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<p>A federal judge on Thursday (Jun 6) ordered Donald Trump's former top advisor Steve Bannon to report to&nbsp;jail by July 1 to serve his four-month sentence for criminal contempt of Congress conviction.</p>

<p>Bannon, in July 2022, was convicted of contempt for defying a subpoena to testify before the congressional panel that probed the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.</p>

<p>Dubbed as one of the masterminds behind Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, Bannon in Oct 2022&nbsp;was convicted to four months in prison.</p>

<p>However, he has remained free since then while appealing his conviction.</p>

<p>After the judge's order, the 70-year-old while addressing the media outside the Washington courthouse said, "There's nothing that can shut me up and nothing that will shut me up."</p>

<p>"There's not a prison built or a jail built that will ever shut me up," he said.</p>

<p>"We're going to win on November 5th in an amazing landslide," he added while referring to the date of US presidential elections.</p>

<p>For the first seven months during Trump's tenure, Bannon served as&nbsp;Chief Strategist in the White House. He reportedly left due to conflicts with other senior staffers.</p>

<p>He was charged with wire fraud and money laundering in the year 2020 for taking millions of dollars given by donors for the construction of a border wall with Mexico for his own personal use.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-begins-digging-deeper-to-choose-his-possible-2024-vp-729308">Trump begins digging deeper to choose his possible 2024 running mate. Who are in fray?</a></p>

<p>While all the others involved in the scam were found guilty, Trump issued a blanket pardon to Bannon before leaving office in January 2021. This led to the dismissal of the charges against him.</p>

<h2><strong>Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro sentenced to 4 months for contempt of Congress</strong></h2>

<p>Another top Trump advisor who was also convicted of contempt of Congress was Peter Navarro who began serving his four-month sentence in March.</p>

<p>Navarro ignored a subpoena from a US House committee that was probing alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.</p>

<p>In September, Navarro was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena. The subpoena required the submission of documents and testimony to a House of Representatives panel led by Democrats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A federal judge on Thursday (Jun 6) ordered Donald Trump's former top advisor Steve Bannon to report to jail by July 1 to serve his four-month sentence for criminal contempt of Congress conviction.

A federal judge on Thursday (Jun 6) ordered Donald Trump's former top advisor Steve Bannon to report to jail by July 1 to serve his four-month sentence for criminal contempt of Congress conviction. Bannon, in July 2022, was convicted of contempt for defying a subpoena to testify before the congressional panel that probed the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Dubbed as one of the masterminds behind Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, Bannon in Oct 2022 was convicted to four months in prison. However, he has remained free since then while appealing his conviction. After the judge's order, the 70-year-old while addressing the media outside the Washington courthouse said, "There's nothing that can shut me up and nothing that will shut me up." "There's not a prison built or a jail built that will ever shut me up," he said. "We're going to win on November 5th in an amazing landslide," he added while referring to the date of US presidential elections. For the first seven months during Trump's tenure, Bannon served as Chief Strategist in the White House. He reportedly left due to conflicts with other senior staffers. He was charged with wire fraud and money laundering in the year 2020 for taking millions of dollars given by donors for the construction of a border wall with Mexico for his own personal use. Also read: Trump begins digging deeper to choose his possible 2024 running mate. Who are in fray? While all the others involved in the scam were found guilty, Trump issued a blanket pardon to Bannon before leaving office in January 2021. This led to the dismissal of the charges against him. Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro sentenced to 4 months for contempt of Congress Another top Trump advisor who was also convicted of contempt of Congress was Peter Navarro who began serving his four-month sentence in March. Navarro ignored a subpoena from a US House committee that was probing alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In September, Navarro was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena. The subpoena required the submission of documents and testimony to a House of Representatives panel led by Democrats. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon ordered to report to jail by July 1

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to make headlines. The ex-PTI chief had previously claimed that he was living in solitary confinement. Now, the government has released images in a detailed memo explaining all the amenities provided to Imran Khan.

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In the year 1944, 1,50, 000 allied forces invaded France to drive out the forces of Nazi Germany. 80 years later in the midst of some devastating conflict, France commemorated the spirit of the courageous soldiers who fought in World War 2, marking the historic day with the sounds of bagpipes on the beaches of Normandy.

