The fourth GOP debate was replete with churlish jibes and whataboutery&nbsp;as the Republican candidates, instead of discussing national pressing issues, were seen going at each other, diverting people’s attention from Donald Trump’s absence from the debate who had skipped the event to focus on fundraising in Florida.

On Wednesday, four Republican presidential candidates— Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie— tried to go one up against each other in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in a last-ditch attempt to secure the second spot in the last primary debate a month before the Iowa caucuses.

Here are a few key takeaways from the debate

<h2>Nikki Haley faces heat over fresh Wall Street backing </h2>

In the opening minutes of the debate, DeSantis and Ramaswamy repeatedly took potshots at Haley, who recently became the beneficiary of a fresh endorsement from the Koch-connected Americans for Prosperity.

Both went after her for taking money from Wall Street donors and, specifically, Reid Hoffman, a longtime Democratic contributor who gave $250,000 to a Haley-backing super PAC this week,&nbsp;reports NBC News.

"Nikki will cave to those big donors when it counts," said DeSantis, who was the best-funded candidate in the race.

He also took jibes at Haley saying that as South Carolina's governor she was the "No. 1 ranked" chief executive on bringing Chinese investment into her state.

DeSantis accused Haley of backing down from media criticism, saying “She caves anytime the Left comes after her, any time the media comes after her."

While Ramaswamy suggested she was too close to corporate interests as she gets new attention from donors.

Haley deftly parried&nbsp;these jabs, turning some back on DeSantis and Ramaswamy.

"They’re just jealous. They wish they were supporting them,” Haley said of her new donors.

<h2>‘No bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump’</h2>

Even though Trump was absent, candidates, except&nbsp;Christie, spoke at length about him, repeatedly expressing their support for the former president, who remains the No.1 choice of Republican voters.

"I’m in this race because the truth needs to be spoken" about Trump, said Christie, who was the former advisor of Trump for years but has since turned on him, reports NBC News.

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"There is no bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump.”

Christie even compared Trump to a fictional villain.

“The fifth guy, who doesn’t have the guts to show up and stand here, he’s the one who is way ahead in the polls. And yet I’ve got these three guys who are all seeming to compete with Voldemort, he who shall not be named,” Christie said, referring to the candidates on stage.

Ramaswamy, was at his cheeky best, throwing one-liners at his rivals.

"All three of them have been licking Donald Trump's boots for years," he said.

<h2>DeSantis deftly avoids key questions</h2>

DeSantis sidestepped direct questions repeatedly, keeping mum on the Israel-Gaza conflict, and didn’t clarify his earlier remark where he called for the shooting of suspected drug dealers.

Christie, however, called him out on his deafening silence

"Ron gets asked a question and he doesn’t answer it," the former New Jersey governor said.

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"When you're president of the United States, you're going to have a choice whether to answer that question or not...You can't give a 90-second speech about your military service."

<h2>Ramaswamy’s gimmicks </h2>

Ramaswamy chose to engage with quips and gimmicks to garner attention and target his opponents.

He accused Haley of not knowing the names of the three provinces along the Russia-Ukraine border: "She has no idea what the names of those provinces are."

Ramaswamy pulled out a notepad and held it up for the camera to make a point that he believes she's indebted to donors and people who paid her for consulting and speeches.

"Nikki = corrupt" was written on the pad.

He also accused Haley of being a “fascist” for her views on social media.

“We’re marching toward fascism under Biden. The only person more fascist than the Biden regime now is Nikki Haley,”&nbsp;Ramaswamy said.

Ramaswamy was referring to comments made by Haley in November to voters during a telephone town hall where she wanted to make sure “every person on social media is verified.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The fourth GOP debate was replete with churlish jibes and whataboutery as the Republican candidates, instead of discussing national pressing issues, were seen going at each other, diverting people’s attention from Donald Trump’s absence from the debate who had skipped the event to focus on fundraising in Florida.

The fourth GOP debate was replete with churlish jibes and whataboutery as the Republican candidates, instead of discussing national pressing issues, were seen going at each other, diverting people’s attention from Donald Trump’s absence from the debate who had skipped the event to focus on fundraising in Florida. On Wednesday, four Republican presidential candidates— Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie— tried to go one up against each other in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in a last-ditch attempt to secure the second spot in the last primary debate a month before the Iowa caucuses. Here are a few key takeaways from the debate Nikki Haley faces heat over fresh Wall Street backing In the opening minutes of the debate, DeSantis and Ramaswamy repeatedly took potshots at Haley, who recently became the beneficiary of a fresh endorsement from the Koch-connected Americans for Prosperity. Both went after her for taking money from Wall Street donors and, specifically, Reid Hoffman, a longtime Democratic contributor who gave $250,000 to a Haley-backing super PAC this week, reports NBC News. "Nikki will cave to those big donors when it counts," said DeSantis, who was the best-funded candidate in the race. He also took jibes at Haley saying that as South Carolina's governor she was the "No. 1 ranked" chief executive on bringing Chinese investment into her state. DeSantis accused Haley of backing down from media criticism, saying “She caves anytime the Left comes after her, any time the media comes after her." While Ramaswamy suggested she was too close to corporate interests as she gets new attention from donors. Haley deftly parried these jabs, turning some back on DeSantis and Ramaswamy. "They’re just jealous. They wish they were supporting them,” Haley said of her new donors. ‘No bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump’ Even though Trump was absent, candidates, except Christie, spoke at length about him, repeatedly expressing their support for the former president, who remains the No.1 choice of Republican voters. "I’m in this race because the truth needs to be spoken" about Trump, said Christie, who was the former advisor of Trump for years but has since turned on him, reports NBC News. Also read | Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse' "There is no bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump.” Christie even compared Trump to a fictional villain. “The fifth guy, who doesn’t have the guts to show up and stand here, he’s the one who is way ahead in the polls. And yet I’ve got these three guys who are all seeming to compete with Voldemort, he who shall not be named,” Christie said, referring to the candidates on stage. Ramaswamy, was at his cheeky best, throwing one-liners at his rivals. "All three of them have been licking Donald Trump's boots for years," he said. DeSantis deftly avoids key questions DeSantis sidestepped direct questions repeatedly, keeping mum on the Israel-Gaza conflict, and didn’t clarify his earlier remark where he called for the shooting of suspected drug dealers. Christie, however, called him out on his deafening silence "Ron gets asked a question and he doesn’t answer it," the former New Jersey governor said. Also read | UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill "When you're president of the United States, you're going to have a choice whether to answer that question or not...You can't give a 90-second speech about your military service." Ramaswamy’s gimmicks Ramaswamy chose to engage with quips and gimmicks to garner attention and target his opponents. He accused Haley of not knowing the names of the three provinces along the Russia-Ukraine border: "She has no idea what the names of those provinces are." Ramaswamy pulled out a notepad and held it up for the camera to make a point that he believes she's indebted to donors and people who paid her for consulting and speeches. "Nikki = corrupt" was written on the pad. He also accused Haley of being a “fascist” for her views on social media. “We’re marching toward fascism under Biden. The only person more fascist than the Biden regime now is Nikki Haley,” Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy was referring to comments made by Haley in November to voters during a telephone town hall where she wanted to make sure “every person on social media is verified.” (With inputs from agencies)

