The viral clip shows two children placing a Ganesh idol into a lake while flowers and other offerings are also released into the water. As the colourful idol sinks, some of the floral offerings can be seen floating on the surface.

The video was shared online with a caption criticising the act, accusing the family of polluting a public water body. The post quickly gained attention and generated mixed reactions from social media users.

Some users defended the family, arguing that many Ganesh idols are made from natural clay and biodegradable materials that dissolve in water without causing long-term environmental damage. Others, however, criticised the practice, claiming that any form of material disposal in lakes and rivers amounts to pollution and should be avoided.

The incident also reignited a broader discussion about cultural practices being observed outside India. Several users argued that immigrants should respect local environmental regulations and social norms, while others said cultural and religious traditions should be understood in their proper context before being judged.

One social media user commented that cultural traditions should be respected, but added that public waterways must also be protected. Another said criticism should focus on individual actions rather than linking the incident to an entire religion.

The exact location of the lake and the identity of the family involved have not been independently verified. There has also been no official statement from local Canadian authorities regarding the video.

The incident comes amid ongoing discussions in several countries about balancing cultural and religious practices with environmental conservation and public awareness.

The post Ganesh idol immersion in Canadian lake sparks controversy, triggers online debate appeared first on PunjabENews.

Addressing the nation outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the Labour Party no longer believed he was the right person to lead it in the next electoral contest.

His resignation comes amid months of growing dissatisfaction within Labour ranks. Several MPs and senior party figures had openly questioned his leadership in recent months, while poor performances in local elections and declining public support added to the pressure on the Prime Minister.

According to media reports, Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to replace Starmer. Burnham recently returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election and is believed to enjoy strong backing from a significant section of Labour MPs.

Starmer led Labour to a major election victory in 2024, ending years of Conservative rule. However, his popularity has steadily declined since then. Political controversies, policy reversals and criticism over the government’s inability to deliver promised improvements in living standards have damaged his public image.

The pressure intensified after Burnham’s victory in Friday’s by-election, which strengthened speculation about a possible leadership challenge. Following his win, Burnham said he wanted to provide a new direction for the country, while several of his supporters openly called for Starmer’s resignation.

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also indicated that he could consider challenging for the party leadership if circumstances required. However, as recently as June 19, Starmer had insisted he would face down any challenge to his leadership and urged Labour members to avoid internal divisions.

Labour is now expected to begin the process of selecting a new leader, a move that could significantly reshape the political landscape in the United Kingdom.

The post UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns amid growing pressure within Labour Party appeared first on PunjabENews.

The announcement came amid growing anger in Tehran over continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Iran’s Joint Military Command said the strategic Strait of Hormuz had been closed, blaming Israel’s attacks and what it described as American “bad faith” in implementing the agreement.

In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian military officials said the United States had failed to fulfil its promises to help end the conflict, calling it a clear violation of previous commitments. They also warned that further action had already been planned if attacks continued.

Shortly after the announcement, Iranian state media reported that the country’s negotiating team was departing for Switzerland for fresh talks. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei indicated that expectations for any major breakthrough remained low.

Baghaei said Iran would not move towards a final agreement until it was convinced that the United States was implementing the terms of the interim deal. He stressed that the purpose of the latest diplomatic engagement was to ensure that Washington fulfilled its obligations.

He warned that if key commitments were not honoured, the entire Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could be jeopardised.

The developments came after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children, just hours after reports of a ceasefire arrangement emerged. Lebanon’s National News Agency said several people were still trapped under rubble following attacks on the southern city of Nabatieh and nearby villages.

The post Iran shuts Hormuz Strait, warns interim US deal at risk amid fresh Lebanon strikes appeared first on PunjabENews.

According to reports, the collision occurred at around 6:45 pm local time. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a damaged Luton Airport Express train, while passengers were seen being escorted to safety near the railway tracks.

British media reports suggested that more than 50 people may have been injured in the crash. Bedford Hospital activated emergency protocols and called in additional staff to deal with the situation. However, authorities had not released any official figures regarding injuries or fatalities at the time of reporting.

Initial information indicated that both trains were operated by East Midlands Railway. Witnesses claimed that one train struck the rear of another train that was either stationary or moving slowly, causing damage to several carriages. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances of the collision.

Rail services between London St Pancras and Leicester were suspended following the accident, with passengers advised to avoid travel or use alternative routes.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. British Transport Police said the situation remains under close monitoring as emergency response operations continue.

The post Dozens injured as two passenger trains collide near London appeared first on PunjabENews.

Meloni strongly rejected the claim, describing it as false and fabricated. She said neither she nor Italy seeks favours from anyone and expressed surprise over Trump’s remarks, questioning why he would make such comments about a close ally.

The controversy quickly triggered a political reaction in Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned visit to the United States scheduled for June 21 and 22, saying Trump’s comments were not only disrespectful to Meloni but also to Italy as a nation.

Several senior Italian leaders rallied behind the Prime Minister. President Sergio Mattarella and other political figures criticised Trump’s remarks, calling them inappropriate and unnecessary.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also defended Meloni, stating that he could never imagine the Italian Prime Minister requesting a photograph from anyone, let alone pleading for one.

The exchange has added strain to relations between the two allies and sparked debate in political circles over diplomatic conduct and mutual respect among world leaders.

The post Italy slams Trump after Meloni rejects ‘begged for photo’ claim appeared first on PunjabENews.

