At least seven Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli military raid in the West Bank there comes on the same day as Israel's spy chief David Barnea reached Qatar for to resume ceasefire talks. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: At least 7 Palestinians killed in IDF strikes in Jenin

Russian attacks have killed eight people and injured at least 28 others in Ukraine's Eastern Frontline Donetsk region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian troops drop 3 guided bombs on the village of Komar

Headlines of the hour: - India's PM Modi Starmer to visit India - Reformist Pezeshkian is Iran's president-elect - Calls for exit grow, Biden won't budge - Only god almighty can oust me from race: Biden - PM Modi Russia visit: Focus of defence ties - Sahel alliance summit: Leaders reach Niger - 4th case of brain eating Amoeba in Kerala - Gold regains its shine this week

WION Headlines | PM Modi invites Starmer to visit India | 4th case of brain-eating Amoeba in Kerala

Join us on this exciting episode of Wings, where we embark on a journey through Odisha's vibrant culture and dive into a world of fascinating global festivals! Experience the charm of Odisha with a stay at the luxurious Lyfe Hotel in Bhubaneswar. Delight in traditional Odissi cuisine served on silver plates, offering a royal dining experience. We visit Raghurajpur, the famous artist's village, where local artisans create stunning Pattachitra paintings and other handicrafts, preserving ancient art forms, and visited the millennia old Udaygiri caves in Bhubaneswar. Explore Odisha's Puri for an immersive experience of the Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival that draws millions of devotees. Witness the spiritual fervor as hundreds of Hare Krishna devotees gather in Hungary for the annual Festival of Chariots, celebrating with vibrant processions and devotional music. Discover the serene yet challenging Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave in the Himalayas. Head to Ingai, Brazil, where the St John the Baptist bonfire festival lights up the night with joyous celebrations, traditional dances, and vibrant bonfires, marking a significant cultural event in the region. Feel the electrifying atmosphere at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, where music lovers from around the world gather for unforgettable performances. Experience the soulful rhythms of the Gnaoua Music Festival in Morocco, celebrating the rich heritage of Gnaoua music. Join thousands of revelers at Brazil’s Parintins Folklore Festival, a dazzling display of music, dance, and folklore traditions. Conclude with a visit to Kyrgyzstan's National Carpet Festival, where exquisite handmade carpets are showcased, celebrating the country’s rich textile heritage. Don't miss this captivating episode of Wings, where culture, tradition, and festivals come alive! Subscribe now and join us on this global adventure.

Exploring Odisha’s Heritage & Global Festivals | Wings S3EP36

Rachel Reeves becomes Britain's first female finance minister after the Labour Party's landslide election victory on Friday. Reeves, born on February 13, 1979, is a former chess champion and an ex-Bank of England economist who joined the party at the age of 16. She became the Labour's finance policy chief in 2021 and then served as the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. She has been a member of Parliament for Leeds West from 2010 to 2024. Now, the main question is: what will be her opening 'gambit' in this tricky fiscal situation?

UK's Rachel Reeves plots gambit on growth

Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist nominee, defeated Saeed Jalili, the hardline conservative, to become the new president of Iran. Mr. Pezeshkian received 16.3 million of the 30 million votes cast on Friday, while Mr. Jalili received 13.5 million. The country's interior ministry declared Mr. Pezeshkian the winner on Saturday.

Iran Election Results: Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian wins Presidential poll

Headlines of the hour: - Reformist Pezeshkian is Iran's president-elect - Calls for exit grow, Biden won't budge - Only god almighty can oust me from race: Biden - PM Modi Russia visit: Focus of defence ties - Sahel alliance summit: Leaders reach Niger - 4th case of brain eating Amoeba in Kerala - Gold regains its shine this week

WION Headlines | Gold regains its shine this week | Reformist Pezeshkian is Iran's president-elect

Rachel Reeves, Britain's first woman finance minister, is a former child chess champion and Bank of England economist who has pledged to grow the nation's economy while showing strong fiscal discipline.

Reeves, 45, becomes chancellor of the exchequer after her centre-left Labour party won Thursday's UK general election by a landslide, ending 14 years of rule by the right-wing Conservatives.

