bodyguard nicknamed “Croissant Man”, was sold for more than €20,000 (approx. $21,750) at an auction. This was double the listed price of the scooter and much more than its secondhand value. The vehicle, which has been given the name “love scooter”, played an important role in the political crisis which happened in January 2014. After spending two years of his five-year presidential mandate, Hollande was captured by a paparazzi photographer riding the scooter to visit actor Julie Gayet late at night. Also Read: France to slash jobless benefits amid mounting debt concerns Paris Match journalist Valerie Trierweiler had figured out that Hollande was living with his partner at the Elysee Palace only a night before his photographs got published in the celebrity magazine Closer. The nation was not scandalised by reports of the French president making secret visits to his lover but by the fact that he was riding a Piaggio MP3 125cc scooter to do so. After the controversy broke out, Trierweiler suffered “exhaustion” and was admitted to hospital. President Hollande announced the end of his marriage, decided not to contest elections in 2017 and married Gayet in 2022. Auction of a politically infamous scooter On Sunday (May 26), the most famous scooter in France was auctioned off at a château in Montbazon in western France, as reported by AFP. Rouillac auction house organised the auction which saw an attendance of nearly 40 people and continued for just 10 minutes. The owner of a car museum Denis Breheret purchased the grey Piaggio MP3 125. Breheret said he wanted to exhibit the scooter at his museum, which is located in Jallais, so that "everyone can enjoy it". The scooter "is part of French history," Breheret said. "I will be presenting it among the 120 vehicles that I already own, which range from 1922 to the present day," he added. Watch: France's Macron urges Europe to defend itself instead of depending on US The scooter was sold by its first owner Elysee Palace in 2015. At the auction on Sunday (May 26), the vehicle's starting price was 10,000 euros (approx. $10875). "It's the Rolls (Royce) of scooters, but its value on the second-hand market is only estimated at between 1,300 euros (approx. $1413) and 4,000 euros (approx. $4350)," auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac said. "In January 2014, François Hollande's scooter entered the category of legendary vehicles," said the Rouillac auction house, in a statement. "It tells the story of a man like any other and of a nation torn between its desire for power and the realisation of its decline," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Former French president's ‘love scooter’ auctioned for more than $21,000

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel was admitted to a hospital after he suffered injuries while riding a racing a motorcycle, said his office. Taking to social media platform X, Pavel's office said, "The president was injured while riding his motorcycle.

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel was admitted to a hospital after he suffered injuries while riding a racing a motorcycle, said his office. Taking to social media platform X, Pavel's office said, "The president was injured while riding his motorcycle. The injuries are not serious but will require a short observation in the hospital." The office added that more information will be provided by them when available. According to the police, the accident took place on a closed course and it was not a road accident. Also Read: India declares one-day state mourning on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s demise in helicopter crash The 62-year-old president, who will be in office since March 2023, is required to remain hospitalised for an unspecified period of time. "His injuries are not serious, but they will require a short monitoring stay in Prague's Military University Hospital," stated Pavel's office. Speaking to Czech TV, Pavel's spokesman Vit Kolar said that the president will spend "several days" in the hospital which will have a negligible impact on his programme. "It's Friday, Saturday and Sunday so we believe it will not have a remarkable impact," said Kolar. Speaking further on the incident he said that "we will see" if the president is fit for a trip abroad next week. Czech police 'not' investigating president's bike crash Czech police said that they are not investigating the accident since it occurred on a closed racing circuit and not on the road. The president's love for motorbikes is known and he was believed to be currently racing a BMW R1200 GS. This is not the first time he has landed in trouble for his hobby. Last year, the president was forced to publicly apologise after he was seen riding a bike without a helmet. Watch: Raisi's convoy helicopter accident: Rescuers trying to reach the helicopter involved in accident Pavel, who is a former high-ranking Nato general, was elected as the president of the Czech Republic in March 2023. A few weeks after taking the position, the president rode a motorbike to the state of Bavaria in Germany. "The sun, the wind at your back and the strengthening of neighbourly relations with your Bavarian friends. Why not combine the pleasant with the useful," Pavel wrote, in a post on X. This is not the first time, the Czech leader has suffered injury in extra-curricular activities. In April, the president suffered an injury when he was firing a weapon at a shooting range. (With inputs from agencies)

Czech President Petr Pavel suffers injuries after his racing motorcycle crashes

The first investigative report on the fatal helicopter crash which led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the officials who had accompanied him was released by the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces.

