It's been two months since a deadly conflict broke out in Sudan, displacing at least two million while killing over a thousand. The power struggle between the two generals, Abdel Fattah-al Burhan and the paramilitary commander Mohammed Hamdan Daga-lo, plunged the country into a devastating war, which seems nowhere near its end.

REF assassinates west Darfur governor, Khamis Abbaka

South Korean military, on Thursday (June 15) said that North Korea had fired&nbsp;two short-range ballistic&nbsp;missiles off its east coast, as per Reuters. This comes after North Korea condemned live fire drills South Korea is carrying out with the United States. Meanwhile, the Japanese defence ministry also confirmed the launch&nbsp;and said North Korea might have fired what could have been ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

North Korea fires another ballistic missile

Notably, since the beginning of this year, North Korea has fired a record number of missiles during weapons tests, including test-firing its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles, and last month attempting to put a military spy satellite into orbit.&nbsp; 
 
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff&nbsp;released a statement that said it had detected the launch of "two short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area into the East Sea," between 7:25 pm&nbsp;and 7:37 pm&nbsp;(local time), referring to the Sea of Japan.

It added, "We have stepped up monitoring in case of further provocations and are maintaining readiness in close coordination with the United States."&nbsp;

In an earlier statement,&nbsp;the South Korean military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said "North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Japan confirms launch 
 
A Tokyo defence ministry official told reporters&nbsp;that two missiles from North Korea fell inside&nbsp;the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).&nbsp;"Two ballistic missiles fell inside the EEZ," said the official from Tokyo, as per AFP.&nbsp; 
 
According to Japanese officials, one of the missiles&nbsp;landed in the Sea of Japan about 110 kilometres&nbsp;northwest of Hegura island which is a part of the&nbsp;Ishikawa prefecture while the other landed some 250 kilometres away.&nbsp; 
 
The Japanese military had earlier said that&nbsp;Pyongyang had “launched a possible ballistic missile” and the country’s coastguard has since asked vessels to be vigilant in the Sea of Japan and not approach any fallen objects at sea.&nbsp; 
 
South Korea, US live fire drills

Meanwhile, in South Korea, thousands of troops from both Seoul and Washington took part in what it described as the largest joint live-fire exercises with the US on Thursday amid a rise in tensions in the region and a show of power following threats from North Korea.&nbsp;

The live fire drills are also being overseen by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol which would&nbsp;mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the countries as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean military, said his office, in a statement.&nbsp;

Some 2,500 troops from both the US and South Korea have been said to be a part of the drills hosted in the northeast of Seoul with a range of weapons including South Korean F-35 fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers and the US’ F-16 jets and Gray Eagle drones.&nbsp;

“The exercises were aimed at checking the ability to conduct combined and joint operations to realise 'peace through strength' through practical manoeuvring and live-fire training under the scenario of a North Korean provocation,” said Yoon’s office.&nbsp;

North Korea's warning about US-South Korea&nbsp;drills

The reported ballistic missiles launched by Pyongyang&nbsp;came hours after it condemned South Korea’s live-fire drills with the US, reported the state media KCNA, citing a spokesperson from North Korea’s Ministry of National Defence.&nbsp;

In a statement, the spokesperson said that North Korean forces will sternly respond to “any kind of protests or provocations by enemies,” as quoted by Reuters. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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South Korean military, on Thursday (June 15) said that North Korea had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, as per Reuters. This comes after North Korea condemned live fire drills South Korea is carrying out with the United States.

