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Melania Trump made her public debut on Tuesday when she was seen leaving her New York City home. This was her first appearance since her husband, Donald Trump, was found guilty of using hush money in&nbsp;his criminal trial.

In images captured by the New York Post, the 54-year-old former first lady can be seen leaving the Trump Tower office with her 18-year-old son, Barron Trump, in tow.&nbsp;

Melania Trump, according to the newspaper, entered a black Secret Service SUV with at least seven laden Louis Vuitton luggage bags while lowering her head. According to the Post, a number of clothing bags bearing Barron Trump's initials were put into the armored car.

The Post reported that the car headed for the Trumps' nearby Bedminster resort in New Jersey. Since Melania Trump did not appear in court for her husband's high-profile criminal trial, which was held in New York City, questions about her whereabouts have been rife on social media for several weeks.

On May 30, Donald Trump, 77, was found guilty on all 34 felonies related to fabricating company documents in exchange for hush money.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-gun-trial-biden-crossed-line-when-he-bought-gun-728901">Hunter Biden case: Trial hears Hunter Biden 'crossed the line' with gun purchase</a>

The former president was charged with setting up, not long before the 2016 election, the payment of $130,000 by his then-attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence on a sex encounter she claims she had with Donald Trump.

Due to her absence from the trial, the former first lady was spared hearing adult actress Daniels' evidence in which she revealed specifics of her alleged sex encounter with Donald Trump. The meeting, according to Daniels, whose actual name is Stephanie Clifford, took place in 2006, a year after Melania Trump wed the real estate tycoon.

Melania Trump has been spotted sometimes in recent months with her husband, despite her absence from the courtroom. On May 17, The former model and her husband their son Barron's high school graduation in Palm Beach, Florida.

(With inputs from agencies)

Melania Trump made her public debut on Tuesday when she was seen leaving her New York City home. This was her first appearance since her husband, Donald Trump, was found guilty of using hush money in his criminal trial.

Melania Trump made her public debut on Tuesday when she was seen leaving her New York City home. This was her first appearance since her husband, Donald Trump, was found guilty of using hush money in his criminal trial. In images captured by the New York Post, the 54-year-old former first lady can be seen leaving the Trump Tower office with her 18-year-old son, Barron Trump, in tow. Melania Trump, according to the newspaper, entered a black Secret Service SUV with at least seven laden Louis Vuitton luggage bags while lowering her head. According to the Post, a number of clothing bags bearing Barron Trump's initials were put into the armored car. The Post reported that the car headed for the Trumps' nearby Bedminster resort in New Jersey. Since Melania Trump did not appear in court for her husband's high-profile criminal trial, which was held in New York City, questions about her whereabouts have been rife on social media for several weeks. On May 30, Donald Trump, 77, was found guilty on all 34 felonies related to fabricating company documents in exchange for hush money. Also read: Hunter Biden case: Trial hears Hunter Biden 'crossed the line' with gun purchase The former president was charged with setting up, not long before the 2016 election, the payment of $130,000 by his then-attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence on a sex encounter she claims she had with Donald Trump. Due to her absence from the trial, the former first lady was spared hearing adult actress Daniels' evidence in which she revealed specifics of her alleged sex encounter with Donald Trump. The meeting, according to Daniels, whose actual name is Stephanie Clifford, took place in 2006, a year after Melania Trump wed the real estate tycoon. Melania Trump has been spotted sometimes in recent months with her husband, despite her absence from the courtroom. On May 17, The former model and her husband their son Barron's high school graduation in Palm Beach, Florida. (With inputs from agencies)

Melania Trump, son Barron make first public appearance post-trial verdict

The former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on Wednesday (June 5) said that a group of Russian cybercriminals is behind the ransomware attack that halted operations and tests in the major state-run National Health Service (NHS) in London.&nbsp;

The delivery of services at some of London's busiest hospitals was impacted significantly on Tuesday by a ransomware incident, the region's health service said. In a statement, a spokesperson for the NHS England London region said that Synnovis, a provider of lab services, was the victim of the incident on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-drops-court-action-against-musks-x-over-sydney-church-stabbing-posts-728967">Australia drops court action against Musk’s X over Sydney church stabbing posts</a>&nbsp;

"This is having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and primary care services in south east London," the statement added.&nbsp;

The health services earlier said that it was working "urgently" with the NCSC and its own cyber operations team to fully understand the impact of the incident. NCSC is the country's main cyber security agency.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of NCSC, said that the attack on pathology services firm Synnovis had led to a "severe reduction in capacity". He added that it was a "very, very serious incident".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-airlines-to-hire-fewer-employees-due-to-boeing-aircraft-delivery-delays-728857">United Airlines to hire fewer employees due to Boeing aircraft delivery delays</a>&nbsp;

During BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he was asked about the cyber attacks and whether or not he knew about them. He said, "Yes. We believe it is a Russian group of cybercriminals who call themselves Qilin."&nbsp;

"These criminal groups – there are quite a few of them – they operate freely from within Russia, they give themselves high-profile names, they've got websites on the so-called dark web, and this particular group has about a two-year history of attacking various organisations across the world. They've done automotive companies, they've attacked the Big Issue here in the UK, they've attacked Australian courts. They're simply looking for money."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Britain's Sunak and Starmer go head-to-head about the economy on a TV debate&nbsp;

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During the show, he explained that there are two types of ransomware attacks. One is when the attackers steal a load of data with the objective of extorting money. But he said that the case with NHS was different as it's a "more serious" type of ransomware where the system just doesn't work.&nbsp;

"So, if you're working in healthcare in this trust, you're just not getting those results so it's actually seriously disruptive," he said, further adding that the government had a policy of not paying but the company would be free to pay the ransom if it chose to.&nbsp;

"The criminals are threatening to publish data, but they always do that. Here, the priority is the restoration of services," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on Wednesday (June 5) said that a group of Russian cybercriminals is behind the ransomware attack that halted operations and tests in the major state-run National Health Service (NHS) in London.

