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South African scientists on Tuesday injected radioactive material into live&nbsp;rhino&nbsp;horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing poaching.

The country is home to a large majority of the world's rhinos and as such is a hotspot for poaching driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effect.

At the Limpopo&nbsp;rhino&nbsp;orphanage in the Waterberg area, in the country's northeast, a few of the thick-skinned herbivores grazed in the low savannah.

James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand's radiation and health physics unit who spearheaded the initiative, told AFP he had put "two tiny little radioactive chips in the horn" as he administered the radioisotopes on one of the large animals' horns.

The radioactive material would "render the horn useless... essentially poisonous for human consumption" added Nithaya Chetty, professor and dean of science at the same university.

The dusty&nbsp;rhino, put to sleep and crouched on the ground, did not feel any pain, Larkin said.

The radioactive material's dose was so low it would not impact the animal's health or the environment in any way, he said.

In February the environment ministry said that, despite government efforts to tackle the illicit trade, 499 of the giant mammals were killed in 2023, mostly in state-run parks. This represents an 11 percent increase over the 2022 figures.

Twenty live rhinos in total would be part of the pilot Rhisotope project whereby they would be administered a dose "strong enough to set off detectors that are installed globally" at international border posts originally installed "to prevent nuclear terrorism", a pleased Larkin said, sporting a green hat and a khaki shirt.

Border agents often have handheld radiation detectors which can detect contraband in addition to thousands of radiation detectors installed at ports and airports, the scientists said.

<h2>'Best idea'</h2>

Rhino&nbsp;horns are highly sought after on black markets, where the price by weight rivals that of gold and cocaine.

According to Arrie Van Deventer, the orphanage's founder, dehorning the&nbsp;rhino&nbsp;and poisoning the horns have failed to deter poachers.

"Maybe this is the thing that will stop poaching", the tall, slim-built conservationist said. "This is the best idea I've ever heard".

Wildebeest, warthogs and giraffe roamed the vast conservation area as more than a dozen team members performed the delicate process on another&nbsp;rhino.

Larkin meticulously drilled a small hole into the horn, hammered in the radioisotope, then finished off by spraying 11,000 microdots all over the horn.&nbsp;

About 15,000 rhinos live in the southern African nation, according to an estimate by the international&nbsp;Rhino&nbsp;foundation.

The last phase of the project would be the animal's aftercare following "proper scientific protocol and ethical protocol", said the project's COO, a bubbly Jessica Babich.

The team would then take follow-up blood samples to ensure the rhinos were effectively protected.

The material would last five years on the horn, which was cheaper than dehorning every 18 months, Larkin said.

South African scientists on Tuesday injected radioactive material into live rhino horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing poaching.

South African scientists on Tuesday injected radioactive material into live rhino horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing poaching. The country is home to a large majority of the world's rhinos and as such is a hotspot for poaching driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effect. At the Limpopo rhino orphanage in the Waterberg area, in the country's northeast, a few of the thick-skinned herbivores grazed in the low savannah. James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand's radiation and health physics unit who spearheaded the initiative, told AFP he had put "two tiny little radioactive chips in the horn" as he administered the radioisotopes on one of the large animals' horns. The radioactive material would "render the horn useless... essentially poisonous for human consumption" added Nithaya Chetty, professor and dean of science at the same university. The dusty rhino, put to sleep and crouched on the ground, did not feel any pain, Larkin said. The radioactive material's dose was so low it would not impact the animal's health or the environment in any way, he said. In February the environment ministry said that, despite government efforts to tackle the illicit trade, 499 of the giant mammals were killed in 2023, mostly in state-run parks. This represents an 11 percent increase over the 2022 figures. Twenty live rhinos in total would be part of the pilot Rhisotope project whereby they would be administered a dose "strong enough to set off detectors that are installed globally" at international border posts originally installed "to prevent nuclear terrorism", a pleased Larkin said, sporting a green hat and a khaki shirt. Border agents often have handheld radiation detectors which can detect contraband in addition to thousands of radiation detectors installed at ports and airports, the scientists said. 'Best idea' Rhino horns are highly sought after on black markets, where the price by weight rivals that of gold and cocaine. According to Arrie Van Deventer, the orphanage's founder, dehorning the rhino and poisoning the horns have failed to deter poachers. "Maybe this is the thing that will stop poaching", the tall, slim-built conservationist said. "This is the best idea I've ever heard". Wildebeest, warthogs and giraffe roamed the vast conservation area as more than a dozen team members performed the delicate process on another rhino. Larkin meticulously drilled a small hole into the horn, hammered in the radioisotope, then finished off by spraying 11,000 microdots all over the horn. About 15,000 rhinos live in the southern African nation, according to an estimate by the international Rhino foundation. The last phase of the project would be the animal's aftercare following "proper scientific protocol and ethical protocol", said the project's COO, a bubbly Jessica Babich. The team would then take follow-up blood samples to ensure the rhinos were effectively protected. The material would last five years on the horn, which was cheaper than dehorning every 18 months, Larkin said.

