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Russian President Vladimir Putin's former judo partner Arkady Rotenberg has gained a partial victory in a court battle, which had been continuing for eight years, over a Surrey mansion worth £27 million.&nbsp;

The mansion has been the centre of contention in the divorce the Russian billionaire is seeking from a ballerina.

Billionaire gas pipe tycoon Rotenberg, whose entry into the United Kingdom has been banned under sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine, has been fighting with Natalia Rotenberg in the London courts since 2016.

The matrimonial home at the centre of the dispute includes a 42ft swimming pool, cinema, staff quarters, wine cellar, games and an underground garage to park six limousines.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-hints-russia-to-start-making-previously-banned-nuclear-capable-missiles-736139">Vladimir Putin hints Russia to start making previously banned nuclear-capable missiles</a>

A fresh set of financial sanctions was imposed by British ministers in 2020 on 73-year-old Rotenberg, who is believed to be one of the richest people in the world after he was seen to have “benefited from Russian decision-makers responsible for the annexation of Crimea or the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine”.

<h2>Here's what the court said over the property dispute</h2>

Justice Peel, after listening to the case in the High Court, ruled that the 43-year-old former wife of the tycoon had lost all claims on the property after they left the United Kingdom and did not engage with the litigation in the past two years.

Justice Peel said that Rotenberg "is well known as a close associate of President Putin," and added that after the divorce was granted by the court in 2016, Rotenberg left the UK in 2018 along with the children and did not return.

"Since then, she has remarried an Armenian citizen and herself obtained Armenian citizenship. She is permanently resident there and runs a business in the capital. Since July 2022 there has been no engagement by her or by lawyers in this country on her behalf. I am confident this was not due to lack of resources, not least because she received £8.65m from Mr Rotenberg in 2016," the judge said.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

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"I am told that she is in dispute with former solicitors in this country. In the course of those proceedings, she has not attended court, has breached numerous orders and has had a 21-day sentence of imprisonment imposed on her for contempt of court, which is yet to be enforced," he added.&nbsp;

"Mrs Rotenberg's application for...a declaration that Mr Rotenberg is the beneficial owner of the property (is) automatically dismissed. She has not engaged either with the court or the other parties since mid-2022, save for a brief email from French lawyers from which nothing ensued," the judge further stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's former judo partner Arkady Rotenberg has gained a partial victory in a court battle, which had been continuing for eight years, over a Surrey mansion worth £27 million.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's former judo partner Arkady Rotenberg has gained a partial victory in a court battle, which had been continuing for eight years, over a Surrey mansion worth £27 million. The mansion has been the centre of contention in the divorce the Russian billionaire is seeking from a ballerina. Billionaire gas pipe tycoon Rotenberg, whose entry into the United Kingdom has been banned under sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine, has been fighting with Natalia Rotenberg in the London courts since 2016. The matrimonial home at the centre of the dispute includes a 42ft swimming pool, cinema, staff quarters, wine cellar, games and an underground garage to park six limousines. Also Read: Vladimir Putin hints Russia to start making previously banned nuclear-capable missiles A fresh set of financial sanctions was imposed by British ministers in 2020 on 73-year-old Rotenberg, who is believed to be one of the richest people in the world after he was seen to have “benefited from Russian decision-makers responsible for the annexation of Crimea or the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine”. Here's what the court said over the property dispute Justice Peel, after listening to the case in the High Court, ruled that the 43-year-old former wife of the tycoon had lost all claims on the property after they left the United Kingdom and did not engage with the litigation in the past two years. Justice Peel said that Rotenberg "is well known as a close associate of President Putin," and added that after the divorce was granted by the court in 2016, Rotenberg left the UK in 2018 along with the children and did not return. "Since then, she has remarried an Armenian citizen and herself obtained Armenian citizenship. She is permanently resident there and runs a business in the capital. Since July 2022 there has been no engagement by her or by lawyers in this country on her behalf. I am confident this was not due to lack of resources, not least because she received £8.65m from Mr Rotenberg in 2016," the judge said. Watch: Indian PM to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "I am told that she is in dispute with former solicitors in this country. In the course of those proceedings, she has not attended court, has breached numerous orders and has had a 21-day sentence of imprisonment imposed on her for contempt of court, which is yet to be enforced," he added. "Mrs Rotenberg's application for...a declaration that Mr Rotenberg is the beneficial owner of the property (is) automatically dismissed. She has not engaged either with the court or the other parties since mid-2022, save for a brief email from French lawyers from which nothing ensued," the judge further stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladamir Putin’s judo partner defeats his ex-wife not in the ring but...

Headlines of the hour: - IDF recovers bodies of five hostages - Israeli team postpones Qatar talks - Obama to endorse VP Kamala Harris soon? - UK: Outrage over police beating men - South Korea: Balloons disrupt flights - Philippine-flagged tanker capsizes - Typhoon Gaemi: Taiwan capital remains shut - Boeing pleads guilty

Typhoon Gaemi: Taiwan capital remains shut | Boeing pleads guilty

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Israel-Hamas war as a "clash between barbarism and civilisation" in an address to the United States Congress as over a thousand demonstrators protested outside the US Capitol against Israeli military operations in Gaza.&nbsp;

"This is a fight between those glorify death and those who sanctify life," the Israeli PM&nbsp;told the US Congress in an address boycotted by top Democrats but euphorically welcomed by the Republicans.&nbsp;

Netanyahu appealed for his country and the United States to stand together in a landmark speech aimed at rallying support in a US Congress split over his military campaign in Gaza.

"For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together," the Israeli PM&nbsp;said, after arriving to applause and cheers from Republicans and a much more muted reception from Democrats.

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Iran is "virtually behind all the terrorism" in the Middle East, Netanyahu claimed&nbsp;and said&nbsp;the US is the "guardian of western civilization" that stands in the way of Iran's "maniacal plans".

The Israeli leader then takes&nbsp;members of the US Congress through the history of Iran and its relationship with the US since 1979, and says that Tehran "understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East" by using "its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas".&nbsp;

Netanyahu said Israel is standing in the way of Iran's ambitions in the region.&nbsp;

"When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America," he said.

Netanyahu said Israel is committed to returning its citizens to northern Israel and it would "prefer to achieve this diplomatically".&nbsp;

But Israel "will do whatever it must do to restore security to our northern border and return our people safely to their homes”, he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said that Israel will achieve "total victory" against Hamas&nbsp;and that it will settle for "nothing less".

Total victory, Netanyahu said, means that Israel will fight until it destroys Hamas’ military capability, ends its rule in Gaza, and frees all the hostages from the Palestinian militant group's&nbsp;captivity.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, while referring to the post-war Gaza said, that his vision for the blockaded Palestinian enclave is that of a "demilitarised and de-radicalized Gaza."

