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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suffered a light whiplash injury after she was assaulted by a man in central Copenhagen on Friday, her office said on Saturday (June 8).

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suffered a light whiplash injury after she was assaulted by a man in central Copenhagen on Friday, her office said on Saturday (June 8). "Apart from that, the Prime Minister is safe and sound, but she is shocked by the incident," the office said in a statement. Frederiksen had been taken to hospital for a check-up following the incident. The office further informed that all official events of Frederiksen had been cancelled for now. The attack On Friday, Prime Minister Frederiksen was attacked by a man in a Copenhagen square. The attacker was subsequently arrested by authorities and an investigation was launched, said the police in a post on X. Also read | Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen attacked in Copenhagen square ahead of EU elections Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a bar manager working at the square said, "Well, I saw the prime minister sitting with a friend at this table and just I think was one minute, two minutes afterwards, four PET (Danish national security and intelligence service) guys showed up, talked about an arrest has been made." "And then she was escorted by the four PETs to someplace around in the middle of the square and then escorted just a way around the corner,” the manager added. The attack on the prime minister came two days before Danes headed to the polls in the European Union (EU) election. Three weeks ago, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was seriously injured in an assassination attempt. Several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and EU officials condemned the assault. Attacker to appear in court The police said on Saturday that the man arrested for attacking Frederiksen would appear before a judge later in the day who will decide if he will be kept in custody. "This morning, a 39-year-old man will be brought before the Copenhagen district court for questioning," the police said in another post on X, adding, that the hearing was expected to be held at 4.30 pm IST (11.00 GMT) at Frederiksberg in Copenhagen. (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Denmark PM: Mette Frederiksen suffered light whiplash injury after assault, says her office

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Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed&nbsp;the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest&nbsp;the presidential election scheduled for June 28. The elections are taking place following the death of former president&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi in&nbsp;a helicopter crash on May 19, along with his foreign minister.

<h2>Who are the approved candidates?</h2>

The approved candidates are as below:

Saeed Jalili, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in the Supreme National Security Council. He is&nbsp;a former nuclear negotiator.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker&nbsp; 
 
Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist parliamentarian&nbsp; 
 
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior 
 
Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, current Vice President&nbsp;and 
 
Alireza Zakani, Tehran Mayor. He was a candidate in the 2021 presidential election too but&nbsp;later withdrew in favour of Raisi.

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Some high-profile names were removed from the list, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri.

In total, more than 100 applications were rejected for 'not meeting requirements.'

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It is believed that&nbsp;Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wields strong influence over the selection process, in order to ensure that the upcoming president is one of his loyalists. This raises doubts over the authenticity of the democratic process in Iran, indicated by low turnout in presidential polls. In the 2021 elections, only 48.48 per cent of registered voters turned up to cast their ballots, one of the lowest in Iran's history.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest the presidential election scheduled for June 28.

Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest the presidential election scheduled for June 28. The elections are taking place following the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, along with his foreign minister. Who are the approved candidates? The approved candidates are as below: Saeed Jalili, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in the Supreme National Security Council. He is a former nuclear negotiator. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist parliamentarian Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, current Vice President and Alireza Zakani, Tehran Mayor. He was a candidate in the 2021 presidential election too but later withdrew in favour of Raisi. Also read: Iran criticises UN nuclear watchdog resolution, calls it 'unwise' Some high-profile names were removed from the list, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri. In total, more than 100 applications were rejected for 'not meeting requirements.' Also read: Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf launches presidential bid It is believed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wields strong influence over the selection process, in order to ensure that the upcoming president is one of his loyalists. This raises doubts over the authenticity of the democratic process in Iran, indicated by low turnout in presidential polls. In the 2021 elections, only 48.48 per cent of registered voters turned up to cast their ballots, one of the lowest in Iran's history. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran finalises six candidates for June 28 presidential polls, several high-profile names disqualified

Wyoming's Mountain Pass roadway will be blocked permanently after a large portion of it fell in a "catastrophic" landslide on Sunday (June 8), officials said.