The former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on Wednesday (June 5) said that a group of Russian cybercriminals is behind the ransomware attack that halted operations and tests in the major state-run National Health Service (NHS) in London. The delivery of services at some of London's busiest hospitals was impacted significantly on Tuesday by a ransomware incident, the region's health service said. In a statement, a spokesperson for the NHS England London region said that Synnovis, a provider of lab services, was the victim of the incident on Monday. Also read: Australia drops court action against Musk’s X over Sydney church stabbing posts "This is having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and primary care services in south east London," the statement added. The health services earlier said that it was working "urgently" with the NCSC and its own cyber operations team to fully understand the impact of the incident. NCSC is the country's main cyber security agency. Meanwhile, Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of NCSC, said that the attack on pathology services firm Synnovis had led to a "severe reduction in capacity". He added that it was a "very, very serious incident". Also read: United Airlines to hire fewer employees due to Boeing aircraft delivery delays During BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he was asked about the cyber attacks and whether or not he knew about them. He said, "Yes. We believe it is a Russian group of cybercriminals who call themselves Qilin." "These criminal groups – there are quite a few of them – they operate freely from within Russia, they give themselves high-profile names, they've got websites on the so-called dark web, and this particular group has about a two-year history of attacking various organisations across the world. They've done automotive companies, they've attacked the Big Issue here in the UK, they've attacked Australian courts. They're simply looking for money." Watch: Britain's Sunak and Starmer go head-to-head about the economy on a TV debate × During the show, he explained that there are two types of ransomware attacks. One is when the attackers steal a load of data with the objective of extorting money. But he said that the case with NHS was different as it's a "more serious" type of ransomware where the system just doesn't work. "So, if you're working in healthcare in this trust, you're just not getting those results so it's actually seriously disruptive," he said, further adding that the government had a policy of not paying but the company would be free to pay the ransom if it chose to. "The criminals are threatening to publish data, but they always do that. Here, the priority is the restoration of services," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian group behind ‘very serious’ ransomware attack that impacted London hospital services

Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028.

"At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement announcing the deal.

"This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region."

The defence ministry said the deal would bring to 75 the number of F-35s in Israel's fleet.

WATCH:&nbsp;Israel war: Displaced Israelis wonder if schools will open, forced to leave due to Hezbollah fire

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"The delivery of the aircrafts to the IDF (army) will commence in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircrafts per year," the ministry said in a statement.

Israel is the only Middle East nation with F-35s, the world's most advanced fighter which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiB-e7cscSGAxU83DgGHV5MAokQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-led-us-house-votes-to-sanction-icc-defends-israel-against-war-crime-charges-728794" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-led-us-house-votes-to-sanction-icc-defends-israel-against-war-crime-charges-728794&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiB-e7cscSGAxU83DgGHV5MAokQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Republican-led US House votes to sanction ICC, defends Israel against war crime charges</a>

In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.

Even before the war with Hamas erupted on October 7, Israel had launched hundreds of raids on Syrian territory during that country's years of war, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

In April, Iran carried out its first-ever direct attack on Israel using more than 300 drones and missiles as the war with Hamas in Gaza raged. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028.

Israel said Tuesday it signed a $3 billion deal to buy a third squadron of 25 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with the delivery to commence in 2028. "At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement announcing the deal. "This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region." The defence ministry said the deal would bring to 75 the number of F-35s in Israel's fleet. WATCH: Israel war: Displaced Israelis wonder if schools will open, forced to leave due to Hezbollah fire × "The delivery of the aircrafts to the IDF (army) will commence in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircrafts per year," the ministry said in a statement. Israel is the only Middle East nation with F-35s, the world's most advanced fighter which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels. Also read: Republican-led US House votes to sanction ICC, defends Israel against war crime charges In May 2018, Israel's military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat. Even before the war with Hamas erupted on October 7, Israel had launched hundreds of raids on Syrian territory during that country's years of war, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions. In April, Iran carried out its first-ever direct attack on Israel using more than 300 drones and missiles as the war with Hamas in Gaza raged. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel inks $3 billion deal with US for 25 F-35 fighter jets

US President Biden announced what is likely the most stringent border policy by a Democratic president in recent memory on Tuesday when he introduced a new executive action that allows US immigration officers to deport huge numbers of migrants without considering their asylum claims.

Biden claims US will temporarily close Mexico border to asylum seekers

Illegal fishing leads to the loss of both short and long term social and economic opportunities and to negative effects on food security and environmental protection. Watch to know more.

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“There needs to be a two-state solution, a transition to a two-state solution. That's my biggest disagreement with Bibi Netanyahu,” Biden says. Biden said that Arab assistance in the post-war stabilization of Gaza could extend to Saudi Arabia. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden says 'have major disagreement over post-conflict future of Gaza'

A 23-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad who had been missing in the US since May 28, 2024, has been found safe, according to the police. California State University, San Bernardino Police Chief John Guttierez confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter. He confirmed that Nitheesha Kandula had been located.

"The missing student identified in this bulletin who was reported missing on May 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, has been located and is safe!" Guttierez posted on X.

Kandula had last been seen in Los Angeles before disappearing on May 28. The police had sought public assistance to locate the 23-year-old student. It filed her missing report on May 30.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/narrow-election-victory-limits-scope-for-indian-fiscal-reforms-says-moodys-analyst-728961">Narrow election victory limits scope for Indian fiscal reforms, says Moody's analyst</a>

The police described Kandula as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing nearly 160 pounds (72.5 kg). She has black hair and black eyes, the authorities said.

Prior to finding her out, the police said that she was believed to be driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with an unspecified California license plate. However, the police did not provide details on where or how she was found.

<h2>Troubling trend</h2>

This case is part of a troubling trend involving Indian-origin students in the US. Earlier this year, several similar incidents have been reported.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-chief-chandrababu-naidu-extends-support-to-bjp-affirms-i-am-in-nda-728928">TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu extends support to BJP, affirms 'I am in NDA'</a>

In May, 26-year-old Rupesh Chandra Chintakind went missing in Chicago. In April, Mohammad Abdul Arfath, 25, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, after going missing in March. He was an IT student at Cleveland University.

Amarnath Ghosh, a 34-year-old trained Kuchipudi dancer, was shot dead in March during an evening walk in Missouri. Before that, in February, 23-year-old Indian-American student Sameer Kamath died by suicide at Purdue University in Indiana.

