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<p>The US alleges that Indian national Nikhil Gupta conspired with another Indian citizen to try and kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist.</p>

<p>This allegation has prompted the Indian government to consider "institutional reforms... necessary to address" such potential plots, according to Kurt M Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State, who spoke to the press on Wednesday (June 25).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-indian-accused-of-attempting-to-kill-khalistani-terrorist-extradited-to-us-732359">Indian accused of attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist extradited to US</a></strong></p>

<p>Gupta, 53, was arrested by Czechia officials last year in June and extradited to the US this month.</p>

<p>The US has accused Gupta of conspiring with an Indian official to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover American federal agent. The US has claimed they have material that shows the staffer asked Gupta to plan the killing.</p>

<p>In return, the staffer said a criminal case against Nikhil Gupta in Gujarat would be dropped.</p>

<p>Gupta was produced before a New York federal court and entered a 'not guilty' plea.</p>

<p>In anticipation of his arraignment, his lawyer told news agency PTI, "This is a complex matter for both our countries and hinted at the existence of new evidence... that may cast government allegations in a new light".</p>

<h2><strong>No consular access requested</strong></h2>

<p>Indian authorities have not yet received a request for consular access from Nikhil Gupta, a right afforded to all Indian nationals abroad.</p>

<p>"We are looking into the matter... to see what can be done (and) are in touch with his family," India said.</p>

<p>Notably, under current US laws, Gupta faces a maximum jail term of 20 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-india-slams-washington-posts-report-linking-raw-officer-to-pannun-plot-716552" target="_blank">India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Gupta had, through his legal representatives, complained of being unfairly charged.</p>

<p>In December, a family member (identified only as 'X') filed a petition with the Indian Supreme Court on behalf of Nikhil Gupta. The petition alleges multiple human rights violations during his detention in a Czech prison.</p>

<p>India has designated Pannun a terrorist but dissociated itself from the plot.</p>

<p>Last year, the External Affairs Ministry called the charges a matter of concern and said the government had opened a high-level probe into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pannun-murder-plot-top-czech-court-halts-nikhil-guptas-extradition-to-us-says-report-718805">Pannun murder plot: Top Czech court halts Nikhil Gupta's extradition to US, says report</a></p>

<p>"Ordering such assassinations violates our government's policies," the ministry said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US alleges that Indian national Nikhil Gupta conspired with another Indian citizen to try and kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist.

The US alleges that Indian national Nikhil Gupta conspired with another Indian citizen to try and kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist. This allegation has prompted the Indian government to consider "institutional reforms... necessary to address" such potential plots, according to Kurt M Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State, who spoke to the press on Wednesday (June 25). Also read: Indian accused of attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist extradited to US Gupta, 53, was arrested by Czechia officials last year in June and extradited to the US this month. The US has accused Gupta of conspiring with an Indian official to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover American federal agent. The US has claimed they have material that shows the staffer asked Gupta to plan the killing. In return, the staffer said a criminal case against Nikhil Gupta in Gujarat would be dropped. Gupta was produced before a New York federal court and entered a 'not guilty' plea. In anticipation of his arraignment, his lawyer told news agency PTI, "This is a complex matter for both our countries and hinted at the existence of new evidence... that may cast government allegations in a new light". No consular access requested Indian authorities have not yet received a request for consular access from Nikhil Gupta, a right afforded to all Indian nationals abroad. "We are looking into the matter... to see what can be done (and) are in touch with his family," India said. Notably, under current US laws, Gupta faces a maximum jail term of 20 years. Also read | India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot Earlier, Gupta had, through his legal representatives, complained of being unfairly charged. In December, a family member (identified only as 'X') filed a petition with the Indian Supreme Court on behalf of Nikhil Gupta. The petition alleges multiple human rights violations during his detention in a Czech prison. India has designated Pannun a terrorist but dissociated itself from the plot. Last year, the External Affairs Ministry called the charges a matter of concern and said the government had opened a high-level probe into the matter. Also read: Pannun murder plot: Top Czech court halts Nikhil Gupta's extradition to US, says report "Ordering such assassinations violates our government's policies," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pannun murder case: India looking at institutional reforms, says US

<p>Federal agents who arrested eight Tajiki men earlier this month reportedly suspected a possible terrorist attack on US soil, according to sources.</p>

<p>The eight men residing in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia were taken into custody and charged with violating civil US immigration law by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</p>

<p>The eight Tajik nationals remain in ICE custody while facing immigration proceedings, according to two of the sources who spoke to CBS on the condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>Several sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News there was no&nbsp;evidence to suggest that a précised target attack was planned.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-detained-in-nyc-la-and-philadelphia-over-possible-isis-ties-sources-730983">Eight Tajikistan men detained in NYC, LA and Philadelphia over possible ISIS ties</a></p>

<p>The detainees reportedly&nbsp;are linked to ISIS and&nbsp;crossed into the US via the southwest border between 2023 and 2024.</p>

<p>However, at that time immigration officials had no information connecting them to the terrorist group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The migrants who had entered the US without proper documentation were then arrested and subsequently released in the US with notices to appear in immigration court, according to a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security.</p>

<p>Later, federal law enforcement got intelligence information - the men were inside the US and had likely ties to ISIS, according to sources.</p>

<p>The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force opened an investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investigators kept an eye on their communications and followed their activities on social media, like chat rooms and encrypted sites, according to one of the sources.</p>

<p>The FBI then uncovered that the individuals had potential ties to ISIS and investigators obtained a court-authorised FISA warrant. Investigators also conducted surveillance of the men.</p>

<p>The investigation is on and currently, the men have not been charged with terrorism-related charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Justice Department declined to comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When questioned about the arrests, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “The eight men are, in fact, in custody."</p>