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<p>China's Yuntai Waterfall, a major tourist attraction in the country's north-central Henan province, grabbed headlines after a video posted by a hiker on social media showed how a pipe was feeding the famous falls.</p>

<p>A Douyin user, which is the Chinese version of the short video platform TikTok, posted a clipping that revealed how a large pipe was burrowed at the top of Yuntai Falls.</p>

<p>The video, which reportedly has been shared 48,000 times, triggered a row on the internet, which ultimately pushed the park officials to release a statement that cited seasonal factors as the reason for a "small enhancement during the dry season."</p>

<p>The move was meant to "enrich the visiting experience" and make the "trip worthwhile" for those "who have travelled a long way," operators wrote on their Weibo social media account.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEW: Chinese officials are forced to apologize after a hiker discovers a secret water pipe feeding China’s tallest waterfall<br />
<br />
Millions of tourists visit the 1,024-foot-tall Yuntai Mountain Waterfall annually, attracted by its ancient geological formations over a billion years old… <a href="https://t.co/mw3u9NK1xN">pic.twitter.com/mw3u9NK1xN</a></p>
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) <a href="https://twitter.com/unlimited_ls/status/1798687082069553474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-govt-to-launch-dating-app-amid-plummeting-birth-rate-gentle-push-to-find-one-729684">Tokyo govt to launch dating app amid plummeting birth rate: 'Gentle push to find one'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react</strong></h2>

<p>Chinese netizens reacted to this pipe disclosure, with some blaming the authorities for not disguising it in a superior way and some bashing them for not respecting the laws of nature and the visitors.</p>

<p>"The main thing is that the water pipe is so crudely installed, others at least disguise it in a superior way," wrote a user on Weibo, China's popular social media platform.</p>

<p>"The move does not respect the laws of nature nor the visitors," wrote another netizen.</p>

<p>While some comments depicted a more conciliatory approach to the usage of pipe.</p>

<p>"It is better than seeing no water at all," wrote one user.</p>

<p>"It is a good faith effort for the scenic area to maintain the landscape during dry periods," another wrote.</p>

<p>As per the scenic park officials, the waterfall is the highest in Asia with a 314-metre vertical drop.</p>

<p>The Yuntai Mountain scenic area attracted more than seven million visits in the year 2023, as per the local tourism authorities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's Yuntai Waterfall, a major tourist attraction in the country's north-central Henan province, grabbed headlines after a video posted by a hiker on social media showed how a pipe was feeding the famous falls.

China's Yuntai Waterfall, a major tourist attraction in the country's north-central Henan province, grabbed headlines after a video posted by a hiker on social media showed how a pipe was feeding the famous falls. A Douyin user, which is the Chinese version of the short video platform TikTok, posted a clipping that revealed how a large pipe was burrowed at the top of Yuntai Falls. The video, which reportedly has been shared 48,000 times, triggered a row on the internet, which ultimately pushed the park officials to release a statement that cited seasonal factors as the reason for a "small enhancement during the dry season." The move was meant to "enrich the visiting experience" and make the "trip worthwhile" for those "who have travelled a long way," operators wrote on their Weibo social media account. NEW: Chinese officials are forced to apologize after a hiker discovers a secret water pipe feeding China’s tallest waterfall Millions of tourists visit the 1,024-foot-tall Yuntai Mountain Waterfall annually, attracted by its ancient geological formations over a billion years old… pic.twitter.com/mw3u9NK1xN — Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) June 6, 2024 × Also read: Tokyo govt to launch dating app amid plummeting birth rate: 'Gentle push to find one' Netizens react Chinese netizens reacted to this pipe disclosure, with some blaming the authorities for not disguising it in a superior way and some bashing them for not respecting the laws of nature and the visitors. "The main thing is that the water pipe is so crudely installed, others at least disguise it in a superior way," wrote a user on Weibo, China's popular social media platform. "The move does not respect the laws of nature nor the visitors," wrote another netizen. While some comments depicted a more conciliatory approach to the usage of pipe. "It is better than seeing no water at all," wrote one user. "It is a good faith effort for the scenic area to maintain the landscape during dry periods," another wrote. As per the scenic park officials, the waterfall is the highest in Asia with a 314-metre vertical drop. The Yuntai Mountain scenic area attracted more than seven million visits in the year 2023, as per the local tourism authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: China's tallest waterfall fed by pipes, netizens call it disrespect to visitors