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-set-for-third-term-submits-resignation-dissolution-of-17th-lok-sabha-728973">PM Modi set for third term, submits resignation &amp; dissolution of 17th Lok Sabha</a>

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In another such tragedy, a 41-year-old Indian-American IT executive Vivek Taneja died after an assault outside a Japanese restaurant in Washington. In January this year, a 18-year-old Indian-American student Akul Dhawan died of hypothermia following acute alcohol intoxication near a university campus in Illinois.
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

A 23-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad who had been missing in the US since May 28, 2024, has been found safe, according to the police. California State University, San Bernardino Police Chief John Guttierez confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A 23-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad who had been missing in the US since May 28, 2024, has been found safe, according to the police. California State University, San Bernardino Police Chief John Guttierez confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter. He confirmed that Nitheesha Kandula had been located. "The missing student identified in this bulletin who was reported missing on May 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, has been located and is safe!" Guttierez posted on X. Kandula had last been seen in Los Angeles before disappearing on May 28. The police had sought public assistance to locate the 23-year-old student. It filed her missing report on May 30. Also Read | Narrow election victory limits scope for Indian fiscal reforms, says Moody's analyst The police described Kandula as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing nearly 160 pounds (72.5 kg). She has black hair and black eyes, the authorities said. Prior to finding her out, the police said that she was believed to be driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with an unspecified California license plate. However, the police did not provide details on where or how she was found. Troubling trend This case is part of a troubling trend involving Indian-origin students in the US. Earlier this year, several similar incidents have been reported. Also Read | TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu extends support to BJP, affirms 'I am in NDA' In May, 26-year-old Rupesh Chandra Chintakind went missing in Chicago. In April, Mohammad Abdul Arfath, 25, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, after going missing in March. He was an IT student at Cleveland University. Amarnath Ghosh, a 34-year-old trained Kuchipudi dancer, was shot dead in March during an evening walk in Missouri. Before that, in February, 23-year-old Indian-American student Sameer Kamath died by suicide at Purdue University in Indiana. Watch | PM Modi set for third term, submits resignation & dissolution of 17th Lok Sabha × In another such tragedy, a 41-year-old Indian-American IT executive Vivek Taneja died after an assault outside a Japanese restaurant in Washington. In January this year, a 18-year-old Indian-American student Akul Dhawan died of hypothermia following acute alcohol intoxication near a university campus in Illinois. (With inputs from agencies)

Missing Indian student Nitheesha Kandula found safe in California

A race row has broken out at Oxford, with its ousted president-elect accusing the Oxford Union of Islamophobia. Watch to know more.

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Experts warned on Tuesday (June 4) that a famine was possibly underway in the northern region of the Gaza Strip but the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and restrictions on humanitarian access have impeded the data collection to prove it.

Experts warned on Tuesday (June 4) that a famine was possibly underway in the northern region of the Gaza Strip but the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and restrictions on humanitarian access have impeded the data collection to prove it. In a report, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, or FEWS NET, said that the famine in Gaza was possible, if not likely. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, an area is considered to be famine when -20 per cent of households have an extreme lack of food, or are essentially starving; at least 30 per cent of the children suffer from acute malnutrition or wasting, meaning they’re too thin for their height; and two adults or four children per every 10,000 people are dying daily of hunger and its complications. The agency's warning The FEWS NET is an internationally recognised authority on famine that provides evidence-based and timely early warning information for food insecurity. For a formal declaration of famine, the data must be there. Also read | Biden suggests Netanyahu is dragging out Gaza war for political reasons On Tuesday, the FEWS NET cautioned that data collection would likely be impeded as long as the war goes on. It said that people in Gaza, including children, were dying of hunger-related causes and these conditions would likely persist until at least July if there isn’t a fundamental change in how food aid is distributed. Also watch | Rafah offensive: Can Netanyahu be arrested for Gaza war crimes? | WION Decodes × In its report, the agency further cautioned that efforts to increase aid to Gaza were insufficient and urged Israel to act urgently. The claim and the denial Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October last year, international agencies including the United Nations (UN) have said not enough food or other humanitarian supplies are entering Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied there is famine underway in Gaza and rejected allegations it has used hunger as a weapon in its war against Hamas. Israel has opened many new crossings into Gaza in recent months, saying they helped increase the flow of aid.

Israel-Hamas war: Experts warn famine possibly underway in northern Gaza

In the past decade, the world has witnessed an extreme rise in temperature on an alarmingly regular basis. Summers are hotter than every, autumn and spring are disappearing, and the environment is changing rapidly. ‘Global warming’ is not just a term in science textbooks, but a daily warning for humanity. On this World Environment Day, let's ask the question: How can we survive the ravages of climate change?

<h2>Alarming data from 2016 - 2024</h2>

Between 2016 and 2019, global temperatures set new records. According to a NASA report, 2020 tied with 2016 as one of the warmest years, with 2021 and 2022 also experiencing near-record-breaking heat.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that the last decade has been the hottest in the past 125,000 years. The heat has also increased the CO2 levels exceeding 410 parts per million, which is a record-breaking number in a million years.&nbsp;

The rise in heat also impacted the seasons dramatically. Summers are longer than ever, and winters are shrinking like water bodies all across the world. This is affecting agriculture and biodiversity in the most vulnerable lands.&nbsp;

"There is a huge change in the climatic pattern. We don't get any autumn or spring... there are either winters or summers," said Kaustav Sanyal, Management Consultant - Accenture Strategy &amp; Consulting.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that 2022 saw devastating heatwaves across Europe, North America and Asia, exacerbating wildfires, droughts, and crop failures.

<h2>Making the heat bearable: Lessons from Gulf countries</h2>

Countries like the UAE, one of the hottest in the world, are aware of the warning climate is giving to them. Looking at the situation getting worse, the UAE launched multiple initiatives to deal with irreversible climate change. &nbsp;

In 2017, it launched the National Climate Change Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2050. UAE invested aggressively in sustainable energy sources like solar parks to generate almost 5,000 MW by 2030.&nbsp;

The UAE has also used advanced technologies like cloud seeding to enhance rainfall and reverse the country's drought possibilities.&nbsp;

This has inspired multiple countries incluidng &nbsp;India.

<h2>'Heat is on' for India, but what is it doing to reduce carbon footprint?</h2>

India was a part of the 2019 climate summit held in Abu Dhabi.

A country with over 1.3 billion population, India has a different set of challenges related to climate.&nbsp;

India in the past decade has taken some crucial steps to reduce its carbon footprint.&nbsp; 
The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which was further expanded to 450 GW by 2030.