<p>"We did not have derogatory information when they were first encountered," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Federal agents who arrested eight Tajiki men earlier this month reportedly suspected a possible terrorist attack on US soil, according to sources. The eight men residing in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia were taken into custody and charged with violating civil US immigration law by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Federal agents who arrested eight Tajiki men earlier this month reportedly suspected a possible terrorist attack on US soil, according to sources. The eight men residing in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia were taken into custody and charged with violating civil US immigration law by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The eight Tajik nationals remain in ICE custody while facing immigration proceedings, according to two of the sources who spoke to CBS on the condition of anonymity. Several sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News there was no evidence to suggest that a précised target attack was planned. Also read: Eight Tajikistan men detained in NYC, LA and Philadelphia over possible ISIS ties The detainees reportedly are linked to ISIS and crossed into the US via the southwest border between 2023 and 2024. However, at that time immigration officials had no information connecting them to the terrorist group. The migrants who had entered the US without proper documentation were then arrested and subsequently released in the US with notices to appear in immigration court, according to a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security. Later, federal law enforcement got intelligence information - the men were inside the US and had likely ties to ISIS, according to sources. The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force opened an investigation. The investigators kept an eye on their communications and followed their activities on social media, like chat rooms and encrypted sites, according to one of the sources. The FBI then uncovered that the individuals had potential ties to ISIS and investigators obtained a court-authorised FISA warrant. Investigators also conducted surveillance of the men. The investigation is on and currently, the men have not been charged with terrorism-related charges. The Justice Department declined to comment. When questioned about the arrests, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “The eight men are, in fact, in custody." "We did not have derogatory information when they were first encountered," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Fears of terror attack in US prompted arrest of 8 migrants with ISIS ties: Report

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump's campaign released two 30-second ads on Thursday (Jun 27), just a few hours ahead of the debate with President Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the first of the two televised face-offs ahead of the presidential election in November. Voters' eyes will be on both politicians with experts saying that the debates could prove critical in their tight rematch race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first ad is labelled as "Who's Laughing Now". It contains images of various gaffes of Biden, including stumbling on the stairs of Air Force One, falling over while clipped into his bike and appearing lost on stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-emergency-abortion-access-in-idaho-735723">US Supreme Court allows emergency abortion access in Idaho</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Do you think the guy who was defeated by the stairs … got taken down by his bike … lost a fight with his jacket … and regularly gets lost … makes it four more years in the White House?" a narrator can be heard saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The narrator further says "And you know who's waiting behind him, right?" when an image of Vice President Harris appears on the screen. "Vote Joe Biden today, and Kamala Harris tomorrow," it adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second ad is titled "Promises". It consists of headlines about inflation, the situation at the southern border and withdrawal from Afghanistan. It asks voters whether or not they are better off financially since Biden took office. It also contains questions if the country is more secure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The narrator says, "After four years of failure under Joe Biden, it's time to make America prosperous and strong again."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch both ads here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-passes-resolution-for-independent-probe-into-pakistan-elections-islamabad-responds-735602">US passes resolution for independent probe into Pakistan elections; Islamabad responds</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Biden-Trump debate</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In Thursday's 90-minute debate, candidates will appear at a uniform podium, be given a pen, paper and bottle of water and cannot use props or notes, CNN said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak" and moderators "will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion," CNN said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former United States president Donald Trump's campaign released two 30-second ads on Thursday (Jun 27), just a few hours ahead of the debate with President Joe Biden.

Former United States president Donald Trump's campaign released two 30-second ads on Thursday (Jun 27), just a few hours ahead of the debate with President Joe Biden. This is the first of the two televised face-offs ahead of the presidential election in November. Voters' eyes will be on both politicians with experts saying that the debates could prove critical in their tight rematch race. The first ad is labelled as "Who's Laughing Now". It contains images of various gaffes of Biden, including stumbling on the stairs of Air Force One, falling over while clipped into his bike and appearing lost on stage. Also read: US Supreme Court allows emergency abortion access in Idaho "Do you think the guy who was defeated by the stairs … got taken down by his bike … lost a fight with his jacket … and regularly gets lost … makes it four more years in the White House?" a narrator can be heard saying. The narrator further says "And you know who's waiting behind him, right?" when an image of Vice President Harris appears on the screen. "Vote Joe Biden today, and Kamala Harris tomorrow," it adds. The second ad is titled "Promises". It consists of headlines about inflation, the situation at the southern border and withdrawal from Afghanistan. It asks voters whether or not they are better off financially since Biden took office. It also contains questions if the country is more secure. The narrator says, "After four years of failure under Joe Biden, it's time to make America prosperous and strong again." Watch both ads here: × × Also read: US passes resolution for independent probe into Pakistan elections; Islamabad responds Biden-Trump debate In Thursday's 90-minute debate, candidates will appear at a uniform podium, be given a pen, paper and bottle of water and cannot use props or notes, CNN said. "Microphones will be muted throughout the debate except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak" and moderators "will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion," CNN said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump campaign releases two ads targeting Joe Biden ahead of presidential debate - Watch

<p>Authorities in Bolivia arrested the ringleader behind a failed coup attempt, following the seizure of the presidential palace in La Paz by military personnel on Thursday (June 27).</p>

<p>Armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position on Murillo Square where key government buildings are located. They all later withdrew.</p>

<p>General Juan José Zúñiga, who led the recent military incursion, claimed he aimed to restructure democracy. Despite initially acknowledging President Luis Arce, Zúñiga hinted at a government shift.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Bolivian police hold the detained Juan Jose Zuniga, former general commander of the Army" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce948bce-dce3-4b0d-b905-0822e394196e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2892%29_0.png" /></p>

<p>President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt, calling on the public to "organise and mobilise... in favour of democracy".</p>

<p>"We cannot allow once again coup attempts to take Bolivian lives," he said in a televised message to the country.</p>