Republican candidates get vile in absence of Donald Trump in GOP debate: Key takeaways

This Former RJ Is Now Mizoram's Youngest Woman MLA

At 32, Baryl Vanneihsangi became the youngest woman MLA of India’s Mizoram state. 

Baryl pursued her Master of Arts from the North Eastern Hill University in Shillong, Meghalaya. She was a corporator in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation.

Age: 22 years, 5 Months, 10 Days
Medal: Bronze x 2

Manu Bhaker, 10m Air Pistol, 2024 Paris Olympics

Baryl Vanneihsangi believes in gender equality and has spoken out in favour of it on several occasions.

"I just want to tell all the women out there that our gender doesn’t stop us from doing anything that we like and wish to pursue. It doesn’t prevent us from taking up something that we are passionate about. My message to them is that if they want to take up something they should just go for it


A Message To Aspiring Woman Politicians 

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them.

The boats started from Bangladesh and are reported to have been at sea for about two weeks.

“There are about 400 children, women and men looking death in the eye if there are no moves to save these desperate souls,” said Babar Baloch, the regional spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, reports AP news agency.

Baloch believes that the incident could turn into another tragedy, similar to the one in December 2022, if the refugees are not given assistance.

In 2022, a boat of about 180 people went missing in what many described as the “darkest such incidents in the region”.

<h2>'Might turn into another human tragedy'&nbsp;</h2>

The captain of one of the boats told the AP news agency that about 180 to 190 people on board were out of food and water and the engine was damaged.

The captain, who identified himself as Maan Nokim, said that all could die if no one intervened to help them.

On Sunday, Nokim said the boat was 200 miles (320 km) from Thailand’s west coast. The whereabouts of the other boat were unclear.

The location shared by Nokim is about the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat with 139 people landed on Saturday on Sabang Island, off the tip of Sumatra, Baloch said.

Those on the ship included 58 children, 45 women and 36 men – the typical balance of those making the sea journey, he said. Hundreds more arrived in Aceh last month.

<h2>Abduction, gang violence driving out Rohingya&nbsp;from Bangladesh</h2>

However, a Thai Navy spokesperson on Monday said that he had no information about the boats.

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The minority Rohingya community of Myanmar has been living in camps in Bangladesh since 2017 after a brutal counterinsurgency campaign tore through their communities.

It is estimated that around 7,40,000 Rohingyas have been living in the Bangladeshi camps, and many of them have been shifted to an isolated silt island called Bhashan Char.

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However, gang violence and abduction have been driving out the refugees from Bangladesh, with many even landing in Indonesia.

More than half a dozen boats have arrived in Aceh since November 14, and monitors say more are on their way, despite some locals turning away arriving boats back to sea and stepping up patrols on the coast, reports AFP news agency.

Myanmar security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of Rohingya homes, and international courts are considering whether their actions constituted genocide.

(With inputs from agencies)

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them.

For nearly two weeks, about 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift on two boats in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations refugee agency said, urging the regional governments to help them. The boats started from Bangladesh and are reported to have been at sea for about two weeks. “There are about 400 children, women and men looking death in the eye if there are no moves to save these desperate souls,” said Babar Baloch, the regional spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, reports AP news agency. Baloch believes that the incident could turn into another tragedy, similar to the one in December 2022, if the refugees are not given assistance. In 2022, a boat of about 180 people went missing in what many described as the “darkest such incidents in the region”. 'Might turn into another human tragedy' The captain of one of the boats told the AP news agency that about 180 to 190 people on board were out of food and water and the engine was damaged. The captain, who identified himself as Maan Nokim, said that all could die if no one intervened to help them. On Sunday, Nokim said the boat was 200 miles (320 km) from Thailand’s west coast. The whereabouts of the other boat were unclear. The location shared by Nokim is about the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat with 139 people landed on Saturday on Sabang Island, off the tip of Sumatra, Baloch said. Those on the ship included 58 children, 45 women and 36 men – the typical balance of those making the sea journey, he said. Hundreds more arrived in Aceh last month. Abduction, gang violence driving out Rohingya from Bangladesh However, a Thai Navy spokesperson on Monday said that he had no information about the boats. Also read | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking reelection next year if not for Trump The minority Rohingya community of Myanmar has been living in camps in Bangladesh since 2017 after a brutal counterinsurgency campaign tore through their communities. It is estimated that around 7,40,000 Rohingyas have been living in the Bangladeshi camps, and many of them have been shifted to an isolated silt island called Bhashan Char. Also read | Netanyahu slams women's rights groups silent over sexual violence by Hamas However, gang violence and abduction have been driving out the refugees from Bangladesh, with many even landing in Indonesia. More than half a dozen boats have arrived in Aceh since November 14, and monitors say more are on their way, despite some locals turning away arriving boats back to sea and stepping up patrols on the coast, reports AFP news agency. Myanmar security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of Rohingya homes, and international courts are considering whether their actions constituted genocide. (With inputs from agencies)

Bereft of food and water, 400 Rohingya refugees adrift in Andaman Sea for two weeks: UN

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue&nbsp;to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public.