India's solar energy initiatives are particularly noteworthy.&nbsp;

The International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, aims to mobilise $1 trillion in investments by 2030 to promote solar energy in 121 member countries.&nbsp;

In 2021, India announced its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and to reduce carbon intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.

"India is making strides in sustainability, particularly in renewable energy. Its ambitious targets include 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by the same year. These initiatives aim to enhance energy security, improve public health, mitigate climate change impacts, and conserve natural resources," said Diya Bose, ESG and sustainability associate at Kuwait-based PKC Advisory.

Additionally, India is also actively promoting afforestation and reforestation programmes to enhance carbon sinks.&nbsp;

The Green India Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and improve biodiversity.

<h2>Carbon footprint in offices: A hidden cost of industry</h2>

One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions worldwide is corporate offices.&nbsp;

The energy consumed by office buildings for heating, cooling, lighting, and electronic devices accounts for a substantial portion of global CO2 emissions.&nbsp;

"Carbon footprinting measures a company's greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in understanding and reducing environmental impact. In India, 51% of the top 100 companies disclose emissions voluntarily, with 31% setting net-zero targets," noted Diya Bose of PKC Advisory.

Bose noted that SEBI - Securities and Exchange Board of India, India's stock market watchdog - mandates environmental reporting for the top 1,000 listed companies through BRSR or Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting, emphasising environmental responsibility.&nbsp;

"While not explicitly required, carbon footprinting serves as a crucial step toward environmental accountability," Bose noted.

Furthermore, corporate travel, particularly air travel, adds to the carbon footprint. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) reported that the top 100 global corporations are responsible for approximately 71% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

To mitigate their impact, many companies are adopting sustainable practices. These include implementing energy-efficient technologies, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting remote work (if at all possible) to reduce travel emissions.&nbsp;

Multiple corporate companies have started hiring people who specifically work on sustainability and controlling carbon emissions.&nbsp;

<h2>Have you considered the consequences of not reducing carbon emissions?</h2>

If global warming and carbon emissions are not controlled, the consequences might be bigger than what we think.

Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and flooding. Sea levels are projected to rise, threatening coastal cities and displacing millions of people. Agriculture will suffer due to altered precipitation patterns, leading to food shortages and increased hunger.&nbsp;

Biodiversity loss will accelerate, with many species unable to adapt to rapidly changing conditions including human beings.&nbsp;

The economic impact will be profound, with damages from extreme weather events and lost productivity costing trillions of dollars.

<h2>What are we doing to combat climate change?</h2>

Many countries are taking various precautions to combat climate change.

Countries like Denmark, Sri Lanka and South Africa are aiming to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

"In a balanced scenario where carbon emissions equal carbon removal efforts, carbon sources and sinks play crucial roles. Forests and plants are significant carbon sinks, followed by oceans. Additionally, concepts like carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are essential for mitigating emissions," said Kaustav Sanyal of Accenture Strategy &amp; Consulting.

The European Union is also committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 under the European Green Deal.&nbsp;

This includes reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

China, as the largest CO2 &nbsp;producer, has pledged to peak its emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.&nbsp;

The country is investing heavily in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

<h2>What does the future hold?</h2>

The world is undeniably boiling, and the severity of this crisis intensifies with each passing year. While many countries are making strides, the battle against climate change requires a unified, global effort.&nbsp;

"Sustainability is nothing new, but old wine served in a new bottle," Sanyal said.

The data from the past five years serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of our actions.&nbsp;

We must act now, collectively and decisively, to safeguard our planet for future generations.

In the past decade, the world has witnessed an extreme rise in temperature on an alarmingly regular basis. Summers are hotter than every, autumn and spring are disappearing, and the environment is changing rapidly.

In the past decade, the world has witnessed an extreme rise in temperature on an alarmingly regular basis. Summers are hotter than every, autumn and spring are disappearing, and the environment is changing rapidly. ‘Global warming’ is not just a term in science textbooks, but a daily warning for humanity. On this World Environment Day, let's ask the question: How can we survive the ravages of climate change? Alarming data from 2016 - 2024 Between 2016 and 2019, global temperatures set new records. According to a NASA report, 2020 tied with 2016 as one of the warmest years, with 2021 and 2022 also experiencing near-record-breaking heat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that the last decade has been the hottest in the past 125,000 years. The heat has also increased the CO2 levels exceeding 410 parts per million, which is a record-breaking number in a million years. The rise in heat also impacted the seasons dramatically. Summers are longer than ever, and winters are shrinking like water bodies all across the world. This is affecting agriculture and biodiversity in the most vulnerable lands. "There is a huge change in the climatic pattern. We don't get any autumn or spring... there are either winters or summers," said Kaustav Sanyal, Management Consultant - Accenture Strategy & Consulting. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that 2022 saw devastating heatwaves across Europe, North America and Asia, exacerbating wildfires, droughts, and crop failures. Making the heat bearable: Lessons from Gulf countries Countries like the UAE, one of the hottest in the world, are aware of the warning climate is giving to them. Looking at the situation getting worse, the UAE launched multiple initiatives to deal with irreversible climate change. In 2017, it launched the National Climate Change Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2050. UAE invested aggressively in sustainable energy sources like solar parks to generate almost 5,000 MW by 2030. The UAE has also used advanced technologies like cloud seeding to enhance rainfall and reverse the country's drought possibilities. This has inspired multiple countries incluidng India. 'Heat is on' for India, but what is it doing to reduce carbon footprint? India was a part of the 2019 climate summit held in Abu Dhabi. A country with over 1.3 billion population, India has a different set of challenges related to climate. India in the past decade has taken some crucial steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which was further expanded to 450 GW by 2030. India's solar energy initiatives are particularly noteworthy. The International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, aims to mobilise $1 trillion in investments by 2030 to promote solar energy in 121 member countries. In 2021, India announced its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and to reduce carbon intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. "India is making strides in sustainability, particularly in renewable energy. Its ambitious targets include 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by the same year. These initiatives aim to enhance energy security, improve public health, mitigate climate change impacts, and conserve natural resources," said Diya Bose, ESG and sustainability associate at Kuwait-based PKC Advisory. Additionally, India is also actively promoting afforestation and reforestation programmes to enhance carbon sinks. The Green India Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and improve biodiversity. Carbon footprint in offices: A hidden cost of industry One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions worldwide is corporate offices. The energy consumed by office buildings for heating, cooling, lighting, and electronic devices accounts for a substantial portion of global CO2 emissions. "Carbon footprinting measures a company's greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in understanding and reducing environmental impact. In India, 51% of the top 100 companies disclose emissions voluntarily, with 31% setting net-zero targets," noted Diya Bose of PKC Advisory. Bose noted that SEBI - Securities and Exchange Board of India, India's stock market watchdog - mandates environmental reporting for the top 1,000 listed companies through BRSR or Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting, emphasising environmental responsibility. "While not explicitly required, carbon footprinting serves as a crucial step toward environmental accountability," Bose noted. Furthermore, corporate travel, particularly air travel, adds to the carbon footprint. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) reported that the top 100 global corporations are responsible for approximately 71% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate their impact, many companies are adopting sustainable practices. These include implementing energy-efficient technologies, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting remote work (if at all possible) to reduce travel emissions. Multiple corporate companies have started hiring people who specifically work on sustainability and controlling carbon emissions. Have you considered the consequences of not reducing carbon emissions? If global warming and carbon emissions are not controlled, the consequences might be bigger than what we think. Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and flooding. Sea levels are projected to rise, threatening coastal cities and displacing millions of people. Agriculture will suffer due to altered precipitation patterns, leading to food shortages and increased hunger. Biodiversity loss will accelerate, with many species unable to adapt to rapidly changing conditions including human beings. The economic impact will be profound, with damages from extreme weather events and lost productivity costing trillions of dollars. What are we doing to combat climate change? Many countries are taking various precautions to combat climate change. Countries like Denmark, Sri Lanka and South Africa are aiming to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050. "In a balanced scenario where carbon emissions equal carbon removal efforts, carbon sources and sinks play crucial roles. Forests and plants are significant carbon sinks, followed by oceans. Additionally, concepts like carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are essential for mitigating emissions," said Kaustav Sanyal of Accenture Strategy & Consulting. The European Union is also committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 under the European Green Deal. This includes reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. China, as the largest CO2 producer, has pledged to peak its emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The country is investing heavily in renewable energy and electric vehicles. What does the future hold? The world is undeniably boiling, and the severity of this crisis intensifies with each passing year. While many countries are making strides, the battle against climate change requires a unified, global effort. "Sustainability is nothing new, but old wine served in a new bottle," Sanyal said. The data from the past five years serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of our actions. We must act now, collectively and decisively, to safeguard our planet for future generations.