<p>Following the failed coup attempt, President Arce wasted no time in consolidating control. New military commanders were swiftly appointed, confirming reports of General Zúñiga's dismissal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zúñiga's prior criticism of former president Evo Morales had reportedly played a role in his removal.</p>

<p>Morales also condemned the coup attempt and called for criminal charges to be brought against Gen Zúñiga and his "accomplices".</p>

<p>The public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation.</p>

<p>Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said, along with Juan José Zúñiga, former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was taken into custody. Both men were dismissed by President Luis Arce and replaced after the uprising began.</p>

<p>“What was this group's goal? The goal was to overturn the democratically elected authority,” del Castillo told the media persons.</p>

<p>“Gen. Zúñiga wanted to take power,” he added.</p>

<p><img alt="Bolivia coup" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2de3f0c7-eaf9-444b-9c39-673c116845d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2891%29_1.png" /></p>

<p>Prior to his arrest, General Zúñiga addressed reporters in the main square surrounded by soldiers. He framed his actions as a restoration of democracy, citing the country's economic struggles. However, his attempt to seize power was ultimately unsuccessful.</p>

<p>“The people have no future, and the army has the courage to look out for the future of our children, the well-being and progress of our people,” he said&nbsp;adding that they were “going to free all political prisoners” including Bolivia’s former President Jeanine Anez, currently imprisoned for what the courts said was her role in deadly protests that erupted after her ascension to power in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Authorities in Bolivia arrested the ringleader behind a failed coup attempt, following the seizure of the presidential palace in La Paz by military personnel on Thursday (June 27).

Authorities in Bolivia arrested the ringleader behind a failed coup attempt, following the seizure of the presidential palace in La Paz by military personnel on Thursday (June 27). Armoured vehicles and troops had taken up position on Murillo Square where key government buildings are located. They all later withdrew. General Juan José Zúñiga, who led the recent military incursion, claimed he aimed to restructure democracy. Despite initially acknowledging President Luis Arce, Zúñiga hinted at a government shift. President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt, calling on the public to "organise and mobilise... in favour of democracy". "We cannot allow once again coup attempts to take Bolivian lives," he said in a televised message to the country. Following the failed coup attempt, President Arce wasted no time in consolidating control. New military commanders were swiftly appointed, confirming reports of General Zúñiga's dismissal. Zúñiga's prior criticism of former president Evo Morales had reportedly played a role in his removal. Morales also condemned the coup attempt and called for criminal charges to be brought against Gen Zúñiga and his "accomplices". The public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation. Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said, along with Juan José Zúñiga, former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was taken into custody. Both men were dismissed by President Luis Arce and replaced after the uprising began. “What was this group's goal? The goal was to overturn the democratically elected authority,” del Castillo told the media persons. “Gen. Zúñiga wanted to take power,” he added. Prior to his arrest, General Zúñiga addressed reporters in the main square surrounded by soldiers. He framed his actions as a restoration of democracy, citing the country's economic struggles. However, his attempt to seize power was ultimately unsuccessful. “The people have no future, and the army has the courage to look out for the future of our children, the well-being and progress of our people,” he said adding that they were “going to free all political prisoners” including Bolivia’s former President Jeanine Anez, currently imprisoned for what the courts said was her role in deadly protests that erupted after her ascension to power in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Coup attempt in Bolivia fails, mastermind arrested

<p>Iran is set to elect a new president on Friday (June 28) as the country's constitution requires fresh elections in case the serving president is incapacitated. But hours ahead of the voting, two candidates, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, one of the vice presidents of deceased former President Raisi, and Tehran mayor&nbsp;Alireza Zakani dropped their candidacy.</p>

<p>Ghazizadeh Hashemi is the ultraconservative head of the Martyrs' Foundation. Iran now has four presidential candidates.</p>

<p>After President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month, Mohammed Mokhber — the vice president in Raisi's tenure — assumed presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mokhber, himself, however does not feature in the list of six presidential candidates announced by Tehran for June 28 election, meaning that the country's all-powerful Guardian Council &nbsp;— composed of 12 clerics, six of whom are directly elected (and can be summarily dismissed) by the Supreme Leader Khamenei— wants somebody else at the helm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of the four candidates, three&nbsp;are deemed Khamenei loyalists.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran election: Who is running to be Iran's next President?</strong></p>

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<p>The candidates include conservative speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Just one reformist candidate, Massoud Pezeshkian, who is a lawmaker representing Tabriz in Iran's parliament, is running in the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conservative former interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi has also been authorised to run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was previously disqualified from entering the presidential races in 2017 and 2021, has not been allowed to run for president once again.</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Iran right now? Why do these elections matter?</strong></h2>

<p>On economic front, Iran continues to face the burden of choking US sanctions amid Tehran's tacit insistence on becoming a nuclear power. But it still has friends in Russia and Central Asia. In recent years, Tehran has found New Delhi as a credible economic partner. The two countries recently formalised a crucial Chabahar port deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-achieves-crucial-strategic-breakthrough-with-tehran-outreach-682114">The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-seals-deal-to-operate-chabahar-port-for-a-decade-723100">The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more</a></strong></p>

<p>For overall stability in West Asia, the country, with Beijing's mediation, restored its ties with Saudi Arabia in March 2023. But after its embassy in Syria was attacked in an alleged Israeli attack, Tehran launched missiles inside Israel earlier this year in a major escalation of a larger conflict in the region amid Israeli bombardments in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran also now enriches uranium at nearly weapons-grade levels and has enough of it to produce several nuclear weapons if it chooses.</p>

<p>But the hardline options in the Iran elections, alongside restrictions on women's headscarves have many in the country reportedly expressing their discontent saying they won't vote in Friday's elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran is set to elect a new president on Friday (June 28) as the country's constitution requires fresh elections in case the serving president is incapacitated. But hours ahead of the voting, two candidates, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, one of the vice presidents of deceased former President Raisi, and Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani dropped their candidacy.