The first investigative report on the fatal helicopter crash which led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the officials who had accompanied him was released by the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces. According to the report, the helicopter throughout its journey flew on its predetermined course and did not deviate from the flight route, reported the semi-official Tasnim news agency It also said that that no suspicious issues in the conversations between the flight crew and the watchtower was reported. No traces of bullets found in wreckage As per the report, nearly one and a half minutes before the crash, the helicopter's pilot had tried establishing contact with the other two helicopters which were part of the same convoy. Also Read: Iran's Ebrahim Raisi buried in Mashhad as mourners pack streets to bid him last goodbye As per Xinhua news agency, the report further clarified that no traces of bullets or any other such items were found in the wreckage of the crashed helicopter. After the helicopter crashed in the mountain, it caught fire, the report said. Because of the "complications of the region, fog, and low temperature" the search and rescue operations continued till nightfall and then throughout the night, said the report, adding, "at 5 am local time on Monday, with the assistance of drones, the exact location of the incident was identified." The report said that the investigators did not find any suspicious issues in the conversations between the flight crew and the watchtower, it said. It added that more details will surface after further investigations. Watch: Ebrahim Raisi Funeral: Raisi led to rest at Imam Reza holy shrine Raisi, along with his entourage, were headed to East Azerbaijan province when their helicopter crashed in a mountainous area on Sunday (May 19). President Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader to East Azerbaijan. On Thursday (May 23), the president was laid to rest in the holy shrine of Imam Reza, which is his hometown in the northeastern city of Mashhad. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran releases first report on President Raisi's death, reveals pilot 'contacted...'

Vietnam's Parliament has elected police Minister To Lam as the country's new president. Analysts say that the move is a stepping stone for Lam to later bid for the position of chief of the ruling Communist party.

Top cop To Lam takes oath sworn in as Vietnam's President

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president.&nbsp;Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony.&nbsp;After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, the founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially.&nbsp;

Lai maintained that he is committed to Taiwan's de facto independence. During the ceremony, outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen bid farewell. Notably, Tsai concluded her tenure after two terms spanning eight years.

Lai, in his inaugural speech, thanked the people of the country "for refusing to be swayed by external forces and resolutely defending democracy" and said that we "must raise our defence awareness."&nbsp;

He also exuded confidence in his leadership saying that a "glorious era of Taiwan's democracy has arrived" and said that Taiwan refuses "to be swayed by external forces."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-restricts-us-companies-selling-arms-to-taiwan-723238">China sanctions US defence companies selling arms to Taiwan</a>

Representatives from 29 countries attended the event. Among the notable attendees were former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drone-searching-for-raisis-plane-finds-heat-source-could-be-aircrafts-debris-723214">Iran president Raisi helicopter crash: No sign of life, says&nbsp;state&nbsp;media</a>

The festivities saw a military parade and traditional drum and dance performances.&nbsp;

William Lai Ching-te, representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged victorious in Taiwan's presidential election in&nbsp;January this year.&nbsp;China swiftly rejected the outcome and asserted that the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/collective-prayers-in-tehran-for-raisi-deeply-concerned-pm-modi-on-raisis-crash-723236">Collective prayers in Tehran for Raisi | Deeply concerned: PM Modi on Raisi's crash</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/collective-prayers-in-tehran-for-raisi-deeply-concerned-pm-modi-on-raisis-crash-723236/embed" width="560"></iframe>

According to Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday (May 20), six Chinese aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry also indicated that at least one of the aircraft approached within 43 nautical miles (80 km) of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung.&nbsp;

<h2>US congratulates Lai</h2>

The United States congratulated Lai Ching-te and the Taiwan people "for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system." "The partnership between the American people and the Taiwan people, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," US State Secretary Antony Blinken said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president. Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony.