South Korean military, on Thursday (June 15) said that North Korea had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, as per Reuters. This comes after North Korea condemned live fire drills South Korea is carrying out with the United States. Meanwhile, the Japanese defence ministry also confirmed the launch and said North Korea might have fired what could have been ballistic missiles. North Korea fires another ballistic missile Notably, since the beginning of this year, North Korea has fired a record number of missiles during weapons tests, including test-firing its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles, and last month attempting to put a military spy satellite into orbit. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff released a statement that said it had detected the launch of "two short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area into the East Sea," between 7:25 pm and 7:37 pm (local time), referring to the Sea of Japan. It added, "We have stepped up monitoring in case of further provocations and are maintaining readiness in close coordination with the United States." In an earlier statement, the South Korean military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said "North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea." Japan confirms launch A Tokyo defence ministry official told reporters that two missiles from North Korea fell inside the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "Two ballistic missiles fell inside the EEZ," said the official from Tokyo, as per AFP. According to Japanese officials, one of the missiles landed in the Sea of Japan about 110 kilometres northwest of Hegura island which is a part of the Ishikawa prefecture while the other landed some 250 kilometres away. The Japanese military had earlier said that Pyongyang had “launched a possible ballistic missile” and the country’s coastguard has since asked vessels to be vigilant in the Sea of Japan and not approach any fallen objects at sea. South Korea, US live fire drills Meanwhile, in South Korea, thousands of troops from both Seoul and Washington took part in what it described as the largest joint live-fire exercises with the US on Thursday amid a rise in tensions in the region and a show of power following threats from North Korea. The live fire drills are also being overseen by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol which would mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the countries as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean military, said his office, in a statement. Some 2,500 troops from both the US and South Korea have been said to be a part of the drills hosted in the northeast of Seoul with a range of weapons including South Korean F-35 fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers and the US’ F-16 jets and Gray Eagle drones. “The exercises were aimed at checking the ability to conduct combined and joint operations to realise 'peace through strength' through practical manoeuvring and live-fire training under the scenario of a North Korean provocation,” said Yoon’s office. North Korea's warning about US-South Korea drills The reported ballistic missiles launched by Pyongyang came hours after it condemned South Korea’s live-fire drills with the US, reported the state media KCNA, citing a spokesperson from North Korea’s Ministry of National Defence. In a statement, the spokesperson said that North Korean forces will sternly respond to “any kind of protests or provocations by enemies,” as quoted by Reuters. (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.

North Korea launched two missiles, says Japan, South Korea amid Seoul's live-fire drills with Washington

The US Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to pause its aggressive campaign of interest rate hikes despite "elevated" inflation while indicating a sharp increase could be needed before the end of the year.

US Federal bank signals more rate hikes, other banks follow Fed & pause hikes | World DNA

Following up on the agreement between US President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping in Bali to maintain open lines of communication, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Beijing, the State Department announced on Wednesday.

US plays down chances of a breakthrough, Blinken due in China on Sunday | Details

30 years ago Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in return for security assistance. Now the war-torn country wants Ironclad protection from its allies as it enters a pivotal stage in the war with Russia. But since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine, the Biden Administration is reportedly considering proposing an Israel model for Ukraine. Keep watching to know more in this interview with Security and Defense expert, David Dunn.

Allies attempt to aid Ukraine war | Russia-Ukraine War

According to reports, India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of US made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said.

Reports: India approves procurement of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones

India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said. India’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The defence ministry's initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the U.S. next week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roger-payne-biologist-who-discovered-whales-could-sing-passes-away-at-88-604714">Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88</a>

According to the two sources, Indian defence ministry’s apex body for capital procurement met on Thursday to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when Modi meets U.S. President Joe Biden next week.

Biden has made deepening defence ties with India a priority to counter China’s growing dominance, and has offered to collaborate on military technology even though the two countries lack a formal security alliance.

The ministry's “Acceptance of Necessity” is the first step in the procurement process, which now needs clearance from Modi's cabinet.

The U.S. government approved the sale of 30 drones to India more than two years ago, but the Indian defence ministry had been sitting on the decision.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a>

However, once dates for Modi’s four-day U.S. visit starting June 21 were finalised, the Biden administration started nudging India to show progress on the deal.

The drones will predominantly be used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region. Both of India’s traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along India’s land borders.

The Indian navy has leased two MQ-9B unarmed drones since November 2020 for surveillance.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan finished his two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, meeting his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Modi.

Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news

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A week earlier American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had spent two days in Delhi and announced a joint roadmap for defence industry cooperation, providing a boost to India’s ambitions of manufacturing more weapons within the country.

The U.S. has been trying to wean India away from its traditional arms dependence on Russia, its largest exporter of weapons for decades.

The Biden administration is also poised to approve manufacturing of General Electric’s engines in India for the country’s domestically produced fighter jets, which will also be announced during Modi's visit.

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India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said.

India's defence ministry has approved the procurement of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said. India’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The defence ministry's initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the U.S. next week. Also Read | Roger Payne, biologist who discovered whales could sing, passes away at 88 According to the two sources, Indian defence ministry’s apex body for capital procurement met on Thursday to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when Modi meets U.S. President Joe Biden next week. Biden has made deepening defence ties with India a priority to counter China’s growing dominance, and has offered to collaborate on military technology even though the two countries lack a formal security alliance. The ministry's “Acceptance of Necessity” is the first step in the procurement process, which now needs clearance from Modi's cabinet. The U.S. government approved the sale of 30 drones to India more than two years ago, but the Indian defence ministry had been sitting on the decision. Also Read | At least 26 including six children killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters However, once dates for Modi’s four-day U.S. visit starting June 21 were finalised, the Biden administration started nudging India to show progress on the deal. The drones will predominantly be used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region. Both of India’s traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along India’s land borders. The Indian navy has leased two MQ-9B unarmed drones since November 2020 for surveillance. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan finished his two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, meeting his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Modi. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report | English Latest news × A week earlier American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had spent two days in Delhi and announced a joint roadmap for defence industry cooperation, providing a boost to India’s ambitions of manufacturing more weapons within the country. The U.S. has been trying to wean India away from its traditional arms dependence on Russia, its largest exporter of weapons for decades. The Biden administration is also poised to approve manufacturing of General Electric’s engines in India for the country’s domestically produced fighter jets, which will also be announced during Modi's visit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India approves $3 billion deal to procure US predator drones: Report

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, a long-time confidant of President Joe Biden, will travel to Beijing amid continuing strains in relations between the world’s two largest economies as part of a trip that begins on June 16, the State Department said in a statement today.

Blinken set to travel to Beijing amid continuing US-China strains

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.

The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America.

Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing.

Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle.

“Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the&nbsp;video’s description.

“Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added.

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&nbsp;

During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles.

The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages.

“Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said.

“As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi.

The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India.

"There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York. The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America. Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing. Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle. “Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the video’s description. “Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added. × During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles. The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages. “Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said. “As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi. The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India. "There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver

Recent figures show that Bud Light is no longer the top-selling beer in the United States, with Modelo Especial overtaking its spot as the former is facing a months-long boycott. According to a report by consulting firm Bump Williams, in the four weeks leading up to June 3, the sales of Bud Light were down by almost a quarter.&nbsp;

<h2>What prompted the boycott of Bud Light?</h2>

As per reports, Bud Light’s drop in sales can be traced back to early April when 26-year-old, transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney received a handful of beer cans out of which one was even&nbsp;personalised from the company. She in turn posted a video to promote an upcoming Bud Light contest on Instagram where she has some 1.8 million followers.&nbsp;

The popular TikToker with nearly 11 million followers had been documenting her transition online. The video posted was less than a minute long and is said to&nbsp;mostly be about a $15,000 giveaway that the company sponsored during March Madness.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-dylan-mulvaney-know-how-the-trans-tiktoker-caused-controversy-between-kid-rock-and-bud-light-579373">Who is Dylan Mulvaney? Know how the Trans TikToker caused controversy between Kid Rock and Bud Light</a>

During the video, Mulvaney&nbsp;also mentions how Bud Light sent her a tallboy can with her face on it to celebrate her first year of womanhood. It was not long after the post that calls for a boycott followed by many prominent voices, including the musician Kid Rock, who posted a video of himself shooting a stack of Bud Light cases.&nbsp;

Additionally, several conservative pundits, right-wing politicians and even celebrities spoke out against the promotion with many posting videos of themselves shooting Bud Light cans. This comes as several states across the US have either proposed or passed bills which affect transgender youth and people from the LGBTQ+ community across the country.

