#Gravitas | The recent train collision in India's West Bengal has raised several questions about the causes behind this tragic incident. Was it due to a technical failure? Or was it human error? The collision has resulted in the loss of 10 lives, prompting India's top railway safety official to order an investigation.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: India's Top Railway Safety Official Orders Probe

#Gravitas | While global attention is focused on Gaza, a potentially more dangerous conflict is brewing along the Himalayas, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals how the 9 nuclear nations of the world have increased their nuclear stockpile rapidly. With India, Pakistan, and China being nuclear-armed states in Southern Asia, concerns arise about potential scenarios if Pakistan and China join forces with their nuclear weapons. Questions also arise about the impact of U.S. involvement in the Pacific and the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific to trigger turmoil in West Asia. Could Asia Go Up in Nuclear Flames?

India's nuclear stockpile tops Pak's for the first time in 25 years

Strong winds pushed flames through dry brush in mountains along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Sunday, and officials warned residents in the wildfire’s path to be prepared to leave if it explodes in size again.

Los Angeles County’s first major wildfire of the year swiftly grew to nearly 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), one day after it forced the evacuation of at least 1,200 campers, off-roaders and hikers from the Hungry Valley recreation area.

The blaze, dubbed the Post Fire, was just 2% contained Sunday evening. No injuries were reported. The cause was under investigation.

Firefighters working in sweltering conditions and steep terrain raced to douse spot fires that erupted as unpredictable winds blew embers ahead of the flames, said Kenichi Haskett, a section chief for the LA County Fire Department. The gusts also hampered efforts by aircraft crews to drop water and fire retardant, he said.

“When it’s windy, it just sprays the water everywhere we don’t need it. So that’s a challenge,” Haskett said.

Meanwhile in Northern California, a small wildfire sparked Sunday prompted evacuation orders and warnings for a sparsely populated area near Lake Sonoma. The so-called Point Fire sent up a huge plume of dark smoke as it churned through brush and timber about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of San Francisco. It was 15% contained.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-a-dozen-people-missing-as-extreme-weather-hits-china-732805">Over a dozen people missing as extreme weather hits China</a>

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The Southern California fire erupted Saturday afternoon near I-5 in Gorman, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. Two structures burned within the evacuated recreation area.

Flames were moving toward Pyramid Lake, a popular destination for boaters that was closed as a precaution on Father’s Day. No houses were threatened Sunday, but officials warned residents of Castaic, home to about 19,000 people, that they should prepare to leave if the fire pushes further south.

“If you’re in a warning area, be prepared with a ‘go bag,’ with overnight clothes and your cellphone, your medicines, your glasses. Have your car fueled up,” said Haskett. “Be ready to evacuate.”

Low humidity and gusts around 50 mph (80 kph) were expected throughout the day, and winds could pick up speed after sundown, warned the National Weather Service office for Los Angeles.

About 75 miles (120 kilometers) to the east, the nearly 2-square-mile (5-square-kilometer) Hesperia Fire forced road closures and prompted evacuation warnings after it broke out Saturday near mountain communities in San Bernardino County. The blaze was 19% contained Sunday evening.

Strong winds pushed flames through dry brush in mountains along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Sunday, and officials warned residents in the wildfire’s path to be prepared to leave if it explodes in size again.

Strong winds pushed flames through dry brush in mountains along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Sunday, and officials warned residents in the wildfire’s path to be prepared to leave if it explodes in size again. Los Angeles County’s first major wildfire of the year swiftly grew to nearly 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), one day after it forced the evacuation of at least 1,200 campers, off-roaders and hikers from the Hungry Valley recreation area. The blaze, dubbed the Post Fire, was just 2% contained Sunday evening. No injuries were reported. The cause was under investigation. Firefighters working in sweltering conditions and steep terrain raced to douse spot fires that erupted as unpredictable winds blew embers ahead of the flames, said Kenichi Haskett, a section chief for the LA County Fire Department. The gusts also hampered efforts by aircraft crews to drop water and fire retardant, he said. “When it’s windy, it just sprays the water everywhere we don’t need it. So that’s a challenge,” Haskett said. Meanwhile in Northern California, a small wildfire sparked Sunday prompted evacuation orders and warnings for a sparsely populated area near Lake Sonoma. The so-called Point Fire sent up a huge plume of dark smoke as it churned through brush and timber about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of San Francisco. It was 15% contained. Also read: Over a dozen people missing as extreme weather hits China The Southern California fire erupted Saturday afternoon near I-5 in Gorman, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. Two structures burned within the evacuated recreation area. Flames were moving toward Pyramid Lake, a popular destination for boaters that was closed as a precaution on Father’s Day. No houses were threatened Sunday, but officials warned residents of Castaic, home to about 19,000 people, that they should prepare to leave if the fire pushes further south. “If you’re in a warning area, be prepared with a ‘go bag,’ with overnight clothes and your cellphone, your medicines, your glasses. Have your car fueled up,” said Haskett. “Be ready to evacuate.” Low humidity and gusts around 50 mph (80 kph) were expected throughout the day, and winds could pick up speed after sundown, warned the National Weather Service office for Los Angeles. About 75 miles (120 kilometers) to the east, the nearly 2-square-mile (5-square-kilometer) Hesperia Fire forced road closures and prompted evacuation warnings after it broke out Saturday near mountain communities in San Bernardino County. The blaze was 19% contained Sunday evening.