"Israel does not seek to settle Gaza. But for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror, to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel," the Israeli PM&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Israel-Hamas war as a "clash between barbarism and civilisation" in an address to the United States Congress as over a thousand demonstrators protested outside the US Capitol against Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Israel-Hamas war as a "clash between barbarism and civilisation" in an address to the United States Congress as over a thousand demonstrators protested outside the US Capitol against Israeli military operations in Gaza. "This is a fight between those glorify death and those who sanctify life," the Israeli PM told the US Congress in an address boycotted by top Democrats but euphorically welcomed by the Republicans. Netanyahu appealed for his country and the United States to stand together in a landmark speech aimed at rallying support in a US Congress split over his military campaign in Gaza. "For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together," the Israeli PM said, after arriving to applause and cheers from Republicans and a much more muted reception from Democrats. Also read | ‘Arrest war criminal’: Protests break out as Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses US Congress Iran is "virtually behind all the terrorism" in the Middle East, Netanyahu claimed and said the US is the "guardian of western civilization" that stands in the way of Iran's "maniacal plans". The Israeli leader then takes members of the US Congress through the history of Iran and its relationship with the US since 1979, and says that Tehran "understands that to truly challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East" by using "its many proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas". Netanyahu said Israel is standing in the way of Iran's ambitions in the region. "When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America," he said. Netanyahu said Israel is committed to returning its citizens to northern Israel and it would "prefer to achieve this diplomatically". But Israel "will do whatever it must do to restore security to our northern border and return our people safely to their homes”, he said. Netanyahu said that Israel will achieve "total victory" against Hamas and that it will settle for "nothing less". Total victory, Netanyahu said, means that Israel will fight until it destroys Hamas’ military capability, ends its rule in Gaza, and frees all the hostages from the Palestinian militant group's captivity. Netanyahu, while referring to the post-war Gaza said, that his vision for the blockaded Palestinian enclave is that of a "demilitarised and de-radicalized Gaza." "Israel does not seek to settle Gaza. But for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror, to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel," the Israeli PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war

Ukraine's foreign minister said Wednesday that he is seeking “common ground” in talks with his Chinese counterpart on ending his country’s war with Russia. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine Foreign Minister meets Chinese counterpart, China urges political settlement of crisis

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of attacks against his new opponent Vice President Kamala Harris; called her new victim to defeat, and accused her of deceiving Joe Biden's ability to run for a second term.

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Faced with a rapidly ageing population and a pension crisis, China plans to increase its extremely low retirement age, allowing people to work longer.

Presently, men in urban areas can retire at 60 and are eligible to receive a pension from state-backed funds.

While the retirement age for female urban workers is 50 or 55 depending on their occupation.

However, the rural residents in China fall under a different retirement system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-talks-to-america-in-his-last-oval-office-address-743917">Biden endorses Kamala Harris, slams Trump in Oval Office address</a>

The announcement of Beijing's plans to raise the retirement age on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;21) has provoked strong criticism.

“In accord with the principles of voluntariness and flexibility, we will gradually and systematically advance the reform of progressively delaying the legal retirement age,” China’s ruling Communist Party said on Sunday.

Notably, the plan, together with crucial reforms, was officially released in a resolution which was issued three days after the conclusion of China's third plenum—a significant political conference held every five years in Beijing.

The country already struggling with a declining birth rate and an ageing population, and the policymakers have been discussing increasing the retirement age for over a decade.

At the 2013 plenum, a top decision-making body of the Communist Party said that it is now essential to come up with a policy to delay the retirement age.&nbsp;

Though the government did not officially announce any details over the weekend, however, according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences released in December last year, a top government think tank estimated that the retirement age will be revised to 65 years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-killed-mostly-children-in-papua-new-guinea-village-attacks-un-743924">At least 26 killed, mostly children, in Papua New Guinea village attacks: UN</a>

Interestingly, in 2019, the same think tank predicted that China’s state pension fund would run dry by 2035 because of its declining workforce.&nbsp;

It may be mentioned here, that in early 2023, widespread protests erupted in several major urban centres as elderly residents rallied against significant reductions in their medical benefits.

Driven by concerns that local authorities were raiding their personal pension accounts to address state pension fund deficits, retirees expressed their outrage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Faced with a rapidly ageing population and a pension crisis, China plans to increase its extremely low retirement age, allowing people to work longer. Presently, men in urban areas can retire at 60 and are eligible to receive a pension from state-backed funds.

Faced with a rapidly ageing population and a pension crisis, China plans to increase its extremely low retirement age, allowing people to work longer. Presently, men in urban areas can retire at 60 and are eligible to receive a pension from state-backed funds. While the retirement age for female urban workers is 50 or 55 depending on their occupation. However, the rural residents in China fall under a different retirement system. Also read: Biden endorses Kamala Harris, slams Trump in Oval Office address The announcement of Beijing's plans to raise the retirement age on Sunday (Jul 21) has provoked strong criticism. “In accord with the principles of voluntariness and flexibility, we will gradually and systematically advance the reform of progressively delaying the legal retirement age,” China’s ruling Communist Party said on Sunday. Notably, the plan, together with crucial reforms, was officially released in a resolution which was issued three days after the conclusion of China's third plenum—a significant political conference held every five years in Beijing. The country already struggling with a declining birth rate and an ageing population, and the policymakers have been discussing increasing the retirement age for over a decade. At the 2013 plenum, a top decision-making body of the Communist Party said that it is now essential to come up with a policy to delay the retirement age. Though the government did not officially announce any details over the weekend, however, according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences released in December last year, a top government think tank estimated that the retirement age will be revised to 65 years. Also read: At least 26 killed, mostly children, in Papua New Guinea village attacks: UN Interestingly, in 2019, the same think tank predicted that China’s state pension fund would run dry by 2035 because of its declining workforce. It may be mentioned here, that in early 2023, widespread protests erupted in several major urban centres as elderly residents rallied against significant reductions in their medical benefits. Driven by concerns that local authorities were raiding their personal pension accounts to address state pension fund deficits, retirees expressed their outrage. (With inputs from agencies)

Delayed retirements: China's answer to pension woes

India is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Kargil war on July 26. The Indian Army is celebrating the success, valour and sacrifice of its soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil war.

India set to celebrate silver jubilee of Kargil War victory

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised and promised reforms on Wednesday after a public inquiry found some 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the last 70 years.

New Zealand PM promises reform after inquiry finds 200,000 abused in care

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel. Several investigations have also said that people were raped and abused by the militants. Now one of the male victims has spoken about the horrors he endured at the music festival that was one of the sites attacked by Hamas.&nbsp;

As per local Channel 12, the victim, identified as "D", recounted the sexual assault committed by the militants on him and others at the Supernova music festival. He talked about how the Nukhba unit massacred, kidnapped and raped innocent people who were just moments ago enjoying themselves. The victim's face wasn't shown and his voice was distorted to keep his identity safe.