<p>Rex Heuermann, the man accused of Long Island serial killings, was indicted Thursday (Jun 6) in the slayings of two more women, US media reported. The man has been accused of killing four sex workers and dumping their bodies on Long Island's Gilgo Beach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest development, the authorities have revealed disturbing new evidence, which included a "planning document" allegedly found on Heuermann's computer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by Rolling Stone, a new Suffolk County bail application revealed Heuermann was charged in the cold-case murders of two more women - Jessica Taylor (20) and Sandra Costilla (28). Taylor's dismembered remains were first found days after she disappeared in 2003, while&nbsp;Costilla's body was found in 1993.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-persichitti-world-war-ii-veteran-died-en-route-to-d-day-commemorations-729476">Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran died en route to D-Day commemorations</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Investigators believe the mutilation of the victim's tattoo, decapitation of her head, and dismemberment of Ms. Taylor's arms, were acts perpetrated by Rex A. Heuermann to inhibit the identification of the victim via facial recognition, fingerprints and/or tattoo identification," read the&nbsp;the bail application.</p>

<p>"During the initial investigation in Manorville in 2003, the victim's head, arms, and hands were not found at the scene and their location remained unknown to law enforcement for approximately eight years," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, additional mitochondrial DNA found on Costilla and her remains was connected to an unnamed woman (called "Witness 3"). She was apparently someone whom Heuermann was living with at the time of Costilla's 1993 disappearance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-may-have-caused-rise-in-excess-deaths-since-pandemic-study-claims-729435">COVID-19 vaccines may have caused rise in excess deaths since pandemic, study claims</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In December 2010, at least 10 remains were discovered buried on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. Police initially assumed that the remains of four women discovered in close proximity to each other,&nbsp;wrapped in similar hessian, were killed by the same individual.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello - all were sex workers at the time of their deaths. They were dubbed&nbsp;"The Gilgo Four"&nbsp;and remained cold-case victims. But Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 and gave authorities a new direction to the investigation. He pleaded not guilty to the murders. His trial date has not been set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency Reuters mentioned in its report that investigators determined via DNA analysis that a human hair belonging to Heuermann's wife was in the buckle of a belt used to bind Brainard-Barnes, Tierney's office said. The murders coincided with trips out of town by Heuermann's wife and their daughter, Tierney's office said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He reportedly used a burner cellphone to contact sex workers who advertised their services online, prosecutors said. He bound them with belts or tape before wrapping some of the bodies in a burlap-type material, according to prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Rex Heuermann, the man accused of Long Island serial killings, was indicted Thursday (Jun 6) in the slayings of two more women, US media reported. The man has been accused of killing four sex workers and dumping their bodies on Long Island's Gilgo Beach.