Scientists inject radioactive material into rhino horns to curb poaching in South Africa

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The European Union formally launches accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Tuesday, setting the fragile ex-Soviet states off on a long path towards membership that Russia has tried to block.

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The Chinese city does not recognise same-sex marriage and the newlyweds had to legally register their marriages in the United States, with the officiant joining via video call from Utah.

For Daisy Ko and Dark Chan, their marriage on Tuesday -- even though it came with fewer rights than those of heterosexual couples -- was the fulfilment of a dream years in the making.

"This was my promise to her and today we did it... I'm excited and really happy," Chan, 45, told AFP.

Support for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong has grown over the past decade and hit 60 percent last year, according to a survey by three universities.

More Hong Kong LGBTQ couples are interested in getting married following a landmark court decision last year that ordered better protections of same-sex couples' rights, organisers of Tuesday's "Pride to Wed" event said.

The event was meant as a joyous occasion shared with family and friends, as well as a way to boost public awareness, according to co-organiser Kurt Tung.

"There hasn't been an LGBTQ mass wedding in Hong Kong... (The event) is significant for the community," said Tung, who co-founded an LGBTQ wedding planning business.

"I hope one day that everybody will accept the fact that love is not just between men and women," said businessman Lucas Peng, 66, after marrying his long-term partner.

"To be able to publicly declare our love for each other today is a very important step for us."

Citing the Thai senate's decision this month to legalise same-sex marriage, Peng said he hoped Hong Kong and his native Singapore would follow suit.

'Choices' for all 
Hong Kong's top court last September rejected same-sex marriage, but gave the government two years to set up an alternative framework -- potentially in the form of civil unions -- to recognise the rights of same-sex couples.

The government was conducting a "detailed study" into the complex issues, a top minister said last month, though no public consultation has been announced.

Tung said there had been a spike in LGBTQ couples wanting to get married after the court ruling despite the lack of immediate policy changes.

Couples needed a private, comfortable setting so they could feel at ease, while homophobia remained a problem in Hong Kong's hospitality industry, Tung added.

Founded in 2018, her business used to handle 10 or so weddings a year but now the number is closer to 100. Tuesday's mass wedding drew applications from 30 couples.

"Couples used to ask me, what's the point of marriage?" Tung said. "Nowadays they are considering the question of where to get married."

On Tuesday, the 20 participants stood at the front of the ballroom while the marriage officiant in Utah, shown on a large screen, conducted the ceremony.

Utah has become popular among the LGBTQ community as it only requires the officiant to be located in the state, and marriage ceremonies can be held online.

Same-sex couples who are legally married overseas enjoy limited rights while living in Hong Kong, in areas such as taxes, visas, housing and inheritance -- the result of years-long legal battles.

Some of those rights are still disputed by the government and activists say they hope the upcoming legal framework can protect rights in a more comprehensive way.

Newly-wed Chan hoped Hong Kong will one day allow same-sex marriage, so that spouses will have legal status in taking care of one another.

"Aside from (affirming) our love, in case something goes wrong, the marriage certificate is very important as a legal document," she said.

Liam Mak, a wedding participant who is transgender, said marriage should be for all.

"Ideally marriage doesn't have to be divided into same-sex or different sexes. Marriage is marriage."

The Chinese city does not recognise same-sex marriage and the newlyweds had to legally register their marriages in the United States, with the officiant joining via video call from Utah.