D said that he was pinned to the ground, and as he tried to resist, they took his clothes off. "They take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you,” he said.&nbsp;

He recalled the militants "laughing and celebrating" as people around them were dying. They were also "wildly intoxicated" and celebrating "with their pistols, with their knives.”&nbsp;

“There is a circle, [people] laugh, and you don’t know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation,” he said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tells-joint-session-of-us-congress-israel-will-win-gaza-war-743902">Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war</a>

The assault only stopped when other members of their team told them to move on with the terrorist attack.&nbsp;

Nearly 360 people lost their lives at the Supernova music festival, with many more taken hostage. D says he was rescued by the Israel Defense Forces. &nbsp;

He says the incident has left him "obsessed with cleanliness". “[I take] a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened,” he said.&nbsp;

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<h2>Lawsuit against the state</h2>

 
D is one of over 100 survivors who have filed a lawsuit against the state. His testimony of the sexual assault is part of the suit under which those who were at the festival and survived are demanding more than $137 million in government support. They argue that the incident has left them unable to continue with their normal lives. The Israeli police have also been collecting statements of survivors to document the scope of sexual assaults committed by Hamas.

A United Nations report completed earlier this year also found that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations." It also states that the hostages also endured sexual abuse.

(With inputs from agencies)

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel. Several investigations have also said that people were raped and abused by the militants. Now one of the male victims has spoken about the horrors he endured at the music festival that was one of the sites attacked by Hamas. As per local Channel 12, the victim, identified as "D", recounted the sexual assault committed by the militants on him and others at the Supernova music festival. He talked about how the Nukhba unit massacred, kidnapped and raped innocent people who were just moments ago enjoying themselves. The victim's face wasn't shown and his voice was distorted to keep his identity safe. D said that he was pinned to the ground, and as he tried to resist, they took his clothes off. "They take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you,” he said. He recalled the militants "laughing and celebrating" as people around them were dying. They were also "wildly intoxicated" and celebrating "with their pistols, with their knives.” “There is a circle, [people] laugh, and you don’t know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation,” he said. Also Read: Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war The assault only stopped when other members of their team told them to move on with the terrorist attack. Nearly 360 people lost their lives at the Supernova music festival, with many more taken hostage. D says he was rescued by the Israel Defense Forces. He says the incident has left him "obsessed with cleanliness". “[I take] a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened,” he said. × Lawsuit against the state D is one of over 100 survivors who have filed a lawsuit against the state. His testimony of the sexual assault is part of the suit under which those who were at the festival and survived are demanding more than $137 million in government support. They argue that the incident has left them unable to continue with their normal lives. The Israeli police have also been collecting statements of survivors to document the scope of sexual assaults committed by Hamas. A United Nations report completed earlier this year also found that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations." It also states that the hostages also endured sexual abuse. (With inputs from agencies)

Male rape survivor speaks about horrifying ordeal as Hamas attacked Supernova festival

As a part of its deal with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve a probe into fatal 737 MAX crashes, Boeing is set to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, said a court filing Wednesday (Jul 24).

The agreement was reached after the prosecutors determined that Boeing had flouted the terms of a settlement made previously surrounding the earlier accidents that had in total claimed the lives of 346 people in Ethiopia as well as Indonesia more than five years ago.

The plea deal, which calls for Boeing to pay an additional amount of $243.6 million along with a previous fine of the same money, must be approved by a federal court judge.&nbsp;

"We will continue to work transparently with our regulators as we take significant actions across Boeing to further strengthen our safety, quality and compliance programs," a spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer told news agency AFP while confirming the court filing.

The high-profile deal comes after the DOJ, in the month of May, found out that Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) as it failed to strengthen its compliance and ethics program after the deadly MAX crashes.

Boeing breached the DPA "by failing to sufficiently design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of US fraud laws throughout its operations," the prosecutor said in court documents.

According to the filing, Boeing connived to trick US air traffic safety regulators regarding the Max 737 while it was being certified.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-avoids-criminal-trial-over-737-max-crashes-after-accepting-plead-deal-738824">Also read:&nbsp;Boeing avoids criminal trial over 737 Max crashes after accepting plea deal</a>

The company, in April 2019, admitted that anti-stall flight software was partly responsible for the crashes.

As per the plea deal, Boeing will have to serve three years of "organizational probation".

The terms of the agreement include having an independent monitor along with investing at least $455 million in compliance, quality and safety programs, according to the filing.

<h2>'Unfair deal'</h2>

The families of the victims of the fatal crashes, however, have raised objections to the deal stating that it "unfairly makes concessions to Boeing that other criminal defendants would never receive."

The plea deal also requires the company's board of directors to meet the families of victims who lost their lives in the fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes.

"The generous plea agreement rests on deceptive and offensive premises," said an objection filed by their legal team when word of the plea deal first surfaced.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a part of its deal with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve a probe into fatal 737 MAX crashes, Boeing is set to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, said a court filing Wednesday (Jul 24).

As a part of its deal with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve a probe into fatal 737 MAX crashes, Boeing is set to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, said a court filing Wednesday (Jul 24). The agreement was reached after the prosecutors determined that Boeing had flouted the terms of a settlement made previously surrounding the earlier accidents that had in total claimed the lives of 346 people in Ethiopia as well as Indonesia more than five years ago. The plea deal, which calls for Boeing to pay an additional amount of $243.6 million along with a previous fine of the same money, must be approved by a federal court judge. "We will continue to work transparently with our regulators as we take significant actions across Boeing to further strengthen our safety, quality and compliance programs," a spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer told news agency AFP while confirming the court filing. The high-profile deal comes after the DOJ, in the month of May, found out that Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) as it failed to strengthen its compliance and ethics program after the deadly MAX crashes. Boeing breached the DPA "by failing to sufficiently design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of US fraud laws throughout its operations," the prosecutor said in court documents. According to the filing, Boeing connived to trick US air traffic safety regulators regarding the Max 737 while it was being certified. Also read: Boeing avoids criminal trial over 737 Max crashes after accepting plea deal The company, in April 2019, admitted that anti-stall flight software was partly responsible for the crashes. As per the plea deal, Boeing will have to serve three years of "organizational probation". The terms of the agreement include having an independent monitor along with investing at least $455 million in compliance, quality and safety programs, according to the filing. 'Unfair deal' The families of the victims of the fatal crashes, however, have raised objections to the deal stating that it "unfairly makes concessions to Boeing that other criminal defendants would never receive." The plea deal also requires the company's board of directors to meet the families of victims who lost their lives in the fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes. "The generous plea agreement rests on deceptive and offensive premises," said an objection filed by their legal team when word of the plea deal first surfaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing finalises guilty plea deal over fatal 737 MAX crashes

Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai will take the witness stand for the first time in November in a high-profile national security trial that sees him accused of sedition, a court said Thursday.

The charges against Lai–founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily–revolve around the newspaper's publications, which supported the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and criticised Beijing's leadership.&nbsp;

Besides sedition, the 76-year-old is also accused of two counts of colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.&nbsp;

Lai, who pleaded not guilty to the charges in a trial that started in January, "elects to give evidence in this case", said his lawyer Robert Pang.&nbsp;

His testimony will start in November and could run for weeks, said Esther Toh, one of the three senior judges handpicked by the Hong Kong government to try security cases.

Lai has been in custody for more than 1,300 days.

Following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, Beijing imposed a sweeping security law to quell dissent -- which includes the charge of collusion that carries a life sentence.&nbsp;

The prosecution has so far called eight witnesses and played over 40 hours of Lai's talk shows and video interviews since January to mount a case against him and eight others.

