South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) suspended on Thursday a newly sworn-in member of parliament after an old video of him calling for the killing of Black people resurfaced on social media. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: DA Party suspends lawmaker over racist remarks, calls for 'killing of black people'

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships.

According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea.

Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds.

According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing.

"Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greeces-summer-tragedy-record-heat-wave-ignites-wildfires-closes-acropolis-and-claims-tourists-lives-733883">Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives</a>

"Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday.

Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. 
&nbsp;According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments.

(With inputs from agencies)

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them. According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea. Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds. According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing. "Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement. Also read: Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives "Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday. Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's 'shadow fleet' resurfaces: 200 civilian vessels suspected of North Sea espionage

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will debate for ninety minutes using movable microphones. This sets the stage for their first face-to-face meeting before November's election. The Biden and Trump teams agreed on the parameters for the June 27 debate, which will feature two hosts and no studio audience.

First Presidential debate: Who won coin flip? Debates to feature new rules

A man in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was burnt alive by a mob over blasphemy allegations. Watch the video to know more.

Pakistan man accused of Blasphemy beaten to death, set on fire

Watch top headlines of the hour: - IDF Gaza death toll surges to 314 - US hosts Netanyahu's aides - Tajik Parliament approves Hijab ban - South Korea warning shots after 'incursion' - Tory betting allegations: Sunak 'incredibly angry' - Delhi HC pauses Kejriwal bill - India Hooch tragedy: Toll rises to 47 - Japan imposes trade curbs on China - Pak tourist lynched, body set on fire

WION Headlines | US hosts Netanyahu's aides | Sunak slammed for being 'Rude'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow has been mulling changes to its nuclear doctrine. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses NATO of security threat in Asia

Cyberattack 'Qilin' hacks London hospitals in major attack. A gang of hackers have caused much disruption to multiple hospitals in London. The ransomware group known as Qilin has published sensitive data stolen from a National Health Service blood testing company. Qilin has been attempting to extort money from UK's NHS provider. Watch in for more details!

UK: 'Qilin' hacks NHS provider Synnovis, demands ransom

Days of torrential rain, flash floods and landslides across southern china is forcing authorities to step up emergency plans, as surging waters from swollen rivers threatened to disrupt the lives of millions...

Heavy rains lash Southern China: Authorities step up emergency plans

Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has weakened into a tropical depression as it moves inland over northeastern Mexico. It is bringing more heavy rains and flooding after leaving four dead, including three children. Take a look at this report.

Mexico storms kills four including children

The death toll from this year's Hajj has exceeded 1,000. And Saudi officials say that more than half of them were unregistered worshippers who performed the pilgrimage in extreme heat. Watch in for more details!

Hajj pilgrimage 2024: New deaths reported include 58 from Egypt

The heat has abated under the influence of a western disturbance affecting the region. A fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra over the next five days. The weather department has also issued an orange alert for several districts of Maharashtra. Watch in for more details!

India: Monsoon inches Northwards

Tajikistan's Parliament has adopted a draft Amendment its traditions and celebrations law. It will formally prohibit wearing importing selling and advertising clothes alien to Tajik culture and this term is widely used by officials to describe Islamic clothing such as hijab. Watch in for more details!

Tajik Parliament approves bill banning Hijab

The world is celebrating 10th International Yoga Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Yoga with residents of Kashmir in J&K's Srinagar. PM Modi was seen performing breathing exercises and meditation at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.

International Yoga Day: PM Modi leads celebrations, says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward

Watch top headlines of the hour: - IDF Gaza death toll surges to 314 - US hosts Netanyahu's aides - Tajik Parliament approves Hijab ban - South Korea warning shots after 'incursion' - Tory betting allegations: Sunak 'incredibly angry' - Delhi HC pauses Kejriwal bill - India Hooch tragedy: Toll rises to 47

WION Headlines | IDF Gaza death toll surges to 314 | Delhi HC pauses Kejriwal bill

In recent weeks, House Ethics Committee investigators have conducted a series of closed-door interviews with numerous women who were witnesses in the years-long Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into Representative Matt Gaetz, multiple sources familiar with the committee's work have told the US channel ABC News.