"It is the honour of my life to have been appointed chancellor of the exchequer," Reeves wrote on social media platform X after her appointment by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"To every young girl and woman reading this, let today show that there should be no limits on your ambitions."

Labour had put the economy at the heart of its election manifesto, targeting growth and wealth creation as key priorities in government, while its emphasis on the latter is not normally associated with the party's traditionally leftist policies.

"Economic growth was the Labour Party's mission," Reeves added Friday.

"It is now a national mission. Let's get to work," said the married mother of two children.

<h2>'Iron chancellor'</h2>

Reeves recently told company bosses that Labour had become "the natural party of British business", adding that the party would show "iron discipline" over public finances.

The comments drew comparisons with 'Iron Lady' Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman prime minister.

Unlike Conservative leader Thatcher, who privatised key sectors after becoming prime minister in 1979, Reeves wants a form of renationalisation, notably for energy, as she takes inspiration from policy enacted by US President Joe Biden.

Labour has pledged to create Great British Energy, a publicly owned company that would spearhead funding, alongside the private sector, for the "green" transition away from fossil fuels.

James Wood, senior teaching associate in political economy at the University of Cambridge, said Labour and Reeves were seeking a "responsible" approach to the public purse.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-election-2024-record-number-of-indian-origin-mps-elected-as-labour-party-triumphs-over-conservatives-738339">UK election 2024: Record number of Indian-origin MPs elected as Labour party triumphs over Conservatives</a>

"When she talks about being an iron chancellor, I think what she means is: we're going to balance the books and we're going to be responsible -- and we're going to try and get Britain's economy running... in a responsible way," he told AFP.

London-born Reeves tapped into public anger over Sunak's predecessor Liz Truss, whose unfunded 2022 mini-budget crashed the pound and sent mortgage rates soaring, worsening a cost-of-living crisis.

"They want to distance themselves from fiscal irresponsibility, not making big promises about spending that they can't possibly keep," Wood added.

<h2>Banking career</h2>

Reeves, whose parents were teachers, is no stranger to outmanoeuvring opponents.

She became British girls' chess champion aged 14 before studying philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford, which was followed by a Master's degree at the London School of Economics.

After graduating, she worked as an economist for a decade, first at the Bank of England before switching to the private sector.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmers-first-address-new-british-pm-pledges-to-rebuild-britain-brick-by-brick-738290">Keir Starmer’s first address: New British PM pledges to 'rebuild Britain brick by brick'</a>

While working for British retail bank HBOS, the global financial crisis struck in 2008, resulting in her employer receiving a huge bailout, along with other lenders, from Gordon Brown's Labour government.

In 2010, when the Conservatives entered power in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, Reeves was elected Labour MP for Leeds West in northern England.

Eleven years later, Starmer appointed her as Labour's finance spokesperson. Her sister Ellie Reeves is also a Labour MP.

Rachel Reeves, Britain's first woman finance minister, is a former child chess champion and Bank of England economist who has pledged to grow the nation's economy while showing strong fiscal discipline.