Dozens of Hong Kong and foreign politicians and scholars -- including former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- were named as his foreign contacts and "agents".

But Lai's lawyer argued Wednesday that the prosecution failed to prove he had continued to call for sanctions after Beijing criminalised such advocacy with the security law.

Judges on Thursday ruled against Lai's defence team, calling on him to answer to all charges.&nbsp;

The other defendants in the case are six former executives of the newspaper and two activists, as well as three Apple Daily companies that have been taken over by the Hong Kong government.

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&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai will take the witness stand for the first time in November in a high-profile national security trial that sees him accused of sedition, a court said Thursday.

Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai will take the witness stand for the first time in November in a high-profile national security trial that sees him accused of sedition, a court said Thursday. The charges against Lai–founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily–revolve around the newspaper's publications, which supported the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and criticised Beijing's leadership. Besides sedition, the 76-year-old is also accused of two counts of colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials. Lai, who pleaded not guilty to the charges in a trial that started in January, "elects to give evidence in this case", said his lawyer Robert Pang. His testimony will start in November and could run for weeks, said Esther Toh, one of the three senior judges handpicked by the Hong Kong government to try security cases. Lai has been in custody for more than 1,300 days. Following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, Beijing imposed a sweeping security law to quell dissent -- which includes the charge of collusion that carries a life sentence. The prosecution has so far called eight witnesses and played over 40 hours of Lai's talk shows and video interviews since January to mount a case against him and eight others. Dozens of Hong Kong and foreign politicians and scholars -- including former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- were named as his foreign contacts and "agents". But Lai's lawyer argued Wednesday that the prosecution failed to prove he had continued to call for sanctions after Beijing criminalised such advocacy with the security law. Judges on Thursday ruled against Lai's defence team, calling on him to answer to all charges. The other defendants in the case are six former executives of the newspaper and two activists, as well as three Apple Daily companies that have been taken over by the Hong Kong government. 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.

Pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai to take the stand in Hong Kong court

The United States, on Wednesday (Jul 24)&nbsp;announced sanctions against a network of around six individuals and five Chinese companies that it claims are involved in North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The so-called&nbsp;network is allegedly assisting North Korea in acquiring materials for its ballistic missile programs, which, according to the US Treasury Department, is a&nbsp;"flagrant violation" of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The ongoing advancement of North Korea's ballistic missile technology "is both irresponsible and destabilising for both the region and the international community," stated&nbsp;Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson.

"The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disrupting the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrest-war-criminal-protests-break-out-outside-us-congress-ahead-of-netanyahus-address-743885">‘Arrest war criminal’: Protests break out outside US Congress ahead of Netanyahu’s address</a>

The US Treasury said that North Korea’s space and ballistic missile initiatives rely&nbsp;on a broad "network" of international agents to acquire essential materials, including staff from its diplomatic and trade offices, "as well as third-country nationals."

The US government agency&nbsp;also alleged&nbsp;that North Korea uses foreign companies to buy the necessary items.

In 2017, the UN Security Council imposed various sanctions and condemned&nbsp;Pyongyang due to its missile launches and nuclear tests.

During this period, worries about the extent of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's nuclear ambitions outweighed opposition from Moscow and Beijing.

This led to frequent clashes between Washington's then-UN ambassador Nikki Haley and her Russian and Chinese counterparts, Vassily Nebenzia and Liu Jieyi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, on Wednesday (Jul 24) announced sanctions against a network of around six individuals and five Chinese companies that it claims are involved in North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The United States, on Wednesday (Jul 24) announced sanctions against a network of around six individuals and five Chinese companies that it claims are involved in North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs. The so-called network is allegedly assisting North Korea in acquiring materials for its ballistic missile programs, which, according to the US Treasury Department, is a "flagrant violation" of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ongoing advancement of North Korea's ballistic missile technology "is both irresponsible and destabilising for both the region and the international community," stated Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson. "The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disrupting the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies," he added. Also read: ‘Arrest war criminal’: Protests break out outside US Congress ahead of Netanyahu’s address The US Treasury said that North Korea’s space and ballistic missile initiatives rely on a broad "network" of international agents to acquire essential materials, including staff from its diplomatic and trade offices, "as well as third-country nationals." The US government agency also alleged that North Korea uses foreign companies to buy the necessary items. In 2017, the UN Security Council imposed various sanctions and condemned Pyongyang due to its missile launches and nuclear tests. During this period, worries about the extent of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's nuclear ambitions outweighed opposition from Moscow and Beijing. This led to frequent clashes between Washington's then-UN ambassador Nikki Haley and her Russian and Chinese counterparts, Vassily Nebenzia and Liu Jieyi. (With inputs from agencies)

US hits Chinese firms with sanctions for aiding North Korea's missile and space programs

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections.

Addressing a press conference in Washington DC, Schumer said, "When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own, and to do so from the grassroots up, not top down.”

“Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Meanwhile, Jeffries stressed that her candidacy had re-energised the party and the nation.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris raises record $81 million in campaign funds in 24 hours

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“Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.”

This further cements Harris's nomination bid within two days of President Joe Biden's announcement of ending his election campaign.

CNN quoted one source as saying that both Schumer and Jeffries earlier talked to Harris.

Harris has already earned support from at least 40 Democratic senators and 100 House members.

Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democrats, also endorsed Harris Monday. Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton also endorsed the VP, saying they "will do whatever we can to support her."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj8lIP56L2HAxWJia8BHc2bAJYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" 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=2ahUKEwj8lIP56L2HAxWJia8BHc2bAJYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win?</a>

"Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one," the Clintons said in a joint statement.

Other high-ranking members of Democratic leadership, including Whip Katherine Clark, Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu, have also endorsed Harris.

Harris has already secured support from a majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

A survey by the news agency Associated Press showed that Harris had the support of 2,538 delegates which is well beyond the 1,976 needed to win the delegates' vote in the coming weeks.

Earlier, the Harris campaign said it raised $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden's exit, the most for a single day in the 2024 campaign for either party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections.

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections. Addressing a press conference in Washington DC, Schumer said, "When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own, and to do so from the grassroots up, not top down.” “Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.” Meanwhile, Jeffries stressed that her candidacy had re-energised the party and the nation. Watch: US: Kamala Harris raises record $81 million in campaign funds in 24 hours × “Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.” This further cements Harris's nomination bid within two days of President Joe Biden's announcement of ending his election campaign. CNN quoted one source as saying that both Schumer and Jeffries earlier talked to Harris. Harris has already earned support from at least 40 Democratic senators and 100 House members. Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democrats, also endorsed Harris Monday. Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton also endorsed the VP, saying they "will do whatever we can to support her." Also read: Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win? "Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one," the Clintons said in a joint statement. Other high-ranking members of Democratic leadership, including Whip Katherine Clark, Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu, have also endorsed Harris. Harris has already secured support from a majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention. A survey by the news agency Associated Press showed that Harris had the support of 2,538 delegates which is well beyond the 1,976 needed to win the delegates' vote in the coming weeks. Earlier, the Harris campaign said it raised $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden's exit, the most for a single day in the 2024 campaign for either party. (With inputs from agencies)

Schumer and Jeffries, top two Democrats in Congress, endorse Kamala Harris

Anti-government protesters in Kenya’s capital clashed with a pro-government group on Tuesday. Police hurled tear-gas cannisters at protesters. Watch in for more details!

