Democratic Governor of Maryland Wes Moore pardons over 175,000 marijuana convictions on Monday (June 17) in arguably the most comprehensive reversal of drug policy in the United States.

Democratic Governor of Maryland Wes Moore pardons over 175,000 marijuana convictions on Monday (June 17) in arguably the most comprehensive reversal of drug policy in the United States. Moore's proposal apply to around 100,000 individuals found guilty of misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses. Across the nation, marijuana is becoming more and more legal to use for both medical and recreational purposes. "I’m ecstatic that we have a real opportunity with what I’m signing to write a lot of historical wrongs," Moore stated. "If you want to be able to create inclusive economic growth, it means you have to start removing these barriers that continue to disproportionately sit on communities of colour." The wave of pardons, according to Moore's administration, is scheduled to fall on Wednesday's Juneteenth holiday. Although its neighbours, Virginia and Washington, DC, still retain certain limitations, Maryland has completely legalised the cannabis trade inside its boundaries since 2023. Neither of Washington, DC and Virginia jurisdictions have granted pardons for marijuana-related offenses. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report Democratic attorney general of Maryland Anthony Brown applauded Moore's pardon. "While the pardons will extend to anyone and everyone with a misdemeanor conviction for the possession of marijuana or paraphernalia, this unequivocally, without any doubt or reservation, disproportionately impacts — in a good way — Black and Brown Marylanders," Brown said. "We are arrested and convicted at higher rates for possession and use of marijuana when the rate at which we used it was no different than any other category of people," he continued. According to the Washington Post, Maryland officials stated that the pardons, which would also apply to the deceased, would not result in the release of anybody from jail because no one is currently incarcerated. Given that it is lawful for anyone in the state to possess minor amounts of cannabis, misdemeanor cannabis crimes result in short punishments and no longer carry criminal prosecutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Maryland Governor scraps 175,000 marijuana convictions in historic move

A US expert's warning on bird flu has triggered alarm. Will Bird Flu cause the next Pandemic? Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic?

India has made history, it has completed a trial run of a railway engine at top the world's tallest Railway Bridge. This is a 1315 M long bridge that's taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Located in India's Jammu and Kashmir this Railway Bridge has been built at a height of 360 m above the Chenab riverbed. Here's a detailed report.

Chenab Rail Bridge: India conducts trial on world's tallest steel arch rail bridge

Following the shutdown of one of its engines due to fire, a passenger plane landed safely at an airport in New Zealand on Monday (June 17), according to the country's fire department.

Following the shutdown of one of its engines due to fire, a passenger plane landed safely at an airport in New Zealand on Monday (June 17), according to the country's fire department. After the fire caused a detour, the Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which was headed for Melbourne, Australia, touched down in the city of Invercargill, New Zealand. “Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 5.50 PM, bound for Melbourne. It experienced an issue just after take-off and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport. We will provide further updates as information becomes available,” Queenstown airport authorities said in a post on X. #BREAKING | Fire has been seen coming from the engine of an aircraft flying over Queentown tonight with witnesses reporting “loud bangs”. The aircraft was diverted to Invercargill Airport and has just made an emergency landing. 🔗 https://t.co/1mxdZCNhqz pic.twitter.com/mkcrJ6D8GC — nzherald (@nzherald) June 17, 2024 × In a different X post, Drawyah, a social media account that streams train and airplane simulations, stated, "Greetings from Invercargill! The mood is calm in the cabin, a tad shaken but on the ground, as fire crews inspect the plane. Can confirm it was a bird strike on the way out." Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 5.50pm, bound for Melbourne. It experienced an issue just after take-off and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport. We will provide further updates as information becomes available. — Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (@NZQN) June 17, 2024 × According to Lynn Crosson, shift supervisor for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the plane touched down in Invercargill around fifty minutes after taking off from Queenstown. Fire trucks were available at Invercargill. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report According to Queenstown Airport spokesman Catherine Nind, the source of the engine fire and the number of people on board the aircraft were not immediately known. 👋 Greetings from Invercargill! Mood is calm in the cabin, a tad shaken but on the ground as fire crews inspect the plane. Can confirm it was a bird strike on the way out. pic.twitter.com/NBq7GnSR8a — Drawyah (@DrawyahYT) June 17, 2024 × In an email statement to CBS, Virgin Australia said that "a possible bird strike" might have been the cause of the event. With a population of 53,000, Queenstown is a popular tourist spot in the South Island of New Zealand, known for its alpine scenery, adventure tourism, and skiing. According to the country's aviation regulator's website, birds strike planes at New Zealand airports at a rate of roughly four per 10,000 aircraft movements. According to the organisation, the severity of the repercussions varies based on the location of the aircraft impact, the size of the birds, and the pilot's response. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Australia-bound Boeing 737-800 plane's engine erupts in flames with loud bangs

SIPRI says China has added 90 nuclear warheads in one year. Beijing now has at least 500 nuclear warheads, and in a first, some of these warheads have been placed in a state of 'high operational alert'. Is China's nuclear build-up aimed at India?