Several women who testified during the lengthy Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz have been interviewed in private by House Ethics Committee investigators in recent weeks, multiple sources familiar with the committee's work told ABC News.

At least six women have been questioned by investigators about their alleged attendance at parties attended by the Florida Congressman and paid for by Joel Greenberg, a former close friend of Gaetz.

After pleading guilty to numerous crimes, including sex trafficking and introducing a minor to other "adult men," Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in 2022.

All of the accusations, including the one about paying for sex, have long been refuted by Gaetz, who previously dismissed them with the statement, "Someone is trying to recategorise my generosity to ex-girlfriends as something more untoward." Following a year-long inquiry, the Justice Department informed Gaetz in 2023 that it would not be pursuing charges against him.

Earlier this year, the Committee subpoenaed documents from the Justice Department about its investigation into the Florida lawmaker. Still, sources claimed that the agency has refused to provide the data. But after sending the company a subpoena, the committee was able to collect Gaetz's Venmo records, sources told ABC News.

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A fresh update on the investigation into Gaetz was given by the House Ethics Committee on Tuesday. The bipartisan panel will continue to look into claims that the Florida congressman "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use" and that he "sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." The committee has spoken with over a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of documents.

Furthermore, the committee stated that it will no longer look into claims made against Gaetz, including that he "may have accepted a bribe or improper gratuity, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor."

On Monday, Gaetz claimed that "every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration" and referred to the House Ethics Committee as "Soviet."

Investigators have also questioned many witnesses regarding a party in July 2017. According to sources, the committee was given a sworn statement by a woman who claimed to have been there at the Florida party that Gaetz also attended. According to reports, the committee has also been informed by several witnesses that they witnessed Gaetz using illegal drugs at parties.

The committee began its investigation against Gaetz in 2021 before putting it on hold while the Justice Department conducted its investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

In recent weeks, House Ethics Committee investigators have conducted a series of closed-door interviews with numerous women who were witnesses in the years-long Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into Representative Matt Gaetz, multiple sources familiar with the committee's work have told the US channel ABC News.

In recent weeks, House Ethics Committee investigators have conducted a series of closed-door interviews with numerous women who were witnesses in the years-long Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into Representative Matt Gaetz, multiple sources familiar with the committee's work have told the US channel ABC News. Several women who testified during the lengthy Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz have been interviewed in private by House Ethics Committee investigators in recent weeks, multiple sources familiar with the committee's work told ABC News. At least six women have been questioned by investigators about their alleged attendance at parties attended by the Florida Congressman and paid for by Joel Greenberg, a former close friend of Gaetz. After pleading guilty to numerous crimes, including sex trafficking and introducing a minor to other "adult men," Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in 2022. All of the accusations, including the one about paying for sex, have long been refuted by Gaetz, who previously dismissed them with the statement, "Someone is trying to recategorise my generosity to ex-girlfriends as something more untoward." Following a year-long inquiry, the Justice Department informed Gaetz in 2023 that it would not be pursuing charges against him. Earlier this year, the Committee subpoenaed documents from the Justice Department about its investigation into the Florida lawmaker. Still, sources claimed that the agency has refused to provide the data. But after sending the company a subpoena, the committee was able to collect Gaetz's Venmo records, sources told ABC News. Also read: Chinese 'underground bankers' launder Sinaloa drug money US Los Angeles A fresh update on the investigation into Gaetz was given by the House Ethics Committee on Tuesday. The bipartisan panel will continue to look into claims that the Florida congressman "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use" and that he "sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." The committee has spoken with over a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of documents. Furthermore, the committee stated that it will no longer look into claims made against Gaetz, including that he "may have accepted a bribe or improper gratuity, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor." On Monday, Gaetz claimed that "every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration" and referred to the House Ethics Committee as "Soviet." Investigators have also questioned many witnesses regarding a party in July 2017. According to sources, the committee was given a sworn statement by a woman who claimed to have been there at the Florida party that Gaetz also attended. According to reports, the committee has also been informed by several witnesses that they witnessed Gaetz using illegal drugs at parties. The committee began its investigation against Gaetz in 2021 before putting it on hold while the Justice Department conducted its investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

House Ethics Committee interviews women witnesses in Gaetz sex trafficking probe

The war of words between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is escalating. On Wednesday, the pro-Iranian group warned that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out between the two enemies. Not only that Hezbollah chief also threatened to attack EU country Cyprus for the first time. This is after Israel said it is prepared to fight Hezbollah. Will the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah pull Lebanon and Cyprus into a full-fledged war?

Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has made a big admission amid the war in Gaza. In an interview with Israeli broadcaster, Hagari said that Hamas cannot be defeated. The IDF spokesperson’s statement questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated war goal. It also lays bare the tensions between military officials and the political leadership of Israel. If the Israeli Army feels Hamas can't be defeated, then what is Israel doing in Gaza? What does Netanyahu plan to do next? Tune in to #Gravitas at 9 PM IST to find out more.

Gravitas: Israeli Military's big admission, IDF Spokesman says Hamas can’t be destroyed

Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance.

Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, as agreed upon by all 32 nations of the alliance. Klaus Iohannis, the president of Romania, withdrew his candidacy for the NATO secretary general post on Thursday (June 20), reaffirming Romania's support for Rutte after receiving endorsements from Slovakia and Hungary on Tuesday. Iohannis said that he had informed NATO allies of his decision to withdraw his candidacy at a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence. Rutte's leadership has come when the world is marred with conflicts and major countries are holding their elections. He will assume the position on October 2. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics Now that Rutte has been confirmed, the succession question is resolved before July, when NATO leaders travel to Washington to commemorate the alliance's 75th anniversary. Rutte's road to becoming NATO chief hasn't been easy. Since late November, he has been campaigning for the position. Eastern European nations have questioned Rutte's pre-2014 support for Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, and he has been accused of not actively enlisting their support. Nevertheless, Rutte received the support of two-thirds of all NATO members when he announced his candidacy in March. Rutte was chosen after a lengthy process that saw Stoltenberg's term extended four times. The secretary general's tenure was extended by Allies in 2017 until the end of September 2020. They rescheduled that date to September 2022 in 2019. Another extension was issued in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NATO partners decided to give Stoltenberg an additional year as secretary general in July of last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Mark Rutte to succeed Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general amid escalating global tensions

The UK economy faces a year of mixed signals. EY predicts subdued growth in 2024, but more robust in 2025. This is attributed to falling inflation, expected interest rate cuts by the Bank of England, and rising consumer spending.

Bank of England keep rates on hold, UK inflation meets at target but caution remains | Race To Power

A major Savanta poll reveals big Tory leaders, about three quarters of the present cabinet, are set to lose elections as the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4th.

Big Tory leaders set to lose elections: Polls | 21 of 27 members contesting elections to be routed

Two Agriculture Department personnel were beaten and briefly detained by assailants in the Mexican state of Michoacan, leading the US government to postpone inspections of Avocado and Mango shipments, the US ambassador to Mexico said Tuesday.

US suspend Avacado shipments from Mexico, President intervenes in row

Kenyans say future at stake as they protest new tax hikes. Police accused of using excessive force on #OccupyParliamentRejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrators in the capital Nairobi, with hundreds of arrests being made before controversial bill is debated in the National Assembly. Watch in for more details!

Kenya: Agigated Kenyans protest over Finance Bill 2024, over 250 people arrested

Tensions and chaos in the coalition amplified Wednesday, as the ruling Likud party accused Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir of leaking “state secrets.” Watch to know more.

Israel PM Netanyahu accuses Ben Gvir of 'leaking secrets'

In yet another case of Amazon delivery gone bad, a Bengaluru woman discovered a snake inside her Amazon parcel. On June 16, the woman ordered a Microbox Xbox controller from Amazon India. The delivery arrived on June 18. When the woman opened the box, she was horrified to see a snake inside.

Woman orders Xbox controller, finds a snake instead

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