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president. Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony. After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, the founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially. Lai maintained that he is committed to Taiwan's de facto independence. During the ceremony, outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen bid farewell. Notably, Tsai concluded her tenure after two terms spanning eight years. Lai, in his inaugural speech, thanked the people of the country "for refusing to be swayed by external forces and resolutely defending democracy" and said that we "must raise our defence awareness." He also exuded confidence in his leadership saying that a "glorious era of Taiwan's democracy has arrived" and said that Taiwan refuses "to be swayed by external forces." Also Read | China sanctions US defence companies selling arms to Taiwan Representatives from 29 countries attended the event. Among the notable attendees were former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. Also Read | Iran president Raisi helicopter crash: No sign of life, says state media The festivities saw a military parade and traditional drum and dance performances. William Lai Ching-te, representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged victorious in Taiwan's presidential election in January this year. China swiftly rejected the outcome and asserted that the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." Watch | Collective prayers in Tehran for Raisi | Deeply concerned: PM Modi on Raisi's crash According to Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday (May 20), six Chinese aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry also indicated that at least one of the aircraft approached within 43 nautical miles (80 km) of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung. US congratulates Lai The United States congratulated Lai Ching-te and the Taiwan people "for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system." "The partnership between the American people and the Taiwan people, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," US State Secretary Antony Blinken said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan's new president, asks Beijing to 'cease political, military intimidation'

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan: William Lai Ching-te takes oath as Taiwan's new President

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable.

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te vows to maintain Taiwan strait despite Chinese presence

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's last video taken aboard the doomed helicopter, which crashed moments after, has emerged. Raisi, along with the country's foreign minister and other officials died in a fatal helicopter crash in the mountainous region, state media and officials said on Monday (May 20).

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's last video taken aboard the doomed helicopter, which crashed moments after, has emerged. Raisi, along with the country's foreign minister and other officials died in a fatal helicopter crash in the mountainous region, state media and officials said on Monday (May 20). In the last video released by Iranian state media, Raisi was seen calmly sitting inside the helicopter moments before it went down and took his life. ایرانی صدر ابراہیم رئیسائی کا آخری سفر، ہیلی کاپٹر حادثے سے پہلے ڈیم کے فضائی دورے کی ویڈیو۔۔!!#Iran pic.twitter.com/LOn5h1Lsdq — Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) May 20, 2024 × Raisi is seen looking down pensively from his window seat in the image. He appears to be lost in his thoughts, innocent of what's in store for him seconds later. Raisi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Friday prayer Imam Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem as well as other high-ranking state officials. Here's how the incident unfolded Raisi was confirmed dead by Iranian media outlets on Monday after his helicopter crashed on Sunday. "The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred," stated the local Mehr news agency. Also Read: Iran President Raisi helicopter crash: Who all were on board the doomed chopper? As per the report, the helicopter carrying Raisi met with an accident in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province as it flew in bad weather conditions. The accident took place in Dizmar's mountainous protected forest area near the town of Varzaghan, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. Iran's Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand had earlier said that the helicopter had been located by the rescue teams and they were heading towards the site. State TV had reported earlier that there were "no signs" of life among passengers "as of yet." Raisi gained power in the presidential elections of 2021 and was believed to be close to Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Watch: Ebrahim Raisi news: Raisi's helicopter Bell 212 manufactured in US; what we know about the chopper In his term, Iran faced one of the country's biggest protests since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The protests erupted in 2022 after an Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died in police custody which led to massive demonstrations. The government brutally hunted down the protesters for several months. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who also died in the crash, was a conservative leader who enjoyed the support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC). He mentored the loose coalition of militant organisations and proxies in the country, which was called the “axis of resistance.” (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian President Raisi's last video aboard helicopter emerges moments before fatal crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a fatal helicopter crash in the country's mountainous region, confirmed the Iranian media on Monday (May 20). The convoy of Raisi comprised three helicopters which included two which safely landed in the northwestern city of Tabriz.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a fatal helicopter crash in the country's mountainous region, confirmed the Iranian media on Monday (May 20). The convoy of Raisi comprised three helicopters which included two which safely landed in the northwestern city of Tabriz. Who all were in the helicopter? Iranian President Raisi was accompanied by Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati and the province's main imam in the helicopter, as reported by the IRNA news agency. However, the exact number of people travelling in the helicopter with Raisi is yet to be confirmed. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Raisi gained power in the presidential elections of 2021 and was believed to be close to Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei. During his term, Iran faced one of the country's biggest protests since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The protests erupted in 2022 after an Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died in police custody which led to massive demonstrations. The government brutally hunted down the protesters for several months. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was a conservative leader of the country, who enjoyed the support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC). Also Read: Iran Prez Raisi dies in chopper crash He supported the loose coalition of militant organisations and proxies in the country, which was called the “axis of resistance.” Governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati was recently appointed East Azerbaijan province's new governor by the Iranian Cabinet. Rahmati was earlier appointed the head of Iran’s Privatization Organisation. He had replaced Zeinolabedin Khorram who was East Azerbaijan's top administrative official for two years. Mohammad Ali al-Hashim Iran’s supreme leader’s representative in East Azerbaijan province and an imam in Tabriz, Mohammad Ali al-Hashim was also among those dead. Al-Hashim is a member of the Expediency Council's provincial chamber and a provincial deputy in the Assembly of Experts. Here's what happened Raisi was confirmed dead by Iranian media outlets on Monday (May 20) after his helicopter crashed. "The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, had an accident while serving and performing his duty for the people of Iran and was martyred," stated the local Mehr news agency. Watch: Ebrahim Raisi news: Iran President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian killed in chopper crash As per the report, the helicopter carrying Raisi met an accident in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province on Sunday (May 19), as it flew in bad weather conditions. The accident took place in Dizmar's mountainous protected forest area near the town of Varzaghan, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. Iran's Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand had earlier said that the helicopter had been located by the rescue teams and they were heading towards the site. State TV had reported that there were "no signs" of life among passengers "as of yet." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran President Raisi helicopter crash: Who all were on board the doomed chopper?

