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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday it bombed Hezbollah's weapons depots and infrastructure in eastern Lebanon, in Shabriha and Burj el-Shemali near the southern city of Tyre, and the villages of Kafr Lila or Kfar Kila, Rab el-Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa.&nbsp;Earlier, the Israeli foreign ministry said the Lebanon-based militant group had crossed its "red line" by staging the attack in Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teens. In other developments, Manu Bhaker won India's first medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.&nbsp;The 22-year-old reached the milestone with a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event. Russian leader Vladimir Putin declared Sunday that Russia will resume producing&nbsp; intermediate-range nuclear weapons. The announcement comes after&nbsp;the US announced in early July that it will start “episodic deployments” of long-range US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany beginning in 2026.

Click on the headlines to read more.

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The ongoing war in Gaza stands on the cusp of spilling into neighbouring Lebanon as Israel said it carried&nbsp;out a series of retaliatory strikes inside the country, a day after a fatal attack on annexed Golan Heights killed 12 children and teens on Saturday (Jul 27).

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Manu Bhaker became India's first woman shooter to win a medal at prestigious Olympic games. The 22-year-old reached the milestone with a bronze in women's 10m air pistol event on Sunday (Jul 28) at ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Jul 28) declared his nation won't shy away from resuming production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US goes ahead with plans of deploying such missiles to Germany or elsewhere in Europe.

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Ex-US president Donald Trump has hit out at trolls and critics who directed their anger towards a "brave” and “beautiful” female Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

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In a tragic incident, three Delhi students died Saturday evening (Jul 27) after the basement of their coaching centre in the Old Rajinder Nagar area got flooded following&nbsp;heavy rains.

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/28/446149-copy-of-untitled-99.png?imwidth=400" />

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has defended the production as a symbol of 'inclusion'.

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A US tech company has&nbsp;pulled its advertisements from Paris Olympics 2024 after the opening ceremony mocked the Last Supper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-thanks-india-for-debt-relief-hopes-for-fta-with-new-delhi-745030">Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi</a> 
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Maldives president Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country.

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Kamala Harris's campaign has raised a whopping $200 million after she emerged as the frontrunner for the Democrat presidential nominee last week.

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British singer and actress Rita Ora, 33, has cancelled her scheduled performance at Campus Fesztivál on Saturday, July 27, due to an undisclosed health issue.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday it bombed Hezbollah's weapons depots and infrastructure in eastern Lebanon, in Shabriha and Burj el-Shemali near the southern city of Tyre, and the villages of Kafr Lila or Kfar Kila, Rab el-Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday it bombed Hezbollah's weapons depots and infrastructure in eastern Lebanon, in Shabriha and Burj el-Shemali near the southern city of Tyre, and the villages of Kafr Lila or Kfar Kila, Rab el-Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa. Earlier, the Israeli foreign ministry said the Lebanon-based militant group had crossed its "red line" by staging the attack in Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teens. In other developments, Manu Bhaker won India's first medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. The 22-year-old reached the milestone with a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event. Russian leader Vladimir Putin declared Sunday that Russia will resume producing intermediate-range nuclear weapons. The announcement comes after the US announced in early July that it will start “episodic deployments” of long-range US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany beginning in 2026. Click on the headlines to read more. Israeli jets bomb Hezbollah targets deep in Lebanon a day after Golan Heights attack The ongoing war in Gaza stands on the cusp of spilling into neighbouring Lebanon as Israel said it carried out a series of retaliatory strikes inside the country, a day after a fatal attack on annexed Golan Heights killed 12 children and teens on Saturday (Jul 27). Paris Games 2024: Who is Manu Bhaker - India's first woman shooter to win medal at Olympics Manu Bhaker became India's first woman shooter to win a medal at prestigious Olympic games. The 22-year-old reached the milestone with a bronze in women's 10m air pistol event on Sunday (Jul 28) at ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Tit for tat? Putin warns Russia may resume production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Jul 28) declared his nation won't shy away from resuming production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US goes ahead with plans of deploying such missiles to Germany or elsewhere in Europe. Trump praises ‘brave and beautiful’ female agent amid sexist criticism after assassination bid Ex-US president Donald Trump has hit out at trolls and critics who directed their anger towards a "brave” and “beautiful” female Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Delhi IAS coaching centre flooding: Who were the three students killed in Old Rajinder Nagar? In a tragic incident, three Delhi students died Saturday evening (Jul 27) after the basement of their coaching centre in the Old Rajinder Nagar area got flooded following heavy rains. ‘We have right not to be worshippers’: Olympics opening ceremony director defends ‘Last Supper’ parody Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has defended the production as a symbol of 'inclusion'. Paris Olympics: US tech company pulls its ads over ‘Last Supper’ mocking in opening ceremony A US tech company has pulled its advertisements from Paris Olympics 2024 after the opening ceremony mocked the Last Supper. Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi Maldives president Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Kamala Harris raised $200 million in first week of presidential campaign Kamala Harris's campaign has raised a whopping $200 million after she emerged as the frontrunner for the Democrat presidential nominee last week. Rita Ora cancels Campus Fesztivál performance due to health concerns British singer and actress Rita Ora, 33, has cancelled her scheduled performance at Campus Fesztivál on Saturday, July 27, due to an undisclosed health issue.

