Lightning strikes Eiffel Tower during violent thunderstorm
pariS, June 29: The Eiffel Tower was struck by lightning as a thunderstorm raged over Paris on Saturday. Eyewitness footage shows the iconic structure being struck by a bolt of lightning, as onlookers gasped in shock. It comes amid a record-breaking deadly heatwave, which saw temperatures of more than 40C being recorded in many parts of the country. More than 1,000 excess deaths have been recorded during the heatwave, which the World Health Organisation has described as the worst ever in Europe. France’s public health agency said that it expected the mortality rate to rise as more information was released about deaths in care homes and residential care. (Agencies)
Buddhist group from China to travel to famous sites in India
Beijing, June 29: The first batch of a 31-member delegation of Buddhist pilgrims and students from Eastern China will travel to India in the coming days, according to a statement. Indian Consul General in Shanghai Pratik Mathur saw off the delegates who will travel to Buddhist sites in India, including Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Nalanda. Mathur, who met delegates led by Chief Abbott Shi Zhongshan of the historic CIYUN Monastery located in the AI hub of Yangzhou on Monday, urged them to witness the beautiful redevelopment and restoration of Nalanda, according to a post by the Consulate on X. (PTI)
Australia-Vanuatu pact blocks China from building a military base
Melbourne, June 29: Australia and Vanuatu signed a long-awaited bilateral security and economic treaty Monday that prevents China creating a military base on the South Pacific island nation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the so-called Nakamal Agreement with his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat nine months after the Vanuatuan government rejected an earlier draft. Vanuatu had feared the deal would limit its ability to attract infrastructure investment.” (AP)