The Chinese city does not recognise same-sex marriage and the newlyweds had to legally register their marriages in the United States, with the officiant joining via video call from Utah. For Daisy Ko and Dark Chan, their marriage on Tuesday -- even though it came with fewer rights than those of heterosexual couples -- was the fulfilment of a dream years in the making. "This was my promise to her and today we did it... I'm excited and really happy," Chan, 45, told AFP. Support for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong has grown over the past decade and hit 60 percent last year, according to a survey by three universities. More Hong Kong LGBTQ couples are interested in getting married following a landmark court decision last year that ordered better protections of same-sex couples' rights, organisers of Tuesday's "Pride to Wed" event said. The event was meant as a joyous occasion shared with family and friends, as well as a way to boost public awareness, according to co-organiser Kurt Tung. "There hasn't been an LGBTQ mass wedding in Hong Kong... (The event) is significant for the community," said Tung, who co-founded an LGBTQ wedding planning business. "I hope one day that everybody will accept the fact that love is not just between men and women," said businessman Lucas Peng, 66, after marrying his long-term partner. "To be able to publicly declare our love for each other today is a very important step for us." Citing the Thai senate's decision this month to legalise same-sex marriage, Peng said he hoped Hong Kong and his native Singapore would follow suit. 'Choices' for all Hong Kong's top court last September rejected same-sex marriage, but gave the government two years to set up an alternative framework -- potentially in the form of civil unions -- to recognise the rights of same-sex couples. The government was conducting a "detailed study" into the complex issues, a top minister said last month, though no public consultation has been announced. Tung said there had been a spike in LGBTQ couples wanting to get married after the court ruling despite the lack of immediate policy changes. Couples needed a private, comfortable setting so they could feel at ease, while homophobia remained a problem in Hong Kong's hospitality industry, Tung added. Founded in 2018, her business used to handle 10 or so weddings a year but now the number is closer to 100. Tuesday's mass wedding drew applications from 30 couples. "Couples used to ask me, what's the point of marriage?" Tung said. "Nowadays they are considering the question of where to get married." On Tuesday, the 20 participants stood at the front of the ballroom while the marriage officiant in Utah, shown on a large screen, conducted the ceremony. Utah has become popular among the LGBTQ community as it only requires the officiant to be located in the state, and marriage ceremonies can be held online. Same-sex couples who are legally married overseas enjoy limited rights while living in Hong Kong, in areas such as taxes, visas, housing and inheritance -- the result of years-long legal battles. Some of those rights are still disputed by the government and activists say they hope the upcoming legal framework can protect rights in a more comprehensive way. Newly-wed Chan hoped Hong Kong will one day allow same-sex marriage, so that spouses will have legal status in taking care of one another. "Aside from (affirming) our love, in case something goes wrong, the marriage certificate is very important as a legal document," she said. Liam Mak, a wedding participant who is transgender, said marriage should be for all. "Ideally marriage doesn't have to be divided into same-sex or different sexes. Marriage is marriage."

Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding

As part of its long-term strategy to reduce dependence in China, American Tech giant Apple has been making forays into India well not directly but via contract manufacturers who set up Mass assembly lines to assemble millions of Apple phones. Recent reports indicate that a major Apple contract manufacturer in India is discriminating against married women and prefers to recruit only unmarried women. Taiwanese firm Foxconn is the world's largest contract manufacturer. Watch in for more details!

Foxconn discriminating against married women in India?

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon on Tuesday and during the meeting Austin warned that a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah can spark a regional war and he also urged to look for a diplomatic solution to the issues.

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A letter written by Albert Einstein in 1939 to then-United States President Franklin D Roosevelt warning that Nazi Germany might harness nuclear research to invent an atomic bomb, which encouraged the US to develop the world’s first nuclear bombs, is going up for auction.&nbsp;

<h2>Auction to be held in September</h2>

The two-page message co-authored by Einstein was sent to FDR warning him about the progress that Nazi Germany was making in nuclear research which the country could potentially use to make “extremely powerful bombs”.&nbsp;

The US president, spooked by the information, formed a committee which served as a precursor to the J Robert Oppenheimer-headed Manhattan Project which eventually led to the creation and first-ever use of atomic weapons, against Japan, in 1945, during World War II.&nbsp;

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The pivotal letter dated August 2, 1939, is now going up for sale at Christie’s auctioneers in September and is estimated to fetch as much as $4 million.&nbsp;

The letter is being sold as a part of the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s estate who died in 2018 at the age of 65.&nbsp;

<h2>About the letter</h2>

The letter was written by the renowned physicist along with a fellow scientist, Leo Szilard, in a cabin in Long Island, New York.&nbsp;

Notably, Einstein’s original letter to FDR is being kept at the Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York.

However, the physicist also wrote and signed a second, slightly shorter version of the letter which was held on to by Szilard for safekeeping and that is the one that will be up for auction in the upcoming months.&nbsp;

The two-page typed letter, as per the Wall Street Journal, starts bluntly and states, “Sir: Recent work in nuclear physics made it probable that uranium may be turned into a new and important source of energy.”

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The letter could reportedly attract quality bidders amid concerns about a three-way nuclear race between the US, China, and Russia and the success of the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer biopic, which was released last year.

Marc Porter, chairman of Christie’s Americas, told the WSJ that the Microsoft co-founder “undoubtedly knew it was one of the most important documents in the history of the 20th century, and that’s not the kind of thing you just hang in your office.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A letter written by Albert Einstein in 1939 to then-United States President Franklin D Roosevelt warning that Nazi Germany might harness nuclear research to invent an atomic bomb, which encouraged the US to develop the world’s first nuclear bombs, is going up for auction.