Iran is set to elect a new president on Friday (June 28) as the country's constitution requires fresh elections in case the serving president is incapacitated. But hours ahead of the voting, two candidates, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, one of the vice presidents of deceased former President Raisi, and Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani dropped their candidacy. Ghazizadeh Hashemi is the ultraconservative head of the Martyrs' Foundation. Iran now has four presidential candidates. After President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month, Mohammed Mokhber — the vice president in Raisi's tenure — assumed presidency. Mokhber, himself, however does not feature in the list of six presidential candidates announced by Tehran for June 28 election, meaning that the country's all-powerful Guardian Council — composed of 12 clerics, six of whom are directly elected (and can be summarily dismissed) by the Supreme Leader Khamenei— wants somebody else at the helm. Of the four candidates, three are deemed Khamenei loyalists. Also watch | Iran election: Who is running to be Iran's next President? × The candidates include conservative speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Just one reformist candidate, Massoud Pezeshkian, who is a lawmaker representing Tabriz in Iran's parliament, is running in the elections. The conservative former interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi has also been authorised to run. Former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was previously disqualified from entering the presidential races in 2017 and 2021, has not been allowed to run for president once again. What is happening in Iran right now? Why do these elections matter? On economic front, Iran continues to face the burden of choking US sanctions amid Tehran's tacit insistence on becoming a nuclear power. But it still has friends in Russia and Central Asia. In recent years, Tehran has found New Delhi as a credible economic partner. The two countries recently formalised a crucial Chabahar port deal. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more For overall stability in West Asia, the country, with Beijing's mediation, restored its ties with Saudi Arabia in March 2023. But after its embassy in Syria was attacked in an alleged Israeli attack, Tehran launched missiles inside Israel earlier this year in a major escalation of a larger conflict in the region amid Israeli bombardments in Gaza. Iran also now enriches uranium at nearly weapons-grade levels and has enough of it to produce several nuclear weapons if it chooses. But the hardline options in the Iran elections, alongside restrictions on women's headscarves have many in the country reportedly expressing their discontent saying they won't vote in Friday's elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran elections: One reformist, three Khamenei loyalists to battle it out in June 28 polls

<p>Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State, said that President Joe Biden is starting from a "disadvantage" against former president Donald Trump during the first 2024 presidential debate on Thursday. In an op-ed published in The New York Times on Monday, Clinton also said she has low expectations for Trump's performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CNN is hosting Biden and Trump for their first debate of the 2024 campaign in Atlanta as the stage is set for what could be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Clinton has debated both Trump and Biden. In 2016, she debated Trump while unsuccessfully running for the White House. She had debated Biden during a presidential primary eight years earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abraham-lincolns-wax-statue-melts-amid-soaring-temperatures-see-pics-735474">Abraham Lincoln's wax statue melts amid soaring temperatures, see pics</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It would be a "waste of time" for Biden to attempt to refute Trump's contentions in the debate because "it's nearly impossible to identify what his arguments even are", she said, further adding that Trump "starts with nonsense and then digresses into blather" and this has "gotten only worse in the years since we debated".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clinton accused Trump of wanting to "rant and rave in part because he wants to avoid giving straight answers about his unpopular positions, like restrictions on abortion, giving tax breaks to billionaires and selling out our planet to big oil companies in return for campaign donations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She claimed that Trump's planning would "fall flat" and would be unsuccessful if Biden "is as direct and forceful as he was" during his State of the Union address in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-pardon-us-military-personnel-convicted-of-homosexuality-735440">Joe Biden to pardon US military personnel convicted of homosexuality</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"These ploys will fall flat if Mr. Biden is as direct and forceful as he was when engaging Republican hecklers at the State of the Union address in March," Clinton added, referring to the president's address before Congress, which received a generally positive reaction from voters.</p>

<p>She added: "Expectations for him are so low that if he doesn't literally light himself on fire on Thursday evening, some will say he was downright presidential."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hunter Biden's attorneys seeking new trial in Federal Gun case</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, referring to Biden's disadvantage, Clinton said: "Unfortunately, Mr. Biden starts from a disadvantage because there's no way he can spend as much time preparing as I did eight years ago."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Being president isn't just a day job; it's an everything-everywhere-all-at-once job. Historically, that has led to weaker first debate performances for the incumbent," Clinton added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State, said that President Joe Biden is starting from a "disadvantage" against former president Donald Trump during the first 2024 presidential debate on Thursday.

Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State, said that President Joe Biden is starting from a "disadvantage" against former president Donald Trump during the first 2024 presidential debate on Thursday. In an op-ed published in The New York Times on Monday, Clinton also said she has low expectations for Trump's performance. CNN is hosting Biden and Trump for their first debate of the 2024 campaign in Atlanta as the stage is set for what could be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. Notably, Clinton has debated both Trump and Biden. In 2016, she debated Trump while unsuccessfully running for the White House. She had debated Biden during a presidential primary eight years earlier. Also read: Abraham Lincoln's wax statue melts amid soaring temperatures, see pics It would be a "waste of time" for Biden to attempt to refute Trump's contentions in the debate because "it's nearly impossible to identify what his arguments even are", she said, further adding that Trump "starts with nonsense and then digresses into blather" and this has "gotten only worse in the years since we debated". Clinton accused Trump of wanting to "rant and rave in part because he wants to avoid giving straight answers about his unpopular positions, like restrictions on abortion, giving tax breaks to billionaires and selling out our planet to big oil companies in return for campaign donations." She claimed that Trump's planning would "fall flat" and would be unsuccessful if Biden "is as direct and forceful as he was" during his State of the Union address in March. Also read: Joe Biden to pardon US military personnel convicted of homosexuality "These ploys will fall flat if Mr. Biden is as direct and forceful as he was when engaging Republican hecklers at the State of the Union address in March," Clinton added, referring to the president's address before Congress, which received a generally positive reaction from voters. She added: "Expectations for him are so low that if he doesn't literally light himself on fire on Thursday evening, some will say he was downright presidential." Watch: Hunter Biden's attorneys seeking new trial in Federal Gun case × Meanwhile, referring to Biden's disadvantage, Clinton said: "Unfortunately, Mr. Biden starts from a disadvantage because there's no way he can spend as much time preparing as I did eight years ago." "Being president isn't just a day job; it's an everything-everywhere-all-at-once job. Historically, that has led to weaker first debate performances for the incumbent," Clinton added. (With inputs from agencies)