Top 10 world news: Manu Bhaker wins India's first medal at Paris Olympics; Israel targets Hezbollah, & more

A rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 people including children on Saturday, Israeli authorities said, blaming Hezbollah and vowing to inflict a heavy price on the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

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France has opened an investigation into the death threats received by the Israeli athletes, currently participating at the Paris Olympics, the prosecutor's office informed on Sunday (Jul 28).

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported the threatening emails directed towards three Israeli athletes, adding that the investigation will be led by the national anti-online hate body.&nbsp;

The first messages were sent to 15 athletes' emails and were signed by an entity that identified itself as “the People’s Defense Organization,” which doesn’t exist.

“The People’s Defense Organization announces that it intends to harm any Israeli presence at the Olympics. The&nbsp;Jewish lobby that controls the French Parliament won’t decide anything anymore," read the message.&nbsp;

The message warned that there would be a repeat of the events of Munich 1972 where terrorists belonging to the Black September group broke into the Olympic village and took Israel athletes hostage - eventually killing 11 and a German police officer.&nbsp;

Israel's opening ceremony flagbearer, Peter Paltchik, swimmers Meiron Amir Cheruti and several others received invitations to their own funerals as well.&nbsp;

<h2>Private details of athletes leaked</h2>

The probe has also been initiated a day after private details of Israeli athletes were leaked on Telegram in an apparent doxing cyberattack. Data including blood test results and login credentials of the athletes were leaked.&nbsp;

France’s cybercrime unit (OFAC) said it was pushing to get the data removed from social media. A hacker group named "Zeus" claimed responsibility for the cyberattack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/golan-heights-attack-israel-blames-hezbollah-retaliates-with-strikes-in-lebanon-745000">Watch |&nbsp;Golan heights attack: Israel blames Hezbollah, retaliates with strikes in Lebanon&nbsp;</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tells-joint-session-of-us-congress-israel-will-win-gaza-war-743902" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war</a>

<h2>Israel claims Iran targeting athletes</h2>

Earlier this week, the Israeli foreign minister wrote a letter to the French government, warning them of an Iranian-backed plot to attack the Israeli athletes participating in the Games.&nbsp;

Katz said the Israeli government had intelligence of the possible attack, with proxies of the Iranian terror groups looking to execute it.

“We currently have assessments regarding the potential threat posed by Iranian terrorist proxies and other terrorist organizations who aim to carry out attacks against members of the Israeli delegation and Israeli tourists during the Olympics," wrote FM&nbsp;Israel Katz.&nbsp;

So far, no links to Iran or another foreign country have been established&nbsp;according to an AFP report but the French security agencies remain&nbsp;on high alert.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

France has opened an investigation into the death threats received by the Israeli athletes, currently participating at the Paris Olympics, the prosecutor's office informed on Sunday (Jul 28).