A letter written by Albert Einstein in 1939 to then-United States President Franklin D Roosevelt warning that Nazi Germany might harness nuclear research to invent an atomic bomb, which encouraged the US to develop the world’s first nuclear bombs, is going up for auction. Auction to be held in September The two-page message co-authored by Einstein was sent to FDR warning him about the progress that Nazi Germany was making in nuclear research which the country could potentially use to make “extremely powerful bombs”. The US president, spooked by the information, formed a committee which served as a precursor to the J Robert Oppenheimer-headed Manhattan Project which eventually led to the creation and first-ever use of atomic weapons, against Japan, in 1945, during World War II. Also Read | Judge declares Julian Assange 'a free man' as he pleads guilty in WikiLeaks espionage case The pivotal letter dated August 2, 1939, is now going up for sale at Christie’s auctioneers in September and is estimated to fetch as much as $4 million. The letter is being sold as a part of the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s estate who died in 2018 at the age of 65. About the letter The letter was written by the renowned physicist along with a fellow scientist, Leo Szilard, in a cabin in Long Island, New York. Notably, Einstein’s original letter to FDR is being kept at the Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. However, the physicist also wrote and signed a second, slightly shorter version of the letter which was held on to by Szilard for safekeeping and that is the one that will be up for auction in the upcoming months. The two-page typed letter, as per the Wall Street Journal, starts bluntly and states, “Sir: Recent work in nuclear physics made it probable that uranium may be turned into a new and important source of energy.” Also Read | Trudeau's debacle in Canada raises questions about his 'political longevity' The letter could reportedly attract quality bidders amid concerns about a three-way nuclear race between the US, China, and Russia and the success of the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer biopic, which was released last year. Marc Porter, chairman of Christie’s Americas, told the WSJ that the Microsoft co-founder “undoubtedly knew it was one of the most important documents in the history of the 20th century, and that’s not the kind of thing you just hang in your office.” (With inputs from agencies)

Einstein’s letter warning FDR about threat of Nazi nuclear bomb may sell for $4 million

A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) staffer Cortez had testified in the case, but Abbott's legal team contested his right to do so.

The request was granted by Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell, who also barred Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter."

Regarding how to manage illegal immigration across the Texas–Mexico border, Abbott and the Biden administration have frequently disagreed. Large floating buoys divided by metal sheets that resemble circular saws have been placed in the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star to prevent river crossings.

The federal government sued the Texan authorities in July 2023, claiming that the buoys violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 by obstructing a navigable canal. The State of Texas is contesting this, arguing that the buoys were placed at a spot where the Rio Grande is not navigable.

Cortez, who works for the US branch of the IBWC, was one of the hundreds of experts called upon by the government to testify in support of its argument about water flows from Amistad Dam.

Abbott reacted strongly to the Supreme Court's January decision that allowed federal officials to dismantle razor wire from the border, claiming his state was being invaded.

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Judge Howell approved Abbott's motion in his Tuesday-filed ruling, barring Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter."

Cortez was supposed to provide proof that would have refuted the federal government's argument that installing floating buoys at the Rio Grande's navigable point violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act.

The federal government "cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions about the decision factors and procedures for water releases from Amistad Dam," according to a court filing from Abbott's legal team.

"Cortez is a fact witness and admitted that he has no expert opinions in this case about the decision factors for water releases from Amistad Dam," Abbott's legal team added.

"Plaintiff cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions because, by Cortez's admission, he is either not an expert or has no expert opinions on the topics for which he was identified as an expert witness," Abbott's team concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings.

A court granted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request to exclude Adrian Cortez's expert witness evidence, giving him a victory in his fight to maintain floating buoys in the Rio Grande River to deter migrant crossings. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) staffer Cortez had testified in the case, but Abbott's legal team contested his right to do so. The request was granted by Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell, who also barred Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter." Regarding how to manage illegal immigration across the Texas–Mexico border, Abbott and the Biden administration have frequently disagreed. Large floating buoys divided by metal sheets that resemble circular saws have been placed in the Rio Grande as part of Operation Lone Star to prevent river crossings. The federal government sued the Texan authorities in July 2023, claiming that the buoys violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 by obstructing a navigable canal. The State of Texas is contesting this, arguing that the buoys were placed at a spot where the Rio Grande is not navigable. Cortez, who works for the US branch of the IBWC, was one of the hundreds of experts called upon by the government to testify in support of its argument about water flows from Amistad Dam. Abbott reacted strongly to the Supreme Court's January decision that allowed federal officials to dismantle razor wire from the border, claiming his state was being invaded. Also read: Video: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's plane lands in Canberra; Australia PM lauds US, UK Judge Howell approved Abbott's motion in his Tuesday-filed ruling, barring Cortez "from offering expert testimony in this matter." Cortez was supposed to provide proof that would have refuted the federal government's argument that installing floating buoys at the Rio Grande's navigable point violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act. The federal government "cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions about the decision factors and procedures for water releases from Amistad Dam," according to a court filing from Abbott's legal team. "Cortez is a fact witness and admitted that he has no expert opinions in this case about the decision factors for water releases from Amistad Dam," Abbott's legal team added. "Plaintiff cannot meet its burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Cortez has relevant and reliable opinions because, by Cortez's admission, he is either not an expert or has no expert opinions on the topics for which he was identified as an expert witness," Abbott's team concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas Governor Abbott scores legal win in battle over Rio Grande floating buoys

Conservative cabinet minister Alister Jack has admitted placing three bets on the date of the general election in the weeks before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprise announcement. In a conversation with BBC the minister had claimed that he placed a successful bet that the election would fall between July and September and even made € 2,100. Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Rishi Sunak under fire over betting scandal

The stages set for voting in Presidential elections in Iran on Friday with candidates pulling out all stops in the last few days of campaigning. Of the six mostly hardline candidates confirmed by the guardian Council Massoud Pezeshkian of the reformist front is regarded to be one of to be the only one representing moderates and reformists. Watch in for more details!