Hillary Clinton says Joe Biden starting from 'disadvantage' in debate against Donald Trump

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<p>The Crown Prosecution (CPS) has announced that a lady who killed two eight-year-old kids when her car smashed into a school in southwest London would not be prosecuted.</p>

<p>On July 6, 2023, a Land Rover struck and killed Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau during an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon.</p>

<p>The CPS has notified the families that the driving woman will not face charges due to an epileptic episode.</p>

<p>The driver of the car, Claire Freemantle, stated that she had "no recollection of what took place" and expressed her "deepest sorrow".</p>

<p>"Justice has neither been done nor has it been seen to be done today," the girls' families said.</p>

<p>They said so many lives were "irreparably shattered" and they remained "unconvinced" that the investigation had been conducted thoroughly.</p>

<p>"All the victims of the events of 6 July 2023 did nothing wrong. We were all in the safest place we could have been outside our own homes."</p>

<p>"We were celebrating a day filled with joy. Nuria and Selena’s lives were taken in a moment," they said in a statement.</p>

<p>According to the CPS, Freemantle lost control of the car and it crashed into the school as a result of an epileptic episode while she was driving.</p>

<p>The collision also caused injuries to many other people.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UK elections 2024: Poll survey indicate Labour in lead</strong></p>

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<p>According to the CPS, Freemantle had no prior medical diagnosis and there was no proof that she had ever experienced a seizure similar to this one.</p>

<p>The parents of the girls, Sajjad Butt, Smera Chohan, Franky Lau, and Jessie Deng, expressed their opinion that the procedure had been "questionable" in their statement.</p>

<p>"We continue to live with horrific memories, some of us will never physically recover from our injuries, and the pain of our loss will never subside," they said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-pardon-us-military-personnel-convicted-of-homosexuality-735440">Joe Biden to pardon US military personnel convicted of homosexuality</a></strong></p>

<p>"And yet, it is suggested that we must continue to live with the claim that the person solely responsible for the deaths of two and the maiming of others bears no consequence for the actions that they solely are responsible, without providing us with sufficient evidence that no criminal act was conducted," they added.</p>

<p>According to Freemantle, her "heartfelt sympathy" is extended to all of the impacted children and families, but particularly to Nuria and Selena's parents.</p>

<p>Detective Supt Clair Kelland stated, "I can understand that some may be confused - perhaps even feel let down - by this outcome, and want to give every reassurance that our officers worked tirelessly through every detail of the incident to ensure a complete investigation be passed to the CPS."</p>

<p>She continued by saying that there had to be a "simply not borne out on this occasion" "element of responsibility" to file charges against the driver.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Crown Prosecution (CPS) has announced that a lady who killed two eight-year-old kids when her car smashed into a school in southwest London would not be prosecuted.

The Crown Prosecution (CPS) has announced that a lady who killed two eight-year-old kids when her car smashed into a school in southwest London would not be prosecuted. On July 6, 2023, a Land Rover struck and killed Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau during an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon. The CPS has notified the families that the driving woman will not face charges due to an epileptic episode. The driver of the car, Claire Freemantle, stated that she had "no recollection of what took place" and expressed her "deepest sorrow". "Justice has neither been done nor has it been seen to be done today," the girls' families said. They said so many lives were "irreparably shattered" and they remained "unconvinced" that the investigation had been conducted thoroughly. "All the victims of the events of 6 July 2023 did nothing wrong. We were all in the safest place we could have been outside our own homes." "We were celebrating a day filled with joy. Nuria and Selena’s lives were taken in a moment," they said in a statement. According to the CPS, Freemantle lost control of the car and it crashed into the school as a result of an epileptic episode while she was driving. The collision also caused injuries to many other people. Watch | UK elections 2024: Poll survey indicate Labour in lead × According to the CPS, Freemantle had no prior medical diagnosis and there was no proof that she had ever experienced a seizure similar to this one. The parents of the girls, Sajjad Butt, Smera Chohan, Franky Lau, and Jessie Deng, expressed their opinion that the procedure had been "questionable" in their statement. "We continue to live with horrific memories, some of us will never physically recover from our injuries, and the pain of our loss will never subside," they said. Also read: Joe Biden to pardon US military personnel convicted of homosexuality "And yet, it is suggested that we must continue to live with the claim that the person solely responsible for the deaths of two and the maiming of others bears no consequence for the actions that they solely are responsible, without providing us with sufficient evidence that no criminal act was conducted," they added. According to Freemantle, her "heartfelt sympathy" is extended to all of the impacted children and families, but particularly to Nuria and Selena's parents. Detective Supt Clair Kelland stated, "I can understand that some may be confused - perhaps even feel let down - by this outcome, and want to give every reassurance that our officers worked tirelessly through every detail of the incident to ensure a complete investigation be passed to the CPS." She continued by saying that there had to be a "simply not borne out on this occasion" "element of responsibility" to file charges against the driver. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Families outraged as driver not charged after fatal school crash in Wimbledon

Russia's Navy to receive more than 40 ships and boats in 2024 as per President Vladimir Putin at a meeting on ship building. Putin cited year on-year statistics According to which the Navy was provided 24 new ships and boats in 2022, 33 in 2023 and 40 are planned to be handed over in 2024. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Navy eyeing a comeback as as war with Ukraine continues

<p>NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo.</p>

<p>The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.</p>

<p>"The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder".</p>

<p>"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I warmly welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies' choice of <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.<br />
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I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.<a href="https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL">https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL</a></p>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1805880452869210275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said.</p>

<p>Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg.</p>

<p>"The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…</p>
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1805887841576128984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House</strong></h2>

<p>United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine.</p>

<p>"President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-52-injured-after-russian-guided-bombs-hit-apartment-building-in-ukraines-kharkiv-734278">Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv</a></p>

<p>Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security".</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader".</p>

<p>"I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO.<br />
<br />
When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JensStoltenberg</a> in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout…</p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1805905612045275430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow.</p>

<p>"It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching.