World Environment Day | Boiling summers, disappearing autumns: What are we doing on climate change?

Over 34 million Americans are bracing for extreme heat this week as a "heat dome" settles over the western United States. But what is a heat dome? Here's everything you need to know.

<h2>Heat Dome 101</h2>

To understand what a heat dome is, imagine a giant dome sitting over an area and trapping hot air inside. This results in the generation of heatwaves, which can feel much hotter than usual.&nbsp;

In simple terms, it is one of the meteorological phenomena that happens when a very high-pressure system traps air in a region. This will ultimately lead to extremely high temperatures over an extended period. The trapped heat could result in discomfort, health problems, and even risky conditions, not just for human beings but also for animals and plants.

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<h2>America to sweat it out with 40&nbsp;°C+ heat</h2>

As per BBC, people living in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have been alerted and asked to prepare for temperatures crossing nearly 40&nbsp;°C (104&nbsp;°F) by Friday (7th June). The heat will also likely be felt in the Pacific Northwest later in the week.&nbsp;

Temperatures, according to predictions, might peak at 42.2&nbsp;°C (107.96 degree Fahrenheit °F) from Sacramento to Bakersfield in a widespread area of California. Reportedly, Sacramento has already topped 38&nbsp;°C (100.4 degree Fahrenheit °F) this Tuesday (June 4), a mark it didn't reach until the end of June last year. Some places in south Texas sizzled with scorching temperatures of 47.2&nbsp;°C (116.96 °F) on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-to-become-first-us-state-to-punish-paedophiles-with-surgical-castration-728905">Louisiana to become first US state to punish paedophiles with surgical castration</a>

The hottest day, as per predictions, is Thursday (June 6), when temperatures are expected to be 5.5-11&nbsp;°C (10-20&nbsp;°F) above average and likely to continue&nbsp;for the rest of the week. Temperature records could be shattered in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Fresno.&nbsp;

Heat dome conditions contributed to a dozen deaths last year in the American Southwest.&nbsp;

As per the US Border Patrol in Texas, four migrants trying to enter the US have died over the weekend from heat-related illnesses.

Forecasters have urged residents to drink more liquids, remain in air-conditioned buildings, and wear loose clothing.&nbsp;

The risk was described in stark terms by the National Weather Service in Phoenix, which issued a dire warning: "Heat stroke can be DEADLY," it said in a message on social media Tuesday. The California Environmental Protection Agency has identified outdoor workplaces, older people, and children as the most vulnerable populations during extreme heat conditions, describing it as "an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change."

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 34 million Americans are bracing for extreme heat this week as a "heat dome" settles over the western United States. But what is a heat dome? Here's everything you need to know.

Over 34 million Americans are bracing for extreme heat this week as a "heat dome" settles over the western United States. But what is a heat dome? Here's everything you need to know. Heat Dome 101 To understand what a heat dome is, imagine a giant dome sitting over an area and trapping hot air inside. This results in the generation of heatwaves, which can feel much hotter than usual. In simple terms, it is one of the meteorological phenomena that happens when a very high-pressure system traps air in a region. This will ultimately lead to extremely high temperatures over an extended period. The trapped heat could result in discomfort, health problems, and even risky conditions, not just for human beings but also for animals and plants. Also read | 'Felon' Donald Trump seeks relief from gag order after historic conviction America to sweat it out with 40 °C+ heat As per BBC, people living in California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have been alerted and asked to prepare for temperatures crossing nearly 40 °C (104 °F) by Friday (7th June). The heat will also likely be felt in the Pacific Northwest later in the week. Temperatures, according to predictions, might peak at 42.2 °C (107.96 degree Fahrenheit °F) from Sacramento to Bakersfield in a widespread area of California. Reportedly, Sacramento has already topped 38 °C (100.4 degree Fahrenheit °F) this Tuesday (June 4), a mark it didn't reach until the end of June last year. Some places in south Texas sizzled with scorching temperatures of 47.2 °C (116.96 °F) on Tuesday. Also read | Louisiana to become first US state to punish paedophiles with surgical castration The hottest day, as per predictions, is Thursday (June 6), when temperatures are expected to be 5.5-11 °C (10-20 °F) above average and likely to continue for the rest of the week. Temperature records could be shattered in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Fresno. Heat dome conditions contributed to a dozen deaths last year in the American Southwest. As per the US Border Patrol in Texas, four migrants trying to enter the US have died over the weekend from heat-related illnesses. Forecasters have urged residents to drink more liquids, remain in air-conditioned buildings, and wear loose clothing. The risk was described in stark terms by the National Weather Service in Phoenix, which issued a dire warning: "Heat stroke can be DEADLY," it said in a message on social media Tuesday. The California Environmental Protection Agency has identified outdoor workplaces, older people, and children as the most vulnerable populations during extreme heat conditions, describing it as "an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change." (With inputs from agencies)