A scuffle broke out in Taiwan's Parliament today while it was over chamber reforms. The chaos is representative of what is awaiting the next president of Taiwan.

Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament

The economic advisor to Nepal’s president on Sunday (May 12) submitted his resignation, nearly a week after criticising the decision of the government to issue currency notes which depicted the new map of the country with areas in India.

The economic advisor to Nepal’s president on Sunday (May 12) submitted his resignation, nearly a week after criticising the decision of the government to issue currency notes which depicted the new map of the country with areas in India. Chiranjibi Nepal, who is also the central bank's former governor, while speaking to The Indian Express said that the step to include Indian areas of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani in the map of Nepal was “unwise”. Meanwhile, speaking with BBC Nepali Service, Nepal called the decision an “irresponsible diversion” and one that made "more problematic comments regarding sovereignty”, as per a joint statement issued by a group of civil society leaders. “I oppose the move as a former Governor of the Rastra Bank, and not as an adviser to the President,” said Nepal, just after the map on the notes was made public on May 4. Also Read: Nepal's Supreme Court orders government to limit Everest climbing permits “Nepal being in dispute with India over certain parts of territory is one thing, but printing in the currency a map that is different from what the international bodies, including two neighbours, have recognised is unwise," he added. The comments of the economic advisor were criticised by the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist's KP Sharma Oli. Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that he has spoken to President Ram Chandra Poudel about the comments. The Office of the President issued a press statement in which they confirmed that Nepal's resignation was accepted by President Paudel on Sunday (May 12). President Paudel extended his thanks to economic advisor Nepal for the service provided by him as an economic expert. Nepalese leaders call for the removal of economic advisor Many leaders had appealed for the removal of Nepal from the post, including former chief of Nepal’s anti-graft body Surynath Upadhyay and Sushil Pyakurel, former ambassador to India Nilambar Acharya, adviser to former president Bidya Devi Bhandari. A group of civil society leaders had also demanded Nepal's removal over the remarks. Watch: Nepal-India territorial row returns: New currency revives old issue "The irresponsible public comments of Mr Nepal have damaged the propriety and position of Nepal’s constitutional head-of-state. Given that the Office of the President has been silent on the matter, we are forced to consider that Mr Nepal is speaking on behalf of President Ram Chandra Poudel when he describes the government’s decision as being “against international values” and “unwise”," read the statement. "In order to keep the position of the President of the Republic above controversy, we demand an immediate retraction from the Office of the President and the removal of Chiranjeevi Nepal from his responsibilities as advisor," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal president's advisor resigns after criticising inclusion of Indian areas in map on new currency

Nepal's economic advisor, Chiranjibi Nepal, recently resigned following controversy surrounding the government's decision to include a disputed map on the new 100-rupee banknotes. This map reflects Nepal's territorial claims in areas currently administered by India. The move has strained relations between the two countries, with India expressing discontent. Civil society groups in Nepal also criticised Mr. Nepal's public comments opposing the map's inclusion, calling them irresponsible and damaging to national interests.