Rex Heuermann, the man accused of Long Island serial killings, was indicted Thursday (Jun 6) in the slayings of two more women, US media reported. The man has been accused of killing four sex workers and dumping their bodies on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. In the latest development, the authorities have revealed disturbing new evidence, which included a "planning document" allegedly found on Heuermann's computer. According to a report by Rolling Stone, a new Suffolk County bail application revealed Heuermann was charged in the cold-case murders of two more women - Jessica Taylor (20) and Sandra Costilla (28). Taylor's dismembered remains were first found days after she disappeared in 2003, while Costilla's body was found in 1993. Also read: Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran died en route to D-Day commemorations "Investigators believe the mutilation of the victim's tattoo, decapitation of her head, and dismemberment of Ms. Taylor's arms, were acts perpetrated by Rex A. Heuermann to inhibit the identification of the victim via facial recognition, fingerprints and/or tattoo identification," read the the bail application. "During the initial investigation in Manorville in 2003, the victim's head, arms, and hands were not found at the scene and their location remained unknown to law enforcement for approximately eight years," it added. Meanwhile, additional mitochondrial DNA found on Costilla and her remains was connected to an unnamed woman (called "Witness 3"). She was apparently someone whom Heuermann was living with at the time of Costilla's 1993 disappearance. Also read: COVID-19 vaccines may have caused rise in excess deaths since pandemic, study claims In December 2010, at least 10 remains were discovered buried on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. Police initially assumed that the remains of four women discovered in close proximity to each other, wrapped in similar hessian, were killed by the same individual. Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello - all were sex workers at the time of their deaths. They were dubbed "The Gilgo Four" and remained cold-case victims. But Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 and gave authorities a new direction to the investigation. He pleaded not guilty to the murders. His trial date has not been set. News agency Reuters mentioned in its report that investigators determined via DNA analysis that a human hair belonging to Heuermann's wife was in the buckle of a belt used to bind Brainard-Barnes, Tierney's office said. The murders coincided with trips out of town by Heuermann's wife and their daughter, Tierney's office said. He reportedly used a burner cellphone to contact sex workers who advertised their services online, prosecutors said. He bound them with belts or tape before wrapping some of the bodies in a burlap-type material, according to prosecutors. (With inputs from agencies)

Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann charged in more murders

The 81-year-old US President Joe Biden commemorated the 80th D-Day anniversary in Normandy France. The day marks the Allied Forces surprise attack to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany during World War II.

US President Joe Biden marks 80th D-Day anniversary in Normandy, France

Even After experiencing the horrors of two World Wars, the world continues to be held hostage to the actions and rhetoric of the West on the one hand and Russia on the other. President Vladimir Putin warned that he will deploy weapons closer to the West & France says it will send fighter jets to Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: France to send Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, train pilots

There were many surprises and setbacks in parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. On the one hand, J&K created history with over 58% voting, breaking records for the last 40 years. On the other hand, it also came as a setback for former CMs who lost their elections by hug margin.

India elections 2024: Former CMs face defeat in J&K polls; two independent candidates win

<p>Japan is struggling with the issue of a declining birth rate, which hit a record low for the eighth straight year as the health ministry on Wednesday (Jun 5) described it as "critical".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has taken initiatives to improve the situation and urged young people to get married and start families. The Tokyo government&nbsp;has also launched its own dating app, news agency AFP reported citing an&nbsp;official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a local government to develop an app is a rare move, but not entirely unusual as municipalities have organised matchmaking events in Japan in the past. It happened when births dropped to a new low in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-to-fix-south-koreas-birthrate-thinktank-suggests-girls-be-put-in-schools-earlier-729661">How to fix South Korea's birthrate? Thinktank suggests girls be put in schools earlier</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The official said that the users will be required to submit documentation proving they are legally single and sign a letter stating they are willing to get married.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it is quite common to mention one's income on Japanese dating apps, but Tokyo will require a tax certificate slip to prove the annual salary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We learned that 70 per cent of people who want to get married aren't actively joining events or apps to look for a partner. We want to give them a gentle push to find one," a Tokyo government official in charge of the new app told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official said that an interview will be required to confirm a user's identity as part of the registration process for the Tokyo app. The dating app has apparently been on a test run for free since late last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mount-everest-four-dead-bodies-11-tonnes-of-rubbish-removed-from-worlds-highest-garbage-dump-729513">Four dead bodies and 11 tonnes of rubbish removed from Himalayan peaks in major clean-up operation</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2>Plummeting<strong> birth rate in Japan</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Japan is currently struggling with the issue of a plummeting birth rate. Last year the country recorded more than twice as many deaths as new babies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Births fell for the eighth consecutive year to 758,631, a drop of 5.1 per cent, a preliminary government data showed. The number of deaths stood at 1,590,503.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised policies, including financial aid for families, easier childcare access and more parental leave. The nation is also facing growing labour shortages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Japan is struggling with the issue of a declining birth rate, which hit a record low for the eighth straight year as the health ministry on Wednesday (Jun 5) described it as "critical".