'Heat dome' grips western US: 34 million Americans brace for record heat. Here's what it means

For weeks now a wave of anti-corruption protests have taken over Hungary and in the midst of demonstrations against Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban, a new Challenger has risen. Peter Magyar, once an ally to Orban Magyar came in the spotlight in this February when he accused the government of widespread corruption. Watch in for more details!

Hungary: Political novice Peter Magyar hopes to take on PM Viktor Orbán

Russia forces have now made advances into Ukraine's eastern region. The Ukrainian President said that the Russian forces were focussing their main fire power on eastern Donetsk and not in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces launch four drones in overnight attacks

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin&nbsp;has launched an investigation following an incident during its first crewed flight in two years, in which one of the parachutes on the New Shepard capsule failed to fully inflate.

The company’s New Shepard rocket launched on May 19 and was carrying a six-person crew to suborbital space.&nbsp;

According to SpaceNews reports, "The NS-25 mission saw the crew capsule land to conclude the flight, but only two of its three parachutes were fully inflated."

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Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew programme manager, recently disclosed the problem during a briefing on the upcoming Boeing Starliner crewed test flight.&nbsp;

However, Blue Origin did not openly announce the parachute issue but instead provided a briefing to NASA officials about the irregularity, given that vehicles like Boeing’s Starliner utilise similar components.

It is worth mentioning here, New Shepard uses three parachutes to slow down the crew capsule as it makes its way back to Earth, although it can land with just one parachute fully deployed.

The parachutes open in three stages, but during the NS-25 mission, one of the three parachutes failed at the very first stage when a line controlling its inflation was not cut like it was supposed to, according to Stich.

Stich was quoted in SpaceNews as saying, "It's a small group of people who work on these parachutes. They've been great at sharing data with us. They don't really have any kind of root cause yet, and we continue to follow along with them."

In September 2022, an uncrewed flight of New Shepard ended in flames around a minute after liftoff. The rocket’s booster exploded mid-flight and its capsule abandoned ship while traveling at roughly 700 miles per hour (1,130 kilometers per hour) and at 29,000 feet (8,840 meters) above the ground.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-worlds-most-active-volcano-hawaiis-kilauea-erupts-again-728679">Watch: World's one of the most active volcano, Hawaii’s Kilauea, erupts again</a>

Blue Origin identified a “thermo-structural failure of the engine nozzle” as the reason behind the rocket’s failed launch.&nbsp;

Although we don’t yet know the severity of the parachute problem or if it will cause further delays, while we’re not parachute experts, it’s fair to say this is concerning; if one parachute fails to deploy, it could indicate the potential for multiple failures during descent, the company said.

A few weeks before the planned liftoff on July 21, 2023, Starliner teams found that the fabric sections of the parachutes had a lower failure load limit than expected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-russian-military-satellite-closely-approaches-spacecraft-in-orbit-728697">Watch: Russian military satellite closely approaches spacecraft in orbit</a>

This indicated that if one parachute failed, the remaining two would not be able to slow the Starliner vehicle sufficiently for a safe landing in New Mexico.&nbsp;

In March 2024, Boeing announced that it had resolved the safety issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin has launched an investigation following an incident during its first crewed flight in two years, in which one of the parachutes on the New Shepard capsule failed to fully inflate.

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin has launched an investigation following an incident during its first crewed flight in two years, in which one of the parachutes on the New Shepard capsule failed to fully inflate. The company’s New Shepard rocket launched on May 19 and was carrying a six-person crew to suborbital space. According to SpaceNews reports, "The NS-25 mission saw the crew capsule land to conclude the flight, but only two of its three parachutes were fully inflated." Also read: Planetary parade: Astrophotographer snaps 'out of this world' six-planet line-up Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew programme manager, recently disclosed the problem during a briefing on the upcoming Boeing Starliner crewed test flight. However, Blue Origin did not openly announce the parachute issue but instead provided a briefing to NASA officials about the irregularity, given that vehicles like Boeing’s Starliner utilise similar components. It is worth mentioning here, New Shepard uses three parachutes to slow down the crew capsule as it makes its way back to Earth, although it can land with just one parachute fully deployed. The parachutes open in three stages, but during the NS-25 mission, one of the three parachutes failed at the very first stage when a line controlling its inflation was not cut like it was supposed to, according to Stich. Stich was quoted in SpaceNews as saying, "It's a small group of people who work on these parachutes. They've been great at sharing data with us. They don't really have any kind of root cause yet, and we continue to follow along with them." In September 2022, an uncrewed flight of New Shepard ended in flames around a minute after liftoff. The rocket’s booster exploded mid-flight and its capsule abandoned ship while traveling at roughly 700 miles per hour (1,130 kilometers per hour) and at 29,000 feet (8,840 meters) above the ground. Watch: World's one of the most active volcano, Hawaii’s Kilauea, erupts again Blue Origin identified a “thermo-structural failure of the engine nozzle” as the reason behind the rocket’s failed launch. Although we don’t yet know the severity of the parachute problem or if it will cause further delays, while we’re not parachute experts, it’s fair to say this is concerning; if one parachute fails to deploy, it could indicate the potential for multiple failures during descent, the company said. A few weeks before the planned liftoff on July 21, 2023, Starliner teams found that the fabric sections of the parachutes had a lower failure load limit than expected. Watch: Russian military satellite closely approaches spacecraft in orbit This indicated that if one parachute failed, the remaining two would not be able to slow the Starliner vehicle sufficiently for a safe landing in New Mexico. In March 2024, Boeing announced that it had resolved the safety issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Parachute malfunctions on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin mission

Turkey firefighters, helped by helicopters, battled a wind-driven wildfire that continued not only burning but spreading in a large number of area.