Pro and anti-government protesters in Kenya clash with the police

A Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu on Wednesday, as media reported. 19 people, including aircrew, were aboard the Pokhara-bound plane which met with the accident at around 11 am.

Nepal: Saurya Airlines aircraft crashes during takeoff in Kathmandu

A man in his early 20s who severely injured acclaimed author Salman Rushdie in August 2022 in western New York now faces a new charge of supporting Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based and Iran-back militant-political group that the US describes as a terrorist group.&nbsp;

An indictment unsealed in US. District Court in Buffalo on Wednesday (July 24) charged Hadi Matar with providing material support to Hezbollah, sometime between September 2020 and August 2022.

The indictment, however, did not detail what evidence linked Matar to the group.

The federal charge comes after Matar earlier this month rejected an offer by state prosecutors to recommend a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty in Chautauqua County Court, where he is charged with attempted murder and assault.&nbsp;

Matar, 26, is imprisoned without bail since the 2022 attack.&nbsp;

On August 12, 2022, Matar stabbed Rushdie more than a dozen times for about 27 seconds, as the acclaimed writer was on-stage about to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution.&nbsp;

Knife wounds blinded Rushdie in one eye. The event moderator, Henry Reese, was also wounded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salman-rushdies-knife-cuts-open-an-empowering-defence-of-free-speech-717946">Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech</a>

After recovering from the wounds following weeks of rehabilitation, Rushdie wrote down the details of the attack in an intimate memoir 'Knife, Meditations After An Attempted Murder'.&nbsp;

The Booker Prize-winning author described his would-be assassin with a single letter: A.

The knife attack on Rushdie came over 33&nbsp;years after that Valentine's Day of 1989, when Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared his novel 'The Satanic Verses' blasphemous and issued a fatwa ordering his execution and "all those involved in its publication."

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle | Salman Rushdie attack: The World of Fatwas, decoded

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In the book, Rushdie&nbsp;challenges the very orthodoxy that filled 'A.' with hatred vile enough that he nearly killed Rushdie for purportedly being "disingenuous".

Rushdie defends an artist's and art's right to exist because, without art, "our ability to think, to see freshly, and to renew our world would wither and die".&nbsp;

A man in his early 20s who severely injured acclaimed author Salman Rushdie in August 2022 in western New York now faces a new charge of supporting Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based and Iran-back militant-political group that the US describes as a terrorist group.

A man in his early 20s who severely injured acclaimed author Salman Rushdie in August 2022 in western New York now faces a new charge of supporting Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based and Iran-back militant-political group that the US describes as a terrorist group. An indictment unsealed in US. District Court in Buffalo on Wednesday (July 24) charged Hadi Matar with providing material support to Hezbollah, sometime between September 2020 and August 2022. The indictment, however, did not detail what evidence linked Matar to the group. The federal charge comes after Matar earlier this month rejected an offer by state prosecutors to recommend a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty in Chautauqua County Court, where he is charged with attempted murder and assault. Matar, 26, is imprisoned without bail since the 2022 attack. On August 12, 2022, Matar stabbed Rushdie more than a dozen times for about 27 seconds, as the acclaimed writer was on-stage about to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution. Knife wounds blinded Rushdie in one eye. The event moderator, Henry Reese, was also wounded. Also read | Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech After recovering from the wounds following weeks of rehabilitation, Rushdie wrote down the details of the attack in an intimate memoir 'Knife, Meditations After An Attempted Murder'. The Booker Prize-winning author described his would-be assassin with a single letter: A. The knife attack on Rushdie came over 33 years after that Valentine's Day of 1989, when Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared his novel 'The Satanic Verses' blasphemous and issued a fatwa ordering his execution and "all those involved in its publication." Also watch | WION Wideangle | Salman Rushdie attack: The World of Fatwas, decoded × In the book, Rushdie challenges the very orthodoxy that filled 'A.' with hatred vile enough that he nearly killed Rushdie for purportedly being "disingenuous". Rushdie defends an artist's and art's right to exist because, without art, "our ability to think, to see freshly, and to renew our world would wither and die".

Salman Rushdie’s would be-assassin charged with supporting terror group Hezbollah

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the US Congress on Wednesday (Jul 24), a crowd of thousands of protesters gathered outside to press him to end the Gaza war. Some carried Palestinian flags, and some waved placards calling for the arrest of the Jewish leader. Others criticised the US politicians for hosting him.

"The hypocrisy of our (US) politicians today has gone beyond any limits," a 58-year-old protester was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

"Seek peace and pursue it," read one sign, quoting a Bible verse, while others were designed as criminal "wanted" signs, with photos of Netanyahu in place of a mugshot.

"Arrest that war criminal," read another.

<h2>Democratic leaders boycott Netanyahu</h2>

Meanwhile, dozens of Democratic leaders have reportedly planned to boycott Netanyahu's address, a sign of dismay over the death of thousands of innocent souls in Gaza. Some also questioned his legitimacy over declining support back home.

Netanyahu's visit has been orchestrated by Republican leaders, while he also wants to ease tensions with the Joe Biden administration.

"For him, this is all about shoring up his support back home, which is one of the reasons I don't want to attend," Senator Chris Van Hollen was quoted as saying by Reuters. "I don't want to be part of a political prop in this act of deception. He is not the great guardian of the U.S.-Israel relationship," he added.

<h2>Israel intensifies attacks in Gaza</h2>

Ahead of Netanyahu's US visit, Israel has intensified its offensive in Gaza, further piling pressure on militant group Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiOosrTmsCHAxUfd2wGHZzHAC8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-shot-dead-in-suspected-road-rage-incident-in-us-742773" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-shot-dead-in-suspected-road-rage-incident-in-us-742773&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOosrTmsCHAxUfd2wGHZzHAC8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Indian-origin man shot dead in suspected road rage incident in US</a>

So far, a total of 39,145 Palestinians have lost their lives in the besieged territory since the beginning of the war on October 7 last year.

<h2>Netanyahu to meet Biden, Harris</h2>

Netanyahu will meet President Biden and VP Kamala Harris on Thursday (Jul 25).

Watch:&nbsp;US, Iraqi officials meet to discuss security cooperation

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Notably, Harris has been more vocal in criticising the Netanyahu regime for its assault on Gaza. The next day, on Friday, the Israeli leader will also meet ex-US president Donald Trump in Florida.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the US Congress on Wednesday (Jul 24), a crowd of thousands of protesters gathered outside to press him to end the Gaza war.