Los Angeles fires: Thousands evacuated, strong winds push flames through dry brush in mountains

Was a warning about the Hamas attack ignored? Who is accountable for betraying Israel? Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Israel-Hamas war: How warning about Hamas attack was ignored

Ofentse Pitse is the first black South African woman to conduct her own an all-black orchestra called anchored sound. The Tshwane resident says her family's involvement in the salvation army led her to playing her first instrument in the famous brass band.

South African woman owns an all-black orchestra

In a refugee camp in eastern democratic republic of Congo, where children have known little but conflict, a modest arena for cultivating peace of mind has emerged — simple chessboards placed on the ground.

Chess offers children sanctuary from violence in Congo

The Boston Celtics claimed a record-breaking 18th NBA championship after wrapping up a 4-1 series win over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals. This was Celtics' first win in 16 years and it puts them one clear of the Perennial rivals Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in NBA history.

NBA Finals: Celtics win record-breaking 18th title

Donald Trump's conviction in the Hush Money Trial has begun to impact US voters. The latest poll can be a cause for worry for the former US President who is hoping to return to the White House for a second term. Watch in for more details!

US Elections: Will a guilty verdict cost Donald Trump an election?

The United States White House has accused Republicans of selectively editing videos as part of a "misinformation campaign" and this campaign of course was to make President Biden appear senile.

US Election: White House slams Republicans over 'cheapfake' videos of Biden's alleged mental decline

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi along with a team of top US officials are in India's Dharamshala to meet the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. The delegation visited the parliament of the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamshala. Watch in for more details!

US delegation including Nancy Pelosi visits Tibetan Parliament in exile

Kenyans say future at stake as they protest new tax hikes. Police accused of using excessive force on #OccupyParliament RejectFinanceBill2024 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 anti new tax protests turn violent, as police use force

A water spot transformed into a weak tornado upon reaching land in Florida. According to the Citrus County Sheriff's office, there were no injuries or significant damage reported.

US: Funnel cloud caught on camera in Florida, no injuries reported

Israeli media reports have made a new revelation about the October 7th attacks. The new document shows that Israel's intelligence bureaus and the Defence Forces had complete knowledge of Hamas's October 7th assault and they plan to take hostages weeks before it happened. Watch for more details.

Israel war: Israeli intelligence & the IDF were warned of Oct 7 breach, says report

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived at Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra airport to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Pelosi is part of a six-member high-level US delegation that has come to India to meet the Dalai Lama. Watch in for more details!

US delegation including Nancy Pelosi to meet Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama

India has been under an intense heatwave but is likely to see some relief with conditions set to ease in the coming days. Watch in for more details!

Northern Indian heatwave grips Punjab, Haryana, Delhi & Bihar

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of hatching a plan to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, was presented in a federal court in Manhattan on Monday (Jun 17), and pleaded not guilty.

Pannun murder plot case: Indian suspect Nikhil Gupta pleads not guilty in US court

More than 20 NATO members will meet the military Alliance Target of spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense this year. This is as per NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg. Watch in for more details!

20 NATO allies to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense: NATO Chief

US Elections | Republicans attempting to make Biden seem senile: White House

Imagine scrolling down your phone and seeing a warning label on your favorite social media app much like the ones on cigarette packs, it could soon become a reality. One of America's top health officials is calling for Action to protect young minds from the hidden dangers of social media. Watch in for more details!