Photos and videos show the Teton Pass road, a major commuting route between eastern Idaho villages and the famous tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming, with a huge stretch of pavement missing as a result of the collapse. After the incident happened, the road was closed.

The failing stretch was first closed on Thursday due to a dangerous driving situation caused by a crack and a dip in the road. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) posted on social media that evening after a team temporarily fixed the area and allowed traffic to move forward.

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However, hours later, a mudslide a few kilometers away caused the route to be blocked again. On Facebook on Saturday, the transportation agency announced that the road had "catastrophically failed" at milepost 12.8.

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"WYDOT crews, along with contract crews from Evans Construction, were working in the area to construct a detour around the damage, but the landslide continued to move, taking out the whole road," said the agency.

"No crews were hurt in the process, and no equipment was damaged. WYDOT is now reviewing a long-term solution and repairs, and more information on planning efforts will be available soon," the department added.

According to the government, the mudslide that occurred at milepost 15 "breached the roadway with mud and debris, overwhelming the channeled drainage ditch and culvert."

To facilitate the state's access to additional funding from the Federal Highway Administration to start repair work, Governor Mark Gordon's office signed an executive order declaring an emergency.

According to a Facebook statement, Gordon met with representatives from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and WYDOT to plan a response to the "catastrophic landslide."

"I am grateful for the efforts of WYDOT staff to protect public safety during this developing situation, and am thankful no one was injured during this incident," Gordon stated.

Geologists and engineers would be on hand to conduct assessments and "develop a long-term solution to rebuild this critical roadway," he further added.

The&nbsp;governor&nbsp;also said that&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;no&nbsp;expected&nbsp;date&nbsp;for&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;route&nbsp;will&nbsp;reopen. &nbsp;

Wyoming's Mountain Pass roadway will be blocked permanently after a large portion of it fell in a "catastrophic" landslide on Sunday (June 8), officials said. Photos and videos show the Teton Pass road, a major commuting route between eastern Idaho villages and the famous tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming, with a huge stretch of pavement missing as a result of the collapse.

Wyoming's Mountain Pass roadway will be blocked permanently after a large portion of it fell in a "catastrophic" landslide on Sunday (June 8), officials said. Photos and videos show the Teton Pass road, a major commuting route between eastern Idaho villages and the famous tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming, with a huge stretch of pavement missing as a result of the collapse. After the incident happened, the road was closed. The failing stretch was first closed on Thursday due to a dangerous driving situation caused by a crack and a dip in the road. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) posted on social media that evening after a team temporarily fixed the area and allowed traffic to move forward. × However, hours later, a mudslide a few kilometers away caused the route to be blocked again. On Facebook on Saturday, the transportation agency announced that the road had "catastrophically failed" at milepost 12.8. Also read: Man's 'forceful' sneeze explodes colon out of body while on breakfast table "WYDOT crews, along with contract crews from Evans Construction, were working in the area to construct a detour around the damage, but the landslide continued to move, taking out the whole road," said the agency. "No crews were hurt in the process, and no equipment was damaged. WYDOT is now reviewing a long-term solution and repairs, and more information on planning efforts will be available soon," the department added. According to the government, the mudslide that occurred at milepost 15 "breached the roadway with mud and debris, overwhelming the channeled drainage ditch and culvert." To facilitate the state's access to additional funding from the Federal Highway Administration to start repair work, Governor Mark Gordon's office signed an executive order declaring an emergency. According to a Facebook statement, Gordon met with representatives from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and WYDOT to plan a response to the "catastrophic landslide." "I am grateful for the efforts of WYDOT staff to protect public safety during this developing situation, and am thankful no one was injured during this incident," Gordon stated. Geologists and engineers would be on hand to conduct assessments and "develop a long-term solution to rebuild this critical roadway," he further added. The governor also said that there was no expected date for when the route will reopen.