Iran Presidential race with six candidates after Raisi's untimely death

Iran votes in Presidential Elections on June 28th

A New York judge eased a gag order on Tuesday that was imposed on Former US President Donald Trump during his criminal trial which saw him convicted of 34 counts. Watch in for more details!

US Elections: Trump's hush money gag order partially eased

Russia has again raised dangers of further escalation of the situation in Ukraine due to the continued supply of weapons to Kyiv. the Russian defense minister Andre Bosov spoke to his American counterpart Lloyd Austin over the phone on Tuesday. The latest interaction comes on the back of the Kremlin warning the United States of consequences.

Russia warned US of 'consequences' after Crimea strike; vows escalation in Ukraine

North Korea faced a rare failure in the ballistic missile test on Wednesday (June 26), as per South Korea’s military.&nbsp;

The test was carried out days after North Korea protested against the US aircraft carrier's regional deployment which was placed&nbsp;for a trilateral military drill with South Korea and&nbsp;Japan.

On Monday (June 24), North Korea’s Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang II called the deployment of US aircraft carrier “reckless” and “dangerous.”&nbsp;

In a statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that a ballistic missile was launched by North Korea from its capital region around 5:30 am&nbsp;on Wednesday (4:30 pm&nbsp;Tuesday ET).&nbsp;

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It added that the missile was launched towards the eastern waters of North Korea, however, the launch is likely to have ended in failure.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the details regarding the missile launch by North Korea are being investigated by the South Korean and US intelligence authorities.

Earlier on Wednesday (June 26), Japan’s defence ministry said that it had detected a suspected ballistic missile which was launched by North Korea.

It was reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency that the North Korean missile flew nearly 155 miles.

According to a report by Japanese media, the North Korean projectile fell outside the exclusive economic zone of Japan.

<h2>South Korean airport's runways shut amid trash attack</h2>

The reported missile launch by North Korea came hours after South Korea alleged that their neighbour country sent another set of huge balloons filled with trash across the border.

In the latest trash attack, South Korea's Incheon International Airport faced disruptions in takeoffs and landings for about three hours before dawn as balloons filled with refuse dropped from the sky, said an airport spokesperson.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia and North Korea sign strategic partnership treaty

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-and-north-korea-sign-strategic-partnership-treaty-733280/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The spokesperson said that one balloon fell on the tarmac near passenger Terminal 2 after which the three runways at Incheon were temporarily closed.

Since late May, North Korea has been sending hundreds of balloons filled with trash into South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea faced a rare failure in the ballistic missile test on Wednesday (June 26), as per South Korea’s military. The test was carried out days after North Korea protested against the US aircraft carrier's regional deployment which was placed for a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan.

North Korea faced a rare failure in the ballistic missile test on Wednesday (June 26), as per South Korea’s military. The test was carried out days after North Korea protested against the US aircraft carrier's regional deployment which was placed for a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan. On Monday (June 24), North Korea’s Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang II called the deployment of US aircraft carrier “reckless” and “dangerous.” In a statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that a ballistic missile was launched by North Korea from its capital region around 5:30 am on Wednesday (4:30 pm Tuesday ET). Also Read: South Korea will consider supplying arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea sign strategic pact It added that the missile was launched towards the eastern waters of North Korea, however, the launch is likely to have ended in failure. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the details regarding the missile launch by North Korea are being investigated by the South Korean and US intelligence authorities. Earlier on Wednesday (June 26), Japan’s defence ministry said that it had detected a suspected ballistic missile which was launched by North Korea. It was reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency that the North Korean missile flew nearly 155 miles. According to a report by Japanese media, the North Korean projectile fell outside the exclusive economic zone of Japan. South Korean airport's runways shut amid trash attack The reported missile launch by North Korea came hours after South Korea alleged that their neighbour country sent another set of huge balloons filled with trash across the border. In the latest trash attack, South Korea's Incheon International Airport faced disruptions in takeoffs and landings for about three hours before dawn as balloons filled with refuse dropped from the sky, said an airport spokesperson. Watch: Russia and North Korea sign strategic partnership treaty The spokesperson said that one balloon fell on the tarmac near passenger Terminal 2 after which the three runways at Incheon were temporarily closed. Since late May, North Korea has been sending hundreds of balloons filled with trash into South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea faces rare missile test failure amid war of trash balloons with South Korea

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suffered a huge setback on Tuesday as the Liberal Party lost the by-election in the party's longtime stronghold, the Toronto-St. Paul constituency.