Japan is struggling with the issue of a declining birth rate, which hit a record low for the eighth straight year as the health ministry on Wednesday (Jun 5) described it as "critical". The government has taken initiatives to improve the situation and urged young people to get married and start families. The Tokyo government has also launched its own dating app, news agency AFP reported citing an official. For a local government to develop an app is a rare move, but not entirely unusual as municipalities have organised matchmaking events in Japan in the past. It happened when births dropped to a new low in 2023. Also read: How to fix South Korea's birthrate? Thinktank suggests girls be put in schools earlier The official said that the users will be required to submit documentation proving they are legally single and sign a letter stating they are willing to get married. Notably, it is quite common to mention one's income on Japanese dating apps, but Tokyo will require a tax certificate slip to prove the annual salary. "We learned that 70 per cent of people who want to get married aren't actively joining events or apps to look for a partner. We want to give them a gentle push to find one," a Tokyo government official in charge of the new app told AFP. The official said that an interview will be required to confirm a user's identity as part of the registration process for the Tokyo app. The dating app has apparently been on a test run for free since late last year. Also read: Four dead bodies and 11 tonnes of rubbish removed from Himalayan peaks in major clean-up operation × Plummeting birth rate in Japan Japan is currently struggling with the issue of a plummeting birth rate. Last year the country recorded more than twice as many deaths as new babies. Births fell for the eighth consecutive year to 758,631, a drop of 5.1 per cent, a preliminary government data showed. The number of deaths stood at 1,590,503. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised policies, including financial aid for families, easier childcare access and more parental leave. The nation is also facing growing labour shortages. (With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo govt to launch dating app amid plummeting birth rate: 'Gentle push to find one'

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Explosion at gas station in Armenia - Blinken to visit Israel on June 10 - Indian stocks hit record highs - Biden's new $225 million aid for Ukraine

WION Headlines | Explosion at gas station in Armenia | Blinken to visit Israel on June 10

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Hajj 2024: 7,000 Syrian pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israeli forces batter central, south Gaza - Russia warns France of stoking tensions - India: BJP allies praise PM Modi - Israel steps up Rafah Bombing - Germany: Army to be ready for war - Starmer: Sunak to answer for leaving D-Day event early

WION Headlines | Israeli forces batter central, south Gaza | Russia warns France of stoking tensions

<p>A state-backed think tank in South Korea set the cat among the pigeons after suggesting that girls be put in primary schools a year earlier than boys to fix the country's poor birthrate. Earlier this week, authors at the Korea Institute of Public Finance published a report claiming creating a one-year gap between boys and girls would make them more desirable to each other by the time they reach the marriageable age. This logic is based on a theory that men mature at a slower pace than girls and thus girls prefer to marry older men. After the report came out, several South Korean experts condemned the report, with one professor terming it 'ridiculous.'</p>

<h2><strong>'The suggestion'</strong></h2>

<p>The report, which focused on tackling South Korea's falling birthrate, said, "Considering that the developmental level of men is slower than that of women, having females enter school one year earlier could potentially contribute to men and women finding each other more attractive when they reach the appropriate age for marriage.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;South Korean military resumes activities on demarcation lines</strong></p>

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<p>“If there is a willingness to marry, then a willingness to date can certainly be assumed. However, that does not necessarily lead to successful dating. To improve this, policies that could be included in this category are those that arrange meetups, improve social skills, and support self-development to boost one’s attractiveness to the opposite sex,” it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Pushback</strong></h2>

<p>The report was immediately criticised by social media users as well as academic experts. Shin Gyeong-a, a sociology professor at Hallym University, was quoted as saying by Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper: “That such a report, without any screening, was published in a democratic country – by a state-run research institute that will evaluate measures to address low birthrates in the future, no less – is ridiculous.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung called the suggestion 'absurd,' saying, "We need to take fundamental and macro-level measures [against the low birthrate].”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjN7ee5ssmGAxX5bGwGHcCqCuEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-south-korea-tensions-nkorea-sends-rubbish-filled-balloons-to-skorea-729491" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-south-korea-tensions-nkorea-sends-rubbish-filled-balloons-to-skorea-729491&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN7ee5ssmGAxX5bGwGHcCqCuEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">North Korea-South Korea tensions: N.Korea sends rubbish-filled balloons to S.Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>Users online pointed out how the government needs to focus on policies that favour raising children to improve the birthrate in the country. “We need to take fundamental and macro-level measures [against the low birthrate],” one user said. “Are they really looking at people, at children, as reproductive tools? Disgusting,” another commented.</p>