US Surgeon General calls for warning labels on social media

Hours after the Kremlin said that the two-day peace Summit yielded no results, Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine. In the latest Russian missiles targeted Ukraine's East Central Poltava region on Monday. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war | NATO Chief: China fueling the war in Ukraine, should change course

China's National Meteorological Centre on Sunday issued an alert for high temperatures as multiple regions across the country experience sweltering heat, while many southern provinces issued severe flood warnings due to heavy rains.

China: Heat warning forecasts for Beijing & Xinjiang; heavy downpours in Fujian & Guangxi regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time in 24 years, the two countries said, underscoring Moscow's burgeoning partnership with the nuclear-armed state since the invasion of Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin- Kim Jong Un meet: What's on the agenda?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel had specific intelligence on Kibbutz attack

A Philippine supply ship dangerously approached a Chinese vessel and slightly collided with Beijing’s ship after it illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,&nbsp;China’s coast guard claimed. In other news, at least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from both countries said on Sunday (June 16).

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-coast-guard-claims-philippine-supply-ship-bumped-beijings-ship-in-disputed-south-china-sea-732362">Chinese coast guard claims Philippine supply ship bumped Beijing’s ship in disputed South China Sea</a>

<img alt="1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1dda607-9a1d-4b2c-9964-7ec5b58771e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-06-17T081914.650.png" />

The Chinese coast guard reported a collision between a Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel, on Monday, near the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea,&nbsp;on Monday (Jun 17).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-2024-at-least-19-jordanian-and-iranian-pilgrims-die-in-saudi-arabia-as-temperatures-soar-732348">Hajj 2024: At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soar 
 
<img alt="2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7145f88a-4c57-4a69-84af-b6991b9944e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-06-17T094101.208.png" /></a>

In a statement, Jordan's foreign ministry said that 14 pilgrims died and 17 others were missing during the performance of Hajj. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said that five pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-indian-accused-of-attempting-to-kill-khalistani-terrorist-extradited-to-us-732359">Pannun murder plot: Indian accused of attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist extradited to US 
 
<img alt="3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dea18a13-c64e-40a9-820f-306777fbb106" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-06-17T094044.627.png" /></a>

Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been extradited to the United States, The Washington Post reported on Sunday (June 16) citing people familiar with developments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-premier-announces-new-pandas-for-australia-during-historic-visit-amid-thawing-relations-732363">China's Premier announces new pandas for Australia during historic visit amid thawing relations 
 
<img alt="4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="709444ca-c0c2-47b0-aa47-b7764b25ad29" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-06-17T094122.547.png" /></a>

China on Sunday (June 16) offered to send Australia two new pandas as the ties between the nations improve after years of tension.&nbsp;Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was on a visit to Australia — the first by a Chinese leader in seven years, made the announcement during his visit to Adelaide Zoo.

WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: PM Netanyahu denounces Israel military's 'tactical pause' plan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-pm-netanyahu-denounces-israel-militarys-tactical-pause-plan-732357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A Philippine supply ship dangerously approached a Chinese vessel and slightly collided with Beijing’s ship after it illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, China’s coast guard claimed.

A Philippine supply ship dangerously approached a Chinese vessel and slightly collided with Beijing’s ship after it illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, China’s coast guard claimed. In other news, at least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from both countries said on Sunday (June 16). Click on the headlines to read more Chinese coast guard claims Philippine supply ship bumped Beijing’s ship in disputed South China Sea The Chinese coast guard reported a collision between a Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel, on Monday, near the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, on Monday (Jun 17). Hajj 2024: At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soar In a statement, Jordan's foreign ministry said that 14 pilgrims died and 17 others were missing during the performance of Hajj. Meanwhile, Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said that five pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina. Pannun murder plot: Indian accused of attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist extradited to US Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been extradited to the United States, The Washington Post reported on Sunday (June 16) citing people familiar with developments. China's Premier announces new pandas for Australia during historic visit amid thawing relations China on Sunday (June 16) offered to send Australia two new pandas as the ties between the nations improve after years of tension. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was on a visit to Australia — the first by a Chinese leader in seven years, made the announcement during his visit to Adelaide Zoo. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: PM Netanyahu denounces Israel military's 'tactical pause' plan

Morning brief: Philippine, Chinese vessels collide in South China Sea; at least 19 Hajj pilgrims die, & more

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