Canadian PM faces setback as Conservatives seize stronghold from Trudeau's party in bypoll

The WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange now Freeman has landed in the Australian Capital Canberra. This comes after he pleaded guilty in a US court in Saipan. The judge sentenced him to 5 years and two months in prison.

Julian Assange lands in the Australian capital after pleading guilty in Saipan

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked out of the courtroom in Saipan as a free man for the first time in 12 years. Watch to know more.

Julian Assange walks free, his case hearing is in remote US territory

In a meeting with families of hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, accused military chiefs of attempting to carry out a coup against her husband, as reported on Tuesday.

Israeli PM Netanyahu's wife Sarah Netanyahu: Military Chiefs attempting a coup

The Biden administration reportedly attempted to force an international group of scientists to remove the minimum age limit for 'gender-affirming care', according to newly released court documents. As per reports, Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health with the US Department of Health and Human Services, became "very concerned" about the age limit as it could "affect access to health care for trans youth." This was revealed in emails released in an Alabama court case challenging the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Notably, Levine is the first transgender official in the Biden administration who is also Senate-confirmed.

The email from a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health revealed, "Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine strongly pressured WPATH [World Professional Association for Transgender Health] leadership to rush the development and issuance of SOC-8 [Standards of Care, Version 8], in order to assist with Administration political strategy.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiH88Cv9fiGAxWbZ_UHHQikCr0QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-probes-chinas-telecom-espionage-3-companies-under-scrutiny-734967" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-probes-chinas-telecom-espionage-3-companies-under-scrutiny-734967&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH88Cv9fiGAxWbZ_UHHQikCr0QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">US probes China`s telecom `espionage`: 3 companies under scrutiny</a>

As per the emails, Sarah Boateng, Levine’s chief of staff, said Levine was "very concerned that having ages (mainly for surgery) will affect access to health care for trans youth and maybe adults too."

“Apparently the situation in the USA is terrible and she and the Biden administration worried that having ages in the document will make matters worse. She asked us to remove them,” the email stated.

WPATH eventually caved into the Biden administration's pressure.

Watch:&nbsp;Scheffler heads star-studded USA Golf quartet | WION Sports

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In one email released by Dr James Cantor as part of litigation challenging an Alabama law outlawing certain gender transition-related treatments and procedures, it was revealed that WPATH “capitulated and removed the text in violation of its own process despite the preference of its own committee members to retain the age limits”.

When the body released its eighth edition of its standards of care in September 2022, it didn't have any minimum age limit for transgender procedures.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration reportedly attempted to force an international group of scientists to remove the minimum age limit for 'gender-affirming care', according to newly released court documents.

The Biden administration reportedly attempted to force an international group of scientists to remove the minimum age limit for 'gender-affirming care', according to newly released court documents. As per reports, Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health with the US Department of Health and Human Services, became "very concerned" about the age limit as it could "affect access to health care for trans youth." This was revealed in emails released in an Alabama court case challenging the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Notably, Levine is the first transgender official in the Biden administration who is also Senate-confirmed. The email from a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health revealed, "Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine strongly pressured WPATH [World Professional Association for Transgender Health] leadership to rush the development and issuance of SOC-8 [Standards of Care, Version 8], in order to assist with Administration political strategy.” Also read: US probes China`s telecom `espionage`: 3 companies under scrutiny As per the emails, Sarah Boateng, Levine’s chief of staff, said Levine was "very concerned that having ages (mainly for surgery) will affect access to health care for trans youth and maybe adults too." “Apparently the situation in the USA is terrible and she and the Biden administration worried that having ages in the document will make matters worse. She asked us to remove them,” the email stated. WPATH eventually caved into the Biden administration's pressure. Watch: Scheffler heads star-studded USA Golf quartet | WION Sports × In one email released by Dr James Cantor as part of litigation challenging an Alabama law outlawing certain gender transition-related treatments and procedures, it was revealed that WPATH “capitulated and removed the text in violation of its own process despite the preference of its own committee members to retain the age limits”. When the body released its eighth edition of its standards of care in September 2022, it didn't have any minimum age limit for transgender procedures. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration forced experts to drop minimum age limit for trans surgery

Yet another member from United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party is being investigated by the country’s Gambling Commission for allegedly placing a bet on the general election date.&nbsp;

<h2>Conservative politician under investigation</h2>

Russell George, a Conservative politician in the Welsh Parliament became the fifth Tory member facing inquiries by the Gambling Commission, reported the British media on Wednesday (Jun 26).&nbsp;

George, who represents the same constituency as Sunak’s closest parliamentary aide Craig Williams, was informed by the gambling watchdog that he is under investigation for allegedly placing bets on a July election.&nbsp;

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The Tory lawmaker who represents Montgomeryshire in the Welsh parliament said he is stepping back from his role as the Welsh Tories’ deputy chief whip until the investigation is over.&nbsp;

He told the Guardian that he will “cooperate fully” with the investigation but does not want to say anything else as it would “only jeopardise and undermine the investigation.”&nbsp;

Sunak’s Conservative party, which is reportedly headed for a historic loss in the July 4 election, has been engulfed in the betting scandal.&nbsp;

As per BBC, some 15 candidates and officials of the party are being looked at by the Gambling Commission over alleged betting on the timing of the general election.