<p>Responding to the criticism, the Korea Institute of Public Finance clarified the report carried the views of one author and not the institute itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 0.72 children born per woman, South Korea has the lowest birthrate globally. The rate is considerably lower in Seoul, the nation's capital, where officials predict that the population in the city would drastically drop from 9.4 million in 2022 to 7.9 million in 2052 if the trend continues.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A state-backed think tank in South Korea set the cat among the pigeons after suggesting that girls be put in primary schools a year earlier than boys to fix the country's poor birthrate.

A state-backed think tank in South Korea set the cat among the pigeons after suggesting that girls be put in primary schools a year earlier than boys to fix the country's poor birthrate. Earlier this week, authors at the Korea Institute of Public Finance published a report claiming creating a one-year gap between boys and girls would make them more desirable to each other by the time they reach the marriageable age. This logic is based on a theory that men mature at a slower pace than girls and thus girls prefer to marry older men. After the report came out, several South Korean experts condemned the report, with one professor terming it 'ridiculous.' 'The suggestion' The report, which focused on tackling South Korea's falling birthrate, said, "Considering that the developmental level of men is slower than that of women, having females enter school one year earlier could potentially contribute to men and women finding each other more attractive when they reach the appropriate age for marriage.” Watch: South Korean military resumes activities on demarcation lines × “If there is a willingness to marry, then a willingness to date can certainly be assumed. However, that does not necessarily lead to successful dating. To improve this, policies that could be included in this category are those that arrange meetups, improve social skills, and support self-development to boost one’s attractiveness to the opposite sex,” it added. Pushback The report was immediately criticised by social media users as well as academic experts. Shin Gyeong-a, a sociology professor at Hallym University, was quoted as saying by Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper: “That such a report, without any screening, was published in a democratic country – by a state-run research institute that will evaluate measures to address low birthrates in the future, no less – is ridiculous.” Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung called the suggestion 'absurd,' saying, "We need to take fundamental and macro-level measures [against the low birthrate].” Also read: North Korea-South Korea tensions: N.Korea sends rubbish-filled balloons to S.Korea Users online pointed out how the government needs to focus on policies that favour raising children to improve the birthrate in the country. “We need to take fundamental and macro-level measures [against the low birthrate],” one user said. “Are they really looking at people, at children, as reproductive tools? Disgusting,” another commented. Responding to the criticism, the Korea Institute of Public Finance clarified the report carried the views of one author and not the institute itself. With 0.72 children born per woman, South Korea has the lowest birthrate globally. The rate is considerably lower in Seoul, the nation's capital, where officials predict that the population in the city would drastically drop from 9.4 million in 2022 to 7.9 million in 2052 if the trend continues. (With inputs from agencies)

How to fix South Korea's birthrate? Thinktank suggests girls be put in schools earlier

Sudan's army said on Thursday it would deliver a "harsh response" to an attack a day earlier on a village by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that pro-democracy activists said killed more than 100 people.

Sudan army vows harsh response to RSF attack on village, UN calls for probe

Lawyers for President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden could begin making their case on Friday that he did not break the law when he said that he was not addicted to drugs while buying a gun in 2018, as his criminal trial approaches its end.

Hunter Biden's criminal gun trial: Biden says 'won't space son' if found guilty

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has kept his private life private. Although Putin may not choose to share the specifics of his family, others have, and now his daughters' speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has shocked the corridors of power in Moscow and beyond.

Russia: Putin's hidden daughters take stage at St.Petersburg forum

The China's Xinjiang region and Turkey have agreed to bolster counterterrorism joint efforts, this comes as the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited the capital of Xinjiang for the first time in 12 years. Watch in for more details!