NATO's 32 nations on Wednesday (June 26) appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance's new supremo. The development comes at a crucial time when Russia's war against Ukraine is intensifying and the elections in the United States are approaching. "The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg," the alliance said in a statement, adding that he would take over on October 1. Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who is stepping down from the post after almost a decade, said that Rutte was a "true transatlanticist" and a "consensus-builder". "Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg wrote in a social media post. I warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024 × "I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he said. Rutte said it was a "tremendous honour" to take over from Stoltenberg. "The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly," he posted on his official X account. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I… — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024 × Biden believes Rutte will make excellent NATO leader: White House United States welcomed Rutte's appointment stating that President Joe Biden believed that the Dutch PM would make "excellent" efforts to support Ukraine. "President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent secretary general," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. Also read: At least 3 killed, 52 injured after Russian guided bombs hit apartment building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Other leaders who backed the decision were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called Rutte's appointment "a good choice for freedom and security". Ukraine hails 'principled and strong' Rutte Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Rutte calling him a "principled and strong leader". "I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader, who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years," Zelensky said in a post on social media. Congratulations to @MinPres Mark Rutte on the Allies’ decision to appoint him as the next Secretary General of NATO. When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 26, 2024 × 'Rutte as NATO chief won't change anything,' says Kremlin Meanwhile, Russia said that Rutte's appointment as NATO chief would not "change anything" for Moscow. "It is unlikely that this choice can change anything in the general line of NATO," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "At the moment, this is an alliance that is an enemy for us." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO appoints outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as new chief

Russian Navy eyeing a comeback as as war with Ukraine continues

Stage is set for the Trump-Biden debate on Thursday. What will be the key issues that will dominate the first debate between the two? Collins Chong Yew Keat, Foreign Affairs, Strategy and Security expert, joins us to discuss.

Trump and Biden's first presidential debate of 2024

A dramatic series of events played out in Bolivia as the South American country came dangerously close to an armed regime change, following the thwarting of the attempted military coup the now dismissed General Juan Jose Zuniga accused of leading the charge has been placed under arrest by the Bolivian government. Watch in for more details!

Bolivia foils 'Coup' attempt, army General Zuniga arrested

In a massive crackdown on terror, the German government will tighten rules on deporting foreigners who glorify terror acts. Watch in for more details!

Germany to tighten law on deporting foreigners who glorify terrorist acts

As Israel-Gaza War escalates Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant has made a strong statement in Washington DC. He has said that Israel only fights those who seek to harm it. Gallant goes on to clarify that Israel's conflict is not with the citizens of Gaza who are the Palestinians or Lebanon but specifically with Hamas, Hezbollah.

Israel war: US warns against Hezbollah war

<p>A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, &nbsp;melted due to an intense heatwave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.7 degrees Celsius in Northwest Washington on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BBC mentioned in its report that the head was damaged first and later his legs started to drip off its torso. The report stated that a foot turned into a huge chunk, with deformity visible on all parts. The chair on which Lincoln's effigy was sitting also sank into the ground. The statue is now under repair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alarming-antarctic-ice-melt-tipping-point-found-raises-sea-level-rise-fears-735420">Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See the pics here:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This heat is relentless.<br />
<br />
A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted so much, it's almost lost its head <a href="https://twitter.com/wusa9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wusa9</a> <a href="https://t.co/WcIosorabe">pic.twitter.com/WcIosorabe</a></p>
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDoranTV/status/1804984035237667096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted due to the heat....🥵<br />
<br />
Before and after.....<br />
<br />
Quote from the artist Sandy Williams to the Intelligencer....<br />
<br />
"I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where… <a href="https://t.co/tl7bVXP76g">pic.twitter.com/tl7bVXP76g</a></p>
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1805585894222463124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>An intense heatwave swept across parts of the nation, especially in Washington DC, where temperatures usually go up to 29 degrees Celsius and down to 17 degrees Celsius. Hence, at above 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature made things extremely difficult for the residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents in Washington DC's Georgetown neighbourhood and in Boston, Massachusetts kept themselves cool using water fountains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jun 23), more than 100 million people across the US were under heat warnings, with cities on the East Coast bracing for record-breaking temperatures as the heat dome causing the dangerous conditions expands&nbsp;to the West Coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/volcanic-eruptions-on-icelands-reykjanes-peninsula-could-continue-for-decades-study-735395">Volcanic eruptions on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula could continue for decades: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Baltimore and Philadelphia are forecast to touch records near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while temperatures rise into the 90s F in states like Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as much as 15 degrees above normal for this time of year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials are warning of dangerous conditions in the Philadelphia region where high humidity could drive heat indices above 105 F (41 C), making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, melted due to an intense heatwave. Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.