<h2>What happened to Bud Light’s sales?</h2>

Amid the calls for a boycott since earlier this year, Bud Light’s sales slumped.&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch, the beer’s brewer said in early May that they would shift the focus of its marketing campaigns to sports and music. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch also announced that it is placing two executives who reportedly oversaw a Bud Light collaboration with a transgender activist on leave.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bidens-pride-month-event-postponed-due-to-wildfire-smoke-to-unveil-several-lgbtq-proposals-602342">US: Biden’s Pride Month event postponed due to Canada wildfires’ smoke; to unveil several LGBTQ+ proposals</a>

According to the report by Bump Williams using the data collected by research firm Nielsen, Bud Light had managed to keep its position as America’s best-selling beer for the first five months of the year. The report also found that Bud Light’s sales were down about 24 per cent in the week ended June 3 when compared to the same week last year.&nbsp;

However, it is not just Bud Light but also other Anheuser-Busch brands which have taken a hit which include Budweiser and Michelob Ultra. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch remained the largest brewer in the country.&nbsp;Wall Street Journal, citing some Bud Light distributors, on Tuesday (June 13), reported that they believe Bud Light may be permanently dethroned.&nbsp;

In a bid to seemingly do some damage control, Bud Light released new ads featuring iconic American imagery including the US flag and horses galloping across open country, reported BBC. Meanwhile, Modelo Especial has taken over as the top-selling beer in the US&nbsp;in May, with 8.4 per cent of American beer sales by value in the period when Bud Light’s sales were declining.&nbsp; 
 
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Recent figures show that Bud Light is no longer the top-selling beer in the United States, with Modelo Especial overtaking its spot as the former is facing a months-long boycott.

Recent figures show that Bud Light is no longer the top-selling beer in the United States, with Modelo Especial overtaking its spot as the former is facing a months-long boycott. According to a report by consulting firm Bump Williams, in the four weeks leading up to June 3, the sales of Bud Light were down by almost a quarter. What prompted the boycott of Bud Light? As per reports, Bud Light’s drop in sales can be traced back to early April when 26-year-old, transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney received a handful of beer cans out of which one was even personalised from the company. She in turn posted a video to promote an upcoming Bud Light contest on Instagram where she has some 1.8 million followers. The popular TikToker with nearly 11 million followers had been documenting her transition online. The video posted was less than a minute long and is said to mostly be about a $15,000 giveaway that the company sponsored during March Madness. ALSO READ | Who is Dylan Mulvaney? Know how the Trans TikToker caused controversy between Kid Rock and Bud Light During the video, Mulvaney also mentions how Bud Light sent her a tallboy can with her face on it to celebrate her first year of womanhood. It was not long after the post that calls for a boycott followed by many prominent voices, including the musician Kid Rock, who posted a video of himself shooting a stack of Bud Light cases. Additionally, several conservative pundits, right-wing politicians and even celebrities spoke out against the promotion with many posting videos of themselves shooting Bud Light cans. This comes as several states across the US have either proposed or passed bills which affect transgender youth and people from the LGBTQ+ community across the country. What happened to Bud Light’s sales? Amid the calls for a boycott since earlier this year, Bud Light’s sales slumped. Anheuser-Busch, the beer’s brewer said in early May that they would shift the focus of its marketing campaigns to sports and music. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch also announced that it is placing two executives who reportedly oversaw a Bud Light collaboration with a transgender activist on leave. ALSO READ | US: Biden’s Pride Month event postponed due to Canada wildfires’ smoke; to unveil several LGBTQ+ proposals According to the report by Bump Williams using the data collected by research firm Nielsen, Bud Light had managed to keep its position as America’s best-selling beer for the first five months of the year. The report also found that Bud Light’s sales were down about 24 per cent in the week ended June 3 when compared to the same week last year. However, it is not just Bud Light but also other Anheuser-Busch brands which have taken a hit which include Budweiser and Michelob Ultra. Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch remained the largest brewer in the country. Wall Street Journal, citing some Bud Light distributors, on Tuesday (June 13), reported that they believe Bud Light may be permanently dethroned. In a bid to seemingly do some damage control, Bud Light released new ads featuring iconic American imagery including the US flag and horses galloping across open country, reported BBC. Meanwhile, Modelo Especial has taken over as the top-selling beer in the US in May, with 8.4 per cent of American beer sales by value in the period when Bud Light’s sales were declining. 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.