France has opened an investigation into the death threats received by the Israeli athletes, currently participating at the Paris Olympics, the prosecutor's office informed on Sunday (Jul 28). Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported the threatening emails directed towards three Israeli athletes, adding that the investigation will be led by the national anti-online hate body. The first messages were sent to 15 athletes' emails and were signed by an entity that identified itself as “the People’s Defense Organization,” which doesn’t exist. “The People’s Defense Organization announces that it intends to harm any Israeli presence at the Olympics. The Jewish lobby that controls the French Parliament won’t decide anything anymore," read the message. The message warned that there would be a repeat of the events of Munich 1972 where terrorists belonging to the Black September group broke into the Olympic village and took Israel athletes hostage - eventually killing 11 and a German police officer. Israel's opening ceremony flagbearer, Peter Paltchik, swimmers Meiron Amir Cheruti and several others received invitations to their own funerals as well. Private details of athletes leaked The probe has also been initiated a day after private details of Israeli athletes were leaked on Telegram in an apparent doxing cyberattack. Data including blood test results and login credentials of the athletes were leaked. France’s cybercrime unit (OFAC) said it was pushing to get the data removed from social media. A hacker group named "Zeus" claimed responsibility for the cyberattack. Watch | Golan heights attack: Israel blames Hezbollah, retaliates with strikes in Lebanon × Also read | Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war Israel claims Iran targeting athletes Earlier this week, the Israeli foreign minister wrote a letter to the French government, warning them of an Iranian-backed plot to attack the Israeli athletes participating in the Games. Katz said the Israeli government had intelligence of the possible attack, with proxies of the Iranian terror groups looking to execute it. “We currently have assessments regarding the potential threat posed by Iranian terrorist proxies and other terrorist organizations who aim to carry out attacks against members of the Israeli delegation and Israeli tourists during the Olympics," wrote FM Israel Katz. So far, no links to Iran or another foreign country have been established according to an AFP report but the French security agencies remain on high alert. (With inputs from agencies)

France initiates investigation after Israeli athletes at Paris Olympics receive death threats

At least 12 killed in rocket attack in Israel's Golan Heights

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According to the survey, 52% of respondents think Biden should step down after ending his 2024 reelection bid. A Rasmussen Reports poll released on Friday revealed that a majority of likely voters in the United States believe President Joe Biden should resign.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a new warning to the West on Russian Navy Day. Russian President said Washington has risked triggering a cold war style Missile Crisis with its decision to deploy Munitions to Germany.

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US forces in the Middle East have destroyed Houthi drones in Yemen in the past 24 hours, the military said Friday. Separately, forces with the U.S. Central Command destroyed three uncrewed Houthi surface vessels operating on the Yemeni coast, CENTCOM said.

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Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office.

The Indian government has provided budget support of $50 million to the Maldives. This support was in form of a rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill, for an additional year, through the State Bank of India, Male, announced in May this year.

During this year's budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government allocated Rs 400 crore ($47.7 million) for infra development and community projects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaffirms-support-for-projects-in-maldives-741966">Also read |&nbsp;India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives</a>

The Maldives saw a significant increase in the revised Indian budget for FY 2023-2024, rising to Rs 770.90 crore ($91.9 million), indicating ongoing support for its major infrastructure projects.

The Maldives president also announced that his government is in negotiation with India to facilitate currency swap agreement.&nbsp;

This financial arrangement would enable the Maldives to address local shortages of US dollars, thereby helping the country manage its liquidity and hedge against foreign exchange risks more effectively

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maldives-review-withdrawal-of-indian-military-personnel-701519">Watch |&nbsp;India, Maldives review withdrawal of Indian military personnel</a>

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President Muizzu expressed "hope" for a free trade agreement with India. The country is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and is set to sign an FTA with Türkiye which is "nearing completion". The Maldives-Türkiye FTA would enable duty exemptions or reductions for 53 types of products.

Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office.

Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office. The Indian government has provided budget support of $50 million to the Maldives. This support was in form of a rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill, for an additional year, through the State Bank of India, Male, announced in May this year. During this year's budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government allocated Rs 400 crore ($47.7 million) for infra development and community projects. Also read | India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives The Maldives saw a significant increase in the revised Indian budget for FY 2023-2024, rising to Rs 770.90 crore ($91.9 million), indicating ongoing support for its major infrastructure projects. The Maldives president also announced that his government is in negotiation with India to facilitate currency swap agreement. This financial arrangement would enable the Maldives to address local shortages of US dollars, thereby helping the country manage its liquidity and hedge against foreign exchange risks more effectively Watch | India, Maldives review withdrawal of Indian military personnel × President Muizzu expressed "hope" for a free trade agreement with India. The country is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and is set to sign an FTA with Türkiye which is "nearing completion". The Maldives-Türkiye FTA would enable duty exemptions or reductions for 53 types of products.

Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi

Intense wildfires have been sweeping across paths of the United States and Canada. Town after town has been ravaged by the Wildfire. The raging wildfires have sent plumes of smoke and have scorched swathes of land forcing massive evacuations and road closures as well as destroying and threatening structures.

Wildfires sweep across US and Canada

Italy will appoint an ambassador to Syria more than a decade since it exited the country due to President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly crackdown on protesters and subsequent civil war.

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Australian Ariarne Titmus defended her Olympic 400 metres freestyle title on Saturday after the world's three fastest women over the distance fought a thrilling battle in the Paris pool. Canadian 17-year-old Summer McIntosh took the silver and Katie Ledecky of the United States the bronze.

Paris Olympics 2024: Ariarne Titmus defends 400m freestyle title with Paris gold

The Russian Navy celebrated its Navy day today with grand Naval parades and Military Sports festivals in St Petersburg. Up to 200 ships and boats are showcased in the parade.

Grand Parade at Russian Navy Day celebrations

More Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is better suited to lead the country than Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, former premier Naftali Bennett, and National Unity chair Benny Gantz, according to a new television poll published Friday.

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Ex-US president Donald Trump has hit out at trolls and critics who directed their anger towards a "brave” and “beautiful” female Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Speaking at a rally in Minnesota on Saturday (Jul 27), he asserted that the female agent was willing to "take a bullet” for him.

“There wasn't one that was slow, a woman that was on my right, a beautiful person,” Trump said while defending the woman.

“She got criticised by the fake news because she wasn't tall enough. She was so brave, she was shielding me with everything, she wanted to take a bullet,” the GOP leader further stated.

<h2>Criticism on social media</h2>

Following the attempt on Trump's life, several prominent personalities, from Tesla boss Elon Musk to Daily Wire show host Matt Walsh, blasted the Secret Service and even voiced their opposition to hiring female agents.

“There should not be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women,” wrote Walsh on X.

Musk also spoke against hiring a "small person" to defend a large man like Trump.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwik9rnm_8mHAxUve2wGHXFYMvIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kamala-harris-for-president-after-biden-exits-race-vice-president-enters-what-are-her-chances-743300" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kamala-harris-for-president-after-biden-exits-race-vice-president-enters-what-are-her-chances-743300&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik9rnm_8mHAxUve2wGHXFYMvIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win?</a>

“Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn't cover the subject. Could be a man or a woman, to be clear, just needs to be large enough to do the job,” the US billionaire wrote.

As per available data, around 24 per cent of the total 8,000 Secret Service agency employees are women.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwik9rnm_8mHAxUve2wGHXFYMvIQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trump-assassination-attempt-it-didnt-kill-him-but-will-it-make-him-stronger-740696" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trump-assassination-attempt-it-didnt-kill-him-but-will-it-make-him-stronger-740696&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik9rnm_8mHAxUve2wGHXFYMvIQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Trump assassination attempt: It didn`t kill him, but will it make him stronger?</a>

Earlier, several female agents dismissed criticism by saying the road to becoming a presidential protection agent was arduous and involved as intense physical exercise as their male counterparts.

“It goes back to: Can you do what is being asked of you? And if you can, there is no way they should be discriminating against women to say you can’t,” former agent Melanie Burkholder was quoted as saying by NBC News.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ex-US president Donald Trump has hit out at trolls and critics who directed their anger towards a "brave” and “beautiful” female Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

Ex-US president Donald Trump has hit out at trolls and critics who directed their anger towards a "brave” and “beautiful” female Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Speaking at a rally in Minnesota on Saturday (Jul 27), he asserted that the female agent was willing to "take a bullet” for him. “There wasn't one that was slow, a woman that was on my right, a beautiful person,” Trump said while defending the woman. “She got criticised by the fake news because she wasn't tall enough. She was so brave, she was shielding me with everything, she wanted to take a bullet,” the GOP leader further stated. Criticism on social media Following the attempt on Trump's life, several prominent personalities, from Tesla boss Elon Musk to Daily Wire show host Matt Walsh, blasted the Secret Service and even voiced their opposition to hiring female agents. “There should not be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women,” wrote Walsh on X. Musk also spoke against hiring a "small person" to defend a large man like Trump. Also read: Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win? “Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn't cover the subject. Could be a man or a woman, to be clear, just needs to be large enough to do the job,” the US billionaire wrote. As per available data, around 24 per cent of the total 8,000 Secret Service agency employees are women. Also read: Trump assassination attempt: It didn`t kill him, but will it make him stronger? Earlier, several female agents dismissed criticism by saying the road to becoming a presidential protection agent was arduous and involved as intense physical exercise as their male counterparts. “It goes back to: Can you do what is being asked of you? And if you can, there is no way they should be discriminating against women to say you can’t,” former agent Melanie Burkholder was quoted as saying by NBC News. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump praises ‘brave and beautiful’ female agent amid sexist criticism after assassination bid