According to officials, one person was transported to a hospital after the shooting. Authorities have not yet released details about the victim’s condition.

A webcam video circulating online appears to show at least two individuals dressed in dark clothing entering the crowded intersection and opening fire with a handgun. Frightened bystanders were seen running for cover or attempting to hide as the suspects fled down a nearby street.

Police officers who were patrolling the area immediately pursued the suspects, leading to the arrest of at least one individual. The shooting occurred only a short distance from a marked police vehicle stationed in the area.

The incident took place at around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, shortly after celebrations linked to the New York Knicks’ championship parade in Lower Manhattan. Authorities had deployed approximately 10,000 police officers across the city to secure events marking the team’s first championship title in more than five decades.

The latest shooting comes just a week after a 17-year-old was shot in Times Square during celebrations following the Knicks’ victory over San Antonio. Due to heavy crowds, police officers were forced to transport the victim to hospital themselves as an ambulance was unable to reach the scene.

An investigation into Thursday’s shooting is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The post Panic in Times Square as gunfire erupts, suspect arrested after police chase appeared first on PunjabENews.

According to reports, US President Donald Trump ordered the removal of restrictions on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports after the agreement was signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday.

Under the terms of the agreement, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States committed to ending its naval blockade in the region.

Commenting on the development, Trump said financial markets had reacted positively to the agreement. He noted that oil prices had fallen significantly while stock markets had gained strength following the announcement.

“We hope to see a complete ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel,” Trump said.

The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil and gas shipments.

Following the closure, the US military imposed a blockade around the strategic waterway, further disrupting commercial shipping and energy supplies.

With the signing of the MoU, the blockade has now been lifted after 66 days, allowing maritime traffic to resume and easing pressure on global energy markets.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to improve the flow of crude oil exports and reduce concerns over supply disruptions that had affected international markets during the conflict.

The post US lifts Iran maritime blockade after MoU, shipping resumes through Strait of Hormuz appeared first on PunjabENews.

Speaking at a White House press conference, Vance said oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had increased following the arrangement. He claimed that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil moved through the strategic waterway on Wednesday night, describing it as the highest level of supply since tensions escalated at the end of February.

According to Vance, the United States is fulfilling its commitments during the initial phase of the agreement. He also said he plans to travel to Switzerland for discussions related to the reported deal, although no timeline for the visit has been announced.

Vance further stated that two oil tankers departed Iran on Tuesday and crossed what he described as a US military blockade.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that shipping activity at the country’s southern ports had returned to normal. However, it added that the Strait of Hormuz remains under monitoring and is still under the control of Iranian military authorities.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and natural gas supplies. Any disruption to traffic through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and global supply chains.

The post US allows vessels to move through Iranian port under agreement, says Vice President Vance appeared first on PunjabENews.

US President Donald Trump has described the provision as the agreement’s most significant achievement, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb remains a top American national security priority.

Preventing a new nuclear-armed rival

For decades, US administrations have maintained that a nuclear-armed Iran could dramatically alter the balance of power in the Middle East. American officials fear that such a development could trigger a regional arms race, encouraging other countries to pursue nuclear weapons programmes of their own.

Concerns over uranium enrichment

Before the latest agreement, international monitoring reports indicated that Iran possessed a substantial stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While uranium enriched to 60% is not considered weapons-grade, experts note that the technical gap between 60% and the roughly 90% enrichment required for a nuclear weapon is significantly smaller than the gap from lower enrichment levels.

Washington has long sought limits on Iran’s enrichment activities and greater international oversight of its nuclear facilities.

Regional security and proxy groups

US policymakers have also argued that a nuclear-capable Iran could strengthen its influence across the Middle East through allied armed groups and regional partners. American and allied governments contend that preventing nuclear weapons development reduces the risk of wider regional instability.

Maintaining global non-proliferation efforts

The United States has consistently supported international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Allowing Iran to become a nuclear weapons state, according to US officials, could weaken the global non-proliferation framework and encourage other nations to seek similar capabilities.

Could Iran become more powerful than the US?

While Iran is a significant regional power with considerable military and geopolitical influence, experts generally do not view it as being in a position to surpass the United States as the world’s most powerful country. The US continues to maintain a much larger economy, greater military capabilities, broader global alliances and a larger international presence.

However, American policymakers believe that an Iranian nuclear weapons capability could substantially increase Tehran’s regional leverage and complicate US strategic interests in the Middle East.

The reported agreement is therefore being viewed by Washington as an effort to limit nuclear risks, reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.

The post Why the US wants to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state, Explained appeared first on PunjabENews.

During the discussion, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mentioned that she had consumed three cups of coffee that day. Her comment prompted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to jokingly ask whether the coffee was needed to help her wake up.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz then playfully asked Meloni how many cigarettes she had smoked. In response, the Italian leader revealed that she had not smoked a cigarette for the past month.

The announcement was met with applause and congratulations from several leaders, including representatives from Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and the European Union. Meloni responded with a smile and raised both hands in celebration.

Adding to the humour, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly asked whether she was using a nicotine patch to help quit smoking, drawing laughter from those gathered.

The informal exchange, which also included conversations about football, gifts and other everyday topics, offered a rare glimpse into the lighter side of interactions among global leaders attending the summit.

The post Meloni’s ‘quit smoking’ remark steals spotlight at G7 summit appeared first on PunjabENews.