Bud Light loses title of top-selling beer in US after months-long boycott: Here’s what happened

The founder of US-based firm Time Etc. claims that his company replaced all the managers with coaches to help the employees become more engaged and productive. Would you prefer a coach over a boss? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: US firm replaces managers with coaches. Here's why

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - US musician charged with selling drugs in Russia, US announces military aid for Ukraine, Trump pleads not guilty in classified documents case, US pushing India to seal armed drone deal.

US musician charged with selling drugs in Russia | US announces military aid for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden's National Security Adviser is in New Delhi. Jake Sullivan's trip comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington later this month. He will hold delegation-level talks with Indian NSA Ajit Doval today. Ahead of the Indian Prime Minister's Washington visit, the Biden administration is pushing New Delhi to advance a deal for dozens of armed drones. The Quad grouping of countries - the United States, India, Australia and Japan, all operate, or have operated, the MQ-9b sea-guardian drone.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, U.S. reportedly pushing India to advance a deal for armed drones | Details

US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan attended the iCET conference with India's NSA Ajit Doval. Also in attendance, was US ambassador Eric Garcetti who called Doval an 'international treasure'. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure'

Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald&nbsp;Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same.

Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday&nbsp;at the Wilkie D&nbsp;Ferguson Jr&nbsp;US&nbsp;Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News.&nbsp;

A federal grand jury&nbsp;indicted Trump on 37 counts connected to his retaining top&nbsp;secret materials after leaving office.&nbsp;

"The use of police force by a sitting US president against his chief political rival in the midst of a presidential election sets a dangerous precedent in our country," Ramaswamy said in a press release.

"No one is above the law: the US president shouldn’t be able to use the federal police to arrest his opponents," he continued.

"No one should be below the law either, yet there are now two standards of justice depending on your political viewpoints.&nbsp;That’s the single greatest threat to our constitutional republic today,"&nbsp;Ramaswamy added.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | India Vs Jack Dorsey: Is the Ex-Twitter CEO lying about threats from the Modi govt?

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<h2>Ramaswamy on Trump's indictment</h2>

Ramaswamy criticised the allegations against Trump in his letter and urged people to endorse his promise to pardon the previous leader if he were elected.

"If (former) President Trump is prosecuted in a manner that effectively prevents him from running, this will permanently damage public trust in our electoral process and our justice system," the letter reads.

"Whoever among us is elected, our job of reuniting the nation will become daunting – if not impossible," Ramaswamy wrote.

Every campaigner, Republican and Democrat, opposing Biden for president received a copy of the letter.

This week, Ramaswamy submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the White House and the Justice Department inquiring about communications on the second indictment of his GOP competitor, former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-updates-uganda-travel-warning-over-anti-gay-law-603987">US updates Uganda travel warning over anti-gay law</a>

Ramaswamy said he made the request "to demand exactly&nbsp;what the White House communicated to Attorney General,&nbsp;Merrick Garland and&nbsp;Special Counsel,&nbsp;Jack Smith about the unprecedented indictment of a former US&nbsp;President &amp; Biden's disfavored opponent in this election."