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the US Congress on Wednesday (Jul 24), a crowd of thousands of protesters gathered outside to press him to end the Gaza war. Some carried Palestinian flags, and some waved placards calling for the arrest of the Jewish leader. Others criticised the US politicians for hosting him. "The hypocrisy of our (US) politicians today has gone beyond any limits," a 58-year-old protester was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "Seek peace and pursue it," read one sign, quoting a Bible verse, while others were designed as criminal "wanted" signs, with photos of Netanyahu in place of a mugshot. "Arrest that war criminal," read another. Democratic leaders boycott Netanyahu Meanwhile, dozens of Democratic leaders have reportedly planned to boycott Netanyahu's address, a sign of dismay over the death of thousands of innocent souls in Gaza. Some also questioned his legitimacy over declining support back home. Netanyahu's visit has been orchestrated by Republican leaders, while he also wants to ease tensions with the Joe Biden administration. "For him, this is all about shoring up his support back home, which is one of the reasons I don't want to attend," Senator Chris Van Hollen was quoted as saying by Reuters. "I don't want to be part of a political prop in this act of deception. He is not the great guardian of the U.S.-Israel relationship," he added. Israel intensifies attacks in Gaza Ahead of Netanyahu's US visit, Israel has intensified its offensive in Gaza, further piling pressure on militant group Hamas to agree to a ceasefire. Also read: Indian-origin man shot dead in suspected road rage incident in US So far, a total of 39,145 Palestinians have lost their lives in the besieged territory since the beginning of the war on October 7 last year. Netanyahu to meet Biden, Harris Netanyahu will meet President Biden and VP Kamala Harris on Thursday (Jul 25). Watch: US, Iraqi officials meet to discuss security cooperation × Notably, Harris has been more vocal in criticising the Netanyahu regime for its assault on Gaza. The next day, on Friday, the Israeli leader will also meet ex-US president Donald Trump in Florida. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Arrest war criminal’: Protests break out as Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses US Congress

Earth just witnessed its hottest day ever on July 21st, according to the European Union's Copernicus climate monitoring service.

The global average surface air temperature on Sunday reached 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) — a little higher than the previously recorded (17.08 C - 62.74 F) on last July.&nbsp;

With heatwaves continuing to intensify worldwide, there's a chance this week could break the record for the hottest day ever recorded, according to Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-perus-alien-mummies-real-non-human-fingerprints-of-these-unearthly-specimens-leave-experts-puzzled-743631">Are Peru's 'alien mummies’ real? 'Non-human' fingerprints of unearthly specimens leave experts puzzled</a>

"When you have these peaks, they tend to cluster together," he said.

It may be mentioned here, last year saw four days in a row break the record, from July 3 through July 6, as climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, drove extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere.

Since June 2023, each month has been the hottest ever recorded for that specific month, compared to past years.

However, some scientists have suggested 2024 could go beyond 2023 as the hottest year since records began, as climate change and the El Nino natural weather phenomenon — which ended in April — have pushed temperatures ever higher this year.

"As a effect of the increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — we are bound to see new records being broken in the next few months, in the next few years," Buontempo said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-frightening-explosion-rocks-yellowstone-geyser-as-tourists-run-for-life-call-it-incredibly-scary-743635">Watch: Frightening explosion rocks Yellowstone geyser as tourists run for life, call it 'incredibly scary'</a>

Scientists and environmental activists have time and again called for global leaders and wealthier countries to phase out and end the reliance on fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic effects of climate change, including increased heatwaves.

(With inputs from agencies)

Earth just witnessed its hottest day ever on July 21st, according to the European Union's Copernicus climate monitoring service. The global average surface air temperature on Sunday reached 17.

Earth just witnessed its hottest day ever on July 21st, according to the European Union's Copernicus climate monitoring service. The global average surface air temperature on Sunday reached 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) — a little higher than the previously recorded (17.08 C - 62.74 F) on last July. With heatwaves continuing to intensify worldwide, there's a chance this week could break the record for the hottest day ever recorded, according to Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Also read: Are Peru's 'alien mummies’ real? 'Non-human' fingerprints of unearthly specimens leave experts puzzled "When you have these peaks, they tend to cluster together," he said. It may be mentioned here, last year saw four days in a row break the record, from July 3 through July 6, as climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, drove extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere. Since June 2023, each month has been the hottest ever recorded for that specific month, compared to past years. However, some scientists have suggested 2024 could go beyond 2023 as the hottest year since records began, as climate change and the El Nino natural weather phenomenon — which ended in April — have pushed temperatures ever higher this year. "As a effect of the increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — we are bound to see new records being broken in the next few months, in the next few years," Buontempo said. Also read: Watch: Frightening explosion rocks Yellowstone geyser as tourists run for life, call it 'incredibly scary' Scientists and environmental activists have time and again called for global leaders and wealthier countries to phase out and end the reliance on fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic effects of climate change, including increased heatwaves. (With inputs from agencies)

Global heatwave shatters record: Earth sees hottest day on record

US Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign with a rally where she slammed her Republican rival Donald Trump. Meanwhile,&nbsp;following an assassination attempt, Donald Trump plans to cease outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot. This comes as&nbsp;US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down amidst calls for her resignation.

In other news, North Korea escalated its&nbsp;efforts against South Korea by sending trash-carrying balloons that hit the Seoul presidential compound.

Finally, French police have arrested a Russian man suspected of plotting destabilisation activities during the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-slams-trump-at-her-first-presidential-rally-743610">Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential campaign rally</a>

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US Vice President Kamala Harris launched her White House campaign's first rally by attacking Donald Trump, framing the upcoming November election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ups-the-ante-trash-carrying-balloons-hit-south-korean-presidential-compound-743623">North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound</a>

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North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-halt-outdoor-rallies-following-assassination-attempt-743641">Trump to halt outdoor rallies following assassination attempt</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/20/444648-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=400" />

Former President Donald Trump plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot during an assassination attempt this month, according to two sources familiar with his campaign's operations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-russian-arrested-over-destabilisation-plot-in-french-capital-743621">Paris Olympics 2024: Russian arrested over 'destabilisation' plot in French capital</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/04/435733-untitled-design-10.png?imwidth=400" />

French police on Tuesday arrested a Russian man suspected of plotting acts of "destabilisation" during the Paris Olympics, prosecutors said.

Watch |&nbsp;US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle steps down amid calls to resign

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US Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign with a rally where she slammed her Republican rival Donald Trump. Meanwhile, following an assassination attempt, Donald Trump plans to cease outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot.

US Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign with a rally where she slammed her Republican rival Donald Trump. Meanwhile, following an assassination attempt, Donald Trump plans to cease outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot. This comes as US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stepped down amidst calls for her resignation. In other news, North Korea escalated its efforts against South Korea by sending trash-carrying balloons that hit the Seoul presidential compound. Finally, French police have arrested a Russian man suspected of plotting destabilisation activities during the upcoming Paris Olympics. Click on the headlines for more Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential campaign rally US Vice President Kamala Harris launched her White House campaign's first rally by attacking Donald Trump, framing the upcoming November election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon. North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound. Trump to halt outdoor rallies following assassination attempt Former President Donald Trump plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot during an assassination attempt this month, according to two sources familiar with his campaign's operations. Paris Olympics 2024: Russian arrested over 'destabilisation' plot in French capital French police on Tuesday arrested a Russian man suspected of plotting acts of "destabilisation" during the Paris Olympics, prosecutors said. Watch | US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle steps down amid calls to resign

Morning brief: Kamala Harris slams Trump; N Korea trash balloons hit S Korea presidential palace, and more

French President&nbsp;Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister.