Rachel Reeves, Britain's first woman finance minister, is a former child chess champion and Bank of England economist who has pledged to grow the nation's economy while showing strong fiscal discipline. Reeves, 45, becomes chancellor of the exchequer after her centre-left Labour party won Thursday's UK general election by a landslide, ending 14 years of rule by the right-wing Conservatives. "It is the honour of my life to have been appointed chancellor of the exchequer," Reeves wrote on social media platform X after her appointment by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "To every young girl and woman reading this, let today show that there should be no limits on your ambitions." Labour had put the economy at the heart of its election manifesto, targeting growth and wealth creation as key priorities in government, while its emphasis on the latter is not normally associated with the party's traditionally leftist policies. "Economic growth was the Labour Party's mission," Reeves added Friday. "It is now a national mission. Let's get to work," said the married mother of two children. 'Iron chancellor' Reeves recently told company bosses that Labour had become "the natural party of British business", adding that the party would show "iron discipline" over public finances. The comments drew comparisons with 'Iron Lady' Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman prime minister. Unlike Conservative leader Thatcher, who privatised key sectors after becoming prime minister in 1979, Reeves wants a form of renationalisation, notably for energy, as she takes inspiration from policy enacted by US President Joe Biden. Labour has pledged to create Great British Energy, a publicly owned company that would spearhead funding, alongside the private sector, for the "green" transition away from fossil fuels. James Wood, senior teaching associate in political economy at the University of Cambridge, said Labour and Reeves were seeking a "responsible" approach to the public purse. Also read: UK election 2024: Record number of Indian-origin MPs elected as Labour party triumphs over Conservatives "When she talks about being an iron chancellor, I think what she means is: we're going to balance the books and we're going to be responsible -- and we're going to try and get Britain's economy running... in a responsible way," he told AFP. London-born Reeves tapped into public anger over Sunak's predecessor Liz Truss, whose unfunded 2022 mini-budget crashed the pound and sent mortgage rates soaring, worsening a cost-of-living crisis. "They want to distance themselves from fiscal irresponsibility, not making big promises about spending that they can't possibly keep," Wood added. Banking career Reeves, whose parents were teachers, is no stranger to outmanoeuvring opponents. She became British girls' chess champion aged 14 before studying philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford, which was followed by a Master's degree at the London School of Economics. After graduating, she worked as an economist for a decade, first at the Bank of England before switching to the private sector. Also read: Keir Starmer’s first address: New British PM pledges to 'rebuild Britain brick by brick' While working for British retail bank HBOS, the global financial crisis struck in 2008, resulting in her employer receiving a huge bailout, along with other lenders, from Gordon Brown's Labour government. In 2010, when the Conservatives entered power in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, Reeves was elected Labour MP for Leeds West in northern England. Eleven years later, Starmer appointed her as Labour's finance spokesperson. Her sister Ellie Reeves is also a Labour MP.

Meet Rachel Reeves: First woman to become UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Iran Presidential run-off has been a contest between a Reformist and a Hardliner. The final result will be announced on Saturday. Molly Gambhir telling you more.

Gravitas: Iran Presidential run-off: The contest between a Reformist and a Hardliner

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly been indicted by the Brazilian Federal Police. He's reportedly been indicted for money laundering and criminal association connection with undeclared diamonds that he recieved from Saudi Arabia during his time in office.

Gravitas: Brazil ex-President reportedly indicted in undeclared diamonds case, faces 2nd indictment

After 14 years, the Keir Starmer-led Labour Party defeated Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party in the UK elections. This time, UK polls saw a high representation of Indian-origin candidates.

After 14 years, the Keir Starmer-led Labour Party defeated Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party in the UK elections. This time, UK polls saw a high representation of Indian-origin candidates. Total number of Indian-origin candidates who emerged victorious: 26 British-Indian candidates in the last House of Commons: 15 Total number of Indian-origin candidates who contested the polls: 107 Here are the names and seats of British-Indian MPs from both the Conservative and Labour parties who were elected to the House of Commons. Despite Labour's overall victory in the general election, Rishi Sunak, the departing prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party, has managed to hold onto his seats in Richmond and Northallerton in northern England. In the 2024 UK General Election, Conservative Priti Patel kept her Witham seat in Essex. The Conservative candidate Shivani Raja won the seat for Leicester East. Suella Braverman, a politician of Indian descent and member of the Conservative Party, won the Fareham and Waterlooville seat. The Conservative Gagan Mohindra of South West Hertfordshire was re-elected. In 2002, he became a Conservative Party member. The Conservative Party's Claire Coutinho became victorious in the East Surrey constituency. Alun Cairns, a former Welsh Secretary, lost to Labour Party candidate Kanishka Narayan. At 12, Narayan moved to Cardiff from India to become the first MP from a minority ethnic background in Wales. Seema Malhotra retained her electorate of Feltham and Heston with a large lead. Since 2011, she has represented Feltham and Heston in parliament. British Labour politician and solicitor Valerie Vaz has won the seat in Bloxwich and Walsall. She was elected to represent Walsall South as a member of parliament in 2010. The British politician Nadia Whittome, who is of Indian descent, won the Nottingham East seat. In the UK general election of 2019, she was elected as Nottingham East's first member of parliament. From the Birmingham Edgbaston seat, Preet Kaur Gill of the Labour Party was re-elected. Currently holding the position of UK Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, she is the first female British Sikh member of Parliament. The Labour Party's Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi was re-elected to represent Slough as an MP. He was re-elected in 2019 after winning the Slough seat with a 17,000 majority in the 2017 General Election. When Sojan Joseph, a candidate for the Labour Party, emerged victorious in the Ashford constituency, there were festivities in his Kottayam home. Also read: PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership The Labour Party's Lisa Nandy secured 19,401 votes to hold onto her Wigan seat, which she has held since 2010. The Labour Party's Navendu Mishra was elected to the Stockport seat. In the 2019 General Election, he was chosen to represent Stockport as a member of parliament. The Southampton Test seat was won by Labour Party candidate Satvir Kaur, a British Indian. 2011 saw her join the Labour Party. The Labour Party has the most number of candidates of Indian descent who won, including Jas Athwal (Ilford South), Baggy Shanker (Derby South), Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield), Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West), Gurinder Josan (Smethwick), Sonia Kumar (Dudley), Sureena Brackenbridge (Wolverhampton North East), Kirith Entwistle (Bolton North East), and Jeevun Sandher (Loughborough). Munira Wilson won back her Twickenham seat for the Liberal Democrats, a political party that made notable advances in the UK and now has over 60 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