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has defended the production as a symbol of 'inclusion'. Jolly's vision included a parody of the 'Last Supper' with drag queens, transgenders and naked dancers involved&nbsp;which invited worldwide criticism.&nbsp;

Addressing the reporters on Sunday (Jul 28), Jolly said 'diversity' was the key point of the opening ceremony and this&nbsp;is what his production intended to achieve.&nbsp;

“Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” Jolly said.

Jolly, a French native from Normandy, who works as a theatre artist added that France was a free country and that it was artistic freedom on display during the ceremony.&nbsp;

“We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that. In France, we have freedom of creation, artistic freedom. We are lucky in France to live in a free country. I didn’t have any specific messages that I wanted to deliver," said Jolly.&nbsp;

"In France, we are a republic, we have the right to love whom we want, we have the right not to be worshippers, we have a lot of rights in France, and this is what I wanted to convey," he added.&nbsp;

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This is crazy. Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples at the The Last Supper with men in drag. There are 2.4 billion Christians on earth and apparently the Olympics wanted to declare loudly to all of them, right out of the gate 
NOT WELCOME <a href="https://t.co/T88AmXbqXL">pic.twitter.com/T88AmXbqXL</a>
— Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/LibertyLockPod/status/1816938415822159951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Paris Olympics: First-of-its-kind ceremony on river Seine

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<h2>Paris 2024 organisers apologise&nbsp;</h2>

While Jolly defended the ceremony, Paris 2024 organisers apologised to Catholics and other Christian groups angered after various artists&nbsp;posed&nbsp;like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles from Leonardo da Vinci's painting.&nbsp;

"Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance," Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference.

"We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-olympics-us-tech-company-pulls-its-ads-after-opening-ceremony-mocked-last-supper-744966">Also read |&nbsp;Paris Olympics: US tech company pulls its ads over ‘Last Supper’ mocking in opening ceremony</a>

The&nbsp; Catholic church in France had deplored the ceremony saying it "included&nbsp;scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity".

Meanwhile, Archbishop&nbsp;Charles Scicluna, the highest-ranking Catholic official in Malta and part of the Vatican's&nbsp;powerful doctrinal office said he had France's ambassador to Malta to complain about the "gratuitous insult".

(More to follow)

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has defended the production as a symbol of 'inclusion'. Jolly's vision included a parody of the 'Last Supper' with drag queens, transgenders and naked dancers involved which invited worldwide criticism.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has defended the production as a symbol of 'inclusion'. Jolly's vision included a parody of the 'Last Supper' with drag queens, transgenders and naked dancers involved which invited worldwide criticism. Addressing the reporters on Sunday (Jul 28), Jolly said 'diversity' was the key point of the opening ceremony and this is what his production intended to achieve. “Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” Jolly said. Jolly, a French native from Normandy, who works as a theatre artist added that France was a free country and that it was artistic freedom on display during the ceremony. “We wanted to include everyone, as simple as that. In France, we have freedom of creation, artistic freedom. We are lucky in France to live in a free country. I didn’t have any specific messages that I wanted to deliver," said Jolly. "In France, we are a republic, we have the right to love whom we want, we have the right not to be worshippers, we have a lot of rights in France, and this is what I wanted to convey," he added. This is crazy. Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples at the The Last Supper with men in drag. There are 2.4 billion Christians on earth and apparently the Olympics wanted to declare loudly to all of them, right out of the gate NOT WELCOME pic.twitter.com/T88AmXbqXL — Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) July 26, 2024 × Watch | Paris Olympics: First-of-its-kind ceremony on river Seine Paris 2024 organisers apologise While Jolly defended the ceremony, Paris 2024 organisers apologised to Catholics and other Christian groups angered after various artists posed like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles from Leonardo da Vinci's painting. "Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance," Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference. "We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry." Also read | Paris Olympics: US tech company pulls its ads over ‘Last Supper’ mocking in opening ceremony The Catholic church in France had deplored the ceremony saying it "included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity". Meanwhile, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the highest-ranking Catholic official in Malta and part of the Vatican's powerful doctrinal office said he had France's ambassador to Malta to complain about the "gratuitous insult". (More to follow)

‘We have right not to be worshippers’: Olympics opening ceremony director defends ‘Last Supper’ parody

At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir-al Balah, central Gaza, where thousands were sheltering, Palestinian officials said.