France's leftist New Popular Front coalition, which won the largest number of seats in parliament in elections this month, proposed financial crime specialist Lucie Castets as its candidate for prime minister only an hour before&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;spoke in a TV interview.

But when asked about Castets, who is unknown to the public,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told France 2: "This is not the issue. The name is not the issue. The issue is: Which majority can emerge at the (National) Assembly?"

"Until mid-August, we're in no position to change things, because it would create disorder,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;added.

The Olympic Games in Paris, which run from Friday to Aug. 11, are a major logistics and security challenge for France, with 35 venues and an estimated 10,500 athletes.

France has been in a state of parliamentary deadlock since the election. No party won an outright majority of seats in the lower house of parliament, which is instead fragmented broadly into three blocs.

The leftist coalition has sought to propose a new prime minister to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, but has ruled out striking deals with other political forces and does not have enough seats to form a majority government.

According to the French constitution, it is up to the president to name a prime minister, so the leftist coalition has no way to force&nbsp;Macron's hand. Instead, the president urged political parties to work on forming a broader coalition.

Castets is a director of finance and purchasing at Paris City Hall. She graduated from France's elite Ecole Nationale d'Administration school for civil servants in 2013, but she has no background in party politics.

The four parties in the leftist NPF - the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists - have been arguing for weeks over who to propose as prime minister.

The outgoing government acts as caretaker, running day-to-day matters without being able to pass new legislation.

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday his outgoing government will remain in place until mid-August while France hosts the Olympic Games, dismissing an effort by a left-wing alliance to name a prime minister. France's leftist New Popular Front coalition, which won the largest number of seats in parliament in elections this month, proposed financial crime specialist Lucie Castets as its candidate for prime minister only an hour before Macron spoke in a TV interview. But when asked about Castets, who is unknown to the public, Macron told France 2: "This is not the issue. The name is not the issue. The issue is: Which majority can emerge at the (National) Assembly?" "Until mid-August, we're in no position to change things, because it would create disorder," Macron added. The Olympic Games in Paris, which run from Friday to Aug. 11, are a major logistics and security challenge for France, with 35 venues and an estimated 10,500 athletes. France has been in a state of parliamentary deadlock since the election. No party won an outright majority of seats in the lower house of parliament, which is instead fragmented broadly into three blocs. The leftist coalition has sought to propose a new prime minister to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, but has ruled out striking deals with other political forces and does not have enough seats to form a majority government. According to the French constitution, it is up to the president to name a prime minister, so the leftist coalition has no way to force Macron's hand. Instead, the president urged political parties to work on forming a broader coalition. Castets is a director of finance and purchasing at Paris City Hall. She graduated from France's elite Ecole Nationale d'Administration school for civil servants in 2013, but she has no background in party politics. The four parties in the leftist NPF - the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists - have been arguing for weeks over who to propose as prime minister. The outgoing government acts as caretaker, running day-to-day matters without being able to pass new legislation. 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.

Macron rejects leftist coalition's PM proposal, to maintain government during Paris Olympics

Russian forces are conducting drills involving Yars mobile nuclear missile launchers, marking the second such exercise in less than a month. Watch in for more details!

Russia conducts second nuclear missile drills, tensions escalating in Ukraine

Pro and anti-government protesters clashed on Tuesday (July 23) morning in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and were dispersed by police teargas. Businesses were closed, as police guarded key points, including parliament. Kenya’s President William Ruto reinstated several cabinet members on Friday (July 19) after he had dismissed them a week ago. This to form a new government that he said would respond to the grievances of the protesters.

Kenya: Pro & anti-government protesters clash with police, Kenyans block highway leading to airport

Yemeni rebels - Houthis - have released a video showing what they say is the Yafa drone, that they used in the attack on Tel Aviv on July 19. At least one person was killed and 10 others were injured after a long-range rocket hit an apartment building in Israel.

Houthis release footage of 'Yafa' drone which evaded Israeli multilayer Air Defence Security Systems

FBI Director Christopher Wray, while testifying before the Republican-led House judiciary committee on Wednesday (July 24), said that the United States is in an "elevated threat environment" in the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

"The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy and our democratic process and we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind, especially a despicable account of this magnitude," Wray said.

The FBI director said that the bureau agents are working "tirelessly" to learn what happened at the rally.

"We are going to leave no stone unturned," he said. "The shooter may be deceased but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing."

Wray's promise comes in the wake of now-former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's appearance before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee earlier this week on Monday (July 22).

Cheatle repeatedly refused to answer questions and cited the FBI's investigation as the reason for her inability to provide lawmakers with certain information. She resigned on Wednesday (July 23) after a massive uproar on her responses, or lack thereof, during Monday's testimony.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secret-service-chief-kimberly-cheatle-resigns-days-after-trump-assassination-attempt-743536">US Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle resigns days after Trump assassination attempt</a>

Wray was asked whether Trump's would-be assassin&nbsp;Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired eight bullets before he was killed by a Secret Service sniper. The FBI chief&nbsp;confirmed that there were eight cartridges on the roof and later said that Crooks also had a drone.

The FBI is still trying to find out how he was able to fire so many shots, Wray said. He added that Crooks searched online about the assassination of former US President&nbsp;John F. Kennedy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Obviously I understand very much the intense interest and focus on the Secret Service's performance, actions, decision-making, etc.," the FBI chief&nbsp;said.

Also watch |&nbsp;Trump assassination attempt: Mystery persists over Thomas Crooks' motive

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Wray said the bureau has not found any accomplices of Trump's would-be assassin "at this time" but added that more details may emerge once the investigation is concluded.&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;pushed back on lawmakers' threats to defund the FBI and described potential cuts to its funding as "incredibly short-sighted."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray, while testifying before the Republican-led House judiciary committee on Wednesday (July 24), said that the United States is in an "elevated threat environment" in the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, while testifying before the Republican-led House judiciary committee on Wednesday (July 24), said that the United States is in an "elevated threat environment" in the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. "The attempted assassination of the former president was an attack on our democracy and our democratic process and we will not and do not tolerate political violence of any kind, especially a despicable account of this magnitude," Wray said. The FBI director said that the bureau agents are working "tirelessly" to learn what happened at the rally. "We are going to leave no stone unturned," he said. "The shooter may be deceased but the FBI's investigation is very much ongoing." Wray's promise comes in the wake of now-former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's appearance before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee earlier this week on Monday (July 22). Cheatle repeatedly refused to answer questions and cited the FBI's investigation as the reason for her inability to provide lawmakers with certain information. She resigned on Wednesday (July 23) after a massive uproar on her responses, or lack thereof, during Monday's testimony. Also read | US Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle resigns days after Trump assassination attempt Wray was asked whether Trump's would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired eight bullets before he was killed by a Secret Service sniper. The FBI chief confirmed that there were eight cartridges on the roof and later said that Crooks also had a drone. The FBI is still trying to find out how he was able to fire so many shots, Wray said. He added that Crooks searched online about the assassination of former US President John F. Kennedy. "Obviously I understand very much the intense interest and focus on the Secret Service's performance, actions, decision-making, etc.," the FBI chief said. Also watch | Trump assassination attempt: Mystery persists over Thomas Crooks' motive × Wray said the bureau has not found any accomplices of Trump's would-be assassin "at this time" but added that more details may emerge once the investigation is concluded. He also pushed back on lawmakers' threats to defund the FBI and described potential cuts to its funding as "incredibly short-sighted." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump assassination bid: FBI chief flags 'elevated threat' in senate testimony

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound.