Gravitas: Is China increasing its nuclear stockpile with an eye on India?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consolidated his authority over decision-making regarding the Gaza war by disbanding the 6-member war cabinet. This move was intended to reject the demands of far-right allies who wanted seats in the cabinet. The decision has also revealed a divide between Netanyahu and the Israeli military. What will happen next? How will this decision affect the Gaza war?

Israel war: Netanyahu Solidifies Control Over Gaza War | Dissolves 6-member War Cabinet

#Gravitas | The Indian army has recently equipped itself with a cutting-edge tool to secure its borders with Pakistan and China. This powerful addition to its arsenal is a suicide drone called Nagastra-1, aptly dubbed the "silent killer." Designed to carry out precision strikes and surveillance missions, the silent killer will provide the Indian army with a significant strategic advantage. Watch this video to find out more.

Indian Army Deploys Nagastra-1 'Silent Killer' Drone Along China, Pakistan Border

The war in Ukraine is yielding unbelievable profits for defence companies, middlemen and dealers who are now selling weapons at six-times the price. #Gravitas brings you the details.

Ukraine: The war for unbelievable profits

George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million.

On Saturday night, several celebrities including Barbra Streisand and Julia Roberts took the stage at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, interviewed Biden and former president Barack Obama who emphasised the importance of defeating former president Donald Trump in what is predicted to be an extremely tight contest.

To Kimmel's question about whether Americans were suffering from amnesia about the likely Republican candidate, Biden said, "All we gotta do is remember what it was like" while Trump was president.

A growing number of well-known figures in the entertainment industry have stepped up to support Biden's campaign. The Democratic president's decision to fly through the night from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California indicates how crucial the event was to his reelection campaign.

When Kimmel asked President Biden what he was most proud of doing, he said that he believed the administration's economic strategy “is working”. “We have the strongest economy in the world today,” Biden said, stating, “We try to give ordinary people an even chance.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-no-choice-donald-trump-promises-largest-deportation-in-american-history-732318">'We have no choice': Donald Trump promises largest deportation in American history</a>

"Hopefully we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter in very concrete ways," Obama said, referring to the Supreme Court.

Three judges that Trump picked were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, the historic ruling that upheld the constitutional right to an abortion. When the topic of Roe was brought up, the audience shouted their disapproval. Obama's response was, "Don't hiss, vote."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the Biden team stated that even though they were still counting, the event on Saturday night raised over $30 million, the most ever for a Democratic candidate.

That means exceeding Biden's $26 million fundraiser held in March at Radio City Music Hall in New York, when late-night presenter Stephen Colbert conducted interviews with Biden, Obama&nbsp;and former president Bill Clinton.

(With inputs from agencies)

George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million.

George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barack Obama were among those who attended a star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden. According to his re-election campaign, the event raised a record $30 million. On Saturday night, several celebrities including Barbra Streisand and Julia Roberts took the stage at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, interviewed Biden and former president Barack Obama who emphasised the importance of defeating former president Donald Trump in what is predicted to be an extremely tight contest. To Kimmel's question about whether Americans were suffering from amnesia about the likely Republican candidate, Biden said, "All we gotta do is remember what it was like" while Trump was president. A growing number of well-known figures in the entertainment industry have stepped up to support Biden's campaign. The Democratic president's decision to fly through the night from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California indicates how crucial the event was to his reelection campaign. When Kimmel asked President Biden what he was most proud of doing, he said that he believed the administration's economic strategy “is working”. “We have the strongest economy in the world today,” Biden said, stating, “We try to give ordinary people an even chance.” Also read: 'We have no choice': Donald Trump promises largest deportation in American history "Hopefully we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter in very concrete ways," Obama said, referring to the Supreme Court. Three judges that Trump picked were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, the historic ruling that upheld the constitutional right to an abortion. When the topic of Roe was brought up, the audience shouted their disapproval. Obama's response was, "Don't hiss, vote." Meanwhile, the Biden team stated that even though they were still counting, the event on Saturday night raised over $30 million, the most ever for a Democratic candidate. That means exceeding Biden's $26 million fundraiser held in March at Radio City Music Hall in New York, when late-night presenter Stephen Colbert conducted interviews with Biden, Obama and former president Bill Clinton. (With inputs from agencies)

Star-studded fundraiser for Biden's re-election campaign sets record with $30 million raised

Following billionaire Elon Musk's call to eliminate electronic voting machines, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the EVMs in India a "black box" and questioned its transparency. Watch in for more details!

Elon Musk cites high risks of EVM's being hacked by humans or AI

South Africa's former President & MK party leader Jacob Zuma has slammed the newly formed government of national unity and said that ANC is no longer part of the solution. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: MK Party accuse poll body of unfair elections, claim vote stealing

The US election front runners were busy over the weekend making their pitch and wooing the voters. Watch in for more details!

US Elections 2024: Both Trump & Biden target Michigan as must-win state

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced in a press conference Monday (Jun 17) that Rahul Gandhi will vacate the Wayanad seat from Kerala and retain Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli.

India: Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in by-election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised plans announced by the military to hold daily tactical pauses in fighting. This was along one of the main roads into Gaza to facilitate aid delivery into the Palestinian. Watch in for more details!