<h2>Tory lawmaker admits placing bets</h2>

Scottish Secretary and Conservative cabinet minister, Alister Jack admitted placing three bets on the date on which the general elections will be conducted.&nbsp;

He told the BBC that in April he successfully placed bets that the elections will take place between July and September. This was after he had lost similar bets in March.&nbsp;

However, he later denied making such bets and told the British broadcaster that he was joking. The minister who will not be participating in the election after seven years in Parliament also denies breaking any rules.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunak-withdraws-support-for-tory-candidates-accused-of-election-betting-734994">Sunak withdraws support for Tory candidates accused of election betting</a>

Jack told the BBC, on Tuesday (Jun 25) that he had placed a $25.3 (£20) bet at five to one. The cabinet minister said he had also “put two bets on in March of £5 ($6.3) each for an election to be held in May and June respectively”.&nbsp;

Sunak made the surprise announcement of holding the general elections in July, on May 22.&nbsp;

“I had no knowledge of the date of the election until the day it was called…I placed no bets in May and am not under investigation by the Gambling Commission,” he told the British broadcaster.&nbsp;

<h2>Labour suspends candidate&nbsp;</h2>

The betting scandal, which was previously limited to the Tories, also affected the opposition Labour Party as it suspended one of its general election candidates, reported the British media, on Tuesday (Jun 25).&nbsp;

Kevin Craig, Labour’s Central Suffolk and North Ipswich candidate, was “administratively” suspended after the party was informed by the Gambling Commission that they are launching an investigation into the contender.&nbsp;

Craig took to social media and released a statement acknowledging as well as apologising for what he called a “huge mistake”. He also said that he would “comply fully” with the investigation.&nbsp;

“A few weeks ago when I thought I would never win this seat I put a bet on the Tories to win here with the intention of giving any winnings to local charities,” the now-suspended Labour party member said.&nbsp;

He added, “While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly,”&nbsp;

“I deeply regret what I have done and will take the consequences of this stupid error of judgement on the chin.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Yet another member from United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party is being investigated by the country’s Gambling Commission for allegedly placing a bet on the general election date.

Yet another member from United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party is being investigated by the country’s Gambling Commission for allegedly placing a bet on the general election date. Conservative politician under investigation Russell George, a Conservative politician in the Welsh Parliament became the fifth Tory member facing inquiries by the Gambling Commission, reported the British media on Wednesday (Jun 26). George, who represents the same constituency as Sunak’s closest parliamentary aide Craig Williams, was informed by the gambling watchdog that he is under investigation for allegedly placing bets on a July election. The Tory lawmaker who represents Montgomeryshire in the Welsh parliament said he is stepping back from his role as the Welsh Tories’ deputy chief whip until the investigation is over. He told the Guardian that he will “cooperate fully” with the investigation but does not want to say anything else as it would “only jeopardise and undermine the investigation.” Sunak’s Conservative party, which is reportedly headed for a historic loss in the July 4 election, has been engulfed in the betting scandal. As per BBC, some 15 candidates and officials of the party are being looked at by the Gambling Commission over alleged betting on the timing of the general election. Tory lawmaker admits placing bets Scottish Secretary and Conservative cabinet minister, Alister Jack admitted placing three bets on the date on which the general elections will be conducted. He told the BBC that in April he successfully placed bets that the elections will take place between July and September. This was after he had lost similar bets in March. However, he later denied making such bets and told the British broadcaster that he was joking. The minister who will not be participating in the election after seven years in Parliament also denies breaking any rules. Also Read | Sunak withdraws support for Tory candidates accused of election betting Jack told the BBC, on Tuesday (Jun 25) that he had placed a $25.3 (£20) bet at five to one. The cabinet minister said he had also “put two bets on in March of £5 ($6.3) each for an election to be held in May and June respectively”. Sunak made the surprise announcement of holding the general elections in July, on May 22. “I had no knowledge of the date of the election until the day it was called…I placed no bets in May and am not under investigation by the Gambling Commission,” he told the British broadcaster. Labour suspends candidate The betting scandal, which was previously limited to the Tories, also affected the opposition Labour Party as it suspended one of its general election candidates, reported the British media, on Tuesday (Jun 25). Kevin Craig, Labour’s Central Suffolk and North Ipswich candidate, was “administratively” suspended after the party was informed by the Gambling Commission that they are launching an investigation into the contender. Craig took to social media and released a statement acknowledging as well as apologising for what he called a “huge mistake”. He also said that he would “comply fully” with the investigation. “A few weeks ago when I thought I would never win this seat I put a bet on the Tories to win here with the intention of giving any winnings to local charities,” the now-suspended Labour party member said. He added, “While I did not place this bet with any prior knowledge of the outcome, this was a huge mistake, for which I apologise unreservedly,” “I deeply regret what I have done and will take the consequences of this stupid error of judgement on the chin.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK election: Another member of Conservative party under investigation as betting scandals grows