Citing security officials, AFP reports that this incident prompted a swift response from Seoul, which mobilised chemical response teams.

<h2>Direct hit on the presidential compound</h2>

This marks the first instance where the South Korean leader's office in downtown Seoul, a highly secured area protected by numerous soldiers and a no-fly zone, was directly impacted by the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May.

"The chemical, biological, and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons," the presidential security service confirmed to AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-slams-trump-at-her-first-presidential-rally-743610">Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential rally</a>

After investigation, results have confirmed that there was no danger or contamination of the object."

This comes as South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff previously confirmed the launch of these balloons by the North. Now, Seoul authorities on Wednesday have issued a warning to the city's citizens, urging them to avoid touching any fallen balloons and to report them.

"If you find any fallen balloons, do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station."

<h2>Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea?</h2>

This incident marks the tenth occurrence this year of North Korea sending trash-carrying balloons across the border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-russian-arrested-over-destabilisation-plot-in-french-capital-743621">Paris Olympics 2024: Russian arrested over 'destabilisation' plot in French capital</a>

The nation claims this is a retaliation for South Korean activists frequently launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong-un regime.

In May, North Korea threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 warned that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name.

"Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim&nbsp;reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound.

North Korea on Wednesday (July 24) escalated its propaganda war by sending trash-carrying balloons that struck a high-profile target: the South Korean presidential compound. Citing security officials, AFP reports that this incident prompted a swift response from Seoul, which mobilised chemical response teams. Direct hit on the presidential compound This marks the first instance where the South Korean leader's office in downtown Seoul, a highly secured area protected by numerous soldiers and a no-fly zone, was directly impacted by the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May. "The chemical, biological, and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons," the presidential security service confirmed to AFP. Also read | Kamala Harris slams Trump at her first presidential rally After investigation, results have confirmed that there was no danger or contamination of the object." This comes as South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff previously confirmed the launch of these balloons by the North. Now, Seoul authorities on Wednesday have issued a warning to the city's citizens, urging them to avoid touching any fallen balloons and to report them. "If you find any fallen balloons, do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station." Why is North Korea sending trash balloons to South Korea? This incident marks the tenth occurrence this year of North Korea sending trash-carrying balloons across the border. Also read | Paris Olympics 2024: Russian arrested over 'destabilisation' plot in French capital The nation claims this is a retaliation for South Korean activists frequently launching balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets and money across the border into North Korea. These campaigns have long infuriated Pyongyang, which possibly fears that outside information could destabilise the tightly controlled society and threaten the Kim Jong-un regime. In May, North Korea threatened to take similar action. Kim Kang Il, a vice-minister of defence, on May 26 warned that "Tit-for-tat action will be taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas." Here, ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, the South's official name. "Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them," Kim reiterated in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea ups the ante, trash-carrying balloons hit South Korean presidential compound

Former President Donald Trump plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot during an assassination attempt this month, according to two sources familiar with his campaign&nbsp;operations.

The sources informed that the current plans are to hold indoor rallies, but it is likely that Trump will participate in smaller outdoor events or larger rallies in facilities where entry is fully controlled and there are no issues with high ground nearby.

However, spokesperson for the Trump campaign and the Secret Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-remotely-defensible-donald-trump-asks-new-york-appeals-court-to-throw-out-454mn-civil-suit-verdict-743270">Donald Trump asks New York appeals court to throw out $454mn civil fraud verdict</a>

Notably, news of the venue change comes on the same day Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation.&nbsp;

While in a phone interview with Newsmax on Tuesday (July 23) night, Trump commented on her resignation, saying, "I just heard that she is out and she, I don’t think, had much of a choice."

The former president further added in recent months his campaign had been asking for more Secret Service agents at campaign events but was denied.

Trump also talked about an indoor rally he held in Michigan during the interview.

"Do I feel safe? Yeah, I have to feel safe. Otherwise, I guess, I wouldn’t be able to do this stuff," Trump said.

<h2>Kimberly Cheatle resigns</h2>

It is worth mentioning here,&nbsp;US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday (July 23) amid ongoing outrage over how the agency helmed by her failed to prevent the attempted assassination&nbsp;of former&nbsp;Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally earlier this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-kimberly-cheatle-us-secret-service-director-who-resigned-days-after-trumps-assassination-bid-743559" target="_blank">Who is Kimberly Cheatle, US Secret Service director who resigned days after Trump's assassination bid?</a>

Cheatle said that one of the Secret Service’s foremost duties is to protect American leaders and that the agency "fell short of that mission" on July 13 when former US President Donald Trump faced attempted assassination.

"I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission," Cheatle said in an&nbsp;email sent to Secret Service agents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former President Donald Trump plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot during an assassination attempt this month, according to two sources familiar with his campaign operations.

Former President Donald Trump plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, such as the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot during an assassination attempt this month, according to two sources familiar with his campaign operations. The sources informed that the current plans are to hold indoor rallies, but it is likely that Trump will participate in smaller outdoor events or larger rallies in facilities where entry is fully controlled and there are no issues with high ground nearby. However, spokesperson for the Trump campaign and the Secret Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Also read: Donald Trump asks New York appeals court to throw out $454mn civil fraud verdict Notably, news of the venue change comes on the same day Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation. While in a phone interview with Newsmax on Tuesday (July 23) night, Trump commented on her resignation, saying, "I just heard that she is out and she, I don’t think, had much of a choice." The former president further added in recent months his campaign had been asking for more Secret Service agents at campaign events but was denied. Trump also talked about an indoor rally he held in Michigan during the interview. "Do I feel safe? Yeah, I have to feel safe. Otherwise, I guess, I wouldn’t be able to do this stuff," Trump said. Kimberly Cheatle resigns It is worth mentioning here, US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday (July 23) amid ongoing outrage over how the agency helmed by her failed to prevent the attempted assassination of former Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally earlier this month. Also read | Who is Kimberly Cheatle, US Secret Service director who resigned days after Trump's assassination bid? Cheatle said that one of the Secret Service’s foremost duties is to protect American leaders and that the agency "fell short of that mission" on July 13 when former US President Donald Trump faced attempted assassination. "I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission," Cheatle said in an email sent to Secret Service agents. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump to halt outdoor rallies following assassination attempt

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