Turkiye, Xinjiang to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation

France has confirmed the arrest of its citizen in Moscow. France has denied the Russian claim that it was working for the government to gather intelligence. Watch in for more details!

Russia arrests French scholar suspected of collecting Intelligence

The proposed ceasefire agreement between US President Joe Biden and Gaza was described by a senior Hamas official as "just words" on Thursday, and the Palestinian organization has not received any formal pledges on a truce.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas claims proposed Gaza ceasefire deal was 'just words'

Russia claimed to have hit many targets in Ukraine. Ukraine asserted that it and Russia had engaged in numerous hard battles going in different directions. Over the previous 24 hours, Russian forces have taken up more favorable positions on the front lines.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles targeted foreign mercenary deployment areas in Ukraine

Nepali Congress calls for investigation against Home minister, tensions go high between opposition and govt over Rabi Lamichhane. Watch to know more.

Corruption probe against Nepal's Home Minister; opposition demands Lamichhane's resignation

<p>In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's&nbsp;forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied&nbsp;forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces.&nbsp;The Normandy landings emerged as one of the most significant events&nbsp;in the second world war that concluded with the liberation of French territory and fall of Nazism in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: The invasion of the beaches at Normandy | Gravitas Recall</strong></p>

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<p>Eighty years later, as the present-day leaders of the 'liberators' of Normandy came together to commemorate the 'D-Day', the event became the focus of fiascos, gaffes and controversies.&nbsp;Here's what unfolded during D-Day commemorations in Normandy.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden: The lost of the presidents?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Joe Biden, joined by 25 heads of states at a D-Day commemoration event on Omaha Beach in Normandy, stressed on sacrifices made in the name of democracy and freedom during the second world war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-persichitti-world-war-ii-veteran-died-en-route-to-d-day-commemorations-729476">Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran dies en route to D-Day commemorations</a></strong></p>

<p>But the speech notwithstanding, one aspect that grabbed the netizens' attention on social media was an "embarrassing" moment as Biden appeared to be completely lost for a moment. The former president was seen fumbling and later on, he was spotted with eyes closed which users on the internet interpreted as US president dozing off.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>British forces face 'Passport please' moment</strong></h2>

<p>About 400 British paratroopers, who dropped into Normandy for commemoration event, were asked for passport and related paperwork. While immigration checks for British troops abroad are routine, they aren't asked for it during a&nbsp;public commemoration event.</p>

<p>Besides, the US and Belgian troops&nbsp;involved in the drop were not checked. The US forces flew from France and had already completed their border formalities, The Guardian reported. No check was required for the Belgians as European Union citizens.</p>

<h2><strong>Rishi Sunak's exit for a TV interview</strong></h2>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended D-Day commemoration event and then left for London to reportedly appear in a TV interview. As&nbsp;criticism mounted, Sunak was forced to issue an apology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK," Sunak, who is struggling to win support from voters before the July 4 election, said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise."</p>


In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces.

In June 1944, over four years after the fall of Paris to Hitler's forces in the second world war, the US, UK and other allied forces entered Normandy to oust the Nazi forces. The Normandy landings emerged as one of the most significant events in the second world war that concluded with the liberation of French territory and fall of Nazism in Europe. Also watch | D-Day Anniversary: The invasion of the beaches at Normandy | Gravitas Recall × Eighty years later, as the present-day leaders of the 'liberators' of Normandy came together to commemorate the 'D-Day', the event became the focus of fiascos, gaffes and controversies. Here's what unfolded during D-Day commemorations in Normandy. Joe Biden: The lost of the presidents? Joe Biden, joined by 25 heads of states at a D-Day commemoration event on Omaha Beach in Normandy, stressed on sacrifices made in the name of democracy and freedom during the second world war. Also read | Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran dies en route to D-Day commemorations But the speech notwithstanding, one aspect that grabbed the netizens' attention on social media was an "embarrassing" moment as Biden appeared to be completely lost for a moment. The former president was seen fumbling and later on, he was spotted with eyes closed which users on the internet interpreted as US president dozing off. British forces face 'Passport please' moment About 400 British paratroopers, who dropped into Normandy for commemoration event, were asked for passport and related paperwork. While immigration checks for British troops abroad are routine, they aren't asked for it during a public commemoration event. Besides, the US and Belgian troops involved in the drop were not checked. The US forces flew from France and had already completed their border formalities, The Guardian reported. No check was required for the Belgians as European Union citizens. Rishi Sunak's exit for a TV interview UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended D-Day commemoration event and then left for London to reportedly appear in a TV interview. As criticism mounted, Sunak was forced to issue an apology. "After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK," Sunak, who is struggling to win support from voters before the July 4 election, said in a post on X. "On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise."