US: Catastrophic landslide indefinitely closes Wyoming's Teton Pass road

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shares insights with WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibal during their conversation. Tshering Tobday talks about India-Bhutan's upcoming projects. Bhutan PM is in New Delhi to attend PM Modi's oath taking ceremony. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi's invite is testimony to India's neighbourhood first policy: Bhutan PM to WION

Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation. Most of European Union's 27 member nations, including France and Germany, will go to polls on Sunday (June 9), with projected overall results due late evening.&nbsp;

The polling stations have opened in the French Pacific territory on New Caledonia where deadly riots erupted towards the end of last month.&nbsp;

<h2>Italy's role in EU elections: What does it mean?</h2>

Italy has 76 of 720 seats in the post-Brexit EU parliament. As the European Union's third largest economy, Rome carries significant influence in the EU after the exit of Britain from the bloc.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cast her vote in Rome constituency and told reporters that the elections will "shape the next five years".

Polls suggest that Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party could win up to 27 per cent of vote, more than four times its 2019 score amid a broader surge of the far-right groups across the Europe.

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A victory for the Brothers of Italy could establish Prime Minister Meloni as a powerbroker. Meloni's future political decisions in the EU following the results of these elections would determine whether EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen get the backing she needs from both EU member states and the parliament for a second term.

But critics are warning against overestimating Meloni's influence.

"Meloni will have an influence on Italian interests, at the commission, in parliament," one EU diplomat told news agency AFP on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

"She will play the game. But does that make her a kingmaker? No."

Also watch |&nbsp;EU Parliament elections: Voting underway on the third day of elections

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Prime Minister Meloni rose to power in 2022 amid concerns over irregular flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean.&nbsp;

Immigration continues to be the key issue that is driving the support to parties perceived as far-right. Such parties are forecast to win at least a quarter of EU parliament seats but the centrist mainstream parties are still most likely to come on top.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation.

Italy voted in to elect the members of European Union's next parliament on Saturday (June 8), in a test of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity in the key European nation. Most of European Union's 27 member nations, including France and Germany, will go to polls on Sunday (June 9), with projected overall results due late evening. The polling stations have opened in the French Pacific territory on New Caledonia where deadly riots erupted towards the end of last month. Italy's role in EU elections: What does it mean? Italy has 76 of 720 seats in the post-Brexit EU parliament. As the European Union's third largest economy, Rome carries significant influence in the EU after the exit of Britain from the bloc. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cast her vote in Rome constituency and told reporters that the elections will "shape the next five years". Polls suggest that Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party could win up to 27 per cent of vote, more than four times its 2019 score amid a broader surge of the far-right groups across the Europe. Also read | Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years A victory for the Brothers of Italy could establish Prime Minister Meloni as a powerbroker. Meloni's future political decisions in the EU following the results of these elections would determine whether EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen get the backing she needs from both EU member states and the parliament for a second term. But critics are warning against overestimating Meloni's influence. "Meloni will have an influence on Italian interests, at the commission, in parliament," one EU diplomat told news agency AFP on the condition of anonymity. "She will play the game. But does that make her a kingmaker? No." Also watch | EU Parliament elections: Voting underway on the third day of elections × Prime Minister Meloni rose to power in 2022 amid concerns over irregular flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean. Immigration continues to be the key issue that is driving the support to parties perceived as far-right. Such parties are forecast to win at least a quarter of EU parliament seats but the centrist mainstream parties are still most likely to come on top. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy votes in EU elections, with Giorgia Meloni most likely to emerge powerbroker

South Korea's National Security Council said on Sunday (June 9) that it would begin loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea that would be unbearable for the Kim Jong Un regime.