Turkey wildfire forces Helicopter douse flames in Northwestern Bursa province

Although Elon Musk's X now formally permits pornographic content, it promises to prevent users under the age of 18 or those who have not given their consent from seeing violent and adult content.

Elon Musk’s X now "officially" allows adult content after update in policies

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour challenger Keir Starmer went head-to-head on Tuesday over how to boost Britain's economy, with the PM accusing the opposition party of wanting to increase taxes if it wins power at a July 4 election.

Britain's Sunak and Starmer go head-to-head about the economy on a TV debate | Latest News

Social media platform TikTok has reported a Cyber attack targeting high-profile accounts on its platform. Watch in for more details!

Cyberattack on TikTok targets brands & celebrity accounts

The US Air Force blew up a Minuteman III missile after an anomaly was detected following its launch. The Minuteman III is key to the U.S. military's strategic arsenal.

US Air Force blows up Minuteman III while testing its flight

Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children.

On Monday (June 3), Louisiana's GOP-controlled Legislature passed a bill that empowers judges to sentence paedophiles preying on children under 13 to surgical castration.&nbsp;

As per CBS News, the bill now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry. If signed, Louisiana would be the first state to implement such a severe punishment.

<h2>Castration in the US</h2>

In America, while states like Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas permit chemical castration, none currently mandate surgical castration as a judicial sentence, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fatherhood-linked-to-poorer-health-rate-young-fathers-at-higher-risk-study-728432">Fatherhood linked to poorer heart health, young fathers at higher risk: Study</a>

Louisiana also has provisions for chemical castration that have been in place for over 16 years, but have rarely been used.

<h2>Chemical vs Surgical castration</h2>

Chemical castration involves medications that lower testosterone levels to diminish sexual urges, whereas surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure.&nbsp;

"This is a consequence," stated Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges during an April committee hearing. "It's a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out."&nbsp;

Although the punishment is severe, the bill saw strong support in both GOP-dominated chambers. It did have some opposition coming from Democrats.&nbsp;

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Notably, the bill was authored by a Democrat — State Sen. Regina Barrow, who views it as an extra step in punishing horrific crimes against children.

"We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody," said Barrow during an April committee meeting, adding, "That is inexcusable."

Currently, over 2,200 individuals are imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children under 13. Nevertheless, if this bill becomes law, it would only apply to offences committed on or after August 1, 2024.&nbsp;

The punishment would be at the discretion of judges and not automatically imposed. While castration is typically associated with men, it could also apply to women, said Barrow.

Failure to comply with an order for surgical castration could result in an additional three to five years of imprisonment. A medical expert must "determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate" for the procedure before it is carried out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children.

Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children. On Monday (June 3), Louisiana's GOP-controlled Legislature passed a bill that empowers judges to sentence paedophiles preying on children under 13 to surgical castration. As per CBS News, the bill now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry. If signed, Louisiana would be the first state to implement such a severe punishment. Castration in the US In America, while states like Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas permit chemical castration, none currently mandate surgical castration as a judicial sentence, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Also read | Fatherhood linked to poorer heart health, young fathers at higher risk: Study Louisiana also has provisions for chemical castration that have been in place for over 16 years, but have rarely been used. Chemical vs Surgical castration Chemical castration involves medications that lower testosterone levels to diminish sexual urges, whereas surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure. "This is a consequence," stated Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges during an April committee hearing. "It's a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out." Although the punishment is severe, the bill saw strong support in both GOP-dominated chambers. It did have some opposition coming from Democrats. Also read | Study finds new male birth control gel safe and effective; reveal promising trial results Notably, the bill was authored by a Democrat — State Sen. Regina Barrow, who views it as an extra step in punishing horrific crimes against children. "We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody," said Barrow during an April committee meeting, adding, "That is inexcusable." Currently, over 2,200 individuals are imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children under 13. Nevertheless, if this bill becomes law, it would only apply to offences committed on or after August 1, 2024. The punishment would be at the discretion of judges and not automatically imposed. While castration is typically associated with men, it could also apply to women, said Barrow. Failure to comply with an order for surgical castration could result in an additional three to five years of imprisonment. A medical expert must "determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate" for the procedure before it is carried out. (With inputs from agencies)

Louisiana to become first US state to punish paedophiles with surgical castration

Hunter Biden was a frequent user of crack cocaine when he drove his father's Cadillac and illegally bought a gun, Biden’s criminal trial heard.

Hunter Biden is accused of intentionally lying on a form to buy a revolver and ammunition from a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop on 12 October, 2018.

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Notably, it is for the first time a sitting US president's son has gone on trial. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty of all three federal counts in the case.

Biden is charged with lying to a federally licensed gun dealer,&nbsp;making a fake claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.

On Tuesday (June 4), the court heard from the government's witness, FBI special agent Erika Jensen, who will return to the stand on Wednesday (June 5).&nbsp;

She testified about bank records and texts from Biden's devices that referred drugs.

During Biden’s trial, the jury will hear how Hallie Biden - the widow of the president's late son, Beau Biden - also became a drug addict during her brief relationship with Hunter Biden.

Eleven days after Biden purchased the gun,&nbsp;Hallie confiscated it from him and disposed of it in a grocery store bin, worried about his potential actions with the weapon.

"No-one is above the law," said prosecutor Derek Hines in Tuesday's opening statement to jurors. "It doesn't matter who you are or what your name is."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-limit-asylum-seekers-with-new-order-halt-requests-at-2500-crossings-and-resume-when-below-1500-728667">Biden to limit asylum seekers with new order, halt requests at 2,500 crossings and resume when below 1,500</a>

“Mr Hines said Mr Biden had 'crossed the line'&nbsp;when he chose to buy the gun and allegedly lied about a federal background check,” he said.

However, defence lawyer Abbe Lowell in his opening statement said that the Cobra Colt .38 revolver was an impulse buy&nbsp;under pressure from a pushy gun store owner.