Show your passports, a listless Biden, Sunak's exit: What made D-Day commemorations awkward

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who will take the oath of office on Sunday to serve a third term, underlined the need of mutual trust at the heart of the NDA coalition.

PM Modi addresses NDA meet says Majority needed to make govt, but consensus needed to run nation

Pakistan's government submitted to the Supreme Court on Thursday details of the living conditions of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, seeking to rebuff his claim of mistreatment and of being held in solitary confinement without access to lawyers.

Imran under scanner: Pakistan government submits details, photos of ex-PM Khan's life in jail

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Modi: NDA most successful alliance - India: BJP allies praise PM Modi - Israel steps up Rafah Bombing - Germany: Army to be ready for war - Sunak: Sorry left D-Day event early

WION Headlines | India: BJP allies praise PM Modi | Israel steps up Rafah Bombing

<p>France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French&nbsp;government to gather intelligence. The development coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks during an event to commemorate second World War's 'D-Day' landings in Normandy in which he said that Paris will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, made by French manufacturer Dassault, and train their Ukrainian pilots in France," Macron told France’s TF1 broadcaster on Thursday (June 6). France has around 26 Mirage 2000-5 and 65 older Mirage 2000-D aircraft in active service, according to Flight International’s World Air Forces rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans</strong></p>

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<p>"In no way was he working for France. Now we are very vigilant, he will receive all the consular protections that apply in such a case. I want to say the truth in the face of the brainwashing that we hear," Macron said separately later while referring to a country's national's arrest in Moscow.</p>

<p>Russia's Investigative Committee said earlier on Thursday that a French citizen, employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was detained on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-france-allows-its-police-to-spy-on-people-through-electronic-devices-613252">France allows its police to spy on people through electronic devices</a></strong></p>

<p>"For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said.</p>

<p>The ties between France and Russia have been on a downward spiral since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, Russia expanded the scope of its "foreign agents" law under which not only individuals or organisations receiving funding from abroad are described as foreign agents but also anyone who has "received support and (or) is under foreign influence".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French government to gather intelligence.

France confirmed on Thursday (June 6) that a French national has been arrested in Moscow but denied Russian claim that he was working for the French government to gather intelligence. The development coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks during an event to commemorate second World War's 'D-Day' landings in Normandy in which he said that Paris will transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. "Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, made by French manufacturer Dassault, and train their Ukrainian pilots in France," Macron told France’s TF1 broadcaster on Thursday (June 6). France has around 26 Mirage 2000-5 and 65 older Mirage 2000-D aircraft in active service, according to Flight International’s World Air Forces rankings. Also read | D-Day Anniversary: Britain, France and US commemorate D-Day; Macron honours WW2 veterans × "In no way was he working for France. Now we are very vigilant, he will receive all the consular protections that apply in such a case. I want to say the truth in the face of the brainwashing that we hear," Macron said separately later while referring to a country's national's arrest in Moscow. Russia's Investigative Committee said earlier on Thursday that a French citizen, employed by the non-profit Swiss Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, was detained on suspicion of "collecting information in the field of military activities of the Russian Federation". Also read | France allows its police to spy on people through electronic devices "For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation," the Investigative Committee said. The ties between France and Russia have been on a downward spiral since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2022, Russia expanded the scope of its "foreign agents" law under which not only individuals or organisations receiving funding from abroad are described as foreign agents but also anyone who has "received support and (or) is under foreign influence". (With inputs from agencies)

French 'spy' arrested in Russia following Macron's fighter jets offer to Ukraine

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