Israel-Hamas war: 30 killed in Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza: Palestinian officials

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave Sunday (Jul 28) his official endorsement of Masoud Pezeshkian as the Islamic Republic's ninth president, following snap elections won by the reformist camp's candidate.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave Sunday (Jul 28) his official endorsement of Masoud Pezeshkian as the Islamic Republic's ninth president, following snap elections won by the reformist camp's candidate. In a message read by the director of Khamenei's office, he said: "I endorse the vote (for) the wise, honest, popular and scholarly Mr Pezeshkian, and I am appointing him as the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran". The new reformist president is due to be sworn in before parliament on Tuesday. The endorsement ceremony was held in the capital Tehran in the presence of senior Iranian officials and foreign diplomats, and broadcast on state TV. It took place as banks and most government offices were ordered shut nationwide on Sunday to tackle an extreme heatwave. Following the event, acting president Mohammad Mokhber handed over official responsibilities to 69-year-old Pezeshkian. Later Sunday, Pezeshkian appointed reformist Mohammad Reza Aref, 72, as his first vice president, according to an announcement carried by state TV. Aref has represented Tehran in parliament and served as first vice president and communications minister under Iran's last reformist president Mohammad Khatami, who held office from 1997 to 2005. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and parliament member for the northwestern city of Tabriz since 2008, was Khatami's health minister. On July 5, the reformist candidate won a runoff race against the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili to replace president Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in May. Pezeshkian secured more than 16 million votes, or about 54 per cent of the roughly 30 million ballots cast. Turnout in the runoff election stood at 49.8 per cent, up from a record low of about 40 per cent in the first round, according to Iran's electoral authority. Jalili attended Sunday's ceremony, as did former moderate president Hassan Rouhani who had backed Pezeshkian's presidential bid along with Iran's main reformist coalition. Watch | Iran: Khamenei grants Pezeshkian Presidential powers × 'Bad attitude' Pezeshkian was the only candidate representing Iran's reformist camp allowed to stand in the election, for which all contenders were approved by the conservative-dominated Guardian Council. Iran's president is not head of state, and the ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader -- a post held by Khamenei for the last 35 years. Following Khamenei's official endorsement, Pezeshkian thanked the leader and the Iranian people, vowing to carry the "heavy burden" of the presidency. The election came against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions since the Gaza war began in early October, disputes with Western powers over Iran's nuclear programme and domestic discontent over the state of the sanctions-hit economy. During the ceremony, Khamenei urged the upcoming administration to form an "active and effective" response to regional developments, adding that diplomacy must prioritise neighbouring nations. "We have no intention to oppose some European countries. The reason I didn't mention European countries as a priority is that they have not treated us well for many years," he added. "If they don't have this bad attitude, then (ties with Europe) would be one of our priorities." On the campaign trail, Pezeshkian had pledged to try to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with the United States and other world powers, which imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear activity in return for sanctions relief. The deal collapsed in 2018 after Washington withdrew from it. Pezeshkian has in a recent article called for "constructive relations" with European countries, even though he accused them of reneging on commitments to mitigate the impact of US sanctions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran's supreme leader Khamenei formally endorses Pezeshkian as president

Former President Donald Trump on Saturday slammed Vice President Kamala Harris over the Biden administration’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation and announced a sweeping set of industry-friendly policies, as he sought to win over the bitcoin faithful.

US elections: Trump vows to make US 'Crypto Capital'

The Biden administration was reportedly ready to resume nuclear talks with Iran. The report claims that an informed source in the Iranian Supreme National Security Council confirmed that US officials a few days ago on Tuesday said the Biden administration is willing to negotiate a return to the nuclear agreement concluded in 2015 after introducing minor amendments to it.