According to the Guardian newspaper, cracks have emerged in a reservoir of toxic sludge known as B30, and is likely to continue till&nbsp;2050.

If left unnoticed, it could have “potentially significant consequences”, risking contaminating groundwater, the newspaper quoted an official document.

The report claims that cracks have also developed in the concrete and asphalt skin covering the huge pond containing decades of nuclear sludge, part of a catalogue of safety problems at the site.

Sellafield is controlled by the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is located in northwest England and has 11,000 employees.

The nuclear site stores and treats nuclear waste from weapons programmes and nuclear power generation, and is the largest such facility in Europe.

<h2>No action taken&nbsp;</h2>

The Guardian, citing the document, reported that the sites’ safety degradation was first raised with the board members in November 2022, highlighting the “cumulative risk” from failings ranging from nuclear safety to asbestos and fire standards.

But no action was taken.

The report also warned that such events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant, including explosions and air crashes.

The report said events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant included explosions and air crashes.

<h2>Causes diplomatic tensions with US, Ireland&nbsp;</h2>

The lofty safety standards of the nuclear site have also raised alarm in the US, which had warned of its creaking infrastructure in diplomatic cables seen by the Guardian.

Among their concerns are leaks from cracks in concrete at toxic ponds and a lack of transparency from the UK authorities about issues at the site. The UK and the US have a decades-long relationship on nuclear technology.

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Concerns about how Sellafield is run have also led to tensions with the Irish and Norwegian governments.

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Responding the report, the regulator Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said, “ONR and the Environment Agency have been holding Sellafield Ltd to account to ensure they are doing everything that is feasible to minimise the consequences of this leak.”

“Safely removing the historic waste from this facility (MSSS) and placing it into modern storage facilities, which began in the summer of 2022, is both a national and an ONR priority,” ONR spokesperson told Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public.

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public. According to the Guardian newspaper, cracks have emerged in a reservoir of toxic sludge known as B30, and is likely to continue till 2050. If left unnoticed, it could have “potentially significant consequences”, risking contaminating groundwater, the newspaper quoted an official document. The report claims that cracks have also developed in the concrete and asphalt skin covering the huge pond containing decades of nuclear sludge, part of a catalogue of safety problems at the site. Sellafield is controlled by the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is located in northwest England and has 11,000 employees. The nuclear site stores and treats nuclear waste from weapons programmes and nuclear power generation, and is the largest such facility in Europe. No action taken The Guardian, citing the document, reported that the sites’ safety degradation was first raised with the board members in November 2022, highlighting the “cumulative risk” from failings ranging from nuclear safety to asbestos and fire standards. But no action was taken. The report also warned that such events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant, including explosions and air crashes. The report said events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant included explosions and air crashes. Causes diplomatic tensions with US, Ireland The lofty safety standards of the nuclear site have also raised alarm in the US, which had warned of its creaking infrastructure in diplomatic cables seen by the Guardian. Among their concerns are leaks from cracks in concrete at toxic ponds and a lack of transparency from the UK authorities about issues at the site. The UK and the US have a decades-long relationship on nuclear technology. Also read | Was UK’s Sellafield nuclear plant hacked? Rishi Sunak govt tries to paper over explosive report Concerns about how Sellafield is run have also led to tensions with the Irish and Norwegian governments. Also read | Earth on verge of crossing major ‘tipping points’, might trigger climate catastrophe in 10 years: Report Responding the report, the regulator Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said, “ONR and the Environment Agency have been holding Sellafield Ltd to account to ensure they are doing everything that is feasible to minimise the consequences of this leak.” “Safely removing the historic waste from this facility (MSSS) and placing it into modern storage facilities, which began in the summer of 2022, is both a national and an ONR priority,” ONR spokesperson told Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

After cyberattacks, explosive report now highlights radioactive leak from UK’s Sellafield nuclear site

A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them.

The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported.

Police said that an arrest was necessitated because the driver’s actions were “highly malicious” given the professional nature of his job, the Fuji TV network reported.

They added that Ozawa should be held to a higher ethical standard on the road.

Ozawa “used his car to kill a common pigeon, which is not a game animal”, a Tokyo police spokesperson told AFP news agency.

<h2>'Roads are for humans, not pigeons'</h2>

According to local media reports, the accused told the police during interrogation that he drove into the birds because “roads are for people. It’s up to the pigeons to avoid cars.”

The police were first informed of the incident after a passerby, who was startled by loud engine noise, spotted the driver moving towards the birds.

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He told the police that Ozawa revived his engine after a traffic light turned green, before driving into the pigeons at around 37 miles per hour, Asahi Shimbun reported.

A postmortem examination was later performed on the pigeon, and it was found that the bird’s death was caused due to a traumatic shock.

If found guilty, Ozawa would have violated Japan's Wildlife Protection, Control, and Hunting Management Act.

<h2>Netizens dumbfounded by police's action&nbsp;</h2>

The unusual nature of the arrest sparked a debate on the social media platform.

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"Wow, can you get arrested for running over a pigeon?" one user wrote on X.

"He could've just honked his car horn or something. But intentionally killing it? That's crossing the line," another posted.

(With inputs from agencies)

A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them. The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported.