Nepal: Chiranjibi Nepal resigns as economic advisor to President Ram Chandra Poudel

Vladimir Putin is set to be sworn in for his fifth term as Russia's president on Tuesday (May 7) during an inauguration ceremony in Moscow.

Putin, who won 87 per cent of the vote in the March presidential election, will officially begin another six-year term in office at the Kremlin ceremony. Following the inauguration, the current Russian government will resign, making way for a new government approved by the nation's parliament through a constitutional amendment passed in 2020.

According to the Anadolu news agency, Putin will present his choice for prime minister to the Russian State Duma, the country's lower house of parliament, for confirmation.

While the parliament has the authority to accept or decline the nominee, if lawmakers reject the candidate three times, Putin can appoint the prime minister directly without requiring parliamentary approval.

Subsequently, Putin can call for new parliamentary elections and dissolve the current legislature.

Reports from local media suggest that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who has overseen economic growth amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and subsequent Western economic sanctions, is likely to be reappointed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-orders-of-nuclear-drills-response-to-unprecedented-comments-from-west-718498">Also read |&nbsp;Putin’s nuclear drills orders response to ‘unprecedented’ comments from West: Kremlin</a>

<h2>Putin to nominate cabinet members&nbsp;</h2>

In collaboration with the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, Putin will appoint ministers overseeing foreign policy, defence, justice, emergencies, and the interior.

Current defence and foreign ministers Sergey Shoygu and Sergey Lavrov are reportedly set to retain their roles, with no expected changes in the finance and economic ministries.

Nevertheless, adjustments to relevant ministries and the possibility of establishing a Youth Ministry are under consideration in response to public critique of policies regarding sports, education, and culture.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-invites-putin-linked-party-netanyahus-party-to-witness-the-election-campaign-716976">Also read |&nbsp;BJP invites Putin-linked party, Netanyahu's party to witness the election campaign</a>

According to Russian legislation, the approval process for the new government may extend until May 20. However, it is anticipated that the parliament will receive the list of prime minister and council of ministers candidates immediately following the inauguration ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin is set to be sworn in for his fifth term as Russia's president on Tuesday (May 7) during an inauguration ceremony in Moscow. Putin, who won 87 per cent of the vote in the March presidential election, will officially begin another six-year term in office at the Kremlin ceremony.

Vladimir Putin is set to be sworn in for his fifth term as Russia's president on Tuesday (May 7) during an inauguration ceremony in Moscow. Putin, who won 87 per cent of the vote in the March presidential election, will officially begin another six-year term in office at the Kremlin ceremony. Following the inauguration, the current Russian government will resign, making way for a new government approved by the nation's parliament through a constitutional amendment passed in 2020. According to the Anadolu news agency, Putin will present his choice for prime minister to the Russian State Duma, the country's lower house of parliament, for confirmation. While the parliament has the authority to accept or decline the nominee, if lawmakers reject the candidate three times, Putin can appoint the prime minister directly without requiring parliamentary approval. Subsequently, Putin can call for new parliamentary elections and dissolve the current legislature. Reports from local media suggest that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who has overseen economic growth amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and subsequent Western economic sanctions, is likely to be reappointed. Also read | Putin’s nuclear drills orders response to ‘unprecedented’ comments from West: Kremlin Putin to nominate cabinet members In collaboration with the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, Putin will appoint ministers overseeing foreign policy, defence, justice, emergencies, and the interior. Current defence and foreign ministers Sergey Shoygu and Sergey Lavrov are reportedly set to retain their roles, with no expected changes in the finance and economic ministries. Nevertheless, adjustments to relevant ministries and the possibility of establishing a Youth Ministry are under consideration in response to public critique of policies regarding sports, education, and culture. Also read | BJP invites Putin-linked party, Netanyahu's party to witness the election campaign According to Russian legislation, the approval process for the new government may extend until May 20. However, it is anticipated that the parliament will receive the list of prime minister and council of ministers candidates immediately following the inauguration ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin to take oath for 5th term as Russian president on Tuesday

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