He further said his client had driven his father’s Cadillac to a mobile phone store on the day in question before crossing the street to the firearms shop.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-staffers-reveal-presidents-declining-cognitive-fitness-says-not-the-same-person-728856">Biden's staffers reveal president's declining cognitive fitness, says 'not the same person’</a>

While taking about the application where he wrote he was not a user of illegal drugs, the defence lawyer said, "Hunter was not using drugs when he bought that gun.”

It is worth noting that Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4mn in taxes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hunter Biden was a frequent user of crack cocaine when he drove his father's Cadillac and illegally bought a gun, Biden’s criminal trial heard. Hunter Biden is accused of intentionally lying on a form to buy a revolver and ammunition from a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop on 12 October, 2018.

Hunter Biden was a frequent user of crack cocaine when he drove his father's Cadillac and illegally bought a gun, Biden’s criminal trial heard. Hunter Biden is accused of intentionally lying on a form to buy a revolver and ammunition from a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop on 12 October, 2018. Also read: Joe Biden and Donald Trump win elections in some of 2024’s last primary contests Notably, it is for the first time a sitting US president's son has gone on trial. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty of all three federal counts in the case. Biden is charged with lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a fake claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. On Tuesday (June 4), the court heard from the government's witness, FBI special agent Erika Jensen, who will return to the stand on Wednesday (June 5). She testified about bank records and texts from Biden's devices that referred drugs. During Biden’s trial, the jury will hear how Hallie Biden - the widow of the president's late son, Beau Biden - also became a drug addict during her brief relationship with Hunter Biden. Eleven days after Biden purchased the gun, Hallie confiscated it from him and disposed of it in a grocery store bin, worried about his potential actions with the weapon. "No-one is above the law," said prosecutor Derek Hines in Tuesday's opening statement to jurors. "It doesn't matter who you are or what your name is." Also read: Biden to limit asylum seekers with new order, halt requests at 2,500 crossings and resume when below 1,500 “Mr Hines said Mr Biden had 'crossed the line' when he chose to buy the gun and allegedly lied about a federal background check,” he said. However, defence lawyer Abbe Lowell in his opening statement said that the Cobra Colt .38 revolver was an impulse buy under pressure from a pushy gun store owner. He further said his client had driven his father’s Cadillac to a mobile phone store on the day in question before crossing the street to the firearms shop. Also read: Biden's staffers reveal president's declining cognitive fitness, says 'not the same person’ While taking about the application where he wrote he was not a user of illegal drugs, the defence lawyer said, "Hunter was not using drugs when he bought that gun.” It is worth noting that Hunter Biden also faces a trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4mn in taxes. (With inputs from agencies)

Hunter Biden case: Trial hears Hunter Biden 'crossed the line' with gun purchase

Australia's cyber safety regulator on Wednesday decided to drop a legal challenge against Elon Musk-owned X over the removal of videos of the stabbing of an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney, after a setback last month in the federal court.

Judge Geoffrey Kennett in May rejected a bid by the eSafety commissioner to extend a temporary order for the social media platform to block videos of the knife attack, which Australian authorities had called a terrorist attack.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a statement that the regulator had decided to drop its legal action against X.

"Most Australians accept this kind of graphic material should not be on broadcast television, which begs an obvious question of why it should be allowed to be distributed freely and accessible online 24/7 to anyone, including children," Grant said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-wins-legal-battle-over-ban-on-church-stabbing-video-720718">Elon Musk's X wins legal battle over ban on Australia church stabbing video</a>

She said a major concern was the ease by which children were able to access the violent content on X.

Grant said she originally issued X the notice to remove the video in order to prevent the "extremely violent footage from going viral", potentially inciting further violence and inflicting more harm on the community.

"I stand by my investigators and the decisions eSafety made," she said.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence for the alleged attack in April.

The legal tussle had sparked heated exchanges between Musk and senior Australian officials including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who called Musk "an arrogant billionaire" for his objections to take down the video. Musk has posted memes criticising the regulatory order, describing it as censorship.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-church-stabbing-16-year-old-charged-for-allegedly-committing-a-terrorist-act-713054">Sydney church stabbing: 16-year-old charged for allegedly ‘committing a terrorist act’</a>

Other major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Reddit and Telegram, took down the video when asked.

X had blocked Australian users from viewing the posts but refused to remove them globally on the grounds that one country's rules should not control the internet.

But the regulator argued that geo-blocking Australians, the solution X offered, was ineffective because several users used virtual private networks that disguised their locations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia's cyber safety regulator on Wednesday decided to drop a legal challenge against Elon Musk-owned X over the removal of videos of the stabbing of an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney, after a setback last month in the federal court.

Australia's cyber safety regulator on Wednesday decided to drop a legal challenge against Elon Musk-owned X over the removal of videos of the stabbing of an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney, after a setback last month in the federal court. Judge Geoffrey Kennett in May rejected a bid by the eSafety commissioner to extend a temporary order for the social media platform to block videos of the knife attack, which Australian authorities had called a terrorist attack. Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a statement that the regulator had decided to drop its legal action against X. "Most Australians accept this kind of graphic material should not be on broadcast television, which begs an obvious question of why it should be allowed to be distributed freely and accessible online 24/7 to anyone, including children," Grant said. Also Read | Elon Musk's X wins legal battle over ban on Australia church stabbing video She said a major concern was the ease by which children were able to access the violent content on X. Grant said she originally issued X the notice to remove the video in order to prevent the "extremely violent footage from going viral", potentially inciting further violence and inflicting more harm on the community. "I stand by my investigators and the decisions eSafety made," she said. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence for the alleged attack in April. The legal tussle had sparked heated exchanges between Musk and senior Australian officials including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who called Musk "an arrogant billionaire" for his objections to take down the video. Musk has posted memes criticising the regulatory order, describing it as censorship. Also Read | Sydney church stabbing: 16-year-old charged for allegedly ‘committing a terrorist act’ Other major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Reddit and Telegram, took down the video when asked. X had blocked Australian users from viewing the posts but refused to remove them globally on the grounds that one country's rules should not control the internet. But the regulator argued that geo-blocking Australians, the solution X offered, was ineffective because several users used virtual private networks that disguised their locations. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia drops court action against Musk’s X over Sydney church stabbing posts

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