A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them. The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported. Police said that an arrest was necessitated because the driver’s actions were “highly malicious” given the professional nature of his job, the Fuji TV network reported. They added that Ozawa should be held to a higher ethical standard on the road. Ozawa “used his car to kill a common pigeon, which is not a game animal”, a Tokyo police spokesperson told AFP news agency. 'Roads are for humans, not pigeons' According to local media reports, the accused told the police during interrogation that he drove into the birds because “roads are for people. It’s up to the pigeons to avoid cars.” The police were first informed of the incident after a passerby, who was startled by loud engine noise, spotted the driver moving towards the birds. Also read | Vegan diet behind troubled pregnancy? Here's what researchers think He told the police that Ozawa revived his engine after a traffic light turned green, before driving into the pigeons at around 37 miles per hour, Asahi Shimbun reported. A postmortem examination was later performed on the pigeon, and it was found that the bird’s death was caused due to a traumatic shock. If found guilty, Ozawa would have violated Japan's Wildlife Protection, Control, and Hunting Management Act. Netizens dumbfounded by police's action The unusual nature of the arrest sparked a debate on the social media platform. Also read | Aide of 26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed killed in Pakistan "Wow, can you get arrested for running over a pigeon?" one user wrote on X. "He could've just honked his car horn or something. But intentionally killing it? That's crossing the line," another posted. (With inputs from agencies)

Taxi driver in Tokyo arrested for killing a pigeon

Adnan Ahmed, considered to be a close aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead in Pakistan’s Karachi city.

Ahmed, a former councillor, belonged to the Milli Muslim League, the political front of LeT. He is believed to be the mastermind of the 2015 terror attack on the Border Security Force (BSF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur.

According to reports, unknown gunmen killed Ahmed outside his home on the intervening night of December 2 and December 3.

Ahmed was later rushed to nearby Abbasi Shaheed Hospital by a local rescue team, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The hospital later confirmed the identity of the deceased to be Adnan s/o Zaheer.

Notably, this is the 12th mysterious death and/or killing of anti-India elements in Pakistan this year alone.

<h2>The anti-India elements that have been killed this year are</h2>

<img alt="Anti-India elements killed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="530b8254-9848-4980-8514-40f0743db3e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Copu%20.jpg" />

The incident comes after the death of Sajid Mir, one of the masterminds of the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

According to unconfirmed reports, he was allegedly poisoned in the Central Jail of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan.

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In the 2015 terror attack against the BSF convoy, two LeT terrorists ambushed a BSF convoy, killing two para-military personnel and injuring eight others on the national highway, about 10 km from Udhampur town.

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One of the terrorists was captured and allegedly told interrogators that he had been trained by the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. He shared details of how he infiltrated India.

Adnan Ahmed, considered to be a close aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead in Pakistan’s Karachi city.

Adnan Ahmed, considered to be a close aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead in Pakistan’s Karachi city. Ahmed, a former councillor, belonged to the Milli Muslim League, the political front of LeT. He is believed to be the mastermind of the 2015 terror attack on the Border Security Force (BSF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur. According to reports, unknown gunmen killed Ahmed outside his home on the intervening night of December 2 and December 3. Ahmed was later rushed to nearby Abbasi Shaheed Hospital by a local rescue team, but he succumbed to his injuries. The hospital later confirmed the identity of the deceased to be Adnan s/o Zaheer. Notably, this is the 12th mysterious death and/or killing of anti-India elements in Pakistan this year alone. The anti-India elements that have been killed this year are The incident comes after the death of Sajid Mir, one of the masterminds of the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. According to unconfirmed reports, he was allegedly poisoned in the Central Jail of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan. Also read | Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens to blow up Indian Parliament In the 2015 terror attack against the BSF convoy, two LeT terrorists ambushed a BSF convoy, killing two para-military personnel and injuring eight others on the national highway, about 10 km from Udhampur town. Also read | US officials believe Israel will end ground operations in southern Gaza by Jan One of the terrorists was captured and allegedly told interrogators that he had been trained by the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. He shared details of how he infiltrated India.

Adnan Ahmed, aide of 26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, killed in Pakistan

Over the years scientists have cautioned about the dire climate situation the Earth is facing. While the world governments are struggling to hammer out a common deal to reach net zero emissions, a report has issued a ‘Doomsday’ warning about the major climate “tipping points” that could bring catastrophe worldwide in the next 10 years if the planet continues to heat up.

According to a report compiled by more than 200 scientists, global warming has reached unprecedented levels and it could trigger a “dangerous domino effect” that could potentially wipe out the livelihood of human beings.

The report titled ‘Global Tipping Points’ states that five important natural thresholds are already at risk of being crossed, and three more may be reached in the 2030s if the world heats 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial temperatures.

“Triggering one tipping point could trigger another in a kind of dangerous domino effect,” says Tim Lenton,&nbsp;the lead author of the report, as per NewScientists outlet.

“But also these tipping points in the Earth system could, in turn, trigger damaging tipping points in societies, things like food security crises, mass displacement and conflicts. Stopping these threats is possible, but it’s going to require urgent global action.”

<h2>'Could bring irreversible changes'</h2>

A tipping point is a situation where a small aberration in the ecosystem could trigger abrupt and irreversible changes, because of amplifying feedback processes.

The five major tipping points that we are near to crossing are: the loss of the Greenland ice sheet, the demise of the West Antarctic ice sheet, the die-off of tropical coral reefs, the abrupt thaw of large areas of Arctic permafrost and the slowing of an ocean current known as the North Atlantic subpolar gyre.

The report states that there are more that may soon join the list. They are: mangroves and seagrass meadows&nbsp;which are expected to die off in some regions if the temperatures rise between 1.5C and 2C, and boreal forests, which may tip as early as 1.4C of heating or as late as 5C.

The warning comes as world leaders are in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-leader-holds-damage-control-conference-after-making-no-science-fossil-claim-666253">UAE leader holds damage control conference after making ‘no-science’ fossil claim</a>

<h2>2023 to be the hottest year on record </h2>

Meanwhile, EU's Copernicus Climate Change in its report has said that 2023 is poised to become the hottest year on record after an "extraordinary" November became the sixth record-breaking month in a row.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnessed-a-climate-disaster-almost-everyday-this-year-cyclone-michaung-is-one-more-to-that-tally-666523">Data lab: India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally</a>

"The extraordinary global November temperatures, including two days warmer than 2C above pre-industrial (levels), mean that 2023 is the warmest year in recorded history," Samantha Burgess, deputy head of the Copernicus service said.