A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, melted due to an intense heatwave. Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.7 degrees Celsius in Northwest Washington on Saturday. BBC mentioned in its report that the head was damaged first and later his legs started to drip off its torso. The report stated that a foot turned into a huge chunk, with deformity visible on all parts. The chair on which Lincoln's effigy was sitting also sank into the ground. The statue is now under repair. Also read: Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise See the pics here: This heat is relentless. A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted so much, it's almost lost its head @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/WcIosorabe — John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) June 23, 2024 × A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted due to the heat....🥵 Before and after..... Quote from the artist Sandy Williams to the Intelligencer.... "I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where… pic.twitter.com/tl7bVXP76g — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 25, 2024 × An intense heatwave swept across parts of the nation, especially in Washington DC, where temperatures usually go up to 29 degrees Celsius and down to 17 degrees Celsius. Hence, at above 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature made things extremely difficult for the residents. Residents in Washington DC's Georgetown neighbourhood and in Boston, Massachusetts kept themselves cool using water fountains. On Sunday (Jun 23), more than 100 million people across the US were under heat warnings, with cities on the East Coast bracing for record-breaking temperatures as the heat dome causing the dangerous conditions expands to the West Coast. Also read: Volcanic eruptions on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula could continue for decades: Study Baltimore and Philadelphia are forecast to touch records near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while temperatures rise into the 90s F in states like Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as much as 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. Officials are warning of dangerous conditions in the Philadelphia region where high humidity could drive heat indices above 105 F (41 C), making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature. (With inputs from agencies)

Abraham Lincoln's wax statue melts amid soaring temperatures, see pics

Germany cracks down on terror propagation

The stage is set for the Trump Biden debate on Thursday. The current Democratic President and his Republican predecessor will face off in Atlanta Georgia for the first of two debates ahead of November's Elections. Watch in for more details!

US Elections: Trump and Biden's first Presidential debate of 2024

<p>Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed on Wednesday (Jun 26) to have used a domestically developed hypersonic missile in an attack on a cargo ship in the Arabian Sea earlier this week, Xinhua reported. This development came amid escalating tensions in West Asia and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rebel group released a video statement purporting to show the launch of the missile, which is dubbed "Hadim 2". They, however, didn't disclose the exact timing of the attack.&nbsp;The report stated that the long and yellow rocket with Roman numerals on its fins was seen in the video being launched from a mobile platform in an unidentified desert location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Houthi claimed in the video that the statement described the Hadim 2 as a solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile manufactured by Houthi military facilities. It also added that this marked the first public revelation of the missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-clear-up-misunderstandings-make-real-progress-on-weapons-shipments-735563">US, Israel clear up 'misunderstandings', make 'real progress' on weapons shipments</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The news agency Reuters reported that Houthi said on Tuesday (Jun 25) that they used a new ballistic missile to hit the MSC Sarah V vessel in the Arabian Sea, claiming responsibility for an attack reported a day earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center on Monday (Jun 24) said the Liberian-flagged vessel was targeted by a missile in the Arabian Sea. They said it was not hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yahya Sarea, the Yemeni group's spokesperson, claimed an "accurate and direct" hit on the ship, describing the vessel as "Israeli".&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the crew were reported safe and that the vessel, which was sailing 246 nautical miles off Yemen's Nishtun when it was targeted, was heading to its next port of call.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elections-one-reformist-four-khameini-loyalists-to-battle-it-out-in-june-28-polls-735562">Iran elections: One reformist, three Khamenei loyalists to battle it out in June 28 polls</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel war: Gallant's strong message to Hezbollah&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>When did Houthi test a hypersonic missile?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier this year in March, Houthi successfully tested a hypersonic missile as claimed by the group to Russian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing a source, Sputnik had reported, "Missile forces of the movement have successfully tested a missile that can reach speeds of up to Mach 8 [6,200 miles per hour] and is powered by solid fuel."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yemen plans to begin manufacturing it for use in attacks in the Red and Arabian Seas and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hypersonic weapons fly at speeds higher than Mach 5 and the one claimed to have tested by Houthis is Mach 8 which is eight times the speed of sound. Such missiles could pose crucial challenges to missile defence systems because of their speed and manoeuvrability.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed on Wednesday (Jun 26) to have used a domestically developed hypersonic missile in an attack on a cargo ship in the Arabian Sea earlier this week, Xinhua reported.

Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed on Wednesday (Jun 26) to have used a domestically developed hypersonic missile in an attack on a cargo ship in the Arabian Sea earlier this week, Xinhua reported. This development came amid escalating tensions in West Asia and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. The rebel group released a video statement purporting to show the launch of the missile, which is dubbed "Hadim 2". They, however, didn't disclose the exact timing of the attack. The report stated that the long and yellow rocket with Roman numerals on its fins was seen in the video being launched from a mobile platform in an unidentified desert location. Houthi claimed in the video that the statement described the Hadim 2 as a solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile manufactured by Houthi military facilities. It also added that this marked the first public revelation of the missile. Also read: US, Israel clear up 'misunderstandings', make 'real progress' on weapons shipments The news agency Reuters reported that Houthi said on Tuesday (Jun 25) that they used a new ballistic missile to hit the MSC Sarah V vessel in the Arabian Sea, claiming responsibility for an attack reported a day earlier. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center on Monday (Jun 24) said the Liberian-flagged vessel was targeted by a missile in the Arabian Sea. They said it was not hit. Yahya Sarea, the Yemeni group's spokesperson, claimed an "accurate and direct" hit on the ship, describing the vessel as "Israeli". According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the crew were reported safe and that the vessel, which was sailing 246 nautical miles off Yemen's Nishtun when it was targeted, was heading to its next port of call. Also read: Iran elections: One reformist, three Khamenei loyalists to battle it out in June 28 polls Watch: Israel war: Gallant's strong message to Hezbollah × When did Houthi test a hypersonic missile? Earlier this year in March, Houthi successfully tested a hypersonic missile as claimed by the group to Russian media. Citing a source, Sputnik had reported, "Missile forces of the movement have successfully tested a missile that can reach speeds of up to Mach 8 [6,200 miles per hour] and is powered by solid fuel." "Yemen plans to begin manufacturing it for use in attacks in the Red and Arabian Seas and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel," it added. Hypersonic weapons fly at speeds higher than Mach 5 and the one claimed to have tested by Houthis is Mach 8 which is eight times the speed of sound. Such missiles could pose crucial challenges to missile defence systems because of their speed and manoeuvrability. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis say they used 'home-made hypersonic missile' to attack ship in Arabian Sea: Report

It's just remarkable for the second time in two years here in the United States a major Supreme Court abortion decision has been accidentally leaked before the justices have officially released it. This time however the most likely explanation is a clerical error by someone who manages the Court's website. Watch to know more!