UK election 2024: Record number of Indian-origin MPs elected as Labour party triumphs over Conservatives

In working-class neighbourhoods of France, many residents say they are afraid of a national rally Victory residents in lead in Toulouse say this is prompting them to go out and vote in the second round of the French general elections. Watch in for more details!

France: Far-right to fall short of clear majority? | What is the Republican front?

Iran is set to hold a runoff vote to elect a new leader on Friday, pitting a reformist who seeks dialogue with the West against a conservative hardliner.

Iran Elections: Run-off between ex-Health Minister Pezeshkian & Ex-Nuclear negotiator Jalili

Forced evacuations are taking Gaza's Khan Younis.What is the road ahead for Gaza's future? Take a look.

Renewed hopes for Gaza ceasefire | The West Asia Post

Reports say Israel's Finance Minister approved the biggest land grab near Jordan valley to prevent creation of a Palestinian state. What is happening in the West Bank?

Israel's biggest land grab in West Bank in over 30 years: Watchdog

The opposition Labour Party, after 14 years in the political wilderness, has handed a brutal defeat to the ruling Conservatives. Party leader Keir Starmer is now certain to become prime minister replacing his Conservative Party counterpart, Rishi Sunak. Watch in for more details!

UK: Labour wins UK General Election after reaching 326 seats

The Brazilian Police on Thursday (July 4) accused former president Jair Bolsonaro of embezzlement for allegedly misappropriating jewellery he received while head of state, including luxury items given by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro indicted for money laundering: Report | Bolsonaro faces second indictment

UK: Big win for Labour Party, 14 years of Conservative rule ends as Keir Starmer becomes UK PM

UK: Keir Starmer becomes UK PM, Rishi Sunak says, 'Sobering verdict, there is much to learn'

Headlines of the hour: - UK: Sunak to resign as Tory Leader - French poll campaign ends - Germany gives 'Patriot' to Ukraine - Putin meets Hungary PM Orban in Moscow - Israeli team expected in Qatar - Shark attacks four people in Texas - Many injured in Jul 4th mishap - Beryl makes landfall in Mexico

Germany gives 'Patriot' to Ukraine | Putin meets Hungary PM Orban in Moscow

After the Labour Party won the UK elections with a resounding victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated PM-elect Keir Starmer on Friday (July 5). “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections.

After the Labour Party won the UK elections with a resounding victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated PM-elect Keir Starmer on Friday (July 5). “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on X. A shift in the party's stance towards India is evident in its election manifesto, which pledges to forge a "new strategic partnership" that includes a free trade pact. The former human rights barrister turned politician has also spearheaded attempts to mend fences with British Indians who felt cut off from their country under former leader Jeremy Corbyn because of the latter's perceived anti-India position on Kashmir. Also read: Why did Conservatives lose UK election? How Sunak managed to end 14-year Tory rule In another tweet, PM Modi complimented ex-PM Rishi Sunak for his "admirable leadership" and contributions to strengthening India-UK relations. "Thank you @RishiSunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office. Best wishes to you and your family for the future," PM Modi wrote on X. Watch | UK: Big win for Labour Party in UK elections, Keir Starmer says 'Public ready for change' × After more than 10 years in the opposition, the Labour Party emerged victorious in Thursday's legislative polls, taking 412 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and toppling the 14-year-old Conservative government. “Our task is nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold this country together. National renewal. Whoever you are, wherever you started in life, if you work hard, if you play by the rules, this country should give you a fair chance to get on,” Starmer said in his victory speech. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership

A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights.