Scientists say data from ice cores, tree rings and the like suggests this year could be the warmest in more than 100,000 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over the years scientists have cautioned about the dire climate situation the Earth is facing. While the world governments are struggling to hammer out a common deal to reach net zero emissions, a report has issued a ‘Doomsday’ warning about the major climate “tipping points” that could bring catastrophe worldwide in the next 10 years if the planet continues to heat up.

Over the years scientists have cautioned about the dire climate situation the Earth is facing. While the world governments are struggling to hammer out a common deal to reach net zero emissions, a report has issued a ‘Doomsday’ warning about the major climate “tipping points” that could bring catastrophe worldwide in the next 10 years if the planet continues to heat up. According to a report compiled by more than 200 scientists, global warming has reached unprecedented levels and it could trigger a “dangerous domino effect” that could potentially wipe out the livelihood of human beings. The report titled ‘Global Tipping Points’ states that five important natural thresholds are already at risk of being crossed, and three more may be reached in the 2030s if the world heats 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial temperatures. “Triggering one tipping point could trigger another in a kind of dangerous domino effect,” says Tim Lenton, the lead author of the report, as per NewScientists outlet. “But also these tipping points in the Earth system could, in turn, trigger damaging tipping points in societies, things like food security crises, mass displacement and conflicts. Stopping these threats is possible, but it’s going to require urgent global action.” 'Could bring irreversible changes' A tipping point is a situation where a small aberration in the ecosystem could trigger abrupt and irreversible changes, because of amplifying feedback processes. The five major tipping points that we are near to crossing are: the loss of the Greenland ice sheet, the demise of the West Antarctic ice sheet, the die-off of tropical coral reefs, the abrupt thaw of large areas of Arctic permafrost and the slowing of an ocean current known as the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. The report states that there are more that may soon join the list. They are: mangroves and seagrass meadows which are expected to die off in some regions if the temperatures rise between 1.5C and 2C, and boreal forests, which may tip as early as 1.4C of heating or as late as 5C. The warning comes as world leaders are in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit. Also read | UAE leader holds damage control conference after making ‘no-science’ fossil claim 2023 to be the hottest year on record Meanwhile, EU's Copernicus Climate Change in its report has said that 2023 is poised to become the hottest year on record after an "extraordinary" November became the sixth record-breaking month in a row. Also read | Data lab: India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally "The extraordinary global November temperatures, including two days warmer than 2C above pre-industrial (levels), mean that 2023 is the warmest year in recorded history," Samantha Burgess, deputy head of the Copernicus service said. Scientists say data from ice cores, tree rings and the like suggests this year could be the warmest in more than 100,000 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth on verge of crossing major ‘tipping points’, might trigger climate catastrophe in 10 years: Report

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened to blow up the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 attack, in response to the foiled assassination plot.

In a video featuring alongside a poster of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru with the caption 'Delhi Banega Khalistan' (Delhi will turn into Khalistan), Pannun—who has dual citizenship of the US and Canada—said that his action will "shake the very foundations of Parliament".

“My response on 13 December will be in contrast to the 2001 Afzal Gurus resistance against extrajudicial killings of Kashmiris. But, it is going to still shake the very foundations of India’s Parliament. Delhi BanayGa Khalista’,” Pannun said in the video shared on social media on Tuesday (Dec 5).

<h2>Threat comes amidst ongoing parliament session</h2>

The threat comes amidst the ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament, which is scheduled to end on December 22.

Meanwhile, Indian security agencies have beefed up security in and around the national capital Delhi to thwart any such activities by operatives of US-based Sikh for Justice, founded by Pannun.

The development comes days after the US charged an Indian man with attempting to carry out the assassination of the Khalistani leader on “American soil”.

A press release by the US Justice Department, quoting court documents, said that earlier this year, "an Indian government employee, working together with others, including Gupta, in India and elsewhere, directed a plot to assassinate on US soil an attorney and political activist who is a US citizen of Indian-origin residing in New York City".

<h2>Assassination plot foiled</h2>

The statement was released after an Indian-origin drug trafficker named Nikhil Gupta was detained by Czech authorities at Prague airport on June 30 at the US government's request.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-taking-matter-seriously-as-india-probes-alleged-assassination-plot-666662">Pannun murder plot: US says taking matter 'seriously' as India starts probe</a>

He was accused of working with an undercover cop and hiring an informant from the Drug Enforcement Agency to kill Pannun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387">US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</a>

Gupta was subsequently handed over to the US authorities around the first week of November, shortly before an indictment was filed in a New York court.

In response, India dissociated with the incident and expressed concern over being associated with the killing bid.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened to blow up the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 attack, in response to the foiled assassination plot.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened to blow up the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 attack, in response to the foiled assassination plot. In a video featuring alongside a poster of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru with the caption 'Delhi Banega Khalistan' (Delhi will turn into Khalistan), Pannun—who has dual citizenship of the US and Canada—said that his action will "shake the very foundations of Parliament". “My response on 13 December will be in contrast to the 2001 Afzal Gurus resistance against extrajudicial killings of Kashmiris. But, it is going to still shake the very foundations of India’s Parliament. Delhi BanayGa Khalista’,” Pannun said in the video shared on social media on Tuesday (Dec 5). Threat comes amidst ongoing parliament session The threat comes amidst the ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament, which is scheduled to end on December 22. Meanwhile, Indian security agencies have beefed up security in and around the national capital Delhi to thwart any such activities by operatives of US-based Sikh for Justice, founded by Pannun. The development comes days after the US charged an Indian man with attempting to carry out the assassination of the Khalistani leader on “American soil”. A press release by the US Justice Department, quoting court documents, said that earlier this year, "an Indian government employee, working together with others, including Gupta, in India and elsewhere, directed a plot to assassinate on US soil an attorney and political activist who is a US citizen of Indian-origin residing in New York City". Assassination plot foiled The statement was released after an Indian-origin drug trafficker named Nikhil Gupta was detained by Czech authorities at Prague airport on June 30 at the US government's request. Also read | Pannun murder plot: US says taking matter 'seriously' as India starts probe He was accused of working with an undercover cop and hiring an informant from the Drug Enforcement Agency to kill Pannun. Also read: US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun Gupta was subsequently handed over to the US authorities around the first week of November, shortly before an indictment was filed in a New York court. In response, India dissociated with the incident and expressed concern over being associated with the killing bid.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to blow up Indian Parliament after 'plot' to kill him

A day after securing a resounding win in three state elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the opposition parties on Monday (Dec 5), the first day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha, asking them to engage in meaningful discussion inside the parliament instead of venting their anger.