US' Top court mistakenly posts opinion allowing Idaho abortions

Headlines of the hour: - Israeli airstrikes hit school in Gaza - Sri Lanka asks Russia to return ex-soldiers - Ukraine signs security deal with EU - Iran polls: Two Iranian hardline candidates drop out - Saudi to seek China's help to end Houthi crisis - Kenya braces for fresh protests - Indian stocks hit lifetime high

Sri Lanka asks Russia to return ex-soldiers | Israeli airstrikes hit school in Gaza |

The Paris 2024 Olympics are nearly here. The opening ceremony starts on July 26th, and this year’s events run through August 11th. Watch to know more.

Olympic medals get finishing touch

Millions of voters in France will soon elect hundreds of new lawmakers in the snap parliamentary elections called by President Emmanuel Macron. Watch in for more details!

France elections: France to hold snap polls on June 30

<p>Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake disclosed to media outlets that he had placed a wager "some months ago" on his party to secure a legislative majority. When asked if he had placed a bet on the Tory win, Hollinrake responded, "Yes, I did. Not my seat, I think that would be wrong."</p>

<p>“We should have a proper debate about and decide whether it’s right or wrong that people have a bet on things they are involved in," said Hollinrake, who is&nbsp;seeking re-election in Thirsk and Malton.</p>

<p>Hollinrake put his wager believing the odds were 9:1. "You may think that's foolhardy," he said on LBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Victory is always possible if you don’t stop fighting,” he added.</p>

<p>Hollinrake said, “Anybody who has broken the rules will be booted out of the Conservative party … the prime minister believes in process, as I do,” when asked whether there were any other Conservatives who may have broken the rules.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expert-calls-for-tobacco-style-warnings-on-ultra-processed-foods-worldwide-735690">Expert calls for tobacco-style warnings on ultra-processed foods worldwide</a></strong></p>

<p>A gambling controversy has cast a cloud over the election campaign after it was discovered that Tory candidate Craig Williams, who was a close parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak, placed a wager on a July election three days before its announcement.</p>

<p>The Gambling Commission has opened an inquiry into Williams. It is a potential crime to utilise insider knowledge to acquire an unfair advantage while placing a wager.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UK: Ballet dancers aim to address climate change on the banks of Thames</strong></p>

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<p>Since then, the gambling watchdog has examined another Tory candidate, two senior party officials, six police officers, and a Tory member of the Welsh parliament for betting on the election date. In addition, a Labour candidate is under investigation for betting against himself in his seat.</p>

<p>According to a report published in The Sun on Wednesday, Philip Davies, the Tory candidate, placed a&nbsp;£8,000 wager on losing his marginal seat of Shipley during the election.</p>

<p>The newspaper was informed by Sir Philip, a Tory MP representing Shipley since 2005, that he expected to lose his seat on July 4. He is standing for the West Yorkshire seat, defending a 6,242 majority.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake disclosed to media outlets that he had placed a wager "some months ago" on his party to secure a legislative majority. When asked if he had placed a bet on the Tory win, Hollinrake responded, "Yes, I did.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake disclosed to media outlets that he had placed a wager "some months ago" on his party to secure a legislative majority. When asked if he had placed a bet on the Tory win, Hollinrake responded, "Yes, I did. Not my seat, I think that would be wrong." “We should have a proper debate about and decide whether it’s right or wrong that people have a bet on things they are involved in," said Hollinrake, who is seeking re-election in Thirsk and Malton. Hollinrake put his wager believing the odds were 9:1. "You may think that's foolhardy," he said on LBC. “Victory is always possible if you don’t stop fighting,” he added. Hollinrake said, “Anybody who has broken the rules will be booted out of the Conservative party … the prime minister believes in process, as I do,” when asked whether there were any other Conservatives who may have broken the rules. Also read: Expert calls for tobacco-style warnings on ultra-processed foods worldwide A gambling controversy has cast a cloud over the election campaign after it was discovered that Tory candidate Craig Williams, who was a close parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak, placed a wager on a July election three days before its announcement. The Gambling Commission has opened an inquiry into Williams. It is a potential crime to utilise insider knowledge to acquire an unfair advantage while placing a wager. Watch | UK: Ballet dancers aim to address climate change on the banks of Thames × Since then, the gambling watchdog has examined another Tory candidate, two senior party officials, six police officers, and a Tory member of the Welsh parliament for betting on the election date. In addition, a Labour candidate is under investigation for betting against himself in his seat. According to a report published in The Sun on Wednesday, Philip Davies, the Tory candidate, placed a £8,000 wager on losing his marginal seat of Shipley during the election. The newspaper was informed by Sir Philip, a Tory MP representing Shipley since 2005, that he expected to lose his seat on July 4. He is standing for the West Yorkshire seat, defending a 6,242 majority. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Tory business minister bets on party win; MP gambles £8,000 on seat loss

Germany to deport foreigners for hate posts

Authorities on the Spanish island of Tenerife continue to search for British teenager Jay Slater, who has been missing for a week after attending a music festival. Slater, 19, went missing after attending the NRG festival in the south of the island. Watch in for more details!

Jay Slater: Search operations continue for missing British teen, Spanish police examine CCTV footage

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