The soon-to-be former prime minister Rishi Sunak, in a manner of speaking, became the last one in line holding the baby handed over to him by previous prime ministers from his party.

And it was indeed a revolving door of prime ministers. Between 2010 and 2024, there were five: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Cameron set the ball rolling for the downfall of Tories with the Brexit referendum in 2016. While he himself was confident that Britons would vote in favour of staying within the European Union, the party itself fought against him, led by so-called 'Brexiteers' like Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Once the referendum favoured Brexit, Cameron had no other option but to quit, which led to Theresa May taking charge.

The national mood was in favour of Brexit, and even a sense of national pride spread in the nation, as much of the population, the rural folk and working class in particular, thought Britain's exit from EU would lead to an exodus of European workers and businesses out of UK, which will benefit local labour, businesses and industry.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-elections-2024-labour-wins-ready-to-change-our-country-for-the-better-says-starmer-738219">UK Elections 2024: Labour wins, Ready to change our country for the better says Starmer</a>

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But year after year, data seemed to suggest that the cost of Brexit exceeded the benefits. On trade, Britain scrambled to find alternative partners in the Commonwealth, particularly India, with which it is negotiating a free trade deal. The European labour exodus did only create shortages, that had to be filled with immigration from elsewhere, again from Commonwealth countries like India.

Despite all these, an overconfident May called a snap poll in 2017, with the intention of increasing the Conservative majority accruing from the 'success' of Brexit. That was not to be. The Conservatives did win, but they lost five seats from the previous tally.&nbsp;

During the years running up to the 2017 election and after that, Boris Johnson emerged as a more robust advocate for British conservatism and protectionism. With a mix of populist right-wing rhetoric and insider politics, Boris managed to oust May in an inner-party coup, mainly arising from her inability to pass the Brexit legislation in parliament. He led the Tories to victory in yet another snap election in 2019, with one of the biggest majorities for the party.

As Boris was affirming his grip on power, Covid pandemic hit, making UK one of the greatest sufferers.

It was followed by the so-called 'partygate' scandal, which exposed how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others were flouting Covid norms they had set for common folk, by holding parties in official premises.&nbsp;

Infightings, backstabbing and no-trust motions followed, with Liz Truss replacing Boris, only to become the shortest-serving PM of UK, defeated by opposition within the party to her budget and economic reform plans.&nbsp;

In place of Truss came Rishi Sunak, the first Asian and Indian-origin prime minister of Britain.

Throughout his career, Sunak was fighting the twin flames of cost of living crisis in the UK, and the no-holds-barred squabbles and clamour for Tory leadership. His erstwhile allies, notably Suella Braverman who became UK home secretary, left the cabinet over issues ranging from immigration reform to British economy.

Added to these were Sunak's image as a rich PM out of touch with the nation and its problems, particularly exacerbated by the wealth of his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian tech titan Narayana Murty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-elections-2024-how-uk-voted-key-constituency-wise-winners-and-losers-738198">UK General elections 2024: How UK voted- Key constituency-wise winners and losers</a>

In a way, Sunak's troubles are now over, and Britain has got a more decisive verdict in the form of the return of Labour for the first time since 2010.

But the damage has been done for Tories. So many top party leaders, at least 11 of them cabinet members, have lost the election.

They include Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, Grant Shapps and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

While he himself won the &nbsp;Richmond and Northallerton constituency, Sunak conceded defeat for his party.

He said there is much to learn from the "sobering verdict", adding, "I take responsibility for the loss."

Suella Braverman, meanwhile, won her seat of Fareham and Waterlooville.

Boris Johnson, who stayed away during much of campaigning, returned in the last days to the podium, only to 'dance on Sunak's grave' as one report put it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights.