South Korea's National Security Council said on Sunday (June 9) that it would begin loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea that would be unbearable for the Kim Jong Un regime. This step comes after Pyongyang resumed sending balloons carrying trash across the border. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the council met on Sunday morning after dozens of balloons with trash attached were found in Seoul and areas near the border earlier in the day and overnight. On Sunday, the South Korean military released photos of one balloon floating on a river in Seoul and rubbish scattered in streets in Seoul with police cordoning off the scene. Balloons issue 'very serious' The military said it took the issue of the balloons "very seriously" and was on alert to take action in response as necessary. Also read | South Korea to suspend military pact with North over trash balloons North Korea started sending balloons carrying trash and manure across the border in May and has said the move was in retaliation to anti-North leaflets flown by South Korean activists as part of a propaganda campaign. A warning to the North Last week, Pyongyang said it would temporarily halt sending the balloons because 15 tonnes of trash it sent was probably enough to get the message across on how "unpleasant" it was. However, it vowed to resume if leaflets were again flown from the South by sending a hundred times the amount. A group of activists from South Korea defied the warning and have since flown more balloons to the North with leaflets. North Korea has shown some of the angriest reactions towards the leaflet campaign and the loudspeaker broadcasts, in some cases firing weapons at the balloons and speakers in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Will be unbearable for Kim Jong Un regime: South Korea to start loudspeaker broadcasts directed at N Korea

Oxford University is set to return a 500-year-old sculpture of a Hindu saint, which was once looted from India.

The bronze statue, which is nearly 60cm-tall and depicts Tirumankai Alvar was placed on display at the Ashmolean Museum of the university.

The Indian High Commission claimed that the 16th-century idol belonged to the Tamil poet and saint from south&nbsp;India. It is said that the bronze idol was looted by the Britishers from an Indian temple.

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Ashmolean Museum, in a statement, said, “On 11 March 2024 the council of the&nbsp;University of Oxford&nbsp;supported a claim from the Indian high commission for the return of a 16th-century bronze sculpture of saint Tirumankai Alvar from the Ashmolean Museum. This decision will now be submitted to the Charity Commission for approval.”

The step was taken after Oxford and Cambridge universities in 2022 said that they could return collections of the Benin Bronzes after it was requested by Nigeria.

<h2>Britain's past of colonial loot&nbsp;</h2>

In 1897, British colonial forces looted more than 200 artefacts in response to a violent trade dispute.

The British had taken away thousands of brasses and other artefacts and had sold them in London to recoup the costs of the military mission.

The Koh-i-Noor, which is one of the world's largest cut gems, was seized by the East India Company in Punjab, northern India after they won the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849.

The diamond was given to Queen Victoria and has remained a part of the crown jewels and has been kept on public display&nbsp;in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

Watch:&nbsp;80 years on, Britain promises to 'always remember' D-Day

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India has several times claimed that they are the diamond's rightful owner. Meanwhile, the governments of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan have also claimed that they own the diamond and demands&nbsp;have been raised for its return since India gained independence from the British empire in 1947.

The British colonised India for more than two hundred years and during this period they stripped all the riches of the once-extremely wealthy region and looted the country's treasures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Oxford University is set to return a 500-year-old sculpture of a Hindu saint, which was once looted from India. The bronze statue, which is nearly 60cm-tall and depicts Tirumankai Alvar was placed on display at the Ashmolean Museum of the university.