In a miraculous medical achievement, the doctors were able to perform a kidney transplant successfully on a man who was awake throughout the procedure in the United States.

The man, identified as John Nicholas, on May 24 became the first to have gone through a kidney transplant with general anaesthetic at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. He was discharged the next day.

This is not the first time this procedure has been used worldwide, however, it is far from routine.

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In 24 hours, the doctors discharged the 28-year-old man. This was superfast in comparison to kidney transplant patients remaining at the hospital for nearly a week.

<h2>Here's how the doctors carried out nearly impossible surgery</h2>

During the surgery of Nicholas, an anaesthetic was injected into the fluid which was surrounding the lower spinal cord by the doctors. They also lightly sedated the patient for comfort, as per a&nbsp;statement.&nbsp;

It took less than two hours to complete the surgery and Nicholas didn't feel any pain. During the procedure, at one point he was also able to see his new kidney, which was donated to him by his best friend Pat Wise, before the doctors implanted it into his body.&nbsp;

"That particular moment where I saw the kidney in Dr. Nadig's hands — like [it was] extremely powerful to see that," said Nicholas at a press conference Monday (June 24).&nbsp;

Within 24 hours of the surgery, Nicholas was able to walk out of the hospital.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;AI-based blood test predicts Parkinson seven years before onset

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Nicholas has been facing kidney issues since he was 16 which eventually led to the need for a transplant. According to the lab, his kidneys were being damaged by inflammation.

Weeks after the surgery, Nicholas is now active and enjoying a less restrictive diet. He is also able to eat his favourite pizza, as per the statement.&nbsp;

He was asked to control his salt intake before the surgery because excess salt can lead to detrimental impacts on kidney function.&nbsp;

"I've hit 10,000 steps, I think, every day in the last week and I don't do that normally. So definitely doing well," said Nicholas.&nbsp;

At a press conference, Dr Satish Nadig, one of the surgeons who performed the transplant, said that spinal and local anaesthetic instead of general anaesthesia had not been used for the first time.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a miraculous medical achievement, the doctors were able to perform a kidney transplant successfully on a man who was awake throughout the procedure in the United States.

In a miraculous medical achievement, the doctors were able to perform a kidney transplant successfully on a man who was awake throughout the procedure in the United States. The man, identified as John Nicholas, on May 24 became the first to have gone through a kidney transplant with general anaesthetic at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. He was discharged the next day. This is not the first time this procedure has been used worldwide, however, it is far from routine. Also Read: THIS immunotherapy drug could revolutionise bowel cancer treatment In 24 hours, the doctors discharged the 28-year-old man. This was superfast in comparison to kidney transplant patients remaining at the hospital for nearly a week. Here's how the doctors carried out nearly impossible surgery During the surgery of Nicholas, an anaesthetic was injected into the fluid which was surrounding the lower spinal cord by the doctors. They also lightly sedated the patient for comfort, as per a statement. It took less than two hours to complete the surgery and Nicholas didn't feel any pain. During the procedure, at one point he was also able to see his new kidney, which was donated to him by his best friend Pat Wise, before the doctors implanted it into his body. "That particular moment where I saw the kidney in Dr. Nadig's hands — like [it was] extremely powerful to see that," said Nicholas at a press conference Monday (June 24). Within 24 hours of the surgery, Nicholas was able to walk out of the hospital. Watch: AI-based blood test predicts Parkinson seven years before onset Nicholas has been facing kidney issues since he was 16 which eventually led to the need for a transplant. According to the lab, his kidneys were being damaged by inflammation. Weeks after the surgery, Nicholas is now active and enjoying a less restrictive diet. He is also able to eat his favourite pizza, as per the statement. He was asked to control his salt intake before the surgery because excess salt can lead to detrimental impacts on kidney function. "I've hit 10,000 steps, I think, every day in the last week and I don't do that normally. So definitely doing well," said Nicholas. At a press conference, Dr Satish Nadig, one of the surgeons who performed the transplant, said that spinal and local anaesthetic instead of general anaesthesia had not been used for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

Doctors perform kidney transplant on 'fully awake' man in US

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