Gaza War: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves six-member war cabinet

Israel-Hamas War: Rift between Netanyahu & military widens?

Israel-Hamas War: Israel's war cabinet dissolved following Benny Gantz's exit

In the first trip to India by a senior American official after the Modi government came to power for the third term, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is in New Delhi on Monday for the second meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). His visit marks the second meeting of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. He has also met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. Watch in for more details!

NSA Ajit Doval, Jake Sullivan hold India-US iCET meeting in New Delhi, discuss tech collaborations

The People's Liberation Army a Navy marked the 70th anniversary of its submarine Force by conducting torpedo strike on a retired ship. In a rare glimpse Chinese Navy's type 074 high class amphibious landing ship was struck during a sinking exercise called SINKEX. Watch in for more details!

China's PLAN marks 70th anniversary of its submarine force

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu criticises military's plan of tactical pauses: Reports

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealed that the English giants had admitted courting Thomas Tuchel to replace him but opted to persevere with the under-pressure Dutchman when “they came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager".

'No secret': Erik Ten Hag reveals Man United spoke to other managers

US-India iCET meet: US NSA Sullivan scheduled to meet PM Modi

European Union countries approved a flagship policy to restore damaged nature on Monday (June 17), after months of delay, making it the first green law to pass since European Parliament elections this month.

The nature restoration law is among the EU's biggest environmental policies, requiring member states to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030.

EU countries' environment ministers backed the policy at a meeting in Luxembourg, meaning it can now pass into law.

The vote was held after Austria's environment minister, Leonore Gewessler of the Greens, defied her conservative coalition partners by pledging to back the policy - giving it just enough support to pass.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-coastguard-threw-migrants-into-sea-after-tying-their-hands-report-732521">Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report</a>

The policy aims to reverse the decline of Europe's natural habitats - 81% of which are classed as being in poor health - and includes specific targets, for example to restore peat lands so they can absorb CO2 emissions.

EU countries and the European Parliament negotiated a deal on the law last year but it has come under fire from some governments in recent months amid protests by farmers angry at costly EU regulations.

EU countries had planned to approve the policy in March but called off the vote after Hungary unexpectedly withdrew its support, wiping out the slim majority in favour.

European Union countries approved a flagship policy to restore damaged nature on Monday (June 17), after months of delay, making it the first green law to pass since European Parliament elections this month.

European Union countries approved a flagship policy to restore damaged nature on Monday (June 17), after months of delay, making it the first green law to pass since European Parliament elections this month. The nature restoration law is among the EU's biggest environmental policies, requiring member states to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030. EU countries' environment ministers backed the policy at a meeting in Luxembourg, meaning it can now pass into law. The vote was held after Austria's environment minister, Leonore Gewessler of the Greens, defied her conservative coalition partners by pledging to back the policy - giving it just enough support to pass. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report The policy aims to reverse the decline of Europe's natural habitats - 81% of which are classed as being in poor health - and includes specific targets, for example to restore peat lands so they can absorb CO2 emissions. EU countries and the European Parliament negotiated a deal on the law last year but it has come under fire from some governments in recent months amid protests by farmers angry at costly EU regulations. EU countries had planned to approve the policy in March but called off the vote after Hungary unexpectedly withdrew its support, wiping out the slim majority in favour.

EU countries approve landmark nature law after delays

Delhiites faced extreme weather conditions on Saturday, with Ayanagar recording a scorching 46°C, marking the highest temperature in the capital.

India's capital records second warmest night in six years

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Maryland Governor scraps 175,000 marijuana convictions in historic move

Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic?

Chenab Rail Bridge: India conducts trial on world's tallest steel arch rail bridge

Watch: Australia-bound Boeing 737-800 plane's engine erupts in flames with loud bangs

Gravitas: Is China increasing its nuclear stockpile with an eye on India?

Israel war: Netanyahu Solidifies Control Over Gaza War | Dissolves 6-member War Cabinet

Indian Army Deploys Nagastra-1 'Silent Killer' Drone Along China, Pakistan Border

Ukraine: The war for unbelievable profits

Star-studded fundraiser for Biden's re-election campaign sets record with $30 million raised

Elon Musk cites high risks of EVM's being hacked by humans or AI

South Africa: MK Party accuse poll body of unfair elections, claim vote stealing

US Elections 2024: Both Trump & Biden target Michigan as must-win state

India: Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in by-election

Gaza War: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves six-member war cabinet

Israel-Hamas War: Rift between Netanyahu & military widens?

Israel-Hamas War: Israel's war cabinet dissolved following Benny Gantz's exit

NSA Ajit Doval, Jake Sullivan hold India-US iCET meeting in New Delhi, discuss tech collaborations

China's PLAN marks 70th anniversary of its submarine force

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu criticises military's plan of tactical pauses: Reports

'No secret': Erik Ten Hag reveals Man United spoke to other managers

US-India iCET meet: US NSA Sullivan scheduled to meet PM Modi

EU countries approve landmark nature law after delays

China's PLAN marks 70th anniversary of its submarine force

India's capital records second warmest night in six years