Briefing the reporters outside the parliament, Modi advised the opposition leaders to learn from their defeat and refrain from spreading negativity.

<h2>BJP's track record made anti-incumbency wave 'irrelevant'</h2>

"If I speak on the basis of the recent elections' results, this is a golden opportunity for our colleagues sitting in the Opposition. Instead of taking out your anger of defeat in this session, if you go ahead with positivity and learn from the defeat and leave behind the tendency of negativity of the last 9 years, the country will change their point of view for them," he said.

“I have been urging for your (Opposition) cooperation in the House. Today, I also speak politically - it is beneficial for you too if you give a message of positivity to the country. It is not right for democracy if your image becomes that of hatred and negativity. Opposition is equally important for democracy, it should be equally capable," he added.

He said that the Bhartiya Janata Party‘s (BJP) victory was possible because of its proven track record of good governance, which rendered the anti-incumbency wave “irrelevant”.

"When there is good governance, when there is devotion to public welfare, the word ‘anti-incumbency’ becomes irrelevant. You can call it ‘pro-incumbency’ or ‘good governance’ or ‘transparency’ or ‘concrete plans for public welfare’ - but this has been the experience. After such an excellent public mandate, we are meeting at this new temple of Parliament.”

<h2>Issues to be discussed on first day </h2>

The first day of the session would most likely cause a ruckus as the report of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommending Mahua Moitra's expulsion from the Lower House over a "cash-for-query" complaint has been listed for discussion in the House.

Moitra has been accused of receiving cash and expensive gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions on his behalf in the parliament.

During this session, the government is expected to clear the bill reforming the Indian criminal laws.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-amit-shah-react-as-bjp-secures-power-in-key-states-ahead-of-2024-elections-665806">Jaishankar, Amit Shah react as BJP secures power in key states ahead of 2024 elections</a>

Three laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya, have been tabled to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-bjp-roars-in-mp-scindia-fires-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-height-remark-665698">As BJP wins in MP, Scindia hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over her 'height' barb at him</a>

The Opposition is expected to unite and attack the government over these Bills. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to build consensus on the new criminal-penal laws among stakeholders, rather than rushing them.

A day after securing a resounding win in three state elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the opposition parties on Monday (Dec 5), the first day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha, asking them to engage in meaningful discussion inside the parliament instead of venting their anger.

A day after securing a resounding win in three state elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the opposition parties on Monday (Dec 5), the first day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha, asking them to engage in meaningful discussion inside the parliament instead of venting their anger. Briefing the reporters outside the parliament, Modi advised the opposition leaders to learn from their defeat and refrain from spreading negativity. BJP's track record made anti-incumbency wave 'irrelevant' "If I speak on the basis of the recent elections' results, this is a golden opportunity for our colleagues sitting in the Opposition. Instead of taking out your anger of defeat in this session, if you go ahead with positivity and learn from the defeat and leave behind the tendency of negativity of the last 9 years, the country will change their point of view for them," he said. “I have been urging for your (Opposition) cooperation in the House. Today, I also speak politically - it is beneficial for you too if you give a message of positivity to the country. It is not right for democracy if your image becomes that of hatred and negativity. Opposition is equally important for democracy, it should be equally capable," he added. He said that the Bhartiya Janata Party‘s (BJP) victory was possible because of its proven track record of good governance, which rendered the anti-incumbency wave “irrelevant”. "When there is good governance, when there is devotion to public welfare, the word ‘anti-incumbency’ becomes irrelevant. You can call it ‘pro-incumbency’ or ‘good governance’ or ‘transparency’ or ‘concrete plans for public welfare’ - but this has been the experience. After such an excellent public mandate, we are meeting at this new temple of Parliament.” Issues to be discussed on first day The first day of the session would most likely cause a ruckus as the report of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommending Mahua Moitra's expulsion from the Lower House over a "cash-for-query" complaint has been listed for discussion in the House. Moitra has been accused of receiving cash and expensive gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions on his behalf in the parliament. During this session, the government is expected to clear the bill reforming the Indian criminal laws. Also read | Jaishankar, Amit Shah react as BJP secures power in key states ahead of 2024 elections Three laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya, have been tabled to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. Also read | As BJP wins in MP, Scindia hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over her 'height' barb at him The Opposition is expected to unite and attack the government over these Bills. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to build consensus on the new criminal-penal laws among stakeholders, rather than rushing them.

India: Buoyed by assembly poll wins, PM Modi asks oppn not to vent ire on 1st day of parliament winter session

A 30-year-old YouTuber, who is also a former Olympic athlete, was sentenced to six months in prison for staging a small plane crash to make the video viral on social media.

Trevor Daniel Jacob, an experienced pilot and skydiver, admitted in June that he intentionally crashed his plane to capture the moment on a video in November 2021, and garner likes, federal prosecutors in California said in a news release.

He was charged with one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.

The video titled “I Crashed My Airplane” appeared in December 2021 and appeared to show Jacob’s small plane having an engine failure over the mountainous Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County.

<h2>The daredevil stunt that cost him&nbsp;</h2>

He then jumps out with a selfie stick camera and pulls out a parachute he was already wearing.

The cameras mounted on the plane’s wing and tail also captured the moments before the crash and Jacob’s plunge.