A new dawn is rising on Britain that will see the Labour Party return to power after 14 years in a landslide election victory. For the UK's Conservatives who will now sit among the opposition, the 2024 election results were only the last push to the ditch that started with Brexit and progressed through misgoverning, scandal and infights. The soon-to-be former prime minister Rishi Sunak, in a manner of speaking, became the last one in line holding the baby handed over to him by previous prime ministers from his party. And it was indeed a revolving door of prime ministers. Between 2010 and 2024, there were five: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Cameron set the ball rolling for the downfall of Tories with the Brexit referendum in 2016. While he himself was confident that Britons would vote in favour of staying within the European Union, the party itself fought against him, led by so-called 'Brexiteers' like Boris Johnson. Once the referendum favoured Brexit, Cameron had no other option but to quit, which led to Theresa May taking charge. The national mood was in favour of Brexit, and even a sense of national pride spread in the nation, as much of the population, the rural folk and working class in particular, thought Britain's exit from EU would lead to an exodus of European workers and businesses out of UK, which will benefit local labour, businesses and industry. Watch | UK Elections 2024: Labour wins, Ready to change our country for the better says Starmer × But year after year, data seemed to suggest that the cost of Brexit exceeded the benefits. On trade, Britain scrambled to find alternative partners in the Commonwealth, particularly India, with which it is negotiating a free trade deal. The European labour exodus did only create shortages, that had to be filled with immigration from elsewhere, again from Commonwealth countries like India. Despite all these, an overconfident May called a snap poll in 2017, with the intention of increasing the Conservative majority accruing from the 'success' of Brexit. That was not to be. The Conservatives did win, but they lost five seats from the previous tally. During the years running up to the 2017 election and after that, Boris Johnson emerged as a more robust advocate for British conservatism and protectionism. With a mix of populist right-wing rhetoric and insider politics, Boris managed to oust May in an inner-party coup, mainly arising from her inability to pass the Brexit legislation in parliament. He led the Tories to victory in yet another snap election in 2019, with one of the biggest majorities for the party. As Boris was affirming his grip on power, Covid pandemic hit, making UK one of the greatest sufferers. It was followed by the so-called 'partygate' scandal, which exposed how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others were flouting Covid norms they had set for common folk, by holding parties in official premises. Infightings, backstabbing and no-trust motions followed, with Liz Truss replacing Boris, only to become the shortest-serving PM of UK, defeated by opposition within the party to her budget and economic reform plans. In place of Truss came Rishi Sunak, the first Asian and Indian-origin prime minister of Britain. Throughout his career, Sunak was fighting the twin flames of cost of living crisis in the UK, and the no-holds-barred squabbles and clamour for Tory leadership. His erstwhile allies, notably Suella Braverman who became UK home secretary, left the cabinet over issues ranging from immigration reform to British economy. Added to these were Sunak's image as a rich PM out of touch with the nation and its problems, particularly exacerbated by the wealth of his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian tech titan Narayana Murty. Also read: UK General elections 2024: How UK voted- Key constituency-wise winners and losers In a way, Sunak's troubles are now over, and Britain has got a more decisive verdict in the form of the return of Labour for the first time since 2010. But the damage has been done for Tories. So many top party leaders, at least 11 of them cabinet members, have lost the election. They include Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, Grant Shapps and Jacob Rees-Mogg. While he himself won the Richmond and Northallerton constituency, Sunak conceded defeat for his party. He said there is much to learn from the "sobering verdict", adding, "I take responsibility for the loss." Suella Braverman, meanwhile, won her seat of Fareham and Waterlooville. Boris Johnson, who stayed away during much of campaigning, returned in the last days to the podium, only to 'dance on Sunak's grave' as one report put it. (With inputs from agencies)

Why did Conservatives lose UK election? How Rishi Sunak's term helped end 14-year Tory rule, return of Labour

President Joe Biden, 81, and former president Donald Trump, 78, are the two oldest major party candidates for the US presidency. Watch to know more.

US: How President Biden evaded media glare? ; Biden's media interactions closely monitored

China is facing hotter and longer heatwaves and more frequent and unpredictable heavy rain as a result of climate change. The world's second biggest economy is bracing for another scorching summer.

China warns of hotter & longer heatwaves, Shanghai observes above 38 degree celcius

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