US ready to resume nuclear talks with Iran: Report

A US tech company has&nbsp;pulled its advertisements from Paris Olympics 2024 after the opening ceremony mocked the Last Supper. Drag queens and dancers performed a parody of the Leonardo da Vinci's mural painting, which brought flak from all quarters.&nbsp;

Mississippi-based telecommunications and technology company, C Spire, said it was cutting ties after being shocked by the events on the opening night.&nbsp;

“We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics,” the company posted on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;

Company president and CEO Suzy Hays said:&nbsp;“C Spire is supportive of our athletes who have worked so hard to be a part of the Olympics. However, we will not be a part of the offensive and unacceptable mockery of the Last Supper, which is why we’re pulling our advertising from the Olympics.”

It remains unclear what form of advertisements were pulled or how much C Spire spent to be part of the Olympics.&nbsp;

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We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics.
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Watch |&nbsp;Paris Olympics: First-of-its-kind ceremony on river Seine

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<h2>Apology issued</h2>

Meanwhile, the Olympics on Sunday (Jul 28) released a statement apologising to Catholics and other Christian groups who were angered by the events of the opening ceremony.&nbsp;

"Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance," Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference.

"We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/blasphemy-and-insult-paris-olympics-draws-backlash-for-last-supper-drag-performance-744681">Also read |&nbsp;'Blasphemy and Insult': Paris Olympics draws backlash for 'Last Supper' drag performance</a>

The particular segment of the opening ceremony was aimed to be a big moment for queer and drag representation. However, when the performers&nbsp;gathered at a table set against the backdrop of the Seine River and posed&nbsp;like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles in the painting - it came across as distasteful and disingenuous.&nbsp;

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, defended the production as a symbol of “inclusion".&nbsp;

“Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” Jolly said.

The netizens, however, did not agree and censured the production for not being anywhere related to the Olympics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A US tech company has pulled its advertisements from Paris Olympics 2024 after the opening ceremony mocked the Last Supper. Drag queens and dancers performed a parody of the Leonardo da Vinci's mural painting, which brought flak from all quarters.

A US tech company has pulled its advertisements from Paris Olympics 2024 after the opening ceremony mocked the Last Supper. Drag queens and dancers performed a parody of the Leonardo da Vinci's mural painting, which brought flak from all quarters. Mississippi-based telecommunications and technology company, C Spire, said it was cutting ties after being shocked by the events on the opening night. “We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics,” the company posted on X, formerly Twitter. Company president and CEO Suzy Hays said: “C Spire is supportive of our athletes who have worked so hard to be a part of the Olympics. However, we will not be a part of the offensive and unacceptable mockery of the Last Supper, which is why we’re pulling our advertising from the Olympics.” It remains unclear what form of advertisements were pulled or how much C Spire spent to be part of the Olympics. We were shocked by the mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. C Spire will be pulling our advertising from the Olympics. — C Spire (@CSpire) July 27, 2024 × Watch | Paris Olympics: First-of-its-kind ceremony on river Seine × Apology issued Meanwhile, the Olympics on Sunday (Jul 28) released a statement apologising to Catholics and other Christian groups who were angered by the events of the opening ceremony. "Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. (The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance," Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference. "We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence we are really sorry." Also read | 'Blasphemy and Insult': Paris Olympics draws backlash for 'Last Supper' drag performance The particular segment of the opening ceremony was aimed to be a big moment for queer and drag representation. However, when the performers gathered at a table set against the backdrop of the Seine River and posed like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles in the painting - it came across as distasteful and disingenuous. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, defended the production as a symbol of “inclusion". “Our subject was not to be subversive. We never wanted to be subversive. We wanted to talk about diversity. Diversity means being together,” Jolly said. The netizens, however, did not agree and censured the production for not being anywhere related to the Olympics. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Olympics: US tech company pulls its ads over ‘Last Supper’ mocking in opening ceremony

India kicked off their Paris Olympics 2024 hockey campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win against New Zealand on Saturday.

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian men's hockey team beats NZ 3-2 in their opening match

Three aspiring civil servants died after they were trapped in the flooded basement of a coaching centre in Delhi's Old Rajendra Nagar on Saturday. Watch to know more.

India: 3 UPSC aspirants dead as coaching centre’s basement gets flooded in Delhi

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