After landing, he headed towards the crash site and recovered video from the onboard cameras, the government said.

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Upon being questioned Jacob lied to the federal investigators about not knowing the crash site, federal prosecutors in the Central District of California said on Monday (Dec 4).

He had also lied to a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector.

<h2>Lied to probing officials&nbsp;</h2>

According to prosecutors, Jacob was told days after the crash to preserve the site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board where it was.

Instead, he found the crash site and on December 10, 2021, used a helicopter to lift the wreckage out of the Los Padres National Forest. Then, bit by bit, he dismantled and disposed of the wreckage in an attempt to thwart the federal investigation, prosecutors said in the statement.

“It appears that (Jacob) exercised exceptionally poor judgment in committing this offence,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kangaroo-on-the-loose-apprehended-by-police-in-canadas-ontario-after-a-three-day-chase-666125">Kangaroo on the loose 'apprehended' by police in Canada's Ontario after three-day chase</a>

“(Jacob) most likely committed this offence to generate social media and news coverage for himself and to obtain financial gain. Nevertheless, this type of ‘daredevil’ conduct cannot be tolerated.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jwst-has-clicked-a-ghostly-space-object-666213">JWST has clicked a 'ghostly' space object</a>

Jacob’s attorneys requested that he be sent to probation instead of prison time, writing in court documents the snowboarder was “living alone in his hanger” during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and made a “series of bad choices that culminated in the offence to which he has pleaded guilty.”

In a letter to the judge, Jacob wrote he was “sincerely sorry” and that he had “suffered a lot of consequences from this offence.”

&nbsp;

A 30-year-old YouTuber, who is also a former Olympic athlete, was sentenced to six months in prison for staging a small plane crash to make the video viral on social media.

A 30-year-old YouTuber, who is also a former Olympic athlete, was sentenced to six months in prison for staging a small plane crash to make the video viral on social media. Trevor Daniel Jacob, an experienced pilot and skydiver, admitted in June that he intentionally crashed his plane to capture the moment on a video in November 2021, and garner likes, federal prosecutors in California said in a news release. He was charged with one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation. The video titled “I Crashed My Airplane” appeared in December 2021 and appeared to show Jacob’s small plane having an engine failure over the mountainous Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County. The daredevil stunt that cost him He then jumps out with a selfie stick camera and pulls out a parachute he was already wearing. The cameras mounted on the plane’s wing and tail also captured the moments before the crash and Jacob’s plunge. After landing, he headed towards the crash site and recovered video from the onboard cameras, the government said. × Upon being questioned Jacob lied to the federal investigators about not knowing the crash site, federal prosecutors in the Central District of California said on Monday (Dec 4). He had also lied to a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector. Lied to probing officials According to prosecutors, Jacob was told days after the crash to preserve the site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board where it was. Instead, he found the crash site and on December 10, 2021, used a helicopter to lift the wreckage out of the Los Padres National Forest. Then, bit by bit, he dismantled and disposed of the wreckage in an attempt to thwart the federal investigation, prosecutors said in the statement. “It appears that (Jacob) exercised exceptionally poor judgment in committing this offence,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. Also read | Kangaroo on the loose 'apprehended' by police in Canada's Ontario after three-day chase “(Jacob) most likely committed this offence to generate social media and news coverage for himself and to obtain financial gain. Nevertheless, this type of ‘daredevil’ conduct cannot be tolerated.” Also read | JWST has clicked a 'ghostly' space object Jacob’s attorneys requested that he be sent to probation instead of prison time, writing in court documents the snowboarder was “living alone in his hanger” during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and made a “series of bad choices that culminated in the offence to which he has pleaded guilty.” In a letter to the judge, Jacob wrote he was “sincerely sorry” and that he had “suffered a lot of consequences from this offence.”

Watch: 30-year-old YouTuber jailed for six months for staging plane crash to get likes

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has claimed that the Indian government agreed to withdraw its armed forces from the Indian Ocean territory, as he asserted to have kept its poll promise of reducing the Indian military’s presence in the region.

"In the discussions we had, the Indian government has agreed to remove Indian soldiers," Muizzu told reporters.

"We also agreed to set up a high-level committee to solve issues related to development projects."

Muizzu’s remarks came days after his engagements with the Indian officials on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

However, the Indian government has yet to confirm the development.

<h2>Muizzu's bid to change&nbsp; Maldives’ 'India first'&nbsp;policy</h2>

Muizzu’s election campaign had primarily focussed on changing Maldives’ “India first” policy and removing the presence of a small contingent of 75 Indian military.

The British-educated civil engineer, who is known for his pro-China leanings, had accused the previous Solih’s administration of kowtowing to India.

Muizzu had earlier argued that the presence of Indian troops could put the Maldives at risk in the event of any tensions between India and China along their Himalayan border.

"Maldives is too small to get entangled with this global power struggle. We will not get entangled into this," he said.

After winning the election, he also told BBC in October that he would review every agreement the Maldives signed with India.

<h2>India, China tussle for influence over Maldives&nbsp;</h2>

"We don't know what's in there. Even in Parliament, some of the MPs during the debates said that they didn't know what was in there. I am sure we will find it out," he was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/told-india-to-remove-military-troops-from-maldives-president-elect-mohamed-muizzu-650390">Told India to remove troops from Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu</a>

India had always considered Maldives, with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims, to be within its sphere of influence. However, it has grown wary of China’s expanding footprint in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-elect-mohamed-muizzu-says-chinese-troops-will-not-replace-indians-658772">Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu says Chinese troops will not replace Indians</a>

New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt.

Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has claimed that the Indian government agreed to withdraw its armed forces from the Indian Ocean territory, as he asserted to have kept its poll promise of reducing the Indian military’s presence in the region.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has claimed that the Indian government agreed to withdraw its armed forces from the Indian Ocean territory, as he asserted to have kept its poll promise of reducing the Indian military’s presence in the region. "In the discussions we had, the Indian government has agreed to remove Indian soldiers," Muizzu told reporters. "We also agreed to set up a high-level committee to solve issues related to development projects." Muizzu’s remarks came days after his engagements with the Indian officials on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. However, the Indian government has yet to confirm the development. Muizzu's bid to change Maldives’ 'India first' policy Muizzu’s election campaign had primarily focussed on changing Maldives’ “India first” policy and removing the presence of a small contingent of 75 Indian military. The British-educated civil engineer, who is known for his pro-China leanings, had accused the previous Solih’s administration of kowtowing to India. Muizzu had earlier argued that the presence of Indian troops could put the Maldives at risk in the event of any tensions between India and China along their Himalayan border. "Maldives is too small to get entangled with this global power struggle. We will not get entangled into this," he said. After winning the election, he also told BBC in October that he would review every agreement the Maldives signed with India. India, China tussle for influence over Maldives "We don't know what's in there. Even in Parliament, some of the MPs during the debates said that they didn't know what was in there. I am sure we will find it out," he was quoted as saying. Also read | Told India to remove troops from Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu India had always considered Maldives, with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims, to be within its sphere of influence. However, it has grown wary of China’s expanding footprint in the region. Also read | Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu says Chinese troops will not replace Indians New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt. Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu claims India agreed to remove its troops from islands

As China reports an unprecedented outbreak of a mysterious illness, Europe has witnessed a rise in pneumonia cases, even as several countries went scrambling to take preventive measures amidst fears of&nbsp;another pandemic like COVID-19 that also started in China.

According to the Independent news outlet, The Netherlands and Denmark have reported a spike in pneumonia cases.

In the Netherlands, cases of pneumonia have been rising among children aged 5 to 14 years.

The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) reported that pneumonia cases increased to 130 per 100,000 children in the week leading up to November 26. At its peak last year, that number was 58 per 100,000 children.

The disease has also been reported more in youth aged between 15 and 24 years than in previous years. In week 47, this number increased further to 38 per 100,000.

However, it is not yet known whether the cases in the Netherlands are linked to the uptick seen in China.

Similarly, Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) recorded a spike in pneumonia cases, with the numbers rising more than three-fold in five weeks from 168 cases to 541.

“In the past five weeks, the number of new cases has increased significantly, and we are now seeing significantly more cases than usual, and that there is widespread infection throughout the country,” senior researcher at SSI, Hanne-Dorthe Emborg, was quoted as saying.

<h2>India, Vietnam on alert&nbsp;</h2>

The sudden outbreak of the mysterious disease has sent alarm bells ringing&nbsp;in other countries bordering China or near it, including India, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-climbers-die-in-volcanic-eruption-in-indonesia-search-ops-halted-due-to-lava-discharge-665881">11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge</a>

The emergence of pneumonia has triggered concerns over links to any novel virus as the country braced for its first winter after lifting the COVID-19 restrictions.

However, the Chinese health ministry claimed that the rise in cases was due to an overlap of known pathogens.

There has been a rise in cases linked to viruses such as influenza, rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the adenovirus, as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumonia, the ministry said in a statement.

<h2>'Disease not linked to any novel virus'&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

According to Chinese health authorities, the outbreak could be linked to mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia”, a common bacterial infection typically affecting children that has been circulating since May.

WHO also dismissed links to novel viruses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-jailed-hong-kong-activist-agnes-chow-moves-to-canada-breaks-silence-after-over-2-years-665978">Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years</a>

“We asked about comparisons prior to the pandemic. And the waves that they’re seeing now, the peak is not as high as what they saw in 2018-2019,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and prevention.

“This is not an indication of a novel pathogen. This is expected. This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago.”

(With inputs from agencies)

As China reports an unprecedented outbreak of a mysterious illness, Europe has witnessed a rise in pneumonia cases, even as several countries went scrambling to take preventive measures amidst fears of another pandemic like COVID-19 that also started in China.

As China reports an unprecedented outbreak of a mysterious illness, Europe has witnessed a rise in pneumonia cases, even as several countries went scrambling to take preventive measures amidst fears of another pandemic like COVID-19 that also started in China. According to the Independent news outlet, The Netherlands and Denmark have reported a spike in pneumonia cases. In the Netherlands, cases of pneumonia have been rising among children aged 5 to 14 years. The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) reported that pneumonia cases increased to 130 per 100,000 children in the week leading up to November 26. At its peak last year, that number was 58 per 100,000 children. The disease has also been reported more in youth aged between 15 and 24 years than in previous years. In week 47, this number increased further to 38 per 100,000. However, it is not yet known whether the cases in the Netherlands are linked to the uptick seen in China. Similarly, Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) recorded a spike in pneumonia cases, with the numbers rising more than three-fold in five weeks from 168 cases to 541. “In the past five weeks, the number of new cases has increased significantly, and we are now seeing significantly more cases than usual, and that there is widespread infection throughout the country,” senior researcher at SSI, Hanne-Dorthe Emborg, was quoted as saying. India, Vietnam on alert The sudden outbreak of the mysterious disease has sent alarm bells ringing in other countries bordering China or near it, including India, Taiwan and Vietnam. Also read | 11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge The emergence of pneumonia has triggered concerns over links to any novel virus as the country braced for its first winter after lifting the COVID-19 restrictions. However, the Chinese health ministry claimed that the rise in cases was due to an overlap of known pathogens. There has been a rise in cases linked to viruses such as influenza, rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the adenovirus, as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumonia, the ministry said in a statement. 'Disease not linked to any novel virus' According to Chinese health authorities, the outbreak could be linked to mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia”, a common bacterial infection typically affecting children that has been circulating since May. WHO also dismissed links to novel viruses. Also read | Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years “We asked about comparisons prior to the pandemic. And the waves that they’re seeing now, the peak is not as high as what they saw in 2018-2019,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and prevention. “This is not an indication of a novel pathogen. This is expected. This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago.” (With inputs from agencies)

After China reports mysterious illness, Europe sees rise in pneumonia cases

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Zee News Rajasthan

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C Krishnasai

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