Oxford University is set to return a 500-year-old sculpture of a Hindu saint, which was once looted from India. The bronze statue, which is nearly 60cm-tall and depicts Tirumankai Alvar was placed on display at the Ashmolean Museum of the university. The Indian High Commission claimed that the 16th-century idol belonged to the Tamil poet and saint from south India. It is said that the bronze idol was looted by the Britishers from an Indian temple. Also Read: Rishi Sunak promises hundreds of millions in mental health benefits if re-elected Ashmolean Museum, in a statement, said, “On 11 March 2024 the council of the University of Oxford supported a claim from the Indian high commission for the return of a 16th-century bronze sculpture of saint Tirumankai Alvar from the Ashmolean Museum. This decision will now be submitted to the Charity Commission for approval.” The step was taken after Oxford and Cambridge universities in 2022 said that they could return collections of the Benin Bronzes after it was requested by Nigeria. Britain's past of colonial loot In 1897, British colonial forces looted more than 200 artefacts in response to a violent trade dispute. The British had taken away thousands of brasses and other artefacts and had sold them in London to recoup the costs of the military mission. The Koh-i-Noor, which is one of the world's largest cut gems, was seized by the East India Company in Punjab, northern India after they won the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849. The diamond was given to Queen Victoria and has remained a part of the crown jewels and has been kept on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. Watch: 80 years on, Britain promises to 'always remember' D-Day India has several times claimed that they are the diamond's rightful owner. Meanwhile, the governments of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan have also claimed that they own the diamond and demands have been raised for its return since India gained independence from the British empire in 1947. The British colonised India for more than two hundred years and during this period they stripped all the riches of the once-extremely wealthy region and looted the country's treasures. (With inputs from agencies)

British loot returns home. Oxford University to hand back 500-year-old bronze idol to India

The much needed aid has finally been delivered into Gaza from a newly repaired US-built pier, US Central Command announced on Saturday (June 8).

The pier constructed by the US Military was only functioning for about a week before it was broken apart in heavy winds and high seas on May 25.

The damaged segment was reconnected to the beach in Gaza on Friday (June 7) after being repaired at an Israeli port.

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CENTCOM delivered around 1.1 million pounds of aid through the pier on Saturday. This brings the total amount of aid delivered since the pier's reopening in mid-May to 3.5 million pounds.

The delivery arrived on the same day that Israel launched an air and ground assault on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, rescuing four hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack that initiated the war in Gaza.

The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said at least 210 Palestinians were killed during the raid, and more than 400 injured.

There was some speculation whether the pier was used in the hostage rescue operation. A video circulating online on Saturday showed an Israel Defense Forces helicopter taking off from the beach with the US pier in the backdrop.

However, the CBS News quoted US officials as saying that the US pier was not used in the IDF operation. A US official explained that the helicopter landed south of the facility on a beach but not within the cordoned area of the pier.

"The pier facility was not utilised in today's operation to rescue hostages in Gaza. Instead, an area south of the facility was used to safely return the hostages to Israel," a US official stated.

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"Any claims to the contrary are false. The temporary pier on the Gaza coast was established solely to facilitate the delivery of urgently needed lifesaving assistance into Gaza."

In a statement later on Saturday, US Central Command reiterated that "pier facility, including its equipment, personnel, and assets were not used in the operation to rescue hostages today in Gaza."

The repair brings back on line one way to get desperately needed food and other emergency supplies to Palestinians trapped in Gaza. Israeli restrictions on land crossings amid ongoing war have greatly limited the flow of food and other essential supplies into the territory.

Vice Adm Brad Cooper, deputy commander of US Central Command, informed reporters on Friday that the lessons learned from the first week of operations have made him confident that greater amounts of aid can now be delivered.

Cooper said the goal was to get to 1 million pounds of food and other supplies through the pier into Gaza every two days.&nbsp;

Before the pier broke apart in the storm, more than 2.4 million pounds of aid were delivered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-noa-argamani-and-other-rescued-hostages-fateful-encounter-with-hamas-on-oct-7-729997">Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7</a>

It may be mentioned here, the US Agency for International Development is working with the UN World Food Program and their humanitarian partners working in Gaza to hand out food, emergency treatment for starving children, and other aid via the sea route.

The UN agencies have warned that over one million Palestinians in Gaza could experience the highest level of starvation by the middle of next month if hostilities continue.

(With inputs from agencies)

The much needed aid has finally been delivered into Gaza from a newly repaired US-built pier, US Central Command announced on Saturday (June 8). The pier constructed by the US Military was only functioning for about a week before it was broken apart in heavy winds and high seas on May 25.