"Every American deserves to know," Ramaswamy said ahead of a Tuesday press conference in Miami. "If the captured media fails to do its job, real leaders in this country need to step up and do it instead."&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same. Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday at the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr US Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate, pledged to pardon former president Donald Trump if elected and challenged his rivals to do the same. Ramaswamy declared that if he is elected president, he will pardon Trump facing federal charges at a news conference held on Monday at the Wilkie D Ferguson Jr US Courthouse in Miami, Florida, reports Fox News. A federal grand jury indicted Trump on 37 counts connected to his retaining top secret materials after leaving office. "The use of police force by a sitting US president against his chief political rival in the midst of a presidential election sets a dangerous precedent in our country," Ramaswamy said in a press release. "No one is above the law: the US president shouldn’t be able to use the federal police to arrest his opponents," he continued. "No one should be below the law either, yet there are now two standards of justice depending on your political viewpoints. That’s the single greatest threat to our constitutional republic today," Ramaswamy added. Also watch | Gravitas | India Vs Jack Dorsey: Is the Ex-Twitter CEO lying about threats from the Modi govt? Ramaswamy on Trump's indictment Ramaswamy criticised the allegations against Trump in his letter and urged people to endorse his promise to pardon the previous leader if he were elected. "If (former) President Trump is prosecuted in a manner that effectively prevents him from running, this will permanently damage public trust in our electoral process and our justice system," the letter reads. "Whoever among us is elected, our job of reuniting the nation will become daunting – if not impossible," Ramaswamy wrote. Every campaigner, Republican and Democrat, opposing Biden for president received a copy of the letter. This week, Ramaswamy submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the White House and the Justice Department inquiring about communications on the second indictment of his GOP competitor, former president Donald Trump. Also read | US updates Uganda travel warning over anti-gay law Ramaswamy said he made the request "to demand exactly what the White House communicated to Attorney General, Merrick Garland and Special Counsel, Jack Smith about the unprecedented indictment of a former US President & Biden's disfavored opponent in this election." "Every American deserves to know," Ramaswamy said ahead of a Tuesday press conference in Miami. "If the captured media fails to do its job, real leaders in this country need to step up and do it instead." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Ramaswamy vows to pardon Trump if elected, dares opponents to commit same

A judge has granted a request by regulators in the US to temporarily block Microsoft's $69bn (£56bn) purchase of Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft-Activision: $69bn deal temporarily blocked in US

US President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is in India. His visit aims at making the final preparations for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first state visit. On his two-day visit he briefed PM Modi on progress in various sectors of bilateral cooperation.

India's PM Narendra Modi to visit US on June 21, meets US NSA Jake Sullivan

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the US President Joe Biden and questioned if his term would be extended or not. During this meeting, Stoltenberg emphasised on how Ukraine is making progress in its counter-offensive against the Russian troops.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg hailed by White House as his term coming to end | World DNA

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday will cast international financial institutions as American-aligned counterweights to China's growing influence in the developing world, as she seeks to garner congressional support for US financial backing of those lenders.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says IMF, World Bank are important counterweights to China

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to dozens of criminal accounts for mishandling some of the US government's most sensitive secrets and preventing their return. Trump is planning to win back the Presidency in November 2024 elections.

US Secret Documents Case: Trump's Republican rivals have accused FBI of bias

Tyre manufacturer MRF on Tuesday created history on Dalal Street by becoming the first Indian company to hit a share price of Rs 1 lakh apiece.

MRF creates history on Dalal Street, share price hits Rs 1 lakh

US Secret Documents Case: Donald Trump says, 'US rigged, corrupt & in decline'

US President Joe Biden's National Security Adviser is in New Delhi. Jake Sullivan's trip comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington later this month. Ahead of the Indian Prime Minister's Washington visit, the Biden administration is pushing New Delhi to advance a deal for dozens of armed drones. The Quad grouping of countries - the United States, India, Australia and Japan, all operate, or have operated, the MQ-9b sea-guardian drone.

Reports: US pushing India to advance a deal for armed drones during PM Modi's visit

It seems that West Asia is the new go-to place for the two economic rivals -- the US and China. Saudi Arabia, West Asia's biggest economic power, in particular, is the at centre of the global rivalry.

Just days after hosting the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the oil-rich kingdom played host to the largest Chinese-Arab business gathering in Riyadh.

As per a Bloomberg report, the two-day business gathering, which ended on Monday, made two things clear to the world.&nbsp;

While Saudi officials spoke about integrating Chinese businesses into the Arab World, Chinese executives said they were ready to de-Americanise the oil-rich kingdom.

Speaking at the gathering, Saudi Arabia's investment minister Khalid al-Falih sought to place his country as a bridge between China and the larger Arab world.

"The time has come, in my view, for China to be a principal investment partner in the Arab world’s development drive," he said.&nbsp;

China's growing clout in the oil-rich West Asia is the result of the US reducing its focus on the region in the last decade.

Moreover, the recent thaw in the Saudi-Iran relationship, which was aided by the Chinese, has only consolidated China's position in the oil-rich but politically sensitive region.&nbsp;

China-Saudi ties&nbsp;

China is already the number one buyer of Saudi oil, which makes up 18% of the country's total oil purchases.&nbsp;

China is also Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner. Last year, the bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and China stood at $116 billion.&nbsp;

However, Saudi Arabia has not been a major investor in China since&nbsp;its top sovereign wealth funds mostly opt&nbsp;for the US and Europe, where markets are deep and rules transparent.

But China seems determined to attract investments from Saudi Arabia and&nbsp;the larger Arab world. President Xi Jinping’s landmark trip&nbsp;to the kingdom in December 2022 was a clear indication of China's growing interest in the region.&nbsp;And the Arabs seem willing to do business with the Chinese.&nbsp;

"Now is the best time for Arab money to get into China because Arabs missed the first stage of the Chinese miracle," Karim Alwadi, co-founder of Beltway Group, which co-invests with Chinese companies in middle eastern infrastructure projects, told Bloomberg.&nbsp;

It seems that West Asia is the new go-to place for the two economic rivals -- the US and China. Saudi Arabia, West Asia's biggest economic power, in particular, is the at centre of the global rivalry.

It seems that West Asia is the new go-to place for the two economic rivals -- the US and China. Saudi Arabia, West Asia's biggest economic power, in particular, is the at centre of the global rivalry. Just days after hosting the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the oil-rich kingdom played host to the largest Chinese-Arab business gathering in Riyadh. As per a Bloomberg report, the two-day business gathering, which ended on Monday, made two things clear to the world. While Saudi officials spoke about integrating Chinese businesses into the Arab World, Chinese executives said they were ready to de-Americanise the oil-rich kingdom. Speaking at the gathering, Saudi Arabia's investment minister Khalid al-Falih sought to place his country as a bridge between China and the larger Arab world. "The time has come, in my view, for China to be a principal investment partner in the Arab world’s development drive," he said. China's growing clout in the oil-rich West Asia is the result of the US reducing its focus on the region in the last decade. Moreover, the recent thaw in the Saudi-Iran relationship, which was aided by the Chinese, has only consolidated China's position in the oil-rich but politically sensitive region. China-Saudi ties China is already the number one buyer of Saudi oil, which makes up 18% of the country's total oil purchases. China is also Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner. Last year, the bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and China stood at $116 billion. However, Saudi Arabia has not been a major investor in China since its top sovereign wealth funds mostly opt for the US and Europe, where markets are deep and rules transparent. But China seems determined to attract investments from Saudi Arabia and the larger Arab world. President Xi Jinping’s landmark trip to the kingdom in December 2022 was a clear indication of China's growing interest in the region. And the Arabs seem willing to do business with the Chinese. "Now is the best time for Arab money to get into China because Arabs missed the first stage of the Chinese miracle," Karim Alwadi, co-founder of Beltway Group, which co-invests with Chinese companies in middle eastern infrastructure projects, told Bloomberg.

Exit US, enter China: Saudi Arabia woos Beijing as Washington DC's influence declines

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