The much needed aid has finally been delivered into Gaza from a newly repaired US-built pier, US Central Command announced on Saturday (June 8). The pier constructed by the US Military was only functioning for about a week before it was broken apart in heavy winds and high seas on May 25. The damaged segment was reconnected to the beach in Gaza on Friday (June 7) after being repaired at an Israeli port. Also read: Gaza war: Israeli officer Zamora dies while rescuing hostages. Who was he? CENTCOM delivered around 1.1 million pounds of aid through the pier on Saturday. This brings the total amount of aid delivered since the pier's reopening in mid-May to 3.5 million pounds. The delivery arrived on the same day that Israel launched an air and ground assault on the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, rescuing four hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack that initiated the war in Gaza. The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said at least 210 Palestinians were killed during the raid, and more than 400 injured. There was some speculation whether the pier was used in the hostage rescue operation. A video circulating online on Saturday showed an Israel Defense Forces helicopter taking off from the beach with the US pier in the backdrop. However, the CBS News quoted US officials as saying that the US pier was not used in the IDF operation. A US official explained that the helicopter landed south of the facility on a beach but not within the cordoned area of the pier. "The pier facility was not utilised in today's operation to rescue hostages in Gaza. Instead, an area south of the facility was used to safely return the hostages to Israel," a US official stated. Also read | Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother "Any claims to the contrary are false. The temporary pier on the Gaza coast was established solely to facilitate the delivery of urgently needed lifesaving assistance into Gaza." In a statement later on Saturday, US Central Command reiterated that "pier facility, including its equipment, personnel, and assets were not used in the operation to rescue hostages today in Gaza." The repair brings back on line one way to get desperately needed food and other emergency supplies to Palestinians trapped in Gaza. Israeli restrictions on land crossings amid ongoing war have greatly limited the flow of food and other essential supplies into the territory. Vice Adm Brad Cooper, deputy commander of US Central Command, informed reporters on Friday that the lessons learned from the first week of operations have made him confident that greater amounts of aid can now be delivered. Cooper said the goal was to get to 1 million pounds of food and other supplies through the pier into Gaza every two days. Before the pier broke apart in the storm, more than 2.4 million pounds of aid were delivered. Also read: Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7 It may be mentioned here, the US Agency for International Development is working with the UN World Food Program and their humanitarian partners working in Gaza to hand out food, emergency treatment for starving children, and other aid via the sea route. The UN agencies have warned that over one million Palestinians in Gaza could experience the highest level of starvation by the middle of next month if hostilities continue. (With inputs from agencies)

US resumes humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza via repaired pier

BJP leader Narendra Modi is poised to take the oath for his third term on Sunday, with the National Democratic Alliance set to play a larger role than before. The ceremony, set at the presidential palace, will witness the swearing-in of around 30 ministers.

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Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, an officer of Israel's elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit, was martyred in a hostage rescue operation in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday (June 8).

Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, an officer of Israel's elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit, was martyred in a hostage rescue operation in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday (June 8). On this day, Israeli forces rescued four hostages held by Hamas since October last year in a raid that Palestinian officials said killed more than 200 people. The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat. An Israeli military spokesperson said the operation took place in the heart of a residential neighbourhood in Nuseirat where Hamas had kept the hostages in two separate apartment blocks. Also read | Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother In the operation, Chief Inspector Zamora was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries. Who was Arnon Zamora? Arnon Zamora, 36, belonged to Israel's Sde David. He was a part of the Yamam unit of the Israeli police that deals with counter-terrorism operations. This unit has been active throughout the war between Israel and Hamas that started on October 7, 2023. A report by The Times of Israel on Sunday said that on October 7, Zamora himself had led a battle against Hamas near the border community of Yad Mordechai, killing dozens of terrorists and preventing them from infiltrating the kibbutz. Also watch | Rafah offensive: Can Netanyahu be arrested for Gaza war crimes? | WION Decodes × Following this battle, the 36-year-old was also involved in fighting terrorists at the Nahal Oz base and Kibbutz Be’eri. Operation Arnon During Saturday's hostage rescue operation, Zamora suffered severe injuries while he was commanding the team that rescued three of the four hostages. The Times of Israel report said that a major gun battle erupted during the extraction, during which Zamora’s vehicle came under fire. Other forces quickly reached the scene to rescue him and the hostages, bringing them to a makeshift helipad in Gaza. The 36-year-old was evacuated to a hospital in Israel in a critical condition and succumbed to his injuries. Following the announcement of his death, the name of the hostage rescue operation (in which he was killed) was changed from “Seeds of Summer” to “Operation Arnon.” Zamora is survived by his wife and two children. He would be laid to rest later on Sunday in the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, the report added. Tributes pour in Tributes started pouring in for the martyred Yamam officer. In a post on X, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, "My deepest condolences on the death of the IDF commander and fighter, the late Commander Arnon Zamora, who fell in the heroic action to rescue the hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called Arnon a hero of Israel, a lover of the land, and a protector. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israeli officer Arnon Zamora dies while rescuing hostages. Who was he?

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The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections. Tories continue to trail behind Labour Party in opinion polls.&nbsp;

The Conservatives say that the state funding of therapies such as counselling services for more 500,000 people would help save the UK economy 12 billion pounds ($15.24bn) as more people of the working age would return to work, prompting a potential end to the 'sick note culture'.

According to the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of people inactive for health reasons has increased by 33 per cent to 2.8 million.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ending "sick note culture" a top theme of his tenure in the 10, Downing Street.

His opponents claim that Sunak is attempting to "disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill".

Also watch |&nbsp;UK's NHS low on productivity | NHS sees dip in performance post-pandemic

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But Sunak said that "reforming welfare is a moral mission".

"That's why we have announced a significant increase in mental health provision, as well as changes to ensure those who can work, do work."

Besides, the Tories have pledged to bring forward a number of reforms. This includes disability benefits for the ones most in need as well as tightening of the work capability assessment criteria.

A Labour spokesperson said: "This is the latest desperate announcement from Rishi Sunak, who has once again plucked numbers out of thin air in an attempt to disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill."

"These reheated pledges, old policies and vague promises will not get Britain healthy or benefits under control, and do nothing to solve the fact that £10bn ($12.7bn) of taxpayers' money was lost to benefit fraud just last year."

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections.

The UK Conservatives led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have pledged 730 million pounds ($927mn) to expand mental health treatment within the ambit of the National Health Service, a move aimed to woo the voters ahead of July 4 General Elections. Tories continue to trail behind Labour Party in opinion polls. The Conservatives say that the state funding of therapies such as counselling services for more 500,000 people would help save the UK economy 12 billion pounds ($15.24bn) as more people of the working age would return to work, prompting a potential end to the 'sick note culture'. According to the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of people inactive for health reasons has increased by 33 per cent to 2.8 million. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ending "sick note culture" a top theme of his tenure in the 10, Downing Street. His opponents claim that Sunak is attempting to "disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill". Also watch | UK's NHS low on productivity | NHS sees dip in performance post-pandemic × But Sunak said that "reforming welfare is a moral mission". "That's why we have announced a significant increase in mental health provision, as well as changes to ensure those who can work, do work." Besides, the Tories have pledged to bring forward a number of reforms. This includes disability benefits for the ones most in need as well as tightening of the work capability assessment criteria. A Labour spokesperson said: "This is the latest desperate announcement from Rishi Sunak, who has once again plucked numbers out of thin air in an attempt to disguise the fact that he has caused a spiralling benefits bill." "These reheated pledges, old policies and vague promises will not get Britain healthy or benefits under control, and do nothing to solve the fact that £10bn ($12.7bn) of taxpayers' money was lost to benefit fraud just last year." (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak promises hundreds of millions in mental health benefits if re-elected

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